Kaipara Country Including Waiheke Island

Itinerary

DAY ONE                          D 

Today’s tour will start with a morning tea stop along the way to Auckland. Once here we will make our way to the zoo which has been undergoing a major revamp. Customers will have their own time to explore and can choose to grab lunch at one of the many eateries within the zoo, such as The Elephant House or Te Puna Café. We highly recommend the Southeast Asia Jungle Track, as this is the biggest project in the zoo's 100-year history. Along with the lake and wetlands, this track is across one-fifth of the zoo.It features a lowlands habitat for tigers and otters, high canopy primate habitat for orangutans and siamangs, and many more species. After our amazing encounters we will continue our way to our accommodation for a bit of rest and relaxation. 

DAY TWO                          B, L, D 

After breakfast this morning, we will catch the Fullers Ferry across to Waiheke for the day. Once we arrive, we will meet our local guide to board the bus and embark on our island's tour—Waiheke, a true island paradise just a stone's throw from Auckland City. We will discover why Lonely Planet is calling it one of the best destinations in the world. Along the way, we will visit gorgeous Onetangi Beach, pretty Oneroa Village with its local art galleries and boutique shops. Today will also include some vineyards where we'll enjoy some wine tasting and a lovely platter lunch. Early afternoon we will be delivered back to the Ferry terminal for our return cruise back to Auckland. We then bus back to our accommodation to relax and freshen up for dinner. 

DAY THREE                          B, MT, L, D   

Join us for a day of adventure as we board our coach and head to Helensville. Once here, we'll embark on a 3-hour cruise through the Historic Kaipara River & Harbour. Our captain and crew will guide us through the picturesque waterways as we admire the vast native bush and secluded bays and inlets accessible only by boat. Along the way, we'll learn about the region's history, Maori Pa Sites, and the diverse birdlife that call it home. We'll even pass by the proposed site of New Zealand's first nuclear power plant. Whilst cruising we'll enjoy a catered lunch onboard. After our day's adventure, we'll take an afternoon drive up to South Head, stopping to stretch our legs at Lake Ototoa. Time allowing, we'll also travel back to the hotel via Waimauku, Kumeu, and Coatesville, where we'll reflect on the many wonders we've discovered throughout the day.

DAY FOUR                          B, D 

Breakfast This morning, we will be heading up to Leigh, north of Auckland, to Goat Island Marine Reserve a tranquil escape with sandy, and rocky beaches, thriving marine life, and lush fauna. Established in 1975 as New Zealand’s first marine reserve, Goat Island is a protected area, which has allowed sea life and fauna to recover and flourish. As a “no-take” zone, fishing is prohibited, as is taking any items from the beach or sea. The Glass Bottom Boat operation provides a fun and educational adventure for guests of all ages. During this 45-minute eco-tour, you will see the fish, fauna, marine life, and birds that thrive in this protected reserve, as well as the mysterious caves and sea-battered rocky cliffs of Goat Island. After our informative morning, we will stop in Matakana, where we will have a chance to relax over lunch and explore the quaint town with its beautifully landscaped open spaces. Next up we will head to The Sculptureum, an experience of imagination. Inside, hundreds of works on display in the Gardens and Galleries are chosen to amuse, inspire, and stimulate—a mix of colour, whimsy and wonder. From here we continue through to the fun eclectic township of Warkworth where there will be time for a peek in the shops or a walk along the riverside. After this we will make our way back to the hotel, where we will gather for dinner.

DAY FIVE                           B,MT,L

As we reach the end of our tour, we'll begin our final day with a visit to Chelsea Bay Sugar for a mini tour and high tea. We'll split into two groups to fully enjoy the experience, with one group heading to the Sugar Café for a delicious Devonshire tea while the other group explores the interactive zone and takes a mini train tour. We'll then switch group, so everyone has the chance to experience both activities. Once we've finished at Chelsea Bay, we'll begin our journey back home, making a stop for a bite to eat along the way. As we reflect on the amazing experiences we've had throughout the tour, we'll cherish the memories and friendships made during our time together.