4-Day New Zealand Coach Tour: Bay of Islands Coastal Escape

Auckland to Paihia | Bay of Islands by InterCity Coach
Leave Auckland and travel north to the stunning Bay of Islands, following the scenic coastal route past the seaside villages of Orewa and Waiwera. Continue through Puhoi, New Zealand’s only Bohemian settlement, then on to Warkworth, the harbourside city of Whangārei, and the distinctive township of Kawakawa. Arriving in the subtropical Bay of Islands, you’ll be welcomed by bush-clad hills, golden sandy beaches, and relaxed coastal scenery. Paihia, the main hub of the bay, offers a lively beachside atmosphere and easy access to local attractions.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds Guided Tour & Māori Cultural Performance (Return Shuttle Included)
Explore one of New Zealand’s most significant historic sites, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Your experience includes a guided tour, access to the Te Kōngahu Museum and Te Rau Aroha Museum, and an immersive Māori cultural performance inside the carved meeting house. Learn about the events that shaped the nation, then enjoy traditional waiata (singing), poi, a Māori weaponry display, and the powerful haka, offering a meaningful insight into Māori culture and heritage.

Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia or similar (Alternative accommodations can be arranged upon request.)

The Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia is located on the waterfront only 100 meters from Paihia Wharf and township. All rooms are air-conditioned, and hotel facilities include restaurant and spa pool

Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach Full-Day Tour (Lunch Included)

Journey to the very tip of New Zealand’s North Island on this unforgettable full-day tour through a region rich in Māori history and tradition. Travel along the vast, windswept sands of Ninety Mile Beach in a purpose-built coach, with the opportunity to try sandboarding (weather permitting). Along the way, your knowledgeable local driver-guide shares engaging stories and insights into the culture, landscapes, and natural wonders of the Far North.

At Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua), a place of deep spiritual significance in Māori culture, stand at the northernmost point of the country and take in sweeping panoramic views. From beneath the iconic lighthouse, watch as the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide far below, creating a powerful and memorable moment that captures the raw beauty and meaning of this sacred place.

Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia (Alternative accommodations can be arranged upon request.)

The Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia is located on the waterfront only 100 meters from Paihia Wharf and township. All rooms are air-conditioned, and hotel facilities include restaurant and spa pool

Meals Included: Lunch

Included Activity: Hole in the Rock Cruise
Board your scenic cruise and glide through the beautiful islands of the Bay of Islands, travelling along the dramatic Rakaumangamanga Peninsula toward Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse stands watch. Continue on to Piercy Island (Motukōkako), famously known as the Hole in the Rock. According to Māori legend, warriors once paddled their waka through the rock before departing for battle, with falling water droplets seen as a sign of good fortune. If sea conditions allow, your skilled skipper may navigate the vessel through the Hole in the Rock itself.

Keep your camera ready as you watch for common and bottlenose dolphins, and occasionally whales and other marine life, during this unforgettable cruise. Enjoy a stop at Otehei Bay, where you can take a coastal walk, swim, or relax with food and drinks at the fully licensed café. The purpose-built catamaran, licensed by the Department of Conservation and operated by an experienced crew, ensures a responsible and memorable marine wildlife experience.

Paihia, Bay of Islands
Paihia is a vibrant oceanside hub and an important part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s history. A visit to the nearby Waitangi Treaty Grounds offers powerful insight into the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, where Māori chiefs and Crown representatives shaped the nation’s future.

Beyond its history, Paihia is the perfect base for water-based adventures, including sailing to the Hole in the Rock, dolphin watching, kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing on golden beaches. With its laid-back coastal atmosphere and easy access to the islands, Paihia is an ideal gateway to exploring the stunning Bay of Islands.

Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia (Alternative accommodations can be arranged upon request.)

The Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia is located on the waterfront only 100 meters from Paihia Wharf and township. All rooms are air-conditioned, and hotel facilities include restaurant and spa pool

Included Activity: Russell Mini Tour with Fullers GreatSights
Once known as Kororāreka, Russell was New Zealand’s first town and seaport. In the early 1800s, the sheltered Bay of Islands made it a lively and often lawless trading hub, frequented by whalers, sailors, merchants, adventurers, and escaped convicts, earning it the nickname “Hell Hole of the Pacific.” Today, Russell is a peaceful and charming heritage town, rich in stories from the country’s earliest European settlement.

This intimate one-hour coach tour visits Russell’s most iconic historic sites, offering insight into the people and events that shaped early New Zealand. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour blends historical storytelling with local insight, bringing the culture and heritage of this remarkable town to life.

Paihia to Auckland | InterCity Coach
Farewell the stunning Bay of Islands as you travel south along State Highway 1 toward Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, famously known as the City of Sails. The journey passes through Kawakawa, affectionately known as train town, followed by the farming regions of Wellsford and Warkworth.

As you approach Auckland, the scenery transitions into the North Shore suburbs before crossing the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge and arriving in the heart of the city, bringing your Northland journey to a relaxed and scenic close.