ITINERARY:

Day 1 : Auckland to Paihia
We head north from Auckland over the harbour bridge and on to a forest reserve for some giant ‘kauri’ trees and to learn about the early European settlement of New Zealand. We then take a back road to the Goat Island Marine reserve for a walk and to look at the amazing array of marine life – which you can see from the rocks or get in amongst and snorkel. It’s then back to the main road and with a stop at the Native Bird Recovery Centre to meet and learn about New Zealand’s amazing bird life on our way to Paihia. We stay 100 metres from the main beach at a lodge in the middle of Paihia for both nights. You may choose to go to the optional cultural show tonight or simply visit the town (D).

Day 2 : Day in Paihia with optional activities
Today you can choose a day of exploring the Paihia area. There are great nearby beaches, or you can walk to the historic Waitangi Treaty grounds. Here you will see Maori artefacts and learn more local history. Alternatively you may hike to the Haruru falls nature reserve. For those more adventurous, you will have the option of a recommended adventure bus trip to the Northern tip of New Zealand visiting Cape Reinga, including a section where the beach is the road. You will go to where the two oceans meet and Maori Spirits leave the land. Step on the top of New Zealand; see huge sand dunes and generally beautiful remote scenery. You arrive back late afternoon to the comfort of your lodge (No meals).

Day 3 : Paihia to Auckland
In the morning there is time to relax or visit Russell and/or the Treaty Grounds for those that chose the Cape Reinga trip the day before. In the afternoon we have a boat trip, which travels through the Bay of Islands taking in many of the 144 islands, which give the place its name. There will also be the chance to see dolphins and whales. We depart at 4.30pm to arrive back at Auckland to our accommodation around 8.00pm (No meals).

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