Northland Adventure

After breakfast, we’ll head to the Wairere Boulders Nature Reserve, a farm in the native bush home to unique house-sized basalt (volcanic) boulders. We’ll hike the Boulder Loop Trail which leads us over bridges, boardwalks and stairs, under and over the boulders along the valley floor. 

After our excursion, we'll head east to the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi, and hike along the bush-clad banks of the Waitangi River to Haruru Falls. The journey features a boardwalk section through the heart of a mature mangrove forest. As we approach the end of the walk, the thundering roar of the Falls lets us know we're almost there.

Later, we’ll head to the Jewel of the Bay of Islands, Paihia, a bustling seaside town with golden sand beaches.
Accommodation: Kingsgate Auto Lodge, Paihia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 1 mile (1.6 kilometers), 0.5 - 1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 200 feet (60 meters) ascent, 200 feet (60 meters) descent

This morning, we’ll take a water taxi from Paihia out to Deep Water Cove for a ridgeline hike to Cape Brett through the Manawahuna Scenic Reserve. On route, you’ll experience the Bay of Islands from the ridge tops and get magnificent views. This is a 3-4 hour hike with rewarding views of the Bay of Islands the entire way - you may even see dolphins and seals from your vantage point high up on the cliffs. The mountains that we’re crossing are very important to the local Iwi (Maori tribe). The mountain “Rakaumangamanga” is one point of the Polynesian Triangle - Hawaii and Rapanui are the other two.

If you’re not feeling up to the hike, have a chat to our guides and they can arrange an alternative boat trip around the Bay of Islands. Later, we’ll be picked up at Cape Brett, again by water taxi for the scenic cruise back to Paihia.
Accommodation: Ocean Resort Hotel, Tutukaka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 3 miles (5 kilometers), 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,550 feet (473 meters) ascent, 1,550 feet (473 meters) descent

After breakfast, we’ll head out for an early morning walk before boarding a purpose-built boat for a cruise to the Poor Knights Islands. This small cluster of islets is home to a wealth of biodiversity both above and below the water. While you head across from the mainland, keep your eyes peeled for flocks of petrels, shearwaters, and gannets – many of these shorebirds nest almost exclusively on the islands you’ll be visiting.

The Poor Knights is the second oldest marine reserve in New Zealand, and the sub-tropical environment is now an important conservation area for many species of marine life. Whales, dolphins, and orca can often be spotted, as well as a myriad of fish species that constantly trawl the reserve. You’ll visit the world’s largest sea cave, and hear all about the islands’ history including their occupation by ancient Māori. Our guides will then give you the chance to explore under your own steam, by providing you with either a snorkel and mask or a kayak.
Accommodation: Ocean Resort Hotel, Tutukaka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

If you’re a keen scuba diver, there’s an option to upgrade to diving for an additional fee, including all the necessary gear. This option must be pre-arranged. This option must be reserved at time of booking only.

This morning, we’ll follow the coastal road as it winds its way south alongside tree-lined white sand beaches to Waipu, a quaint village with a strong Scottish heritage dating back to the 1850s.

Then we’ll make our way to Mangawhai Heads for one of the finest coastal cliff-top walks in the country. The walk offers glorious views of the Northland coastline, passing through shady bush and beneath giant old pohutukawa trees, and then returns along the beach.

After lunch, we’ll continue south from Mangawhai Heads towards the city of Auckland, when we'll wish you farewell.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hiking: 3 miles (5 kilometers), 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 130 feet (40 meters) ascent, 130 feet (40 meters) descent