This morning, we depart early and make our way North. On our way, we stop to visit The Kauri Museum at Matakohe for a guided tour. Far more than a museum of timber, the museum has stories of the Maori of the north eastern Kaipara, of European pioneers, of foresters and sawmillers, gum diggers and farmers, and of business people, fishers and the families who have made this area their home.

After our visit, we make our way to Baylys Beach where you have plenty of time to unwind, take a swim in the pool or go for a walk along the beach. In the early evening we all get to know each other with a lovely poolside BBQ. 

(Dinner).

With bags packed we depart for the lovely Kai Iwi Lakes for morning tea - the water here is crystal clear and you might be tempted to enjoy a summer swim. We then continue North through the Waipoua Forest to visit the famous Tane Mahutu, the tallest Kauri in N.Z. We then make our way to Opononi where the view opens up to the beautiful Hokianga Harbour. After lunch, we visit the fantastic Footprints of Kupe Experience for a guided tour before relaxing into a our beach-front hotel. Tonight we dine at a local restaurant. 

(Breakfast, Dinner).

This morning we drive to Rawene, take the car ferry to Kohukohu and make our way up through Kaitaia and onwards to Pekerau Hills Coffee Farm in Doubtless Bay. Here, we join the passionate owners for a guided tour of NZ’s only commercial coffee grower’s farm. After our tour we enjoy lunch with our hosts whilst overlooking Karikari Peninsular and the Pacific Ocean. 

After our visit, we take a short drive over to Cable Bay where we are booked into our next three nights staying at a beautiful beachfront location. 

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Today we experience the magic of the far north. First, we take in the rugged views of the west coast while travelling along 90-mile beach before reaching the giant sand dunes of Te Paki. If you’ve still got the spirit of adventure you might like to try a little sand-boarding! We then make our way to Cape Reinga, the sacred site for the Maori people and amazing panoramic views of the clashing Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean. This is a full day of fun and stunning scenery so we have opted for an easy dinner and an early night. 

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

 Today is a day of leisure. Roll out of bed as you please, take a walk along the beach, read a book or simply sit and watch the waves roll in over Cable Bay. 

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

With bags packed, we travel back down the country to Kerikeri for a quick look around town before embarking on Waitangi. We enjoy lunch at the café on the treaty grounds followed by a guided tour of the Waitangi Meeting House and a visit to the new Maori Battalion Museum. Later, we cross over to the historic village of Russell and check in to our waterfront accommodation for our next two nights. Tonight we visit the iconic Duke of Marlborough for a beautiful dinner overlooking the ocean. 

(Breakfast, Dinner).

Today is a day of leisure. You might like to take time to explore Russell, go for a swim or shelter under a Pohutukawa tree and read a book. For the more adventurous you might like to embark on a local boat experience and visit Hole in the Rock, go fishing or ferry to Paihia for a wander around. Tonight, we enjoy a farewell dinner aboard a leisurely cruise up the Waitangi River to Haruru Falls. 

(Breakfast, Dinner).

Sadly it’s time to make our way back home. We stop at the Helena Bay Gallery and Café – this gallery is famous for it’s collection of established and emerging New Zealand artists. Enjoy your morning tea with panoramic views over the bush towards the sea before making our way to the Hundertwasser Museum & Whangarei Town Basin. Stretch the legs and enjoy lunch. In the mid afternoon, we make our way back to Auckland where we say our final farewells. 

(Breakfast).