What is the cancellation policy for this tour?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

How long does this tour take?

This tour lasts approximately 3 hours and a half.

Where does this tour start?

This tour starts at: Pick up point if you are NOT on a Cruise Ship..

New Zealand

Bay of Islands Scenic Tour

★★★★⯨ 4.8

3 hours and a half

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Overview

This a very comprehensive tour of the Bay of Islands area and we pack a lot into the 3+ hours.
Visit the Waitangi area, Paihia, the Haruru Falls, Opua, and travel by vehicle ferry to the other side of the bay where we visit historic Russell, Long Beach, and enjoy fabulous views from the top of Flagstaff Hill.
You will get a real feel for the Bay of Islands area. It's geography, history and our way of life.

Benefit from an expert guide and a small group size.
Extensive, detailed commentary, delivered with a dose of humor. Spectacular scenic views. Free time in Russell to enjoy a glass of wine or lunch. Passenger ferry return to Paihia included. Hotel pick-up from the Paihia area or Cruise ship wharf.

Small group size limited to 11 people ensures a personalized
experience

Gallery

What's Included

✓ Included

Passenger ferry from Russell to Paihia
Car Ferry from Opua to Okiato
Air-conditioned vehicle
In-person guide is included which is the driver

✗ Not Included

Gratutities

Itinerary

Stop 1

Following pick-up, there is a short drive to our first stop of the day, close to the Waitangi Golf Course, where we enjoy a fabulous scenic view of the Bay of Islands.

Stop 2

We drive past the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where our guide explains in detail the history and the importance to New Zealand.

Stop 3

Next, it's a short drive the fabulous Haruru Falls where we stop for photos.

Stop 4

Paihia is the largest village in the Bay of Islands and most of the accommodation and shopping is in this area. We drive a circuit through the village. Our guide will give recommendations explanations and suggestions on the various restaurants, and shops. We continue along the waterfront with its beautiful beaches and picturesque Island views.

Stop 5

From Paihia we enjoy a short scenic drive around the waterfront to Opua Marina, where we can stop for ice-creams, or coffees.

Stop 6

From Opua Marina we take our bus on the vehicle ferry for a scenic water crossing to Okiato on the other side of the bay.

Stop 7

Disembarking from the Vehicle Ferry we enjoy a short scenic past Orongo Bay to historic Russell township

Stop 8

We drive to the top of Flagstaff Hill for expansive and spectacular views over the Bay of Islands. This is one of the highlights of the tour.

Stop 9

Next stop is beautiful Long Beach in Russell. Enjoy the views. Take your shoes off and get your feet wet in the sea.

Stop 10

We loop through the historic village of Russell, where historical sites, shops & eateries are described in detail.

Stop 11

Our tour concludes in Russell with as much free time as you want. Russell is a picturesque village with many stores. There's a point of difference here. Enjoy a glass of wine at one of the waterfront restaurants or have fish and chips on the beach. You will be given a passenger ferry ticket to return to Paihia. (free)

Stop 12

If you prefer not to use the Russell/Paihia passenger ferry you have the option of returning to Paihia on the bus.

Meeting & End Point

📍

Meeting Point

Pick up point if you are NOT on a Cruise Ship.

🏁

End Point

Your tour concludes in Russell, with a free (included) ferry ride back to Paihia. As an option, if you have mobility issues, I'm happy to take you back to Paihia in my bus.