Auckland & Bay of Islands
Experience amazing Auckland and beautiful Bay of Islands
This trip combines the best of Auckland and Bay of Islands! Auckland is filled with culture, charm, and plenty of amazing attractions. You'll spend a few nights there before picking up your rental car and driving to Bay of Islands, a stunning location with incredible scenery. You'll enjoy a handful of included tours that take you through Auckland's city center, the 'Hole in the Rock,' and Cape Reinga!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Auckland (AKL)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- 3 nights in Auckland at the Stamford Plaza Hotel, or similar
- Auckland city tour with admission to Sky Tower (half-day)
- Automatic rental car for 4 days- includes unlimited mileage, insurance, and GPS
- Pickup and drop off Auckland city center location
- 3 nights in Bay of Islands at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort, or similar
- ‘Hole in the Rock’ cruise
- Full-day Cape Reinga tour with lunch
- 1 night in Auckland at the Stamford Plaza Hotel, or similar
- Breakfast daily
Helpful links for travel to New Zealand:
Great Ways to Explore
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Take a sightseeing city tour of Auckland to see all of the top attractions!
Take in magnificent city views from the Sky Tower.
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Stroll down Auckland's Queen Street for amazing shopping and dining.
-
Enjoy a full-day tour of Cape Reinga, and catch views of the lighthouse.
-
Get your camera ready to capture pictures of the 'Hole in the Rock.'
Spend seven nights discovering Auckland and the Bay of Islands! Your adventure begins in Auckland with a few nights of independent exploration. Included in your vacation package is a city tour of Auckland with admission to the Sky Tower. Shop and dine your way through the city in your free time. Continue on to the Bay of Islands via your own personal rental car. You'll drive to your next hotel, with optional stops along the way to experience more of the country! During your time in Bay of Islands, you'll take a cruise to visit the famous 'Hole in the Rock' formation. You'll also take a full-day Cape Reinga tour that includes lunch! You'll drive back to Auckland on day seven to spend one final night in the city before flying home the next day.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Auckland (AKL)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- 3 nights in Auckland at the Stamford Plaza Hotel, or similar
- Auckland city tour with admission to Sky Tower (half-day)
- Automatic rental car for 4 days- includes unlimited mileage, insurance, and GPS
- Pickup and drop off Auckland city center location
- 3 nights in Bay of Islands at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort, or similar
- ‘Hole in the Rock’ cruise
- Full-day Cape Reinga tour with lunch
- 1 night in Auckland at the Stamford Plaza Hotel, or similar
- Breakfast daily
Helpful links for travel to New Zealand:
-
Take a sightseeing city tour of Auckland to see all of the top attractions!
Take in magnificent city views from the Sky Tower.
-
Stroll down Auckland's Queen Street for amazing shopping and dining.
-
Enjoy a full-day tour of Cape Reinga, and catch views of the lighthouse.
-
Get your camera ready to capture pictures of the 'Hole in the Rock.'
Spend seven nights discovering Auckland and the Bay of Islands! Your adventure begins in Auckland with a few nights of independent exploration. Included in your vacation package is a city tour of Auckland with admission to the Sky Tower. Shop and dine your way through the city in your free time. Continue on to the Bay of Islands via your own personal rental car. You'll drive to your next hotel, with optional stops along the way to experience more of the country! During your time in Bay of Islands, you'll take a cruise to visit the famous 'Hole in the Rock' formation. You'll also take a full-day Cape Reinga tour that includes lunch! You'll drive back to Auckland on day seven to spend one final night in the city before flying home the next day.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Auckland!
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Once you're settled, begin to explore Auckland!
Transfer from Auckland Airport to hotel
Check-in - Stamford Plaza Hotel Auckland
Stamford Plaza Hotel Auckland is located just three blocks from the harbor and waterfront. Guests can expect comfortable rooms with free WiFi, bathrobes and slippers, coffee/tea making facilities, and more. The hotel offers a variety of dining options including Koa Restaurant, Kabuki Teppanyaki Restaurant, Grasshopper Thai Restaurant, and Koa Lobby Bar. Additional amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center, and meeting rooms.
Day 2. Auckland
Today, experience Auckland through a city tour! When your tour and time at the Sky Tower have concluded, spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Auckland city tour with admission to Sky Tower (half-day)
Experience the best of Auckland's city highlights with a half-day scenic tour, followed by a trip up the famous Auckland Sky Tower! Travel around the city centre and over the Auckland Harbour Bridge with its stunning views of the harbour and city skyline. Visit the Viaduct Harbour and Auckland's famous Queen Street, and enjoy the lush grounds of the Auckland Domain, the city's oldest park. Your tour will pause for morning tea (own expense) in charming Parnell Village, where historic buildings house an interesting range of boutique shops. The tour continues along the waterfront to the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, named after a much-respected Prime Minister of New Zealand. With panoramic views of the harbour and beautiful formal gardens, it's a great spot to take photos. After a scenic trip back along Tamaki Drive to the city, arrive at Auckland's Sky Tower, the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand at 328 metres high. Prepare yourself for breathtaking 360 degree views from the observation deck of this Auckland landmark. On a clear day you'll be able to gaze as far as 80 kilometres in all directions – it's the perfect way to get to know the city of Auckland and its surroundings.
Please note there is no hotel drop-off service following the Sky Tower. You are at leisure to spend as much time at the Sky Tower as you wish.
Day 3. Auckland
For your final full day in Auckland, consider a stroll down Queen Street for shopping, a visit to Mount Eden for a nature fix, and dinner at a waterfront restaurant!
Day 4. Auckland - Bay of Islands
Today, you will pick up your rental car in central Auckland and drive to Bay of Islands! Consider stopping along the way at the Kauri Tree Museum in Kaikohe or the Waiopua Forest!
Check-in - Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands is a waterfront hotel located within subtropical gardens on the Waitangi National Trust Reserve. Guest rooms are well-appointed with free WiFi, coffee/tea making facilities, complimentary toiletries, and more. Dine at Jimmy Cook's Kiwi Kitchen after a day of sightseeing, and then cap off your night with a cocktail at Jimmy Cook's Bar. Spend free time in the swimming pool, or head to the spa for a luxurious and relaxing treatment. Play some tennis, rent a bicycle, or hop on a shuttle to downtown Paihia for shopping!
Day 5. Bay of Islands
Today, you will experience the famous 'Hole in the Rock' on a catamaran cruise!
Day 6. Bay of Islands
Today, you will enjoy a full-day Cape Regina tour! This tour includes lunch.
Full-day Cape Reinga tour with lunch
Drive along the shores of Ninety Mile Beach as the waves crash beside the custom-built coach. Visit Cape Reinga and hear the stories of this significant site where, according to Māori legend, spirits depart on their journey home to Hawaiki. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views, visit the iconic lighthouse, and see the point where the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean come crashing together. During your Cape Reinga tour you'll also experience another Kiwi icon: a lunch of delicious fish and chips at the historic Wagener Museum at Houhora.
Day 7. Bay of Islands - Auckland
Today, you will drive back to Auckland. Consider a stop along the way to visit the Waitomo Caves! Return your rental car and make your way to your hotel. Spend one final night in Auckland!
Check-in - Stamford Plaza Hotel Auckland
Stamford Plaza Hotel Auckland is located just three blocks from the harbor and waterfront. Guests can expect comfortable rooms with free WiFi, bathrobes and slippers, coffee/tea making facilities, and more. The hotel offers a variety of dining options including Koa Restaurant, Kabuki Teppanyaki Restaurant, Grasshopper Thai Restaurant, and Koa Lobby Bar. Additional amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center, and meeting rooms.
Day 8. Depart New Zealand
You will be transferred to the Auckland Airport in time for your flight home.