Private Tour Of Bay Of Islands New Zealand

Start your tour in the exciting city of Auckland, staying at the central Rydges Hotel. The city’s famous harbour will dazzle you with its array of waterside bars and restaurants, and there are also plenty of shopping malls and designer boutiques. Known as the “City of Sails” due to its affection for the water, Auckland will spoil you with its range of Watersports and excursions, including swimming with dolphins, or a relaxing cruise around the harbour.

Head to the top of the Sky Tower or take a trip to the Waitakere Ranges and embark on a walking trail through lush rainforest, home to rare flora and fauna, stunning waterfalls and streams. Waiheke Island beaches and wineries are also worth a visit.

Leaving Auckland you will travel north to the eye catching Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve, just north of Dargaville. Here you can admire the fascinating 2,000 year old giant Kauri Tree Tane Mahuta - known as the “Lord of the Forest.” Wander through natural gateways made from kauri ferns and towering trees and see exotic birds and wildlife in beautiful surroundings. Continue on to the inspiring Bay of Islands, which is the birthplace of New Zealand and offers a chance to journey through the country’s fascinating history.

Spend the day at leisure in the Bay of Islands; home to 144 islands which can be enjoyed as a day excursion or upgraded to an overnight cruise. Explore this spectacular maritime park where you can book a dolphin spotting tour to Cape Brett and cruise through the renowned Hole in the Rock.

Explore the Cape Brett Lighthouse or head out to the historical Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Gardens. For an unmissable Bay of Islands experience, visit the exquisite Rainbow Falls. The boutique towns of Paihia, Opua, Kerikeri and Russell are also worth a visit.

Discover the delights of New Zealand’s finest Maritime Park, cruising through the game fishing waters to the Cape Brett lighthouse and getting up close and personal with the impressive local marine life. Then make your way back to Auckland where the next instalment of your tour begins.

Departing Auckland, you will navigate south through the gorgeous Waikoto Province to the famous Waitomo Caves. Here you can discover a maze of underground limestone caves and will enjoy a guided tour lit by thousands of glow worms. Travel through the extensive cave systems on foot or by boat and witness spectacular waterfalls and impressive limestone formations. During the afternoon you will arrive at Rotorua for an exciting two night stay, where you can immerse yourself in authentic Māori culture. Start by joining the Hangi Feast, where you can indulge in local cuisine, song and dance.

Spend the day at your leisure, exploring one of New Zealand’s most popular attractions, Rotorua, which is at the heart of Māori culture. Take a trip to a traditional village and learn the famous Haka with a backdrop of majestic mountains, spouting geysers and crater lakes.

The Agrodome is a must see attraction - a working farm where you can interact with the animal residents, enjoy a guided tour and witness wool demonstrations and shows. Ride Rotorua’s Skyline up to Mount Ngongotaha for panoramic views of picturesque landscapes. In the afternoon, relax and unwind at Te Puia Thermal Reserve and enjoy a guided tour through the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.

Leaving Rotorua, travel through Wairakei Steam Valley to stunning Lake Taupo and the mighty Huka Falls. Swim, paddle and immerse yourself in the warm geothermal waters of Lake Taupo before taking a stroll over the footbridge to witness the thundering Huka Falls.

Continue travelling across the volcanic plateau of the world-heritage listed Tongariro National Park, before arriving in the country’s capital city of Wellington. A superb place to visit first is Te Papa, the fascinating Museum of New Zealand, which will take you on a journey through art, culture, history and nature.

Spend the morning on a city tour of Wellington, or visit some of its popular attractions. Highlights include the unique Beehive Parliament Building and the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary where you can appreciate the country’s spectacular flora and fauna. Afterwards, admire coastlines defined by tiny coves on the way to Blenheim.

This morning, head to Kaikoura. Delight in the chance to embark on a whale watching cruise, where you may catch a glimpse of the arc of a tail, or a spouting fountain from a blowhole. Here is one of the few areas on Earth where sperm whales can be sighted all year round thanks to the deep Kaikoura Canyon that runs along the coast. Continue your journey onwards to Christchurch and enjoy dinner on arrival.

Absorb the rural scenery from aboard your coach before beginning the ascent into the Main Divide. Then, sit back and enjoy the vistas as you journey through the Southern Alps to Westland Tai Poutini National Park. 

Today you have the option of taking one of the world's most scenic rail journeys on the TranzAlpine. Depart from Christchurch and cross the Canterbury Plains taking in the spectacular scenery of the South Alps before arriving at Arthur's Pass.

Journey through spectacular Haast Pass, skirting the tranquil shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the alpine resort of Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu. This evening you have at leisure so explore the town and dine at one of the many restaurants on the lakefront.

With the entire day to spend at leisure you have the time to explore Queenstown at your own pace. There is something for everyone in Queenstown; whether you’re seeking adventure or a leisurely tour. Join the TSS Earnslaw for a cruise and tour of Walter Peak Station. For the best views of the city, take the Skyline Gondola over Lake Wakatipu up to Bob’s Peak. At the top, relax and enjoy the view or follow a cycle or walking trail to witness its natural beauty.

There is something for everyone in Queenstown; whether you’re seeking adventure or a leisurely tour. Join the TSS Earnslaw for a cruise and tour of Walter Peak Station. For the best views of the city, take the Skyline Gondola over Lake Wakatipu up to Bob’s Peak. At the top, relax and enjoy the view or follow a cycle or walking trail to witness its natural beauty.

Adventurers may prefer to take the cable car up the mountain and take on the Skyline Luge. The Stratosphere Queenstown Restaurant is the perfect place to admire the sights while appreciating fine New Zealand cuisine and the Harrison Observatory is a must for those interested in seeing rare corals, anemones and a variety of fish species.

Leave Queenstown and travel along the Milford road to Fiordland National Park. On arrival enjoy a cruise of Milford Sound with views of cascading waterfalls, sheer cliffs and dense rainforest. 

Today, journey through rolling Southland countryside before arriving in Dunedin. Enjoy a guided tour then head to the nearby hills to take an intriguing tour of Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. Steeped in scandal and tragedy, it is filled with magnificent antiques and offers breathtaking views. Afterwards enjoy some time at leisure to explore further before dinner.

See the Moeraki Boulders and visit Oamaru to see some of New Zealand’s finest 19th-century architecture before making your way to Mount Cook national park to view Australasia's highest mountain. Journey on and check into your hotel which is situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Tekapo. 

This evening join your fellow travellers for a memorable farewell dinner.

This morning pay a visit to the tiny church of the Good Shepherd before travelling to Christchurch and begin your onward journey.