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With some of the most stunning landscapes and beaches, departing right in the heart of summer, this one will be sure to make your summer a hit!
The northernmost tip of New Zealand features many stunning attractions with the famous 90 Mile Beach, the legendary Cape Reinga - where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea, and is home to a giant swamp of Kauri trees thousands of years old.
The whole region is lined with beautiful unspoiled white sandy beaches perfect to swim, snorkel and to take it easy. With so many fantastic tours departing from Paihia (Bay of Islands), you are given a few days of free time to tick off those bucket list options.
Come and join us on the Northern Explorer! Full itinerary details below.
Depart Whanganui Racecourse at 8am and head up the coast to Sth Taranaki for a great morning tea stop. We continue our way up the coast passing through small settlements such as Urenui, over Mount Messenger, through Mokau and onto Piopio for a superb lunch.
We have one last stop for a refreshment break before reaching our great central Auckland accommodation for the night. There is time for some R & R before meeting for our first group dinner of tour.
For those departing from another destination, you will be given your personalised itinerary for you to join the group today. All tickets and details will be provided in your personal information pack, sent prior to travel.
Accommodation: Waipuna Hotel
After breakfast we leave the hussle of the big smoke behind us as we head into Northland. This morning we deviate off SH1 and head to Leigh where we board the Glass Bottom Boat and tour Goat Island.
This fully commentated “around the island” tour will give you a unique perspective into New Zealand’s first marine reserve. Peering through the glass, you stay dry while viewing a thriving underwater ecosystem, teeming with reefs, fish, and other marine life. Above water, Goat Island is the focal point, as are the many species of birds that live in this coastal habitat.
Then it's just a short drive to Matakana to the world class Sculptureum. You will be given time to explore this sculpture park which is a world of art, food and wine with three sculpture-filled gardens, six galleries and a vineyard. We’ll have lunch here on-site.
Continuing north, we head into the Town Basin of Whangarei. Here we have the chance to take in the thriving atmosphere as you have some free time to explore the many shops and galleries, and also view one of the largest and most historically significant collections of clocks in the Southern Hemisphere at Claphams Clock Museum.
If time permits we will view the majestic 26m high classic curtain Whangarei Waterfalls before the final leg into Paihia where we will be based for the next four nights. After you are settled in, we meet for dinner at the great onsite restaurant and enjoy a lovely meal together getting excited about the coming days adventures!
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Bay Of Islands
Today is day one of your free time to explore this amazing part of the country. There are many great optional activities available from having a relaxing day in town to travelling along Ninety Mile Beach to the very tip of New Zealand. Please check your optional activity folder for more details. Below are some options:
We will be more than happy to assist you in booking any other activities you may wish to do during your time in the magnificent Bay of Islands.
Tonight, we meet back at the hotel at a predetermined time and have a lovely group dinner together and share stories of our day’s activities.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Bay Of Islands
The second free day to enjoy this special region. Again, check your optional activity folder for the great range of activities available, or there may be something else you would like to do. The tour leader will help make any bookings you may choose to do.
Tonight, we meet back at the hotel at a predetermined time and enjoy a good catch up with another great dinner together.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Bay Of Islands
A relaxed start to the day before boarding the coach for a local sightseeing day out. Our first stop is just down the road where we visit the award-winning national attraction, Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This morning we will enjoy an authentic and interactive cultural experience as we have a private guided tour of the grounds. Also there will be some free time to explore the Treaty House, museum and view short films.
We have a great picnic lunch lined up before we then travel the back roads which will see us pass the Haruru Falls before arriving in Kawakawa.
As a group we then take a journey on the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway. This is unique in the world as it is the only working railway where the train travels down the middle of a State Highway and right through the middle of the town. The railway at Kawakawa was the North Island’s first railway to be opened and the first to run a rail passenger service in the North Island.
You will also have the chance to visit the world famous Hundertwasser toilets, designed especially by the town's famous Austrian resident, Freidensreich Hundertwasser.
Back on the coach we have a short drive south to Waiomio and visit the Kawiti Glowworm Caves, Northlands ultimate glowworm experience. Our guided tour will follow a wooden boardwalk through a 200 metre limestone cave system. Once inside, you will see thousands of glowworms spread across the ceiling surrounded by breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites.
It is then time to head back to our hotel to get ready for our special group dinner cruise tonight. We will enjoy a leisurely 2½ hour cruise up the Waitangi River to the gorgeous Haruru Falls while enjoying delicious cuisine. Marvel in the tranquil surroundings with a rich abundance of bird life and historical points of interest, raising a glass to our exceptional time in the Bay of Islands.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Bay Of Islands
Today it is time to depart the Bay of Islands and carry on exploring the Far North. We head north to visit one of the region's most fascinating heritage tourism destinations at Butler Point. We will be treated to a great tour which includes the Whaling Museum, one of the most comprehensive private museums of its kind in New Zealand. Also, Butler House, which is a nationally significant heritage building and the gardens which are recognised as a 'Garden of Significance'. Morning tea provided.
After this great visit we carry on and travel up to the beautiful Karikari Peninsula, which is renowned for its amazing white sandy beaches and bays such as popular Maitai Bay.
We have an outstanding lunch organised at New Zealand’s northernmost vineyard and winery, Karikari Estate. Overlooking the rolling coastal land, towards the very top of the far north, we will also enjoy a wine tasting if you wish.
We depart the peninsula and head south west to the Hokianga Harbour, New Zealand’s fourth largest harbour and is home to a large number of indigenous species framed by a unique coastal landscape. We arrive at Kohukohu on the north side and catch the vehicle ferry over the harbour to Rawene, where we will then continue through to accommodation at Omapere. We will spend the night at this great 4-star hotel offering spacious accommodation in a lovely location. Tonight we dineat the onsite restaurant enjoying the views of the harbour and sand dunes across the bay.
Accommodation: The Heads Hokianga
A relaxed start to the day as we wake up in paradise and enjoy another delicious breakfast, before boarding the coach and heading up the harbour with the first stop at Opononi. This picturesque place was made famous in the summer of 1955 and 1956 due to the exploits of a dolphin called Opo. We park up next to the statue of Opo for photo opportunities while taking in the magnificent views.
Following a great morning on the water we start making our way south into the majestic Waipoua Forest, which preserves some of the best examples of kauri forest remaining in New Zealand. We stop and visit the one and only Tana Mahuta “Lord of the Forest” which is a giant Kauri tree estimated to be between 1,250 and 2,500 years. It is the largest kauri known to stand today and a truly spiritual experience.
After being enchanted by this special area we are back on the road passing through Dargaville and onto Matakohe. Here we visit the award-winning Kauri Museum, which tells the story of our pioneering settlers through the lens of the Kauri Industry. We will be greeted with a warm welcome and an introduction to the museum which has many exhibits that tell the story of the pioneering days when early European settlers in the area extracted kauri timber and kauri gum. Lunch on-site.
We then hit the road reconnecting with SH1 before turning off again headed for the quaint little town of Matakana.
We have a superb dinner lined up where we’ll celebrate our final night together..
Accommodation: Salty Dog Inn
After breakfast and to really make our final day special we board the coach and head north to Sandspit to join the largest mail run by water in the Southern Hemisphere.
From the comfort of a large and luxurious ferry you will have uninterrupted 180-degree views of this scenic wonderland and historic landmarks, while your experienced and informative skipper guides you around over 75 different wharves, delivering freight and mail to the island residents.
Lunch today is a classic Kiwi BBQ onboard while cruising to our stopover on Kawau Island. Here you can visit Mansion House Museum, Sir Governor Greys Garden of Eden, or take one of the many walks to historic sites whilst watching Kawau’s wildlife.
It is then back to Sandspit and board the coach and make our way to Auckland airport where you’ll hop on the plane and fly directly home hopefully with some magnificent views of Mt Ruapehu and Taranaki. Our coach will be there waiting to transfer you back to the racecourse.
*If you are travelling to another destination, your travel arrangements will be made for you in your customised itinerary.
Check out what we got up to last time
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After years in the broadcasting industry, Jase hung up his headphones to run Take It Easy Tours. With now over a decade behind the wheel Jason ensures every tour will leave you with a lifetime of memorable expereinces.
There is limited availability for this tour. Please contact us to find out more.
Yes, you can earn airpoints with Take It Easy Tours when we are using Air New Zealand flights. All you need to do is get in contact with us and let us know your airpoints number for each time you wish to earn points.
Yes, it would be our pleasure. We can arrange for you to be picked up and returned to your front door at the conclusion of any tour.
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. It just puts your mind at ease. Remember to make sure you are covered for and loss of personal possessions, sickness, accidents or travel delays. Feel free to ask us for any tips to make this quick and easy for you.
We are called Take it Easy for a reason as we like to do just that. Do as much or as little as you like - after all it's your holiday! However, there is walking and various activities on each tour that require various levels of fitness. Please check with us if you are unsure about anything and relax knowing that there's always another option for you if you would rather miss out on any activity. We always have a back up plan.
Please just let us know in advance and we will sort everything for you. Chefs are used to all sorts now when it comes to diet so as long as we know - we’ll have you covered.
Cancellation charges do apply so again we recommend travel insurance. Our cancellation policy is clearly outlined for each tour so make sure you cast your eye over it and please feel free to ask any questions.
Our buses are quality touring coaches that are very comfortable and fully air conditioned. They range in size from 19-28 seats ensuring that we can easily access all those secret spots off the beaten track. All vehicles are regularly serviced as your safety is our priority.
Coaches and luggage trailers are always locked and secure but we recommended you take any valuables with you when staying overnight.
Having a good night's rest after a day out touring is very important so we personally choose all of our accommodation. Generally, four star accommodation when available - with all the comforts you need for a relaxed night.
Get in touch with our friendly staff
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You asked for it so we’ve done it! Touring the Forgotten World by Rail Cart from Taumarunui.
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This will not guarantee your booking, but will ensure you receive information as early as possible
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A special part of the world. Experience a unique part of New Zealand's heritage in this remote ocean-bound wilderness that will leave a lasting impression.
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We have combined everything rail has to offer with one of the most unique tours we have ever crafted. This 4 night rail experience includes some of the world's most amazing scenic experiences.
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History, nature, culture, sun and sand - there really is nowhere more idyllic than Hawaii for the perfect holiday destination.
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This will not guarantee your booking, but will ensure you receive information as early as possible
A tour to Tasmania is an unforgettable experience. Dramatic coastlines, convict built heritage, magnificent food and wine plus quaint villages.
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This will not guarantee your booking, but will ensure you receive information as early as possible
Want to find out more? Give our friendly team a call.
Alternatively, send us a message and we’ll get right back to you.
