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3-Day Northland Explorer Experience From Auckland
  • Tour Category

    Private Tour

  • Tour Types

    Nature, Culture, Dolphin Encounter

  • Duration

    3 Days

  • Activity Level

    Easy

  • Language

    English

Description

Experience the unique Sculpture Trail, honey experience and sample the many hand-crafted chocolates, artisan chocolates, handmade fudge and classic sweets made from quality ingredients, and choose gifts to take home. Cruise to hole in the rock, to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and drive along the sand on Ninety Mile Beach to the very top of the North Island – Cape Reinga- the Far North Lighthouse.

Highlights
  • Step into the glorious world of the honey bee at Matakana Village 

  • Enjoy the beautiful white-sand beaches along Matakana’s stunning coastline

  • Mouth-watering samples at the famous Chocolate in Matakana Village

  • Travel along the 90 Mile Beach to see the rugged views of the West Coast

  • Have fun sandboarding at the Giant Sand Dunes of Te Paki

  • Visit Cape Reinga for unforgettable sights! a sacred site for the Maori people

  • Visit a WWII Lighthouse, one of the most visited & clicked lighthouses in New Zealand

  • Journey to the iconic Hole in the Rock

  • Enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop-over and walk, swim, paddleboard, kayak or relax

  • Keep a lookout for dolphins, whales, or orcas(at mother nature's discretion)

  • Day 1: Matakana Art, Food, Wine, Chocolate Tasting Experience expand_more
    • Meet with your tour guide and head north. An hour and a world away from Auckland is the Matakana coast. Matakana is where Aucklanders go to escape the bustle of the city. It's a place to enjoy unique sculptures, wine trails, forest walks and urban sophistication. Our first visit to the Honey Centre makes a diverting pit stop, with its free honey tasting and glass-fronted hives. The Honey Centre has New Zealand’s largest display of live bees and a huge range of native honey to taste and buy. Calling all chocolate lovers to this Chocolate Cafe and Chocolate Shop! You’ll feel like you are stepping into a vintage sweet shop full of delightful surprises.  Enjoy one of our complimentary chocolate tastings while you watch our Chocolatiers at work. Sample the many hand-crafted chocolates made from quality ingredients, and choose gifts to take home.
    • Visit Sculptureum, a place to be inspired by nature and human creativity. An art experience that is internationally unique. Over 400 works of art fill three sculpture gardens and six galleries. A destination that has been ten years in the making is designed to unlock the imagination, fuel creativity and ignite the mind. The gardens burst with colourful plantings that change with the seasons. Imposing prehistoric rocks rise up alongside panels that display reflections in writing on Gardens, Inspiration, Wisdom, Art and Music. There is just over 2km of beautifully manicured paths and while summer is the most colourful time of year to experience Sculptureum, each season reveals something new to admire. 
    • Complete your experience with a meal at the restaurant (optional) at your expense. 
    • We then drive down to Paihia for the real northland encounters and you will have the rest of your day at leisure to explore Paihia and relax with an overnight stay.
  • Day 2: Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach Experience expand_more
    • Be ready for a journey like no other with a full-day coach tour into the Far North tip of New Zealand. A visit to New Zealand is not complete without a journey to the very top of the North Island – Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua). Uncover the wild beauty of this vast and untouched region that is rich in Māori culture and tradition. 
    • As you travel north, enjoy a taste of New Zealand’s varying and beautiful landscape: the rolling hills of Northland’s rural countryside, breath-taking coastal views and native forest.
    • Drive along the sand on Ninety Mile Beach as the waves crash beside the custom-built coach. Your off-road journey continues up Te Paki Stream, stopping at the massive sand dunes where you can experience the thrills and spills of sand-boarding. Clambering up and surfing down the dunes (if you dare!) is sure to get your heart pumping. 
    • As you approach Cape Reinga, 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.
  • Day 3: Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise Experience expand_more
    • Take a half-day Hole in the Rock cruise and explore the Bay in search of dolphins while visiting its highlights. You could be watching dolphins as they leap and play in sheltered waters - or keep an eye out for other marine mammals like whales and seals. 
    • Cruise in and out of beautiful unspoilt islands, see the remote Cape Brett Lighthouse and the impressive Hole in the Rock at Motukōkako Island. 
    • Enjoy the large outdoor viewing decks as we cruise past the islands of the Bay. Keep a lookout for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life have your camera ready as we get you up close to the action. Hot and cold refreshments are available for purchase onboard, meals & snacks can be purchased on our stop at Urupukapuka Island or feel free to bring your own.
    • At the end of your journey, enjoy the spectacular views from the Auckland Harbour Bridge as you arrive in Auckland's central city by night. Your journey home will be equally enjoyable as your tour guide’s combination of local insight, extensive historical knowledge and fantastic sense of humour create an unforgettable adventure.
What's Included
  • Fully guided return transfers from Auckland

  • Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD

  • Complimentary refreshments and water on board

  • Access to Wi-Fi on board for a small surcharge

  • A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the journey

  • Luxurious temperature-controlled transportation in a minibus

  • Exclusive immersive activities and interaction with local communities

  • Built-in leisure time, to explore destinations as you wish

  • Admission to New Zealand’s largest showcase of honey products

  • Free tastings of 100% pure New Zealand honey, skincare & giftware

  • Admission to Sculptureum art gallery

  • Mouth-watering samples at the famous Chocolate in Matakana Village

  • Admission to Cape Reinga- 90 Miles Beach coach tour

  • Free use of sand boards at the Sand Dunes

  • A delicious locally-prepared lunch

  • Admission to 4 hours Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise

  • Engaging and informative commentary in English

  • Indoor and outdoor seating with Large viewing deck

What's Excluded
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Accommodation
  • Access to Wi-Fi onboard for a small surcharge
  • Incidental expenses
  • Flights & visa costs
What to bring
  • Comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions; warm layered clothes work best

  • A comfortable closed toe footwear with a good grip

  • Sunscreen / Sunglasses / Sun hat

  • Please also bring a jersey or coat if it is cold

  • Bring your camera/GoPro to click the best shots

  • A light rain jacket (just in case)

  • Essential personal items

Know before you go

COVID-19 Customer Update

  • We are able to operate our shared group and private tours when Auckland is in the new traffic light protection framework.

  • We will be requiring all our guests, aged 12-years and 3 months or over, to be fully vaccinated and to provide a COVID 19 Vaccination Pass from My Vaccine Pass. If you do not have proof of your vaccinations, you will not be allowed on the tour and will not be eligible for a refund (unless you are exempt, with government approval).

  • Our guides are all fully vaccinated.

  • Please note that whilst it is not a legal requirement, we advise that you wear a facemask in our vehicles and whilst walking around public spaces.

  • Our guides will not engage in physical contact with guests, we will use an alternative welcome.

  • Please use the COVID tracer app onboard the vehicle and at each of the venues we visit.

  • All vehicles will undergo increased levels of cleanliness and hygiene practices, in order to prevent spread.

  • Guests are advised to practice regular hand washing and sanitising, we will provide sanitiser on board our vehicles.

  • Guests are to abide by a physical distance of 1 meter when out of the vehicle, respecting other people’s space and safe space.

  • Each guest will need to ensure they have no symptoms of COVID 19, prior to travelling.

  • We are working hard to ensure that new regulations do not alter your experience of our tours. We are confident that we have achieved this and look forward to showing our island paradise to you, under the above restrictions.

  • To find our more about the vaccine passport please visit The Ministry of Health Website

  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required for travelers.


General Information

  • Children below 8 years old are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be rented from us for $50 per child (with 24 hours’ notice). Children between 5-7 years old are also recommended to be in a booster seat for their safety.

  • COVID-19 precautions -Safety measures in place. All areas that exposed to customers are frequently cleaned & sanitised.

  • A full commentary is provided by your skipper. A limited number of multi-lingual headsets are available in German, French and Mandarin Chinese.

  • A portion of your fare contributes to marine mammal research and conservation.

  • You will be able to purchase lunch from the café at Otehei Bay.

  • Snacks and drinks are also available for purchase onboard the vessel.

  • From December - April: on the day, you can opt to extend your time on the island (subject to availability) and there is also the option to hire paddleboards and kayaks.

  • The site is wheelchair accessible but please be prepared for uneven surfaces, which may be difficult for those with limited mobility and wheelchair users.

  • Interacting with common and bottlenose dolphins, orca, whales and other marine mammals is subject to DOC regulations.

  • Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.

  • You are welcome to bring your own prepared food, snacks and or beverages (alcoholic beverages limited to guests 18 years and older by New Zealand law).

  • You can buy hot and cold drinks and limited snacks on board, or grab a meal at the cafe on Urupukapuka Island. Limited menu available in winter.


Tour Requirements

  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

  • Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, walking shoes, sun protection, jacket/warm layer & essential personal items.

  • Easy and good fitness level required.

  • This is a guided walking tour and sensible walking footwear is recommended.

  • Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as these locations are the perfect place to get some great travel photos.

  • Please note the walk from the carpark to the lighthouse at Cape Reinga takes around 10-15 minutes each way and is uphill on the return.

  • Vegetarian option available for lunch - Special dietary requirements catered for upon request, please advise at the time of booking.

  • Sand boarding takes place if conditions permit.

  • You must be at least 18 years of age and present a valid photo ID in order to consume alcohol.


Accommodation & Stay

Accommodation is not included in this package so it can be customised to suit your personal requirements. Extend, and enhance your holiday experience in New Zealand by choosing the add-on activities and upgrading to a full package including accommodation during checkout. ExperienceKart can arrange accommodation for you at a standard or superior hotel or you can choose to book your own.

Meeting Point

Grand Mercure Auckland, 8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010

Cancellation Policy

No refund in case of any cancellation.

Price Details
Adult
1 To 2 NZD 2199 Per Person
3 To 3 NZD 1699 Per Person
4 To 4 NZD 1399 Per Person
5 To 11 NZD 1199 Per Person
Child
1 To 11 NZD 1759 Per Person

This is a private tour

Starting From

Fromss

see details
USD 1341 / person