Bay of Islands Journey: Sail, Snorkel & Explore in 5 Days｜New Zealand

Day 1: Auckland
Welcome to Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland)! Meet your guide and group at a welcome meeting at 6:00 PM. If you arrive early, explore the Auckland Sky Tower (New Zealand's tallest building with optional jump), Auckland War Memorial Museum, or the CBD. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your group to kick off the adventure.

Day 2: Auckland to Tutukaka
Start with breakfast at a local café before a scenic drive to Tutukaka (3.5 hours). Stop at the 26m-high Whangarei Falls for photos, then continue to Matapouri Beach to relax on soft sand and enjoy ocean sounds. Arrive in Tutukaka, a coastal city with world-famous beaches and coastline—rated one of the top three coastlines globally by National Geographic Traveller.

Day 3: Poor Knights Islands to Paihia
After breakfast, set off on a full-day cruise to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve. These 11-million-year-old volcanic islands feature spectacular drop-offs, walls, caves, arches, and tunnels with unique biodiversity. Enjoy sightseeing, kayaking, cave exploring, snorkeling, swimming, and sea mammal spotting. Visit Rikoriko Cave—the world's largest sea cave, accessible only by boat. Then, take a scenic drive to Paihia (1.5 hours) for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Paihia
Enjoy a full free day in Paihia, gateway to 140+ sub-tropical islands in the Bay of Islands. Optional activities include exploring coves and beaches, cruising through the natural rock archway (Hole in the Rock, NZD $160), scuba diving (NZD $369), dolphin watching, or skydiving. Your guide provides insider tips on activities and dining.

Day 5: Waitangi to Auckland
Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn about New Zealand's history and Māori culture. See the world's largest carved waka (ceremonial war canoe) at 35m long. After lunch, take a scenic drive back to Auckland (3.5 hours) via Northland's east coast beaches. End your trip in Auckland in the late afternoon.