Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland to Bay of Islands
Start early and drive scenic routes toward the Bay of Islands, where you'll find over 140 subtropical islets and clean beaches along the way. At the Treaty of Waitangi site, your guide (often a descendant of one of the original signatories) walks you through what happened here in 1840 when Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs signed the historic treaty. You'll see the world's largest ceremonial war canoe and a carved meeting house on the grounds, which gives real context to New Zealand's Māori heritage and how that treaty shaped the country.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Treaty of Waitangi site
- View world's largest ceremonial war canoe
- Guided tour of carved meeting house
Landmarks Treaty of Waitangi Bay of Islands 
- Day 2
Bay of Islands
This is your free day in the Bay of Islands to do what interests you. Russell, New Zealand's first permanent European settlement, sits nearby with streets that still follow their original 1843 names and layout if you want to take an optional tour there. Another option is boarding a historic tall ship for a Bay of Islands tour, and you can bring wine from New Zealand vineyards along. Your Travel Director can point you toward good restaurants and spots worth seeing. The sunsets here tend to be really nice, so try to catch one somewhere that feels right to you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort)
Optional Activities
- Bay of Islands tour aboard historic tall ship
- Mini tour of Russell with guide
- Explore Russell independently
Landmarks Russell - Day 3
Bay of Islands to Whangarei to Auckland
Travel north to Whangarei, New Zealand's most northerly city, where waterfalls and beaches share space with galleries and museums. You've got time to walk around and explore at your own pace, and there's an optional visit to Mount Parihaka if you're interested in seeing a war memorial and the remains of old Māori fortified settlements. Later in the afternoon, head back toward Auckland to catch your evening departure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Mount Parihaka, featuring war memorial and remains of Māori fortified settlements
Landmarks Whangarei Mount Parihaka 
