Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
You'll arrive in Auckland and have the afternoon and evening to explore the city on your own terms. Later this evening, you'll meet your Travel Director and the rest of the group for a welcome drink. It's a good chance to get oriented and start getting to know everyone you'll be traveling with.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Adina Apartment Hotel Britomart)
Optional Activities
- Explore Auckland at leisure
- Day 2
Auckland to Bay of Islands
The drive north takes you to the Bay of Islands, an area known for its 140-plus subtropical islets and clean beaches. Once there, you'll visit the Treaty Grounds to see where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed back in 1840. A local specialist, possibly someone whose ancestors were part of the original signings, will walk you through what happened and why it matters. You'll also check out Māori artifacts including the world's largest ceremonial war canoe and a carved meeting house that give you a real sense of the culture and history here.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort)
Included Activities
- Scenic drive to the Bay of Islands
- Guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Experience a Cultural Performance at Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- View the world's largest ceremonial war canoe
- View carved meeting house with Māori artifacts
Landmarks Treaty Grounds / Waitangi Treaty Grounds Bay of Islands 
- Day 3
Bay of Islands
Today is yours to spend however you'd like around the Bay of Islands. If you want structure, there are optional paid experiences: a cruise through the bay that includes New Zealand wine, or a trip to Russell, New Zealand's first permanent European settlement and seaport. Russell still has its original 1843 street layout and names, which is pretty cool to walk around. Before the day ends, find yourself a good vantage point to catch the sunsets this area is known for, which are really something to see.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort)
Included Activities
- Explore the Bay of Islands, a stunning coastal paradise with golden beaches and lush islands
Optional Activities
- Cruise through the Bay of Islands with New Zealand wine (own expense)
- Visit Russell, New Zealand's first permanent European settlement and seaport (own expense)
Landmarks Bay of Islands Russell
