Adventure Collective
Explore Northland’s Natural Majesty and Māori Heritage: A 4-Day Adventure from Auckland - Auckland

Explore Northland’s Natural Majesty and Māori Heritage: A 4-Day Adventure from Auckland

Aucklandmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–4 days

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness is advised to comfortably handle forest walks and exploratory activities without rush.

Overview

Discover Northland’s towering kauri forests, the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and the serene Bay of Islands on this immersive four-day tour from Auckland. Experience the best of New Zealand’s natural beauty and Māori culture in one unforgettable journey.

Auckland, Auckland

Multi-Day Tour: Northland Heritage Explorer Experience

All Ages • 3 Nights & 4 Days

Boat Tour
Guided Tour
Walking Tour
Water Activities

Select participants and date

About This Adventure

Embark on a luxurious four-day journey from Auckland to Northland and the Bay of Islands, exploring stunning landscapes and rich Māori culture. Experience the majestic Tane Mahuta, the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and enjoy leisure time in the breathtaking Bay of Islands, creating unforgettable memories along the way.

A fulfilling and enriching journey that will create lasting memories

Tour Duration

Three Nights & Four Days

Tour Summary

The journey to this magical place begins in spectacular style on this luxury private tour from Auckland to Hokianga, Northland and the Bay of Islands. Explore some of the many locations of local and cultural significance including Tane Mahuta, the world-famous and largest Kauri Tree in New Zealand, Hokianga harbour and Waitangi, the ‘Birthplace of our Nation’. These regions are wildly beautiful, charmingly rustic and steeped in fascinating history. With its ancient forests, unique cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and awesome adventure opportunities, Northland is a paradise for heritage explorers.

Itinerary At a Glance

  • Day 1: Travel from Auckland to Hokianga, Northland, experience Tane Mahuta Twilight Encounter. Overnight Stay in Hokianga.

  • Day 2: Manea Footprints Kupe and travel to Paihia, Bay of Islands. Overnight Stay in Paihia.

  • Day 3: Full day at leisure to explore the options of your choice. Overnight Stay in Paihia.

  • Day 4: Paihia, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Russell Mini Tour. Return to Auckland.

Tour Highlights

  • Enjoy a scenic drive through lush countryside with opportunity for photo stops.

  • Witness Waipoua forest transition from day to night.

  • Experience the affinity that early Māori had with the forest and the deep spiritual respect they hold for the giants still growing there.

  • Learn of the rich bird life and other fauna that inhabits the forest and witness the transitions of life.

  • Greet the giant trees with spine-tingling Waiata.

  • Surround by the sounds of the nocturnal creatures awakening.

  • Meet with 'The Lord of the Forest' - the giant Kauri Tree, Tane Mahuta!

  • Explore the Bay of Islands and travel to the birthplace of New Zealand.

  • Witness Waitangi’s heritage buildings.

  • Enjoy a high-energy, entertaining Māori cultural performance.

  • Up close and personal experience with the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe.

  • Take in the sights of Russell on an intimate one-hour coach tour combining historical knowledge and local insights.

Journey Inclusions

  • Fully guided private return transfers from Auckland.
  • Pick up and drop off from Auckland.
  • Refreshments and water onboard
  • Complimentary High-Speed Internet onboard.
  • A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the journey.
  • Luxurious temperature-controlled transportation.
  • Exclusive immersive activities and interaction with local communities.
  • Built-in leisure time, to explore destinations as you wish.

Tour Inclusions

  • Admission to 4-hour evening forest walk in Waipoua forest Twilight Experience.
  • Admission to 75-minutes guided storytelling at Footprints of Kupe.
  • Admission to Kerikeri Rainbow falls.
  • Admission to 1-hour guided experience at Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
  • Admission to Cultural Performance at Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
  • Admission to return ferry ride from Paihia and Russell.
  • Admission to 1-hour Russell Mini Tour.

Tour Requirements

  • 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.

  • You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.

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

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

Add-Ons

Extend, enhance and upgrade your holiday to New Zealand with our range of add-on experiences. Additional activity options may be built into this package to customise your experience. Additional charges may apply for these activities. Please talk to us for suitable suggestion so necessary arrangements can be made.

Day3: Full Day At Leisure in the Bay Of Islands (Choose One Option)

Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach Experience – Allow 10 Hours

Enjoy a full-day coach tour into the Far North tip of New Zealand, Cape Reinga. Uncover the wild beauty of this vast and untouched region that is rich in Māori culture and tradition. Drive along the sand on Ninety Mile Beach where you can experience the thrills and spills of sandboarding. As you approach Cape Reinga, enjoy spectacular panoramic views, visit the iconic lighthouse, and see the point where the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean come crashing together. Please note this tour is operated by Fullers GreatSights and you will travel on a large 49 seater coach.

Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise – Allow 4.5 hours

Embark on a voyage of discovery to enjoy the beauty, discover the scenery, captivating wildlife, and rich history on the Bay of Islands cruise. Get up close to the cliffs at Cape Brett and travel through the iconic Hole in the Rock. Spot dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife, and enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop to swim and walk. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to must-dos in the Bay of Islands!

Adventure Tips

Respect Māori Heritage Sites

Always follow guidelines at cultural sites like Waitangi Treaty Grounds to honor local customs and history.

Wear Sturdy Footwear

Prepare for forest walks around Tane Mahuta with comfortable, grippy hiking shoes.

Stay Hydrated

Carry water for outdoor activities, especially during summer months in Northland’s warm climate.

Book in Advance

This popular multi-day tour fills quickly—reserve your spot early to secure dates.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • North Island brown kiwi
  • New Zealand fantail (pīwakawaka)

History

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds mark the site where New Zealand’s founding treaty was signed in 1840, shaping the country’s bicultural foundation.

Conservation

The tour promotes respect for sensitive ecosystems and encourages sustainable tourism practices to preserve Northland’s natural and cultural heritage.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in Auckland

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable Hiking Shoes

Essential

For walking forest trails and around historic grounds with uneven terrain.

Lightweight Rain Jacket

Essential

Northland’s spring showers can be frequent—be prepared to stay dry.

spring specific

Sun Protection (Hat & Sunscreen)

Essential

Essential in the open Bay of Islands for long outdoor days under the sun.

summer specific

Layered Clothing

Essential

Variable weather calls for adjustable layers during coastal and forest excursions.

fall specific