Long, lazy summer days are classic Northland. Relax in waterfront hotels at Copthorne Omapere, Ramada Resort, Taipa and Copthorne Waitangi. On Christmas Day take an excursion to Cape Reinga and drive along the sands of 90 Mile Beach. In the Bay of Islands cruise out to Cape Brett watching for dolphins.
It’s a great feeling to leave town behind and drive North before Christmas. Let alone celebrating Christmas Day at Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island – quite unique. There’s lots to enjoy from Northland’s historic places to the dolphin–watching cruise out to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock.
6 Day / 5 Night tour departing Auckland for Christmas in Northland, with stays in the Hokianga, Taipa and the Bay of Islands
Day 1: Auckland - Muriwai - Matakohe - Hokianga
At Muriwai Beach we walk to the gannet colony and further north visit the Matakohe Kauri Museum. Tane Mahuta, the largest kauri tree, is a short walk through Waipoua Forest.
Dine in and stay on the water’s edge at Copthorne Omapere, right on the Hokianga Harbour.
- Matakohe Kauri Museum is dedicated to the mighty native Kauri tree
- See Tane Mahuta, New Zealand's biggest Kauri tree
Day 2: Omapere - Rawene - Mangonui - Taipa
We catch the ferry across the Hokianga Harbour from pretty Rawene to Kohukohu and drive to Mangamuka and on to Mangonui for lunch.
Explore nearby Karakare Peninsula and stay two nights at Ramada Resort Reia, Taipa Beach.
- Cross the idyllic Hokianga Harbour
- Explore secret northern spots like Mangonui
Day 3: Taipa - Cape Reinga - Ninety Mile Beach - Taipa
We take an excursion to the iconic lighthouse at Cape Reinga where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet.
In a custom–built coach we drive down Te Paki Stream and along the sands of 90 Mile Beach returning to Taipa for a Christmas buffet.
- An exciting Christmas day adventure to Cape Reinga
- Christmas buffet at Taipa
Day 4: Taipa - Kerikeri - Te Waimate Mission - Waitangi
On the historic trail today we visit Kerikeri’s Stone Store and Kemp House built in 1822 followed by charming Te Waimate Mission House and Waitangi Treaty House and museum.
Stay two nights in waterview rooms at Copthorne Waitangi.
- Enjoy a tour of the historic Waitangi Treaty House
- Visit the Stone Store, Kemp House and Waimate Mission House
Day 5: Bay of Islands Cruise - Russell - Waitangi
Enjoy a scenic dolphin-watching cruise on the Bay this morning. Step on board at Paihia to cruise out through the islands and golden sand beaches to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Disembark at Russell to meet up with your driver/guide and lunch on the waterfront. We take a guided tour of Pompalier House and printing press.
There's time to wander Russell's shops and historic buildings before we drive over to Long Bay for a glimpse of the beautiful outer Bay of Islands. Then we drive back to catch the vehicular ferry to Opua and return to Waitangi.
- Look for dolphins on a cruise in the Bay of Islands
- Visit Pompallier House on Russell’s charming waterfront
Day 6: Bay of Islands - Whangarei - Auckland
At Kawakawa we check out the famous Hundertwasser toilet block which put this town on the map.
We lunch in Whangarei and visit the Native Bird Recovery Centre where we meet talking tuis and see kiwis close–up then return to Auckland.
- The Hundertwasser toilet block is an artistic icon
- Visit the Native Bird Recovery Centre in Whangarei
