6 Days Bay Of Islands Premium B&B self drive

Ask our expert Chris Hawkins about the 6 Days Bay Of Islands Premium B&B self drive

Day 1
Private transfer Auckland airport

Auckland City

Auckland City is New Zealand's largest, with a population of around 1.5 million people (about one third of the national population), spread over approximately 60 square kilometres. There is somewhere for every visitor to feel comfortable and right at home as each suburb has its own unique style and atmosphere, from the vibrant and trendy fashion and cuisine found on Ponsonby and Parnell Roads to the breathtaking native bush and beaches of the West Coast. One of the worlds great cities Auckland is full of life and opportunities to explore are endless. Spend the day exploring the city or relaxing before your adventure begins.
Your accommodation: Great Ponsonby Bed and Breakfast
This small hotel bed & breakfast is located in the heart of Auckland's Ponsonby district. A two minute stroll to the vibrant cafes bistros, restaurants, art and craft galleries and just five minutes by car to the harbourside and central Auckland.    

Day 2
Pick up Rental car - Toyota Corolla Intermediate Automatic or similar 
   
Auckland to Russell, Bay of Islands

Heading north to the Bay of Islands normally takes around 3 ½ hours but plan to take a little longer. The township of Puhoi, New Zealand’s only Bohemian settlement, the art stores and cafes of Warkworth, the harbour side in Whangarei and the unique township of Kawakawa are all worth exploring. Arriving into the sub tropical Bay of Islands you are greeted with bush clad hillsides dropping to golden sand beaches. Paihia is the main tourist centre in the bay and has a great beach side atmosphere.
Crossing the harbour via the Opua Ferry you arrive onto the Russell Peninsular. The township of Russell offers a tranquil village atmosphere and a fascinating past.
Your accommodation: Arcadia Lodge
Arcadia Lodge is a Russell landmark, a turn of the century home and luxury bed and breakfast overlooking Russell's tranquil Matauwhi Bay.    

Driving Information
Auckland to Bay of Islands Distance
242 kilometres : 3 1/2 hours

Day 3
Explore the Bay of Islands
A visit to the Bay of Islands wouldn't be complete without a cruise amongst the islands or even a trip to swim with the dolphins. Dolphin Discoveries operate daily Swimming with the Dolphins Tours and also Discover the Bays cruises.
Waitangi, just a few kilometres north of Paihia is considered the most important historical site of modern New Zealand. It was here that the Treaty of Waitangi was prepared and signed between the Crown and Maori. The visitor centre tells its ongoing story and is set in beautiful gardens and grounds.
Russell Township, on the other side of the bay is full of history and stories from its days as the 'hell hole of the Pacific'. This was the countries first busy port and capital. Fernz Eco Tours offer guided tours that include exploring the bush and beaches, local food and wine and the local Maori culture.
Your accommodation: Arcadia Lodge

Day 4
Bay of Islands to Waipoua Forest
Heading west from the Bay of Islands you leave the Pacific Ocean and soon and arrive into the Hokianga and the wilder seas of the Tasman.
The small townships of Omapere and Opononi have a great seaside feel and the perfect place to stop for an ice cream. The route now heads south and into the Waipoua Forest, home to the massive Kauri trees. Make sure you allow time to take one of the short walks that are signposted as you pass through the forest. Not to be missed is the 5 minute loop to view the largest of all the trees Tane Mahuta.
Your accommodation: Waipoua Lodge
Waipoua Lodge is nestled on a ridge overlooking the mighty Waipoua Forest. The kauri villa has accommodated guests since 1890.    

Driving Information
Bay of Islands to Waipoua Forest Distance
115 kilometres : 1 3/4 hours

Day 5
Waipoua Forest to Matakana
Follow the road south along the Kauri Coast and through the fertile agricultural region of Dargaville.
Heading back across country the Matakohe Kauri Museum is an award winning museum and has extensive displays of the regions logging, farming and social history. Just a short drive from Warkworth towards the coast is the small township of Matakana and a little further you will find the often deserted beaches of the Tawharanui Marine Reserve.
Your accommodation: The Saltings
The Saltings Estate in Sandspit is situated in a stunning location and a Mediterranean ambience is created in the two properties with the beautiful interior decor, the vineyard, olive trees and lavender filled garden.    

Driving Information
Waipoua Forest to Matakana Distance
180 kilometres : 2 1/2 hours

Day 6
Matakana to Auckland and depart

The short drive south (1 hour) back to Auckland before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

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