Bay of Islands

Three hours north of Auckland, the Bay of Islands is everything New Zealand does best. 144 islands, impossibly blue water, and history that stretches back to the very first Māori settlements and the founding of the nation.

Getting there is half the experience. Your Cheeky Kiwi guide covers the road north, stopping at ancient kauri forests, culturally significant sites and the sweeping coastline of Northland along the way. Once you're in Paihia, a cruise out to the famous Hole in the Rock puts the Bay of Islands in full perspective and there's genuinely no better way to see it.

Choose a fully guided two-day tour from Auckland with or without accommodation, or a one-way journey to Paihia if you're continuing your travels north.