AUCKLAND - WHANGAREI - BAY OF ISLANDS

DOLPHIN WATCHING, HOLE IN THE ROCK, BEACHES

After crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge we head north to the Bay of Islands. This morning’s drive is all about getting you to this amazing part of the New Zealand - full of culture, beaches and history. We pass through Whangarei where you should consider hopping off the bus and heading out to Tutukaka if you fancy some world class diving amongst the Poor Knights Islands. These islands have World Heritage status, spectacular drop offs, walls, caves, arches and tunnels. All inhabited by an amazing array of underwater life. Before you settle into ‘Bay life’, we first take you to Waitangi for a panoramic look over the beautiful Bay of Islands. We strongly recommend those interested in the Maori culture and the history of New Zealand visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of our nation. Your afternoon is free so why not try one of the fabulous boating options such as parasailing, fishing or taking a cruise out to the Hole in the Rock (with the chance to swim with the dolphins!). If you have no plans for the evening, check out the recommended Culture North night show. If you have more time available then you should consider The Rock overnight cruise which should not be missed!

Approximate arrival time into Paihia is 12pm.
Hop off the bus today and stay at: Whangarei for Tutukaka and Poor Knights Islands

CAPE REINGA DAY TRIP

MAORI LEGENDS, 90 MILE BEACH, SAND BOARDING

This Connection travels as far north as you can go in New Zealand. The scenic drive travels through land rich in Maori culture and history to the very tip of New Zealand - Cape Reinga. Here you will absorb stunning views of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean crashing together. After stopping for lunch we travel up the Te Paki stream to the foot of some giant sand dunes; which are perfect for sliding down on boards that are provided. The special design of the bus allows you to actually drive along a section of the famous 90-Mile beach. On the way back to the Bay of Islands we stop at the fishing village of Mangonui, famous for its fish and chips, and then head back to Paihia.

Approximate arrival time into Paihia is 6.45pm.

BAY OF ISLANDS - HOKIANGA - WAIPOUA FOREST; KAURI TREES – AUCKLAND

CULTURE, HISTORY, KAURI TREES

This is one of Magic's most unique days. We travel from Paihia across country to Opononi, a lovely town on the edges of the Hokianga Harbour. Opononi faces the impressive Hokianga sand dunes – where we will encourage you to try your hand at sandboarding – an exhilarating activity to help wake you up.

Magic strongly recommends you overnight in Opononi to take advantage of the celebrated 'Footprints Waipoua', one of 82 Lonely Planet 'Experiences of a Lifetime'. Later in the morning we head deep into the Waipoua Forest where you will not only get the chance to stretch your legs but also get up-close to Tane Mahuta, ‘God of the Forest’; This giant Kauri tree, estimated to be between 1250 and 2500 years old, is very important in Maori mythology.

The road narrows as it twists and turns through the forest including a stop off at Rickers Walk where you get a chance to experience the forest first hand. We travel into the afternoon down the West Coast via Dargaville. Our final stop is at the Matakohe Kauri and Pioneer Museum, which details how the native Kauri trees played a significant role toward shaping the new nation. This will also be our lunch stop for the day. The remainder of the journey is relaxed and will bring you back into Auckland by mid afternoon.

Approximate arrival time into Auckland is 4.30pm.
Hop off the bus today and stay at: Opononi, Omapere, Waipoua Forest