3-Day Bay of Islands Tour from Auckland: Cape Reinga & Russell

Far North 3-day tour: historic sites, lighthouse visit, and dolphin watching adventure

A 3-day private guided tour departing Auckland that covers the Bay of Islands, Russell, Cape Reinga, and 90 Mile Beach with accommodation, meals, and all transport included. Day one takes you to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Russell; day two is a full-day off-road journey to Cape Reinga with sandboarding at Te Paki Stream and views where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific; day three is a half-day dolphin cruise around Hole in the Rock before the return to Auckland. Your guide speaks English throughout, and the tour includes a Māori cultural performance, a one-hour Russell coach tour, and the option to add lunch and dinner.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paihia, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Russell Tour

• Pickup from Auckland CBD
• Travel from Auckland to Paihia
• Stop for coffee and comfort break
• Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds
• Ferry to Russell
• One-hour coach tour of Russell
• Ferry back to Paihia
• Leisure time and overnight in Paihia

Day 2 — Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach Tour

• Full-day coach tour to Cape Reinga
• Drive along Ninety Mile Beach
• Sandboarding at Te Paki sand dunes
• Visit Cape Reinga lighthouse and views
• Overnight stay in Paihia

Day 3 — Hole in the Rock Cruise and Return

• Half-day Hole in the Rock dolphin cruise
• Enjoy views of Auckland Harbour Bridge
• Return to Auckland and hotel drop-off

The Experience

You leave Auckland in an air-conditioned coach and travel north through Northland's rolling countryside toward Paihia, the base for the Bay of Islands. The driver-guide shares local history and stories during the three-hour drive, with a comfort stop for coffee along the way. Once in Paihia, you visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds — New Zealand's founding site — where you walk through two museums, watch a live Māori cultural performance, see the carving studio, and stand in the native forest gardens overlooking the bay. A ferry then takes you to Russell, the first European capital, where a one-hour coach tour points out the Pompallier House, Christ Church, and Flagstaff Hill before you return to Paihia for the evening and overnight in a 4-star hotel with breakfast included.

Day two is the full-day Far North journey. You drive north through coastal views and native forest toward Cape Reinga, stopping to drive along the sand of 90 Mile Beach with the waves beside you. At Te Paki Stream, the coach takes you off-road to the massive sand dunes where you can sandboard down if conditions permit — the dunes are steep and the sand is soft, so most people go barefoot. As you approach Cape Reinga, the guide explains the Māori legend of spirits departing for Hawaiki from this point. You see the iconic lighthouse, walk the short uphill path to it (about 10–15 minutes each way), and stand where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet. You return to Paihia for another night in the same hotel.

Day three is a half-day Hole in the Rock cruise lasting about four and a half hours. The boat leaves Paihia and heads out into the Bay in search of dolphins — common and bottlenose dolphins are the most frequent sightings, though whales and seals appear too. You cruise past remote islands, see the Cape Brett Lighthouse, and navigate in and out of the Hole in the Rock at Motukōkako Island. The skipper provides full commentary, and a portion of your fare supports marine mammal research. Hot and cold drinks are available for purchase on board, and you can buy meals at the café on Urupukapuka Island or bring your own food. After the cruise, you drive back to Auckland, arriving by evening.

What’s included

• Private return transport from Auckland in an air-conditioned coach.
• a local English-speaking guide throughout.
• 4-star hotel accommodation on twin-sharing basis with breakfast both mornings.
• entry to Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a guided experience and live Māori cultural performance.
• a one-hour Russell coach tour and return ferry ride.
• a full-day off-road coach tour to Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach with sandboarding at Te Paki Stream.
• a half-day Hole in the Rock dolphin cruise with skipper commentary.
• refreshments and water on board the coach.
• WiFi on board.
• and the option to add lunch and dinner at checkout.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by ExperienceKart

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, making the tour accessible to anyone fluent in English without needing translation devices. If you speak another language, limited multilingual headsets in German, French, and Mandarin are available on request, though they are not guaranteed — book early if you need one and confirm at the time of reservation.

Top questions

What's included in the 3-day tour from Auckland?

The tour includes private return transport from Auckland, accommodation in a 4-star hotel with breakfast both nights, a guided visit to Waitangi Treaty Grounds with cultural performance, a one-hour Russell coach tour and ferry ride, the full-day Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach coach tour with sandboarding at Te Paki Stream, and a half-day Hole in the Rock dolphin cruise. Lunch and dinner can be added at checkout; otherwise you purchase meals separately or bring your own food.

Can I sandboard at Te Paki Stream on day two?

Sandboarding at Te Paki Stream takes place if conditions permit. The dunes are steep and most people remove their shoes to walk up and slide down. It's optional — you can watch others or skip it if you prefer, and the guide will let you know on the day whether conditions are suitable.

What are the chances of seeing dolphins on the Hole in the Rock cruise?

Common and bottlenose dolphins are frequently sighted in the Bay of Islands, and the cruise is specifically designed to search for them in sheltered waters. Whales and seals also appear occasionally. Sightings depend on marine mammal activity and are subject to Department of Conservation regulations, so they are not guaranteed, but the skipper knows the best areas and provides full commentary on what you see.

How long is the drive from Auckland to Paihia on day one?

The drive from Auckland to Paihia takes approximately three hours. You'll have a comfort stop for coffee along the way, and the guide shares stories and local knowledge during the journey.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The tour is suitable for all ages and average fitness levels. Children under 8 must travel in a child safety car seat, and children aged 5–7 are recommended to use a booster seat. The scenic walks are short and optional, and the guide can advise on any fitness concerns at check-in.

What should I bring for the 3-day tour?

Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a jacket or warm layer, and a camera. For sandboarding, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare and sand, and be prepared for hot sand — walking in shoes up the dune can be uncomfortable, so many people go barefoot. Bring any personal medications or items you need, and you're welcome to pack your own snacks and drinks (alcoholic beverages only for guests 18 and older under New Zealand law).