Take five days to discover the charms of the northern area of the North Island, from colossal kauri forests to vibrant marine reserves, and learn about the Māori culture as you make your way along some of the best coastline of New Zealand.
Start - End: Auckland - Auckland
Total trip: 5 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 2
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Step into the quiet magic of Northland’s ancient kauri forests, where massive trees have stood for centuries and the air feels thick with history. Along the way, you’ll experience the heart of Māori culture in the Bay of Islands, with stories, traditions, and connections that bring real meaning to the landscapes around you. Out on the water, explore the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, which is famous for incredible marine life and crystal-clear seas that are ideal for a snorkel or dive.
From golden beaches to hidden bays and sweeping coastal views, every stop along this coastline offers something to discover and plenty of moments you’ll never forget.
Pristine beaches
Wonder the golden sandy beaches to lush headlands, then have a swim in the subtropical ocean waters.
North Island Coastline
Hike the coastal trails with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and sweeping ocean views at every turn.
Bay of Islands
Hike the trails of this coastal paradise, known for its turquoise waters, secluded beaches, and rich history.
Maori culture
Connect with Māori culture through powerful songs, stories, and traditions that offer a deep and moving glimpse into New Zealand’s origins.
Poor Knights Islands
Discover a stunning world where dramatic volcanic cliffs rise above clear waters teeming with colorful marine life, offering adventure both on land and beneath the surface.
From New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, you will venture north to experience the best of beautiful Northland.
Click the map below to explore.
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Leaving Auckland city behind us, we’ll head North to the small historic boat building village of Paparoa for a picnic lunch. We’ll then continue through to the West Coast Settlement of Opononi, a harbor town made famous in the mid-1950s by the tame dolphin, Opo, who used to let children ride on his back.
Later, after dinner, we'll head back out into the Waipoua Forest for a twilight walk, where we'll be joined by local Maori guides. It's a memorable and spiritual experience to witness the greeting of these colossal trees with spine-tingling waiata (sacred chant). We'll also visit Tane Mahuta (meaning Lord of the Forest), New Zealand's largest known living kauri tree. At a height of 51.2 meters (168 feet), and with a trunk girth of 13.7 meters (45 feet), this silent giant, with ancient limbs, seems to grasp at the stars.
Accommodation: The Sands Hotel, Hokianga Harbour
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 3 hours, relaxed stroll
After breakfast, we’ll head to the Wairere Boulders Nature Reserve, a farm in the native bush home to unique house-sized basalt (volcanic) boulders. We’ll hike the Boulder Loop Trail which leads us over bridges, boardwalks and stairs, under and over the boulders along the valley floor.
After our excursion, we'll head east to the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi, and hike along the bush-clad banks of the Waitangi River to Haruru Falls. The journey features a boardwalk section through the heart of a mature mangrove forest. As we approach the end of the walk, the thundering roar of the Falls lets us know we're almost there.
Later, we’ll head to the Jewel of the Bay of Islands, Paihia, a bustling seaside town with golden sand beaches.
Accommodation: Kingsgate Auto Lodge or Haruru Falls Motel and Conference Centre or Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands, Bay of Islands
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Wairere Boulders Hike: 2 miles (3.2 kilometers), 1.5 - 2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 770 feet (235 meters) ascent, 770 feet (235 meters) descent
Hiking: Haruru Falls Hike: 3 miles (4.8 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 330 feet (100 meters) ascent, 330 feet (100 meters) descent
This morning, we’ll take a water taxi from Paihia out to Deep Water Cove for a ridgeline hike to Cape Brett through the Manawahuna Scenic Reserve. On route, you’ll experience the Bay of Islands from the ridge tops and get magnificent views. This is a 3-4 hour hike with rewarding views of the Bay of Islands the entire way - you may even see dolphins and seals from your vantage point high up on the cliffs. The mountains that we’re crossing are very important to the local Iwi (Maori tribe). The mountain “Rakaumangamanga” is one point of the Polynesian Triangle - Hawaii and Rapanui are the other two.
Later, we’ll be picked up at Cape Brett, again by water taxi for the scenic cruise back to Paihia.
Accommodation: Ocean Resort Hotel, Tutukaka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 3 miles (5 kilometers), 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,550 feet (473 meters) ascent, 1,550 feet (473 meters) descent
After breakfast, we’ll head out for an early morning walk before boarding a purpose-built boat for a cruise to the Poor Knights Islands. This small cluster of islets is home to a wealth of biodiversity both above and below the water. While you head across from the mainland, keep your eyes peeled for flocks of petrels, shearwaters, and gannets – many of these shorebirds nest almost exclusively on the islands you’ll be visiting.
The Poor Knights is the second oldest marine reserve in New Zealand, and the sub-tropical environment is now an important conservation area for many species of marine life. Whales, dolphins, and orca can often be spotted, as well as a myriad of fish species that constantly trawl the reserve. You’ll visit the world’s largest sea cave, and hear all about the islands’ history including their occupation by ancient Māori. Our guides will then give you the chance to explore under your own steam, by providing you with either a snorkel and mask or a kayak.
Accommodation: Ocean Resort Hotel, Tutukaka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we’ll follow the coastal road as it winds its way south alongside tree-lined white sand beaches to Waipu, a quaint village with a strong Scottish heritage dating back to the 1850s.
Then we’ll make our way to Mangawhai Heads for one of the finest coastal cliff-top walks in the country. The walk offers glorious views of the Northland coastline, passing through shady bush and beneath giant old pohutukawa trees, and then returns along the beach.
After lunch, we’ll continue south from Mangawhai Heads towards the city of Auckland, when we'll wish you farewell.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking: 3 miles (5 kilometers), 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 130 feet (40 meters) ascent, 130 feet (40 meters) descent
From where to meet your guides, to the types of accommodations you'll be staying at, read up on FAQs about this trip.
On the first morning of the trip, please meet us in the lobby at the Sudima Auckland City Hotel in Auckland central at 9:00am, our designated departure point for all guests on your trip. Please make your own arrangements to get there. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Auckland - that's up to you. You'll have the opportunity to access your main luggage at the hotel before the Footprints tour, so just be prepared with comfortable traveling clothing for the journey ahead.
Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Auckland Airport (AKL) in time for flights below or the Sudima Auckland City Hotel in the late afternoon/early evening.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Auckland the day before your trip begins, or earlier, to accommodate potential flight delays and give you time to explore the city before your adventure starts.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Auckland after 7pm domestic and 8pm international flight departures. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.
We have selected the accommodations on your trip for their stunning setting, unique character, style and level of comfort. We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable resorts, lodges and apartments and you may be sharing a two bedroom apartment or bathroom with other group members at some stage. Some places are fairly basic – and the true Kiwi experience makes it all worthwhile.
Where you’ll be staying each night is detailed on the trip itinerary above. Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may stay somewhere different, which will always be a similar standard and just as comfortable. There are self-service laundry facilities at most locations, however we recommend bringing enough clothing to not have to do laundry during your trip.
Getting from one breathtaking destination to the next in New Zealand means road travel is essential. That’s why having comfortable, reliable transport plays a big role in making your adventure vacation enjoyable.
We own and operate our very own fleet of medium-sized coaches — perfectly suited for New Zealand’s unique roads. They’re ideal for accessing the country’s iconic highlights and venturing off the beaten track to the lesser-known places most travelers miss.
So sit back, relax, and let us take the wheel. Your New Zealand adventure is calling — and we’ll make sure you travel in comfort and style.
By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.
*Terms and conditions apply - read more here.
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Our passion for exploration is rooted in a strong connection to the natural beauty of our home, New Zealand, and the drive to venture beyond its shores to discover a world different to our own.
We believe the best journeys don’t just take you places, they inspire you and ignite your spirit. Our unique and thoughtfully designed itineraries ensure you'll experience the very best of each destination.
Feel the heart and soul of each place you visit with our local people on the ground and knowledgeable guides, who take great care to ensure a truly authentic and immersive experience. This is the real deal.
We take the time to get to know you to ensure you have the very best experience on our trips. Our small group adventures are big on flexibility. No matter what your version of "active" is, we have options on each trip to suit every individual.
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New Zealand might feel like a world away, but it’s closer than you think — just a 12-hour direct flight from the Pacific Coast of North America. Major airlines, including Air New Zealand (our national carrier), offer non-stop flights to Auckland on the North Island and Christchurch on the South Island from cities like New York, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and Vancouver.
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