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A road winding through native bush

Journeys / Northland

The Winterless North

Auckland, Matakana, Bay of Islands, Cape Reinga, Waipoua Forest, Auckland

Duration
5 days
Region
Northland
Pace
2 of 5
Group
Private, 2 to 6
From, for two, all in
NZ$9,400
Enquire about this journeyCheck dates

North on the coast road rather than the motorway, because the motorway is faster and the coast road is better. We stop when something is worth stopping for.

The Cape at the quiet hour, after the coaches have gone. Ninety Mile Beach on the way back if the tide allows it, and the inland road if it does not.

The last afternoon is in the Waipoua Forest. I will not tell you much about it beforehand. It is better if you come to it cold.

The days

  1. Day 1

    Auckland to Matakana

    Out of the city before the traffic thickens. Morning tea at a bakery that has no sign. The Kauri Museum in the afternoon, or the Waipu Caves if you would rather be underground.

    • 8:00amPick up from your hotel
    • 10:00Morning tea, Matakana village
    • 12:30Lunch above the vines
    • 2:00Kauri Museum, or the Waipu Caves
    • 5:00Dinner at the winery

    Tonight, Matakana

  2. Day 2

    North to the Bay of Islands

    Whangārei Falls first thing, then the long slow road to Paihia. Lunch on the water. A boat out to the islands in the afternoon, weather permitting.

    Tonight, Paihia

  3. Day 3

    Cape Reinga

    An early start, because the Cape is worth being early for. Ninety Mile Beach, the lighthouse at midday, and the two oceans meeting below it.

    Tonight, Paihia

  4. Day 4

    Waitangi and the Hokianga

    The Treaty Grounds in the morning, at a pace that lets it land. Across to the Hokianga in the afternoon, and the harbour at low light.

    Tonight, Ōmāpere

  5. Day 5

    Waipoua, and home

    Tāne Mahuta before the day warms up. A long lunch on the way south. Back in Auckland by early evening.

Pace and mobility

  • 1Gentle
  • 2Easy
  • 3Moderate
  • 4Active
  • 5Demanding
Walking across a day
About 3 km across a day, in three or four stretches
Longest continuous walk
1.2 km, gentle gradient, formed track
Longest stretch in the vehicle
55 minutes between stops
Step-free alternative
All but the Waipoua boardwalk approach
How the scale works

What's included

  • Guiding, every day you are with me
  • Airport and hotel transfers
  • Four nights' accommodation
  • All meals and dining
  • Every excursion, entry and charter
  • Vehicle, fuel and parking

What's not

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance, which is required
  • Anything you buy for yourself

What it costs

NZ$9,400 to NZ$12,800

for two people, everything included. Where you land in that range depends on the season, how many of you there are, and where you would like to sleep.

It is a range, not a quote. Once I have your dates the number I send you is the number you pay.

How pricing works

Talk to me about this journey

Tell me roughly when, and how you like to move. I come back within one business day, from New Zealand.

Start the conversation

Questions about this journey

What happens if it rains?

We change the order of the days. That is the whole advantage of not being on a coach.

Do I need to tip?

No. Tipping is not obligatory in New Zealand and nobody adds a service charge.

I am travelling alone. Is there a supplement?

There is, and it is the accommodation difference rather than a margin. I will show you the number.

Call Dale Enquire