Bay of Islands Ultimate Weekend

Experience the timeless charm of Russell, a historic village accessible by a quick ferry ride from Paihia or a scenic coastal drive. Once a notorious whaling hub, New Zealand's first European settlement, and briefly the country's first capital, Russell now offers a tranquil escape with a rich past. You'll love exploring historical sites like the bullet-scarred Christ Church, New Zealand's oldest church, or the historic Marlborough Hotel, which holds the country’s oldest liquor license. For breathtaking views of the Bay and its islands, a short walk up Flagstaff Hill is a must. This historic site tells the story of Māori chief Hone Heke's famous protests. Russell is the perfect place to step back in time while enjoying the stunning beauty of the Bay of Islands

Known until the early 1840s as Kororāreka, Russell was the first town and sea port in New Zealand. The Bay of Islands offered a safe anchorage and by the 1830s Russell had become a lawless trading centre where whalers, seafarers and merchants mixed with adventurers, deserters and escaped convicts from Australia. Today the town once called the “Hell Hole of the Pacific” is a charming and tranquil spot. This intimate one-hour coach tour visits many of Russell’s iconic locations that make it so significant in New Zealand’s early history. Your tour will be led by an engaging guide whose combination of historical knowledge and local insight will bring the culture and history of the area to life.

Experience the beauty of the North from both air and land. Take a spectacular scenic flight to Cape Reinga over Whangaroa Harbour and the Rangaunu Harbour as well as Coopers Beach, Doubtless Bay and Ninety Mile Beach. 

With your experienced guide, the journey from Paihia to Auckland along New Zealand's east coast offers a scenic and diverse travel experience. Starting in Paihia, a charming town in the Bay of Islands, you'll be surrounded by azure waters and dotted islands. The drive southward on State Highway 1 begins with stunning coastal views, passing through lush forests and rolling hills. As you leave Paihia, you'll drive through small, picturesque towns like Kawakawa, known for its quirky Hundertwasser public toilets, and Whangarei, the largest city in Northland, offering attractions like the Whangarei Falls and scenic Hatea River Walkway. Further south, the landscape begins to change, with more rolling farmland and rugged coastline. The drive through the Brynderwyn Hills presents panoramic views before descending into the rural heartland. As you approach Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, the scenery shifts to suburban landscapes with glimpses of the Waitematā Harbour.  Auckland, known as the "City of Sails," greets you with its iconic skyline featuring the Sky Tower. The city is a vibrant hub of culture, dining, and adventure, with numerous beaches, parks, and attractions like the Auckland Museum and the bustling waterfront.