Twin Coast Discovery

On arrival at Auckland Airport private transferto your hotel. 

This morning make your way to the rental car city depot where you will collect your rental car for your exclusive use.

Depart Auckland and head north via the rugged West Coast. You may like to stop off at Muriwai Beach to marvel at the black sands and take time to visit the gannet colony. Muriwai is one of New Zealand's most spectacular black sand surf beaches. At its southern end, Otakamiro Point is the site of one of this country's few mainland Gannet breeding colonies. The Takapu Refuge is an established breeding area for gannets. About 1,200 pairs of adult gannets nest here each summer and can be seen between August and March each year. Furseals feed and rest at Oaia Island, 1.6km off the coast and can sometimes be seen during spring.

Further north enjoy a stop at the award winning Kauri Museum at Matakohe which tells the fascinating story of the pioneering days through the use of kauri timber and kauri gum. Explore the many exceptional displays and galleries inside the museum. 

Full day at leisure. You may like to take the boat from Opononi across the harbour to the giant sand dunes and ride a boogey board to the bottom (at your own cost).

This evening enjoy the Twilight Encounter. A magical guided tour in to the mighty Waipoua Forest. Experience the affinity that early Maori had with the forest and the deep spiritual respect they hold for the giants still growing there. See Te Matua Ngahere – the Father of the Forest and the giant Tane Mahuta – the Lord of the Forest. 

This morning depart Hokianga and drive overland to the Bay of Islands on the stunning East Coast. Renowned for its stunning coastal scenery and wildlife; its warm waters, sandy beaches and beautiful islands.

On arrival enjoy a visit to the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Your Day Pass includes admission to the Treaty Grounds, entry to the Museum of Waitangi, entry to the introductory film, a 50 minute guided tour and a 35 minute cultural performance. Learn more about the history, the stories, the personalities and eventsthat shaped New Zealand as a nation. 

Full day at your leisure. You may like to enjoy an optional day tour to Cape Reinga where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet. An eerie and unforgettable sight. 

This mornings cruise through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands gives you the opportunity to swim with or just delight in watching dolphins as they interact with the boat. The small purpose built vessel allows for closer interaction as you see and hear dolphins and whales from the low viewing deck and underwater microphone. Bottlenose and common dolphins, baleen whales, orca, seals, fish, penguins and other sea and bird life are often seen.After your cruise return to Auckland via the scenic East Coast. Your tour concludes with the return of your rental car to Auckland city or airport depot.