3 day itinerary

8.00am

Depart Auckland for Bay of Islands

12 noon

Arrive Bay of Islands
Luggage drop at Haka Lodge

1.30 – 4.20pm

Fullers Dolphin Cruise to the Hole in the Rock NCEA Curriculum Links

Set off on a half-day Bay of Islands cruise in search of dolphins and other marine life. Enjoy the views from our catamaran Dolphin Seeker as we journey right to the end of the Cape Brett Peninsula, to the famous Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island.

According to Māori legend, local warriors used to paddle through the Hole in the Rock in their canoes before departing for battle. Drops of water from the cave roof above were a good omen. If conditions permit, your skipper will expertly guide the ship through the narrow space… and if you get dripped on, consider yourself lucky!

Keep an eye out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life during your cruise, and have your camera ready as we get you up close to the action. Our purpose-built catamaran is licensed by DOC (the Department of Conservation) for dolphin viewing and our crew have years of experience locating dolphins in these waters

Dinner provided by Haka Lodge

8am

Breakfast provided by Haka Lodge

8.30am

Depart for Kerikeri

9am

Kerikeri Mission Station NCEA curriculum links

The Kerikeri Mission Station is the site of two of the country’s oldest surviving buildings – the Stone Store and Kemp House.

Stone Store – built in the 1832, it has been a trading post, library, barracks and boys’ school. The building has operated as a general store since the 1870s, and today offers an amazing range of authentic trade goods similar those first traded in the early 19th century, along with a quirky range of uniquely New Zealand merchandise.

Kemp House – New Zealand’s oldest building, a substantial European home, built by Māori and missionary carpenters. Experience the rich history of this home, as your guide takes you back through time and relive days gone by.

Depart for Waitangi

12 noon

Your lunch boxes will be ready for you at the Whare Waka Café in the Treaty Grounds

1pm

Waitangi Treaty Grounds NCEA curriculum links

Experience a personalised education programme for your group with a range of activities at New Zealand’s most important historic site. Your visit can include an introductory film, a guided tour of the Grounds and its treasures, a guided tour of the award winning Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi, and a spine-tingling powhiri (Māori welcome) followed by a cultural performance of waiata, poi, stick games, Māori weaponry, as well as the famous haka.

4pm – 7pm

Taiamai Tours NCEA curriculum links

Join Taiamai Tours aboard their waka at Waitangi boat ramp (5 minutes walk from Copthorne). Gain a deeper understanding of ancient histories and stories whilst you paddle a 40 ft Waka Taua (War Canoe) on the tidal estuaries of the Waitangi River. This Qualmark endorsed and exclusive war canoe voyage is a perfect combination of eco, spiritual and interactive cultural experiences.

7.30pm

Fish & Chips

7.30am

Breakfast provided by Haka Lodge

8.15am

Depart for Auckland via the Kauri Coast

10.15am

Short stop at Tane Mahuta, in Waipoua Forest

12.30pm

Kauri Museum
Lunch boxes are ready for you at Gumdigger Café (opposite the museum)
Educational tour and research programme at the Kauri Museum

2.30pm

Depart Matakohe for Auckland