Highway One north continues beside native and man made forest, over hilly terrain with great views of rolling countryside and sea vistas. We call into Kauri Parry Park, to view a fine example of a 600 year old Kauri tree.

On through various small settlements, stopping for a coffee/tea break at the Brynderwyn Hills. From the 450m summit, Bream Bay and the Hen & Chicken Island’s panorama greets us. Continue through Northland’s only city Whangarei

before arriving in Russell we stop at the small settlement of Opua, New Zealand’s most northern port of entry for overseas vessels and a popular destination for cruising Yachts. We take a short vehicular ferry across to Okiato, formally Old Russell, site of NZ’s first make shift capital

Just a short drive to present day historic Russell. We arrive in The Bay of Islands. Formally Kororareka, a long established Maori settlement before Captain Cook’s visit in 1769 and later a provisioning port for South Sea whalers from the early 1800’s, present day Russell has a turbulent history. Our tour takes us along the Promenade with it’s many interesting historic buildings. Russell Museum is well worth a visit and included, before having lunch.

Enjoy 360 degree views of the Bay of Islands from this important historic site where the Union Jack was first flown here in 1840

We visit Long Bay (Oneroa) a beautiful golden sand clear water beach with views out to Roberton Island and beyond, a great place to cool off with a swim.

The oldest existing church in NZ - 1836 complete with musket holes from the Maori Wars, while the gravestones make for interesting reading

Now it’s time to board your three hour Cruise out through the numerous island’s that make up the bay (144 in total), to Motu Kōkako or Piercy Island, most commonly known as Hole in The Rock. Opposite Cape Brett. Weather and sea conditions permitting, your captain will skillfully guide the boat through this 18 meter naturally formed cavern. Dolphins are common, plus other marine life and even the occasional whale can be spotted while cruising. Upon your return to Russell, we head straight back to Auckland.