New Zealand · Route map
Auckland and the Bay of Islands
Five days is the perfect amount of time to escape north from Auckland to the subtropical beaches, historic towns, and island-strewn waters of the Bay of Islands.
- 1
Auckland
1 night
Harbour views and vibrant urban food scenes
- 2
Paihia
3 nights
Bay of Islands cruise and historic Russell
- ✦2 stops · 4 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Welcome to the City
Arrive into Auckland
Flight · Morning · Auckland Airport
Land at Auckland Airport and clear customs.
Pick up your hire car
Car hire · Morning · Auckland Airport
Collect your vehicle from the airport terminal.
Request a hybrid if available; Kiwi fuel prices can be a shock.
Self-drive Auckland Airport to Waterfront
Self-drive · Afternoon · Auckland
Drive north to the city center for about thirty minutes.
Stroll around Wynyard Quarter and Silo Park
Excursion · Afternoon · Auckland Waterfront
Grab a craft beer at 14oz or checkout the superyachts docked nearby.
Overnight in Auckland City
Accommodation · Evening · Auckland
Journey to the Winterless North
Self-drive Auckland to Paihia
Self-drive · Morning · Northland
Drive north via State Highway One for about four hours.
Stop at McConachy's in Wellsford for the ultimate kiwi steak and cheese pie.
Explore the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Excursion · Afternoon · Waitangi
Visit New Zealand's most important historic site.
The pass is valid for two days, allowing you to return for another look.
Overnight in Paihia
Accommodation · Evening · Paihia
Islands and Historic Towns
Passenger ferry from Paihia to Russell
Transfer · Morning · Bay of Islands
A quick fifteen-minute water crossing.
Walk the historic streets of Russell
Excursion · Afternoon · Russell
Have lunch at the Duke of Marlborough, New Zealand's oldest licensed pub.
Passenger ferry back to Paihia
Transfer · Afternoon · Bay of Islands
Overnight in Paihia
Accommodation · Evening · Paihia
Cruising and Coastal Living
Bay of Islands scenic boat cruise
Excursion · Morning · Paihia
Search for dolphins and cruise through the famous Hole in the Rock.
Sit on the upper outdoor deck for the best photos, but wear sunscreen.
Relax at Paihia Beach
At leisure · Afternoon · Paihia
Walk over to the Ti Bay end for a quieter patch of sand.
Overnight in Paihia
Accommodation · Evening · Paihia
Return South for Departure
Self-drive Paihia to Auckland Airport
Self-drive · Morning · Northland
Drive south back to Auckland for about four hours.
Stop by the Matakana markets if you are travelling on a Saturday.
Drop off your hire car
Car hire · Afternoon · Auckland Airport
Return the vehicle to the airport depot.
Depart Auckland
Flight · Evening · Auckland Airport
Board your flight home.
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