Whangarei Stay and Play.

Itinerary

30% Deposit Required on Booking.

DAY ONE                                         L, D   

Embarking on a captivating North Island adventure, the journey kicks off with a morning departure from Tauranga. We’ll take our time and stop along the way in Taupiri for a comfort stop and stretch of the legs before continuing through to Auckland. As the day unfolds, and we make our way steadily through Auckland we’ll stop for lunch at the Pretty Puhoi Cottage Tea Rooms. After we feel refuelled and refreshed, we’ll continue onto the stage for the exploration of Whangarei. As the sun sets, the comfortable Distinction Whangarei becomes the base for our stay. Offering a perfect blend of relaxation and anticipation for the days ahead. This evening we’ll enjoy our evenings meal onsite at the hotel’s restaurant. 

DAY TWO                                        B, D  

As the second day dawns with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to the fascinating Hundertwasser Art Centre for a guided tour of this fabulous eccentric museum. Whilst here, take the opportunity to visit the retail store which has a lot to offer and enjoy the lovely café onsite or one of many in the town basin. We’ll then visit Clapham’s National Clock Museum located beside the museum in the Whangarei Town Basin. After our minds have been inspired from our creative journey, we will have free time to have lunch and explore the Whangarei Town Basin. Perhaps you might like to spend some more time at Hundertwasser, browse in the shops, wander the sculpture and heritage trail or visit the multiple themed gardens at Botanica. The choice is yours. We will meet again for dinner at Aqua Cafe in the Hundertwasser Arts Centre.  

DAY THREE                                     B, MT, L, D  

The third day starts with another lovely breakfast at the hotel. Today promises encounters with wildlife and tranquillity of gardens and hidden gems. Firstly, we visit the thrilling Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary, where Janette will share her knowledge and enthusiasm for the majestic Big Cats. Our next stop is Wai Rua Escapes where we will start with a cuppa and finish with lunch. In between we will take in a tour of the beautifully landscaped gardens which double as a wedding venue. The Packard Motor Museum is next on today's itinerary, the collection encompasses vehicles, machinery and memorabilia from the 19th and 20th centuries. Finally, we visit the Country Yard, a patchwork and craft barn where you can stock up on your hobby supplies with their unique products. The day concludes with an evening of relaxation and dinner back at the hotel. 

DAY FOUR                                      B, L, D  

The Whangarei Quarry Gardens sets the stage for our morning’s activity, a guided walking tour of gardens. After this perfect experience we'll head for the Quail Café for morning tea. This delightful cafe is nestled in the gardens. Our next stop is the mesmerizing Whangarei Falls. We’ll then take a scenic drive out to Tutukaka, once here we’ll stop for lunch at Schnappa Rock restaurant and bar where we can enjoy one of the local secret spots. Continuing on we'll take a scenic drive through Matapouri and on to James Homestead where we will enjoy a wine tasting in the buried cellar. The evening unfolds with and dinner at the hotel, providing a perfect end to a day filled with exploration. 

DAY FIVE                                         B, L, D  

Today our adventure takes us north to the Kawakawa, the home of the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway. Here we will board one of their well-loved steam trains for a journey on the oldest passenger railway line in New Zealand (1864). Enjoy the gentle chug of a classic steam engine and the click-clack of iron wheels on the tracks, evoking a sense of nostalgia that’s both timeless and enchanting as you pass through beautiful countryside, past rivers, native wetlands and over the longest curved wooden bridge in the Southern Hemisphere. Take some time to slow down and relax as the world and beautiful scenery goes by. After a satisfying lunch, we head on to our next stop, Ngahuha Gardens, here we will discover impressive collections of temperate and subtropical plants, enhanced by serene water features, artful stonewalling, and winding walkways. As our day draws to a close, we will enjoy our final dinner onsite at the hotel.

DAY SIX                                           B, MT, L  

Today we are setting off on our homeward-bound journey. Along the way we will stop at Omaio Garden where we will delight in morning tea and a guided tour of this stunning garden of International Significance. The name Omaio translates to “place of peace, quiet and tranquillity” and you will certainly find that here. You may never want to leave; however, lunch beacons and we are on the road again. After our relaxed lunch stop, we’ll continue our way home having another comfort stop along the way. Our adventure then comes to an end as you are returned to your homes in the evening, enriched by the memories of a captivating North Island exploration.