Tiritiri Matangi & Kawau Islands Adventures

Itinerary

30% Deposit Required on Booking.

Moderate Fitness Required

DAY ONE                                       MT, D

Today, we venture to the North Shore of Auckland, beginning with a morning pick-up and a relaxing stop for morning tea en route. Our journey takes us to the charming seaside town of Devonport, where we’ll enjoy scenic views and iconic landmarks along the way. Our first stop is Torpedo Bay, where a delicious lunch awaits, followed by a visit to the impressive Navy Museum. Here, we’ll delve into New Zealand’s rich maritime heritage, exploring exhibits that bring naval history to life. After our time at the museum, we’ll have free time to browse the boutique shops in Devonport Village. Weather permitting, you may also enjoy a stroll between Torpedo Bay and Devonport, soaking up the coastal charm and stunning waterfront views. As the afternoon winds down, we’ll travel to our accommodation in Takapuna. The day concludes with a delightful dinner, sharing stories and relaxing before retiring for a restful night.

DAY TWO                                       B, L, D

Rise and shine, it's time to embark on a new adventure! After breakfast, we'll hop aboard our transport and head to Sandspit. Once there we'll grab a coffee at a local cafe, before continuing our journey. Our next destination is Kawau Island, where we'll spend the day cruising around the island delivering mail and passengers along the way. Our expert guide will provide a full commentary, detailing the island's rich history and natural wonders. Once we arrive on Kawau Island, we'll enjoy lunch at the stunning Mansion House, a magnificent heritage building surrounded by picturesque gardens. We'll also have the opportunity to tour the property and learn more about its fascinating past. After a day of exploring, we'll head back to Sandspit. From here we'll make our way back to our accommodation to have a rest before dinner at a local restaurant. 

DAY THREE                                    B, L, D

Please note there is no transportation on the island and the walk is up a hill.

Please be aware that this is not a destination for people with mobility issues.

You will need good walking shoes, snacks & a light rain jacket. Please also remember to take all rubbish with you and any food must be sealed in a Plastic Rodent Free Container. After picking up our picnic lunches, we will travel onto Gulf Harbour to meet our big Catamaran for our cruise to Tiritiri Matangi Island with "360 Discovery". Here we join a 1 ½ hour guided morning experience and learn about one of the world's most fabulous conservation projects. View the exquisite birdlife, natural surroundings, re-vegetation, and history of Tiritiri Matangi. Your guide will highlight the best spots to see various wildlife on the island and help you identify birdcalls (try and beat our tally from our last trip of 19 species identified), echoing through the trees. Our guide will escort us to the visitor centre with its Informative exhibits. You are free to wander, look, and listen as you make your way back to the vessel. A day on Tiritiri Matangi gets better every time we visit.

DAY FOUR                                      B, MT, L, D

Today promises a day full of sensory delights and natural beauty. We begin by immersing ourselves in the serene Kaipara Coast Plant Centre and Sculpture Gardens. Here, we’ll enjoy a relaxing morning tea amidst lush greenery before embarking on a guided tour of the stunning garden sculptures and plant displays. Next, we head to Soljans Estate Winery for a wine-tasting experience, where you can sample a selection of their finest vintages. The wine is perfectly complemented by a sumptuous lunch, showcasing local ingredients. Afterward, we make our way to the scenic Mincher Gardens, where we’ll enjoy a stroll along easy walking trails, taking in the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape. As the day winds down, we return to our hotel to freshen up. The day concludes with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, offering a perfect end to a wonderful day of indulgence and relaxation.

DAY FIVE                                        B, L

Our first stop today takes us to the iconic Sky Tower, where we’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Auckland from the viewing deck. After soaking in the stunning sights, we head to the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, located on the vibrant waterfront. Established in 1871, the yacht club holds a rich history and is still home to the prestigious America’s Cup. In 2024, Emirates Team New Zealand, representing the RNZYS, successfully defended the world’s oldest sporting trophy at the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona. We’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch at the yacht club, followed by a fascinating history tour, delving into the club's legacy and its significant role in maritime sports. After a day of exploration and discovery, we’ll hit the road for the journey home, reflecting on the wonderful experiences and stunning sights we’ve encountered throughout the day. It’s the perfect end to an unforgettable trip.