Kaipara Country Including Waiheke Island

Itinerary

30% Deposit Required on Booking.

DAY ONE                                                                D 

Today we journey into the heart of Waikato farmland to Te Karaka Station and Lodge, a luxurious rural escape surrounded by rolling hills. Guests will enjoy a delicious lunch at the lodge's restaurant. During the visit, learn about the lodge’s unique offerings, including elegant accommodation, walking tracks, and wellness-focused amenities like outdoor spa pools and yoga decks. In the afternoon, we arrive in Takapuna with plenty of time to settle into our accommodation and relax or enjoy a stroll along the nearby Takapuna beach before we meet again for dinner at a local restaurant. 

DAY TWO                                                               B, L, D 

After breakfast this morning, we will catch the Fullers Ferry across to Waiheke for the day. Once we arrive, we will meet our local guide to board the bus and embark on our island's tour—Waiheke, a true island paradise just a stone's throw from Auckland City. We will discover why Lonely Planet is calling it one of the best destinations in the world. Along the way, we will visit gorgeous Onetangi Beach, pretty Oneroa Village with its local art galleries and boutique shops. Today will also include some vineyards where we'll enjoy some winetasting and a lovely platter lunch. Late afternoon we will be delivered back to the Ferry terminal for our return cruise back to Auckland. We then bus back to our accommodation to relax and freshen up for dinner.  

DAY THREE                                                            B, MT, L, D   

Join us for a day of adventure as we board our coach and head to Helensville. Once here, we'll embark on a 3 hour cruise through the Historic Kaipara River & Harbour. Our captain and crew will guide us through the picturesque waterways as we admire the vast native bush and secluded bays and inlets accessible only by boat. Along the way, we'll learn about the region's history, Maori Pa Sites, and the diverse birdlife that call it home. We'll even pass by the proposed site of New Zealand's first nuclear power plant. Whilst cruising we'll enjoy a catered lunch onboard. After our day's adventure, we'll take an afternoon drive up to South Head, stopping to stretch our legs at Lake Ototoa. Time permitting, we'll also travel back to the hotel via Waimauku, Kumeu, and Coatesville, where we'll reflect on the many wonders we've discovered throughout the day.

DAY FOUR                                                              B, D 

This morning, we head north to Matakana. First, we’ll visit Omaha Beach for a scenic stop before continuing to The Sculptureum, an imaginative experience filled with vibrant gardens and galleries designed to amuse, inspire, and delight. After an artistic morning, we’ll relax over lunch and have ample time to browse the stylish boutiques and galleries in Matakana Village. This afternoon we’ll visit one of Matakana’s famous vineyards to sample local wines before our next stop in Wenderholm Regional Park. Couldrey House is a historic Victorian-Edwardian home with nine display rooms that reflect the lives and interests of its notable former residents. Throughout the house there are audio reminiscences about the families that lived here, direct from their descendants. Enjoy some sea air mixed with the fragrance of fresh flowers from the cottage-style garden. 

DAY FIVE                                                                B,MT,L

As we reach the end of our tour, we'll begin our final day with a visit to Chelsea Bay Sugar for a mini tour and high tea. We'll split into two groups to fully enjoy the experience, with one group enjoying the gardens, views, shop and interactive zone while the other group takes a mini train tour. After switching activities, we will delight in a delicious Devonshire Tea at Sugar Café. Once we've finished at Chelsea Bay, we'll begin our journey back home, making a stop for a bite to eat along the way. As we reflect on the amazing experiences we've had throughout the tour, we'll cherish the memories and friendships made during our time together.