Meet your private guide at your central Paihia hotel or on arrival at Paihia cruise port, and set out to explore the Bay of Islands. The exact itinerary can be tailored to your personal preferences, but tours typical start with a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. As you explore Waitangi museum, learn more about the site’s historic significance, the signing of the Waitangi Treaty, and the birthplace of a nation, then be treated to a cultural performance in the Waitangi grounds.
As you journey around the bay, stop to take photos of natural wonders such as the Haruru Falls and the Rainbow Falls; admire the Stone Store & Kemp House (Kerikeri Mission Station) in Kerikeri, two of the country’s oldest buildings; and take a peek at the historic wooden church of St James. Take a stroll along the Kerikeri River to see the Wharepuke Falls, pause to soak up the views across the Bay, then pay a visit to Rewa‘s Village, a full-scale replica of a pre–European Māori fishing village, where you can learn more about the region’s rich Maori heritage.
After a morning exploring the Bay of Islands, enjoy a scenic drive through the Kerikeri vineyards, as your guide talks about the region’s long winemaking history and how it became the foundation of New Zealand’s wine industry. Along the way, stop at a local winery to stroll the vineyards, peek into the wine cellars, and sample an array of Chardonnays, Pinot Gris and Viogniers. Winery visits can be customized to your preferences, and you could also choose to tuck into a delicious lunch (own expense) at one of the wineries.
After lunch, your tour ends with drop-off back at your Paihia hotel or cruise port.
