Northland Explorer Experience

An hour north and a world away from Auckland is the Matakana coast. Matakana is where Aucklanders go to escape the bustle of the city. It’s a place to enjoy unique sculptures, wine trails, forest walks, and urban sophistication. Our first visit to the Honey Centre makes a diverting pit stop, with its free honey tasting and glass-fronted hives. The Honey Centre has New Zealand’s largest display of live bees and a huge range of native honey to taste and buy. Call all chocolate lovers to this Chocolate Cafe and Chocolate Shop! You’ll feel like you are stepping into a vintage sweet shop full of delightful surprises.  Enjoy one of our complimentary chocolate tastings while you watch our Chocolatiers at work. Sample the many hand-crafted chocolates made from quality ingredients, and choose gifts to take home.

​Sculptureum is a place to be inspired by nature and human creativity. An art experience that is internationally unique. Over 400 works of art fill three sculpture gardens and six galleries. A destination that has been ten years in the making is designed to unlock the imagination, fuel creativity, and ignite the mind. The gardens burst with colorful plantings that change with the seasons. Imposing prehistoric rocks rise up alongside panels that display reflections in writing on Gardens, Inspiration, Wisdom, Art, and Music. There is just over 2km of beautifully manicured paths and while summer is the most colorful time of year to experience Sculptureum, each season reveals something new to admire. Complete your experience with a meal at the restaurant (optional) at your expense. We then drive down to Paihia for the real northland encounters and you will have the rest of your day at leisure to explore Paihia and relax with an overnight stay.

Day 2: Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach Experience

Be ready for a journey like no other with a full-day coach tour into the Far North tip of New Zealand. ​A visit to New Zealand is not complete without a journey to the very top of the North Island – Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua). Uncover the wild beauty of this vast and untouched region that is rich in Māori culture and tradition. As you travel north, enjoy a taste of New Zealand’s varying and beautiful landscape: the rolling hills of Northland’s rural countryside, breath-taking coastal views, and native forest.

Drive along the sand on Ninety Mile Beach as the waves crash beside the custom-built coach. Your off-road journey continues up Te Paki Stream, stopping at the massive sand dunes where you can experience the thrills and spills of sand-boarding. Clambering up and surfing down the dunes (if you dare!) is sure to get your heart pumping. As you approach Cape Reinga, hear the stories of this significant site where, according to Māori legend, spirits depart on their journey home to Hawaiki. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views, visit the iconic lighthouse, and see the point where the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean come crashing together.

Day 3: Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise Experience

Take a half-day Hole in the Rock cruise and explore the Bay in search of dolphins while visiting its highlights. You could be watching dolphins as they leap and play in sheltered waters – or keep an eye out for other marine mammals like whales and seals. Cruise in and out of beautiful unspoiled islands, see the remote Cape Brett Lighthouse and the impressive Hole in the Rock at Motukōkako Island. Enjoy the large outdoor viewing decks as we cruise past the islands of the Bay. Keep a lookout for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales, and other marine life have your camera ready as we get you up close to the action. Hot and cold refreshments are available for purchase onboard, meals & snacks can be purchased on our stop at Urupukapuka Island, or feel free to bring your own.
​At the end of your journey, enjoy the spectacular views from the Auckland Harbour Bridge as you arrive in Auckland’s central city by night. Your journey home will be equally enjoyable as your tour guide’s combination of local insight, extensive historical knowledge and fantastic sense of humor create an unforgettable adventure.

​🏚️ Accommodation: is not included in this package so it can be customized to suit your personal requirements. ExperienceKart can arrange accommodation for you at a standard or superior hotel (at an additional cost) or you can choose to book your own. 

• Superior Accommodation – 2 Nights (Twin Share)

2 nights stay in Paihia at a 4* accommodation

• ​Standard Accommodation – 2 Nights (Twin Share)

2 nights stay in Paihia at a 3* accommodation

Extend Your Trip – Pre & Post Tour Accommodation and Transfers

Extend your holiday beyond your tour by spending a few days ashore at the destination of your choice. To make the most of your time away and to be able to fully explore the joining and ending cities, it’s often a great idea to book some additional nights’ accommodation before and/or after your tour. If you require accommodation before and after the tour, please contact ExperienceKart.

• ​Pre-Tour Accommodation Auckland – (Twin Share)

We highly recommend you to book pre-tour accommodation as the tour experience starts early and could finish late.

• ​Post Tour Accommodation Auckland – (Twin Share)

We highly recommend you to book post-tour accommodation as the tour experience starts early and could finish late.