At a Glance
Experience ultimate luxury in New Zealand’s “Winterless North” with this 5-day, sailing and kayaking escape to the Bay of Islands. This all-inclusive holiday features two of the Bay of Island’s most luxurious, 5-star hotels.
Known as the birthplace of New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is the country’s ultimate warm weather escape with 144 islands, glorious unspoilt beaches and ancient Kauri forests. With return transfers included from Bay of Islands (Kerikeri) Airport, settle into your 5-star accommodation and feel the stress of ever day life disappear as you gaze out over the breathtaking bay. Over the next 4 days, enjoy the best local activities and pastimes. Set sail on a private yacht and take in spectacular views of turquoise waters, white sand beaches and lush green islands. Immerse yourself in Northland’s ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 4 nights’ accommodation in 5-star boutique and luxurious lodges, on a twin share basis
- Meals: 4x Breakfast, 4x Lunch, 2x Dinner
- Full day ultimate private Bay of Islands yacht charter
- Full day archaeology and wild foods coastal tour includes a scenic drive, a coastal walk, history/archaeology, a gourmet beach picnic and a wild indigenous foods experience
- Private guided sea kayaking & exploring amazing coastlines - even seasoned paddlers will not be disappointed
- Bay of Islands (KKE) Airport return private transfers
Itinerary
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Kia Ora! Welcome to the Bay of Islands, located in New Zealand’s “Winterless North”. This spectacular subtropical region features 144 islands, boasts glorious unspoilt beaches, ancient Kauri forests and is steeped in history and culture being the birthplace of New Zealand. Your private chauffeur will meet you at the Bay of Islands (Kerikeri) Airport and transfer you to your 5-star boutique hotel – Donkey Bay Inn – in a stylish BMW 7 Series sedan. Settle into your luxurious guest room with ensuite bathroom and admire the breathtaking view of the Bay of Islands from your window. Enjoy a glass of the owner’s acclaimed wine, or a Donkey Bay gin, in the exotically styled sitting room and bar. Explore the property’s vineyard, olive groves and vegetable garden. Or, head down the path to the secluded, sandy beach where you have the option of sunbaking and swimming au natural! In the evening, take advantage of a complimentary transfer into nearby Russell in a vintage Daimier Jaguar. You will find no shortage of high-quality eateries in the area. Why not try The Gables, New Zealand’s oldest operating restaurant? Or, the iconic Duke of Marlborough Hotel, which offers fine dining and a new twist on pub favourites! |
Donkey Bay Inn, Russell
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After a gourmet breakfast, experience the Bay of Islands as it is meant to be experienced on a classic single mast yacht. Set sail from Russell Wharf on the 42-foot Vigilant and take in spectacular views of turquoise waters, white sand beaches and lush green islands. Your skipper will choose one of 144 islands to stop and explore: stroll along the sandy shore, relax on the beach or try your hand at kayaking or snorkeling. Be sure to keep an eye out for seabirds, penguins and friendly dolphins! Enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared for you by the skipper and onboard chef. Enjoy your meal on deck or as a picnic on a secluded beach. In the afternoon, head back to the hotel to freshen up before hopping into the Daimier Jaguar for one final evening in Russell. Or, if you prefer, order in and enjoy a private dinner in your guest room. |
Donkey Bay Inn, RussellBreakfast, Lunch |
After a gourmet breakfast, say goodbye to Donkey Bay Inn. Make sure to bring your luggage with you, as you will be dropped off at the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs at the end of the day. Today, you will spend a full day exploring Northland’s fascinating archaeology and history, with a focus on the region’s wild foods. First stop is Puwheke Pa, an old Maori hill fort that represents the mana (prestige and power) and strategic power of the local iwi (tribe). From here, enjoy a picturesque 45-minute walk down to the blissfully secluded Karikari Beach. Along the way, your expert local guide will point out native foods and enlighten you on pre-European Polynesian horticulture. Upon arrival, you will have time to enjoy the endless stretch of deserted white sands, swim in the crystal-clear waters and dig for Tuatua (sand clams), if the tide is low. After a picnic lunch including delicious indigenous food and European cuisine, you will view the Pa’s ancient cooking sites and learn more about Maori life, culture and history. You will leave with a new understanding of Aotearoa (New Zealand), sand in your toes and a camera full of stunning photos. In the evening, settle into your new 5-star accommodation at the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs. Rest and relax in your deluxe suite overlooking the world-class golf course and offshore Cavalli Islands and take advantage of top-of-the-line amenities including lodge spa, gym, tennis courts and swimming pools. A multi-course dinner is provided on site. |
The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, Matauri BayBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After a gourmet breakfast, enjoy three hours’ sea kayaking in Whangaroa Harbour, a real-life Jurassic Park. Paddle between unbroken forested hills and monolithic rock structures to sparkling green sheltered bays where you can feel the rich cultural history of the local Maori people. Explore WWII army bunkers or take a bush walk up to the Duke’s nose, an amazing rock promontory with 360-degree views of Whangaroa Harbour below. Discover mangrove forests and river deltas with towering waterfalls. If conditions suit, delve into sea caves on the outer coast where you can admire the perfect scenery in the frame of the cave walls. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch in a secluded bay before heading back to the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs. Spend the rest of the afternoon making the most of the lodge’s facilities or speak to the front desk to organise another activities of your choosing. In the evening, indulge in another delicious multi-course dinner. |
The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, Kauri CliffsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Enjoy a sleep in and one last delicious breakfast and lunch before commencing your onward journey. A private chauffeur and BMW 7 Series have been organised to transfer you safely to the Bay of Islands (Kerikeri) Airport, as required. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Dates & Prices
Daily departure on request. The price is a guide only. Please contact us for a quote. Single Supplement is available. Surcharge applies to festival/holiday season.
More Info
- The start and finish point for this tour is Bay of Islands (KKE) Airport.
- Up to five scheduled passenger flights connect Bay of Islands Airport with Auckland and, from there, the rest of New Zealand and the wider world.
- The Bay of Islands is also accessible from Auckland via a three-hour scenic drive.
- Auckland Airport is a major airline hub in New Zealand for domestic and international travel.
Known as “the Winterless North”, The Bay Of Islands enjoys a semi-tropical maritime climate that is perfect for water-based activities. Visitors can enjoy comfortable Summer temperatures into the low 30°C's (around 90°F) and Winter temperatures up to 25°C (75°F). The average daily temperature ranges from 15°C to 27°C (60°F to 80°F). Occasionally, in the Summer, The Bay Of Islands can experience stormy conditions from a weakening cyclone, though on average it enjoys 135 days of sunshine per year.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
