New Zealand · Coastal & Nature
Bay of Islands & Coromandel
Auckland · Bay of Islands · Coromandel · 8 nights
Eight nights from Auckland to Coromandel, paced around the days that matter.
The Journey
Eight nights across three stops: Auckland for three nights, Bay of Islands for three and Coromandel for two. Every transfer between them is private and timed around the day's plan.
The days are built around City of Sails and the Volcanic Field; Islands, Dolphins and the Hole in the Rock; Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach; and Waiheke Island. Each one is set out below with what you will see, how you get there and which meals are included.
The defining moment of this route: private charter through the Hole in the Rock. Your travel specialist can add a night, swap a day or change the order before you book.
Signature Highlights
- Private charter through the Hole in the Rock
- City of Sails and the Volcanic Field, Auckland
- Waiheke Island, Auckland
- Islands, Dolphins and the Hole in the Rock, Bay of Islands
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Bay of Islands
- Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, Coromandel
Your Experiences
Moments shaped just for you
City of Sails and the Volcanic Field, Auckland
Mount Eden and One Tree Hill, the Auckland Museum's Māori and Pacific collections with a cultural performance, and the waterfront.
Waiheke Island, Auckland
The 40-minute ferry to Waiheke for two vineyard tastings, olive groves and the island's northern beaches.
Islands, Dolphins and the Hole in the Rock, Bay of Islands
A boat through the 144-island bay to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock, with dolphins commonly seen and swimming with them no longer permitted under conservation rules.
Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, Coromandel
The walk or boat to Cathedral Cove's sea arch, and Hot Water Beach where you dig your own thermal pool in the sand either side of low tide. Check tide times; they decide the day.
Day by day
Your Itinerary
- 01Day 1 · Auckland
Arrival in Auckland
Arrive at Auckland airport, about 40 minutes by road to the city and transfer privately to your base. Time today to walk the Viaduct Harbour and up Mount Eden for the volcanic-field view.
- Private transfer via Auckland airport
- Walk the Viaduct Harbour and up Mount Eden for the volcanic-field view
- Time to settle in before dinner
Meals:D - 02Day 2 · Auckland
City of Sails and the Volcanic Field
Mount Eden and One Tree Hill, the Auckland Museum's Māori and Pacific collections with a cultural performance, and the waterfront.
- Auckland War Memorial Museum and Māori performance
- Mount Eden crater
- Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter
Meals:BL - 03Day 3 · Auckland
Waiheke Island
The 40-minute ferry to Waiheke for two vineyard tastings, olive groves and the island's northern beaches.
- Waiheke ferry
- Two island winery tastings
- Oneroa or Onetangi beach
Meals:BL - 04Day 4 · Bay of Islands
Auckland to Bay of Islands
Drive north from Auckland through Whangārei to the Northland coast. On arrival, walk the Paihia or Russell waterfront and take the passenger ferry across.
- Drive north from Auckland through Whangārei to the Northland coast
- Walk the Paihia or Russell waterfront and take the passenger ferry across
- Timings reconfirmed locally the day before
Meals:B - 05Day 5 · Bay of Islands
Islands, Dolphins and the Hole in the Rock
A boat through the 144-island bay to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock, with dolphins commonly seen and swimming with them no longer permitted under conservation rules.
- Hole in the Rock cruise
- Island stop at Urupukapuka
- Dolphin and seabird viewing
Meals:BL - 06Day 6 · Bay of Islands
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, with the carved meeting house, the great war canoe and a guided cultural performance.
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds guided tour
- Māori cultural performance
- Museum of Waitangi
Meals:B - 07Day 7 · Coromandel
Bay of Islands to Coromandel
Drive southeast from Auckland onto the Coromandel Peninsula. On arrival, settle at Hahei or Whitianga and walk the beach at low tide.
- Drive southeast from Auckland onto the Coromandel Peninsula
- Settle at Hahei or Whitianga and walk the beach at low tide
- Timings reconfirmed locally the day before
Meals:B - 08Day 8 · Coromandel
Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach
The walk or boat to Cathedral Cove's sea arch, and Hot Water Beach where you dig your own thermal pool in the sand either side of low tide. Check tide times; they decide the day.
- Cathedral Cove (walk or water taxi)
- Hot Water Beach at low tide
- Hahei beach swim
Meals:BL - 09Day 9 · Coromandel
Departure from Coromandel
A last coastal morning before the drive back. Private transfer to Auckland in good time for your onward flight.
- A last coastal morning before the drive back
- Late check-out arranged where the hotel allows it
- Private departure transfer
Meals:B
Inclusions
- Handpicked luxury accommodations across the journey
- Daily breakfast; select lunches and dinners as noted
- Private airport transfers and inter-city ground movement
- Curated experiences and reserved access as listed
- 24×7 on-trip concierge from our India desk
Not included
- International airfare unless explicitly mentioned
- Visa fees, travel insurance and personal expenses
- Meals and experiences not listed in the itinerary
- Gratuities for guides, drivers and hotel staff
- Anything of a personal nature (spa, minibar, laundry)
Transfers
- Private arrival and departure transfers with a named driver
- Moves between stops by private car, rail, ferry or domestic flight, as shown day by day
- Timings reconfirmed with you the evening before each transfer
Visa & Documentation
- Visa guidance provided by our documentation desk
- Recommended to hold passport valid for 6+ months
- Digital pre-arrival forms handled on your behalf where possible
Common Questions
North or South Island?+
The North Island offers Māori culture, geothermal areas, beaches and Hobbiton; the South Island has the big mountains and fiords. With two weeks or more, do both.
Is the North Island good for families?+
Very. Hobbiton, glowworm caves, geysers, beaches and dolphin cruises are favourites with children.
Can we swim with dolphins?+
Not in the Bay of Islands: swimming with the resident bottlenose dolphins has been banned since 2019 to protect them. Licensed cruises watch them from the boat, and sightings are common.
Do we need a car?+
A car or private driver is the best way to explore. Distances are moderate and roads are good.
Is vegetarian food available?+
Yes. Auckland has excellent Indian and vegetarian restaurants, and lodges cater with notice.
How far in advance should we book?+
Three to four months ahead gives the widest choice of rooms and guided days, and more for school holidays, festivals and peak season. Shorter notice is often possible; ask and we will check live availability.
Speak to a Curator
Let's shape this journey around you.
Share a few details and one of our curators will get in touch, usually within a working day, with a bespoke proposal and pricing.
Prefer to talk?
+91 98117 66362
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