Bay of Islands With Historic Russell & Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Departing Auckland in the morning you will travel across the harbor bridge and north to the beautiful Bay of Islands on board our comfortable luxury tour coach. Before arriving in Russell, the first official center of government in New Zealand you will visit Waitangi, the place where Maori and European dignitaries came together to sign a treaty of understanding, formalizing New Zealands future as part of the British Empire. At the Treaty grounds, you can also view a magnificent Maori meeting house and large war canoe. After departing Waitangi, continue across the harbor for a guided tour of the city of Russell, steeped in both political and early whaling history. There is time to enjoy lunch (optional at an extra cost) and shopping along the waterfront before joining the ferry back to Paihia. Upon your return to Paihia, take time to explore the busier side of the bay with its shops and arcades. You may even see a big game fish being weighed in at the wharf. In the afternoon, board your coach for the return journey back to Auckland. You will arrive back into Auckland at approximately 8:15 pm.