Top 10 Cultural Tours in Northland Region, North Island

Looking for a genuine connection with a local Maori family? We welcome you to step off the tourist trail and come join us for a personal and meaningful life-time experience. Embrace the warmth of true Maori culture through our family. You will immediately feel welcomed and at ease with your hosts as you experience our culture, land, nature, amazing stories and food on this unforgettable experience. Sure to create friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Lunch, Beverages, Bottled water, All activities, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Snacks

Exclusions:

This full day, catered tour takes you to one of the quiet, hidden gems of Tai Tokerau (Northland). Definitely special and well off the beaten track and general tourist route! Leave the hustle and bustle that is summertime in the Bay of Islands behind and embark on an authentic New Zealand adventure. Your guide for the day has spent 15 years lecturing NZ’s ecology, natural and social history as well as guiding and sharing some of the rare encounters only to be found in the Far North’s treasure trove of experiences. With a bit of “something for everyone” this trip combines; A truly scenic drive along the North East coast layered with stories and history An easy going coastal walk (approximately 45 mins each way) An interesting archaeological talk with the opportunity to view and taste wild indigenous foods Time to relax on the beach, swim and experience some of New Zealand’s rare and endemic wildlife A delicious picnic lunch using the best locally available produce

Inclusions: Private transportation, Lunch

Exclusions:

The Bay of Islands is a place to indulge and have fun. Visit the area's leading wineries, taste quality wines, excellent craft beers and enjoy a platter lunch. No trip to the Bay of Islands is complete if you do not visit the Makana Chocolate Factory and sample their award winning products. Visit the Phat Brewery, home to an outstanding range of Craft Beers.

Inclusions: Cost of wine & beer tasting, Lunch

Exclusions:

Footprints Waipoua is 1 of only 2 New Zealand and 82 Global Lonely Planet Code Green Experiences of a Lifetime. Join a friendly local Maori guide for your journey into the rich and ancient ecosystem of Wapioua Forest and you will learn about the indigenous use of plants and be amazed at the life cycle of a kauri giant. Let your senses experience what it truly feels like to be insignificant in that moment. Drown yourself in the thought-provoking information, humorous banter, stories and legends and be hauntingly mesmerised by the spine-tingling chants and song. Join the world famous night tour for a spiritual awakening. Witness the transition of time and space as the sun sets on an ancient theatre. Seize the memories of these timeless treasures.

Inclusions: Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off within the Opononi/Omapere area, Local taxes, Use of a torch., Access to insect repellant but we encourage you to bring your own eliminating potential reactions.

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Journey into a unique part of New Zealand and explore - the Hokianga. First discovered over 1,000 years ago by Maori voyager Kupe, visit the Waipoua Forest this remote area offers the opportunity to see ancient Kauri trees in the Waipoua forest, stroll in the seaside towns of Opononi and Omapere and visit glowworm caves. After a fun-filled day tour you'll return to Paihia at 4pm.

Inclusions: National Park fees, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch

Enjoy this memorable shore excursion from where your cruise ship tenders in Paihia. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to delve into the Northern Maori culture from the Ngapuhi confederation of tribes, New Zealand’s largest tribal nation by using the living landscapes and environment as the setting and natural backdrop for your tour. The best part of your 3 hour tour is done in a Waka taua (traditional Maori war canoe) built from a mixture of composite and traditional materials. You will also view a Marae (meeting ground), historical sites and learn the age old art of storytelling to share the traditions, customs and the compelling stories of the bygone era. The activities are both interactive and educational where you will learn the ceremonial chants and haka of the magnificent Waka taua while absorbing the breath-taking natural and stunning beauty of the Waitangi river tidal estuaries, its rain-forest and the cultural living landscapes.

Inclusions: Professional, local guide, Sightseeing Waka Tour

Exclusions: Bottled water

The ancestors of our ancient kauri tree first appeared on this landscape more than 200 million years ago. This hands-on, small group tour allows you to interact with our collection and uncover the past including handling ancient lignites and swamp kauri that are tens of thousands of years old. Learn about the impact of man and introduced species to New Zealand and what you can do to help  “Keep Kauri Standing” for future generations to come. The 45 minute guided tour is the perfect introduction to your museum experience (allow a further 1.5 hours to explore the lifelike displays and uncover some of Northland's best kept secrets).

Inclusions: Experienced guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, DVD (available to purchase)

Take an action-packed day trip from Paihia to the tip of New Zealand’s North Island on a guided tour of the north including Cape Reinga where the Pacific and Tasman seas collide.  Your purpose built coach that offers free Wi-Fi will take you in comfort along 90 mile beach to Te Paki sand stream where you can try your hand at sand boarding one of the giant dunes. During the day you will also take in stops at Taipa Beach for morning Tea , Ancient Kauri Kingdom , dig for some shellfish on 90 mile beach conditions permitting. Join our passionate driver / guides for a unforgettable tour of the top of New Zealand & Discover the unique history, culture and landscape of New Zealand's Far North on a day trip to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach.

Inclusions: Coach tour to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach, Sandboards provided, Lunch, Ancient Kauri Kingdom - award winning wood craft showroom, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified, Pickup from outside of Paihia or Kerikeri

Head towards one of New Zealand’s favorite travel destinations – Bay Of Islands! Bay Of Islands is situated towards the Northern tip of the North Island. It is ranked as one of New Zealand's top destinations, with boat trips and water sports providing the best experience for your private tour. Enjoy experiences at Parry Kauri Park, Whangarei Falls, Haruru Falls, Waitangi Treaty Ground and more!

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by private vehicle, Light refreshments and water, Hotel pickup and drop-off, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Excess luggage charges (where applicable), Food and drinks, unless specified, Lunch, Entrance tickets, Cruise Tickets

At Haka Tours we believe that size does matter and that's why we only take a max of 16 guests at a time on our 22 seater Haka coach. You'll have a unique Haka Adventure with a passionate local Kiwi guide. This tour is great if you want a magical, yet quick escape to soak up the sun in beautiful Northland. As the tour starts early in the morning, you can opt to book accommodation with us in Auckland the night before the tour – only having to walk downstairs on day 1 makes for a stress-free morning. Likewise, you can book an extra night at the end of the tour so you are not in a rush once we go our separate ways.

Inclusions: 3 nights in high-end hostel accommodation – dorm share, upgrades available , Orientation tour of every location, Comfortable bus transport, Continental breakfast every day, Fish and chip dinner with spectacular Bay of Islands views, Marvel at the Hokianga Harbour and its giant sand dunes, Vist Tāne Mahuta – a giant kauri tree in the Waipoua Forest

Exclusions: Lunch and Dinner at your own expense