Islands of the Hauraki Gulf 2026

23-29 November 2026

Back on the calendar!!!

Discover the vibrant energy of Auckland and the natural beauty of the Hauraki Gulf on this diverse and scenic tour. Explore New Zealand’s largest city, where harbours, beaches, and volcanic landmarks blend with a lively waterfront and cosmopolitan culture. Then venture into the Hauraki Gulf, a sparkling expanse of islands and marine life, offering tranquil bays, golden beaches, and breathtaking coastal views. We'll explore Tiritiri Matangi Island Sanctuary and its amazing native birdlife, step back in time on historic Kawau Island, and soak up the charm of Waiheke. Along the way, we'll also meander to Miranda, a world-famous seasonal destination for migratory shorebirds.

Day 1

Monday 23 November - Travelling to Cambridge

We meet at a favourite café this morning, with transfers from surrounding areas. Morning tea gives us a chance to mix and mingle, catching up with friends and welcoming new ones. Following morning tea, we travel through to Taihape for our lunch (own cost) before continuing our travels through to our destination Cambridge. Here we settle into our accommodation, just a short walk away from Lake Te Ko Utu. We enjoy dinner in-house this evening.

Staying at: Hidden Lake Hotel, Cambridge
Meals included: dinner

Day 2

Tuesday 24 November - Gardens and Art

This morning we travel through to Auckland, stopping at the Botanical Gardens in Manurewa where it’s all aboard the Wiri Rambler, a charming tractor train allowing us to take in the highlights of the expansive gardens. We will also enjoy a guided walk to discover the seasonal delights of the gardens, with the opportunity to view “Sculpture in the Gardens”, a wonderful event coinciding with our visit. Enjoy your picnic lunch in the gardens before we depart for Pah Homestead. Located in a leafy Auckland suburb, this beautiful historic building is home to The Arts House Trust. The property features a stunning art gallery and picturesque grounds dotted with sculptures. During our visit, we will enjoy a guided tour, providing insight into the building’s history, art collection, and impressive surroundings. Travelling the short distance to our hotel appealingly located opposite the Parnell Rose Gardens, we’ll settle in before dining in the hotel restaurant tonight.


Staying at: Rose Park Hotel, Auckland – 4 nights
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Day 3

Wednesday 25 November - Tiritiri Matangi - an Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Tiritiri Matangi Island is one of the world’s most successful conservation projects, and today we board Explore Group’s ferry to transport us to this haven for endangered NZ wildlife. Regenerating native forest and ever-increasing birdsong are the results of over 30 years of careful management by the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Trust in partnership with the Department of Conservation. Little blue penguin, takahe and kokako are among the star cast of residents on the island.
We’ll enjoy an informative guided tour, along with the opportunity to explore independently, some of the many walking tracks on the island, including a walk to the island’s 150-year-old lighthouse. Your picnic lunch can be enjoyed at leisure and a stop in at the Visitor Information and Education Centre is a must. Making the journey back to Auckland, we have time back at our hotel to relax and freshen up before dinner

Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Day 4

Thursday 26 November - Waiheke Island – Island Life

Today our destination is Waiheke as we board a Fullers ferry this morning to take us out to the most populated island in the Gulf. On arrival we’ll be met at the wharf by our island tour bus and guide to take us on a leisurely tour of some of the highlights of Waiheke. With informative commentary provided on the island’s history and culture and stunning scenery around every corner, a great day out is promised. We visit the spectacular Church Bay studio of artist Gabriella Lewenz, and explore Sacred Blessings Sanctuary Gardens, a fusion of flowers, colour and New Zealand natives offset by a permanent collection of significant NZ sculptures. We’ll visit an olive grove, learning about how the oil is produced, then enjoy a leisurely lunch at Stonyridge Winery. There will be time for a stroll along Onetangi Beach, a 2km strand of sheltered white sand, before we are dropped back at Matiatia Wharf in time to catch our ferry back to the city. Returning to our hotel, we enjoy a relaxed dinner in-house.

Meals included: breakfast, winery lunch, dinner

Day 5

Friday 27 November - Kawau Island - Where History and Nature Collide

We board our coach this morning and head north of the city to Sandspit near Warkworth. Here we join Kawau Cruises to take us to historic Kawau Island, where you’ll find yourself stepping back in time as you step ashore. Sir George Grey purchased Kawau in 1862 and began establishing a “Garden of Eden”, transforming an old Mine Manager’s house into a magnificent mansion. Enjoy a tour of the house and take a stroll through the subtropical gardens joined by cheeky weka and peacocks. After a barbecue lunch at Mansion House Café, there is time for further exploration. Kawau Island is also the site of one of New Zealand's earliest mining ventures, with remnants of the copper mining industry visible and accessible using the network of tracks through the Kawau Island Historic Reserve. As we make our way back to Auckland, we’ll stop at Parry Kauri Park near Warkworth. This small remnant of native kauri forest is home to some impressive giants. Enjoy a relaxed stroll along the boardwalk as it winds through the trees and gives you a closer look at these towering beauties. We then settle in for the drive back to our hotel in time for dinner.

Meals included: breakfast, barbecue lunch, dinner

Day 6

Saturday 28 November - Miranda Seabird Coast

Leaving the City of Sails behind this morning we wind our way out through Clevedon countryside and the edges of the Hunua Ranges, stopping to enjoy a cuppa at Kawakawa Bay, a calm sheltered beach looking towards Waiheke and Ponui Islands. After morning tea, we follow the East Coast Road and the scenic Miranda Coast - a world-renowned destination for shorebirds, many making an extraordinary seasonal migration from the other side of the world. At the Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre we enjoy our picnic lunch before we listen to a fascinating talk about the amazing godwit and other birds that make this unique place their seasonal home. We then join a knowledgeable guide to walk out to a hide to view the flocks of birds through telescopes as they feed on the rich estuary flats and shoreline. This is a truly special experience. Our travels continue across the Hauraki Plains to our destination, Rotorua, where we enjoy our last night together. Staying at: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua

Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Day 7

Sunday 29 November - Homeward Bound

Homeward bound today, we make our way south, with a morning tea stop at a scenic spot on the shores of Lake Taupo, and our lunch stop at Taihape (own cost). At Sanson we meet connecting transfers for those travellers continuing on towards Wellington and Wairarapa.

Meals included: breakfast

The cost of the tour includes

  • All coach travel
  • Accommodation
  • All breakfasts – at hotel unless specified
  • All dinners – at hotel unless specified
  • 5 lunches
  • Auckland Botanical Gardens, Wiri Rambler Tractor Train Ride
  • Auckland Botanical Gardens, guided walk
  • Pah House Art House Trust, guided tour
  • Explore Group Cruise to Tiritiri Matangi Island and guided walk
  • Fullers Waiheke Island ferry
  • Ananda Tours Waiheke Naturally Tour and winery lunch
  • Kawau Island Cruise and barbecue lunch
  • Kawau Mansion House entry
  • Miranda Shore Bird Centre talk and guided tour

Departure Detail

Before you book a tour with Tranzit Tours, please take the time to read and understand these Terms and Conditions below.

Pricing Validity
All costs associated with each tour are outlined in full within each tour itinerary. All pricing quoted is valid for the dates of tour when booked.


Reservations and Payments
Bookings for all Tranzit tours can be made through any Tranzit Coachlines Reservations Centre or an approved Travel Agent. Any person making a booking for others shall be deemed to have accepted these Terms and Conditions on behalf of all individuals they are booking on a tour and it is the responsibility of the person making the booking to bring these Terms and conditions to the attention of those individuals booked.
A deposit as stated in the Tour Itinerary is payable to secure the booking.
The balance must be paid in full by the date stated in the Tour Itinerary.
Any reservation made within fourteen (14) days of the tour departure must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Cancellations, Postponements and Alterations
Cancellations by the Customer
Cancellations 45+ days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of your deposit, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.Cancellations 44 – 8 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.
Cancellations within 7 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 25% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.No refunds will be made for cancellations made within one day of departure or once travel has commenced. Refunds will not be provided for unused portions of a tour, unless the Customer can provide genuine reason and documentary evidence that services were unable to be utilised (and a refund if applicable is available from the other provider) in which case the company will review each request and may provide a partial refund at the sole discretion of the company.
Cancellations of one half of a twin share booking will result in the Customer cancelling being charged the cost of a single booking, if the Company is unable to match the twin share booking with another Customer.


Alterations by the Customer
The Customer may transfer their booking to another person for the same tour and commencement date, but only if the other person satisfies all of Tranzit Tours requirements in relation to the tour and provides us a completed Booking Form. The Customer must notify Tranzit Tours in writing of the intended transfer at least 30 days prior to the commencement date of the tour. A $60 transfer fee per person/per transfer will apply (in addition to any supplier change fees).


Cancellations or Postponements by the Company
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or postpone a tour. With the exception of the Force Majeure section below, Tranzit Tours will:In the event of a tour being cancelled by the company prior to departure and not postponed – refund the total amount paid in respect of that tour or provide a credit, but will have no further liability to the Customer.
In the event of a tour being postponed – rebook the Customer for the new departure date or provide a credit, but will have no further liability to the Customer.
In the event of a Force Majeure event that occurs prior to, or during, a tour such as but not limited to fire, flood, volcanic eruption, earthquake, avalanche, severe weather, power outages, labour disruptions, pandemic, government controls or other events outside Tranzit Tours control that interrupts the ability to operate the tour in full or in part, or if Tranzit Tours determines that the quality of the tour or the health and safety of the Customer would be compromised, Tranzit Tours reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or shorten the tour and will be excused and released from its obligations without liability of any kind. Customers will receive a credit for postponed tours. For cancelled or shortened tours, refunds in these circumstances will be in full less any unrecoverable costs (i.e. expenses already incurred or fees charged by other providers).
The Customer will be advised of any increased tour costs as a result of the postponement. Credits will be equal to the value of the payment made and must be used within 12 months. Customers are strongly advised to take out travel insurance.
In the event of cancellation or postponement by the company, Tranzit Tours is not responsible for any consequential loss incurred by the Customer. Customers are again advised to take out travel insurance.


Alterations by the Company
Before Tour Commencement: If a major change to the tour needs to be made before departure, we will inform the Customer of the change as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease.Tranzit Tours reserves the right to alter a tour (including the itinerary) and substitute accommodation facilities should unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, the company reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control.  Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour.  The company will not be held responsible for weather-based cancellations, or those closures made at the tour provider’s discretion.
Tranzit Tours will inform the customer as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease.


Insurance
Tranzit Tours recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover against things like lost or damaged luggage, accident or sickness, loss or theft of personal belongings and documents, or the need to cancel or shorten your tour.  Please note that special conditions will apply for pre-existing medical conditions with all travel insurance policies.


Health and Fitness
Tranzit Tours are generally able to accommodate most fitness abilities; however, some tours may require a certain level of physical fitness for full enjoyment of tour activities. The Customer must inform Tranzit Tours, at the time of booking, of any health or fitness restrictions that may limit participation of tour activities or put the Customer, tour staff or other customers at risk. The Customer acknowledges that their suitability for a tour, or any activity within a tour, is wholly the Customer’s responsibility.
Payment of a deposit by the Customer to secure a Tranzit Tour acts as a warranty that:
o   the Customer is reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in the tour, and
o   the Customer does not have a health, physical condition or disability that would create risk to themselves, tour staff or other customers, and
o   the Customer indemnifies Tranzit Tours from all actions, claims and demands arising out of any want of health or fitness.
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to decline a booking on medical, health or fitness grounds at its sole discretion.
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to remove a Customer from a tour, or quarantine a Customer on tour, if their health and/or fitness interferes with the tour or staff safety or other Customers safety or tour experience in any way. Any additional costs associated with a Customer’s removal from tour or placement into quarantine, shall be borne by the Customer. Refunds will be made in accordance with these Terms and Conditions. 


Authority on Tour
Tranzit Tours are operated by staff with decision making authority while on tour. By travelling with Tranzit Tours, you agree to accept the authority of the driver/guide and their decisions are final in all matters likely to affect the wellbeing, safety or experience of any customer or staff member on board. Failure to adhere to reasonable requests or any inappropriate behaviour that is degrading the experience of other customers, may result in the Customer being removed from the tour. If a Customer is asked to leave a tour, any costs associated with returning home will be borne by the Customer and any unused portion of the tour will not be refunded.


Responsibilities
Tranzit Tours include goods and services provided by other operators such as hotels, attractions and transportation companies. Customers are advised to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions on which these services are supplied. Accordingly, Tranzit Tours will not be responsible and will be excluded from liability for any loss, damage, omission or acts being negligent or otherwise, committed by other goods and service providers used in connection with the tour.
Tranzit Tours is not liable for any loss, damage, delay, or injury caused to the traveller or their baggage whilst under the care or control of a third-party provider. A Customer’s baggage and personal effects shall be carried at the owner’s risk as provided for under the Carriage of Goods Act.
Tranzit Tours is not responsible for any losses or additional expenses to the Customer due to tours impacted by Force Majeure events that occur prior to, or during, a tour such as but not limited to fire, flood, volcanic eruption, earthquake, avalanche, severe weather, power outages, labour disruptions, pandemic, government controls or other events outside Tranzit Tours control that interrupts the ability to operate the tour in full or in part, or if Tranzit Tours determines that the quality of the tour or the health and safety of the Customer would be compromised.


Acceptance of Risk
The Customer acknowledges that all Tranzit Tours may be subject to risks and dangers beyond that which might be experienced by the Customer at home. Except as provided in law, the Customer acknowledges that they assume all risk and Tranzit Tours is not liable for misadventure, death, injury, delay or loss which occurs during the tour.


Seat Rotation
For the enjoyment of all travellers Tranzit Tours operates a seat rotation system which all travellers must participate in as a condition of booking.


Photographs
Photographs used to market any Tranzit Tour depict typical scenes experienced, but the subject matter may not necessarily be seen or experienced whilst visiting a destination within a tour.
Whilst on tour, the Customer may be included in photographs and/or film taken by the guide or driver. These photographs may be used for future promotional advertising purposes and by booking on a Tranzit Tour the Customer authorises the use of any images they are captured in to be used without further consent or any payment of any kind. If the Customer does not authorise the use of their image for promotional purposes, they must make this known at the time of booking.


Privacy Policy
Any personal information that Tranzit Tours collects about the Customer may be used for any purpose associated with the operation of a tour or to send the Customer marketing material in relation to Tranzit Tour products. The information may be disclosed to our agents, service providers or other suppliers to enable Tranzit Tours to operate the tour. Tranzit Tours will otherwise treat your details in accordance with our privacy policy (available on our website).


Applicable Law
The laws of New Zealand govern these Terms and Conditions to the fullest extent allowable.


 

"A great team and very considerate of the travel group." Patsy