Guided Tours
The Far North 2023
22-31 March 2023
The Far North returns as we plot the history of the unique Northland kauri industry and connect with ancient kauri. We’ve packed in all of the Far North’s favourites along with some great new temptations. Drive along the endless sands of 90 Mile Beach, cruise to the Hole in the Rock, visit an amazing sculpture park, discover the Kumara Capital of Dargaville and uncover an amazing whaling museum in a remote tranquil spot.
Day 1
Wednesday 22 March - Travelling to Hamilton
We meet in Sanson this morning, with transfers from Wellington, Kapiti, Wairarapa and other surrounding areas. After a welcome morning tea, we travel to Taihape, our lunch stop today (at own choice and cost). This afternoon we travel the Desert Road, before skirting the shores of Lake Taupo, and following the languid path of the Waikato River as it journeys north to our destination Hamilton. We dine in at our Hamilton hotel.
Day 2
Thursday 23 March - Hamilton to Whangarei
We start our day headed to the coast. Following the Hibiscus coast highway, we take morning tea with our toes in the sand at the beautiful Orewa Beach. Our next stop is the town of Warkworth. Driving down past the mouth of the Mahurangi river we park up to grab our lunch (own cost) and explore this historic town that boasts a great selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants to wander through. Continuing our journey, we head to Matakana, home of Sculptureum Gardens and Galleries, and Rothko Restaurant. This was a 10-year development of a 25-acre property by the founders Anthony and Sandra Grant. Our visit sees us enjoy the Sculptureum Experience – galleries, and amazing gardens bursting with sculptures, prehistoric rocks, live animals and reflective quotes all surrounded by colourful plantings that change with the seasons. After a relaxing afternoon we head to our Whangarei accommodation where we dine in house this evening.
Day 3
Friday 24 March - Whangarei to Omapere
Our journey today plots the history of the unique Northland kauri industry, with one of the highlights of the day a visit to the superb Kauri Museum at Matakohe. This is the standard by which you will measure all others and is definitely the place to pick up that kauri souvenir, as the quality, range and price are extensive.
A picnic lunch enroute is included. This afternoon, our adventures begin with rail carting hosted by Dargaville Rail and River Tours, using a rail line that has beautiful views across farmland, and, in parts, follows the historic Northern Wairoa River. Heading north once more, we visit the Waipoua Kauri Forest, the last extensive stand of kauri forest still remaining in NZ, and home of the majestic Tane Mahuta - “Lord of the Forest”.
Omapere is our final destination, with a unique opportunity to relax in our hotel set in a quiet coastal location on the shores of the Hokianga Harbour.
A picnic lunch enroute is included. This afternoon, our adventures begin with rail carting hosted by Dargaville Rail and River Tours, using a rail line that has beautiful views across farmland, and, in parts, follows the historic Northern Wairoa River. Heading north once more, we visit the Waipoua Kauri Forest, the last extensive stand of kauri forest still remaining in NZ, and home of the majestic Tane Mahuta - “Lord of the Forest”.
Omapere is our final destination, with a unique opportunity to relax in our hotel set in a quiet coastal location on the shores of the Hokianga Harbour.
Day 4
Saturday 25 March - Omapere to Kaitaia
We have a leisurely start this morning as we continue our travels north. A short distance away is Opononi - home of the statue of Opo, the dolphin who brought this small seaside town to fame with his antics in the summer of 1956 and which we stop to view.
Continuing to Rawene, a quaint little coastal village on the shores of the harbour, we have time to enjoy a cuppa and explore before boarding the unique Rawene car ferry to cross the harbour to Kohukohu.
Our lunch stop today (own choice and cost) is in Kerikeri, known as the “fruit bowl of the north”. Following lunch, we visit the old Mission House, NZ’s oldest building, as well as the Stone Store, one of this country’s most recognised historic buildings. We take a short drive to the picturesque Rainbow Falls before making our way to Kaitaia, our final destination today. We have time for a well-earned rest before dining in tonight at our Kaitaia accommodation - home for the next two nights.
Continuing to Rawene, a quaint little coastal village on the shores of the harbour, we have time to enjoy a cuppa and explore before boarding the unique Rawene car ferry to cross the harbour to Kohukohu.
Our lunch stop today (own choice and cost) is in Kerikeri, known as the “fruit bowl of the north”. Following lunch, we visit the old Mission House, NZ’s oldest building, as well as the Stone Store, one of this country’s most recognised historic buildings. We take a short drive to the picturesque Rainbow Falls before making our way to Kaitaia, our final destination today. We have time for a well-earned rest before dining in tonight at our Kaitaia accommodation - home for the next two nights.
Day 5
Sunday 26 March - Cape Reinga
We enjoy the company of a local guide today who will provide us with an entertaining and informative commentary, as we journey to the northernmost tip of New Zealand.
We travel the white sands of 90 Mile Beach and there is an opportunity for the intrepid to toboggan the sand dunes of the famed Te Paki.
We visit many well-known landmarks and enjoy unparalleled views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea as we learn about the cultural and natural history of Cape Reinga - “the departing place of the spirits and the meeting place of the seas”. Our picnic lunch, included in the tour package, will be at a remote bay at the top of New Zealand. We enjoy another night in Kaitaia.
We travel the white sands of 90 Mile Beach and there is an opportunity for the intrepid to toboggan the sand dunes of the famed Te Paki.
We visit many well-known landmarks and enjoy unparalleled views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea as we learn about the cultural and natural history of Cape Reinga - “the departing place of the spirits and the meeting place of the seas”. Our picnic lunch, included in the tour package, will be at a remote bay at the top of New Zealand. We enjoy another night in Kaitaia.
Day 6
Monday 27 March - Kaitaia to Paihia
Armed with a picnic lunch to enjoy at an idyllic spot enroute, we travel south today. Leaving Kaitaia behind us, we make our way to Taipa in Doubtless Bay, where the legendary Kupe is said to have first made NZ landfall. We continue on past pohutukawa lined beaches to historic Mangonui, and then out to the privately owned Butler Point for morning tea, and a tour of the Whaling Museum, house and gardens. We take a short detour into the tranquil Whangaroa Harbour - site of the Boyd shipwreck, and through Kaeo and onto Kawakawa for a look at the famous Hundertwasser toilets. On arrival into the lovely little town of Paihia in the Bay of Islands, there is time to view the Haruru Falls before checking into our hotel. Looking out into the bay, and within easy walking distance of the village and all amenities, this hotel is our home for the next two nights.
Day 7
Tuesday 28 March - Paihia
This morning we explore the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands on the popular Hole in the Rock Cruise. A catamaran hulled vessel will ensure our comfort as we explore many islands and search for dolphins on our way to the spectacular hole in the rock. Part of today’s tour includes a one-way ticket from either Russell or Paihia with an option to ‘jump ship’ at Russell on the way back, or alternatively return to Paihia and travel to Russell later this afternoon.
The afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure and cost, with a variety of options for you. Paihia is deservedly one of NZ’s top tourist destinations, with many historic and scenic places for you to visit. Should you decide to take a short journey across the waters to Russell, you can stroll around this picturesque peaceful village, visit historic Pompallier House, or take the highly recommended mini-coach tour and learn about the fascinating and unlikely turbulent history of this town. The local ferries to Russell operate on the half hour and return on the hour.
Alternatively, you may like to visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, location of the signing of NZ’s founding document between Maori and British. We meet for dinner this evening to share stories of the day’s activities.
The afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure and cost, with a variety of options for you. Paihia is deservedly one of NZ’s top tourist destinations, with many historic and scenic places for you to visit. Should you decide to take a short journey across the waters to Russell, you can stroll around this picturesque peaceful village, visit historic Pompallier House, or take the highly recommended mini-coach tour and learn about the fascinating and unlikely turbulent history of this town. The local ferries to Russell operate on the half hour and return on the hour.
Alternatively, you may like to visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, location of the signing of NZ’s founding document between Maori and British. We meet for dinner this evening to share stories of the day’s activities.
Day 8
Wednesday 29 March - Paihia to Whangarei
Departing Paihia this morning we catch the vehicle ferry from Opua for a short journey across the harbour to explore more of the scenic coastline and beautiful bays of this area.
After enjoying morning tea Tranzit style at Oakura Bay, we rejoin the main highway at Whakapura and continue to Whangarei to visit the spectacular Whangarei Falls. The intrepid can take the short bush walk to get the view from the bottom as well. We then head into town for lunch at our own cost and leisure. Picturesquely located on the Whangarei Marina, the Town Basin is the hub of the city, and offers much to see. Explore the specialty shops, watch the comings and goings on the marina - popular with yachting visitors, or take a stroll along the waterfront which has been landscaped and enhanced with sculptures commissioned from local artists. This afternoon we take “time” to visit the fabulous Clapham’s Clock Museum. Tonight, we are welcomed back by the staff of our Whangarei hotel where we enjoy dinner in-house.
After enjoying morning tea Tranzit style at Oakura Bay, we rejoin the main highway at Whakapura and continue to Whangarei to visit the spectacular Whangarei Falls. The intrepid can take the short bush walk to get the view from the bottom as well. We then head into town for lunch at our own cost and leisure. Picturesquely located on the Whangarei Marina, the Town Basin is the hub of the city, and offers much to see. Explore the specialty shops, watch the comings and goings on the marina - popular with yachting visitors, or take a stroll along the waterfront which has been landscaped and enhanced with sculptures commissioned from local artists. This afternoon we take “time” to visit the fabulous Clapham’s Clock Museum. Tonight, we are welcomed back by the staff of our Whangarei hotel where we enjoy dinner in-house.
Day 9
Thursday 30 March - Whangarei Kaipara Hamilton
As we depart Whangarei this morning, we detour out to One Tree Point and past the NZ Refining Company at Marsden Point. We rejoin the Twin Coast Discovery route through Waipu and follow the coastline through to Waipu Cove for a welcome cuppa Tranzit style. Lang’s Beach affords great views of the Hen and Chicken Islands. We travel through Mangawhai, before rejoining the main drag and retracing our steps back through Te Arai and Wellsford. Our lunch today (included), is within the Kaipara Coast Sculpture Garden. We will have time to walk around the sculpture trail set in a tranquil and inspirational rural oasis. Our last night and dinner together is at our Hamilton hotel.
Day 10
Friday 31 March - Travelling Home
Travelling home today, we break up our journey with refreshment stops along the way (own choice and cost), as we travel to Palmerston North in time to meet connecting transfers for those travellers continuing to Wellington and Wairarapa.
The cost of the tour includes
- Good quality motel and hotel accommodation
- 2 course or buffet dinners
- All breakfasts
- All coach travel
- Morning tea on most travelling days
- Sculptureum, Matakana, entry to galleries and gardens
- 2 picnic lunches - days 3 and 6
- The Kauri Museum, Matakohe entry
- Dargaville Rail and River Tours – Rail carting
- Rawene ferry
- Kerikeri’s historic Stone Store and Mission House entry
- Cape Reinga Safari Tour, including lunch
- Butler Point morning tea and tour of the Whaling Museum, House and Gardens
- Hole in the Rock dolphin cruise
- Opua ferry
- Claphams Clock Museum entry
- Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens lunch and walk
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.
Thank you to the Tranzit Tours team! Mum has not stopped talking about her bucket list tour to the Chatham Islands - Jasmine Novak