Day 1
Depart central Auckland today by coach heading and an hour north to Sandspit, before boarding a ferry to Kawau Island. Explore Mansion House, the walking tracks and wildlife on Kawau for a relaxing day.
Return Sandspit, before travelling to Matakana where you will be staying for the night.
An amazing evening awaits you at Tawharanui Open Sanctuary, where you will taken on a guided environment educational experience focusing on native wildlife including the elusive Kiwi.
Accommodation: Matakana Motel
Day 2
Heading north west through the country side you will arrive in Opononi on the Hokianga Harbour. Enjoy the exhilaration of sandboarding down the sand dunes across the harbour. After dinner, set out with your Maori guide as they brief you on the protocols for your visit to the mighty Waipoua Forest. Stepping into this special world you will be walking under the same stars that guided Maori ancestor Kupe from legendary Hawaiiki to New Zealand.
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel Opononi
Day 3
Visit the new Manea Footprints of Kupe experience and visitor centre. The visitor experience will be 75 minutes in duration and weaves an interactive guided tour through the Centres grounds led by Kupe’s descendants with authentic cultural engagement including protocols, storytelling, waiata (song), karakia (prayers) and culminates in a powhiri (welcome ceremony) and a 20 minute 4D movie and live theatre performance bringing to life his epic journey and the dramatic return voyages of his progenies. Connect deeper with local stories at your leisure courtesy of the technology stations that will be located in the Gallery area and pass the time by enjoying the tranquillity of the outdoor concourse space.
Continue on south for a short walk to Maunganui Bluff from Aranga, and a beach stroll along a section of the Kai Iwi Lakes Coastal Walk. Camera’s at the ready as incredible photo opportunities await you. Continue south for a visit to Dargaville Museum Te Whare Taonga o Tunatahi to explore the pre/post European history of the region.
Your tour concludes with your arrival back into Auckland.
