Bay of Islands Heritage Experience from Auckland incl. Waitangi & Russell
Overview
Available languages
13 hours
Mobile ticket
Embark on a voyage to one of New Zealand’s most historic locations on this day trip from Auckland to the Bay of Islands on a luxurious private tour. Find the deep history - Nestled in the birthplace of New Zealand. Experience the spectacular scenery in an area rich in culture and traditions. Visit the most historic locations, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, enjoy a high-energy Māori cultural performance then take a ferry from Paihia to the first European settlement of Russell and take in the sights of Russell on an intimate coach tour.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, walking shoes, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, & any essential personal items.
Please also bring a jersey or coat if it is cold.
Easy and good fitness level required.
Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as this is the perfect place to get some great experiences photos.
You are welcome to bring your own prepared food, snacks and or beverages (alcoholic beverages limited to guests 18 years and older by New Zealand law).
This is a guided walking tour and sensible walking footwear is recommended.
Children below 8 years old are required to travel in a child safety car seat.
Children between 5-7 years old are also recommended to be in a booster seat for their safety.
Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as this is the perfect place to get some great experiences photos.
What To Expect
Auckland Central
We pickup travellers from most locations in the Auckland CBD location. If your pickup location is not available on the list, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate your request.
We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Northland region.
Options
Bay of Islands Heritage Experience from Auckland incl. Waitangi & Russell
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Fully guided private return transfers from Auckland
Admission to 1 hour Russell Mini Tour
Admire iconic buildings, breath-taking Māori architecture, & world’s largest ceremonial war canoe
Admission to return ferry ride from Paihia and Russell
Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Learn about New Zealand's history and Māori culture
Tour this tranquil seaside town on a mini tour of Russell
Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland
Complimentary refreshments and water onboard
WiFi on board
Enjoy a high-energy Māori cultural performance
Discover some of the 144 stunning islands in the Bay of Islands
Complimentary High-Speed Internet onboard the minibus
A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
Explore the historic site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed
Admission to Cultural Performance at Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Admission to Guided Experience at Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
10 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good way to visit the...
Caitlin P,Apr 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Good way to visit the area if you don’t have a car. Really enjoyed the cultural experience. Our guide Mary was brilliant and really looked after us. All in all felt the tour was expensive for what it was though.
Bay Of Island
329b rgek,Mar 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The view was amazing, we were down in Phaia and took the ferry over to Rusell, an absolutely fantastic tour. A lot of cultural and nice information. And our lovely guide Mary. Thank you for making our trip so nice.
Very good experience
sergei p,May 16, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Great service, very good experience to see heritage of New Zealand, nice trip to Russel city and one hour city tour.
Day excursion from Aukland
maureengammon,Mar 13, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic day Tour with Karthic from our early morning start (6.30am) until our drop off in the evening. He was extremely organized and explained each stage of on advance. WE learned very much more about the area than we would have learned from other guides. He has a wealth of knowledge about New Zealand. In fact as we were going on a cruise leaving from Auckland he asked about the ports we were going to visit and proceeded to give us places we should consider visiting. We travel frequently and Karthic is the engaging, thoughtful and knowledgeable guide we have had over the years. We completely endorse him and highly recommend him to design your itineary. You will be so glad you did. Maureen and Fred
Boating around the Islands
Resort225534,Nov 3, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I highly recommend this trip to the Bay of Islands with Experience Kart, it was a full day from Auckland but well worth it. Our driver Karthic was very obliging and showed us interesting spots & scenes along the way. It was especially very informative at the treaty grounds. Loved the hole in the rock!
Very Enjoyable experience
keithwJ5507CW,Nov 2, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I very much enjoyed having Karthik from ExperienceKart as our guide. He was punctual and wanted to anything to make our experience a success. I certainly would recommend using ExperienceKart and use him again when I come back to Auckland.
Terrific tour with great guide
ClanCampbell50,Jul 22, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I highly recommend this tour company and this tour. The day we went was pouring rain in the morning, but our guide called gave us an opportunity to reschedule. We elected to go ahead and our guide did everything he could to give us a great experience in spite of the weather. We were unable to see the Hole in the Rock because of choppy water, and the glow worm cave was flooded, but he arranged for us to take a ferry to Russell and tour this beautiful town with great views of the Bay of Islands. The Māori Treaty Grounds Cultural Tour was very interesting. The weather cooperated in the afternoon, and he also took us to see a beautiful waterfall which was not usually on the tour. He even stopped at a hardware store for me to look for a needed item I had forgotten to pack. He was so kind and gracious, and made our day a great experience. You won’t be disappointed with this tour, or this company.
A varied tour on land and sea with great landscapes, bays, historical and cultural insights
DrReto C,May 26, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00Mr. Karthek was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable, a careful driver, and a perfect organizer of this long day tour; he was very amiable and considerate; We liked the tour very much as it allowed us to see and visit a good part of the beautiful Northland landscape, the Bay of Islands - a great tour by itself - a Maori cultural performance and a great historical tour of Waitangi.
Watch this space I will get to travel to the Bay of Islands with Experience Kart
sueconstable94,Dec 7, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have nothing but praise for Karthik, I been trying to get to Auckland from Australia to visit the Bay of Islands but due to Covid restrictions my trip has been cancelled again in .February. Previously I was booked last February, May and in August. Karthik was so helpful in putting my trip in credit and rebooking when asked if I could do so, he had even offered to take me up as a solo traveller on the dates I required going above and beyond! I am not sure when I will be travelling but i will definitely rebook this tour with Experience kart you should too if given the opportunity!
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