Bay of Islands – Sightseeing Tour with Kawiti Glow Worm Caves

Bay of Islands Sightseeing tour taking in the highlights of the region including the Kawiti Glowworm Caves, Kerikeri, Haruru Falls, Makana Chocolates and much more

A 5.5 hour sightseeing tour of the Bay of Islands, often referred to as “the birthplace of New Zealand”, due to past events which took place there. These historical events led to the shaping of our nation. The tour commences at 9.00 from the Waitangi Wharf where the cruise ships tenders bring you to shore. First stop is at the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves where an hour long guided tour will allow you to experience this magical glowworm experience.

From Kawiti the tour moves onto Kawakawa, also known as “Train Town” as the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway runs down the middle of its main street, from there it is then onto Puketi Forest, a 15,000 hectare forest, containing magnificent stands of kauri and a rich ecological diversity.

The next stop is Kerikeri is also known for its successful horticulture, niche food products, fabulous chocolates, boutique vineyards, art galleries and crafts; a visit to Makana Chocolates has been arranged where you can watch the making of chocolates, taste a few samples and, of course, shop for some delicious treats. You will see the “The Stone Store” New Zealand’s oldest building and the adjacent “Kemp House” but no time to stop & view.

Heading back to Paihia a stop will be made at the Haruru Falls, a breathtaking waterfall in a horseshoe shape – very rare and quite spectacular. Departing the Haruru Falls the final stop is at the Waitangi Look Out Loop which provides stunning views over Waitangi and the Bay of Islands. The tour will either return you to the tenders in Waitangi or drop you in the township of Paihia should you wish to explore further on foot, before catching one of the shuttles back to the tenders.

Tour commences 9.00 am (or at a time to meet the cruise ship schedule on the day)

Tour concludes 2.30 pm  (or at a  time to meet the cruise ship schedule on the day)

A 5.5 hour sightseeing tour of the Bay of Islands, often referred to as “the birthplace of New Zealand”, due to past events which took place there. These historical events led to the shaping of our nation. The tour commences at 9.00 from the Waitangi Wharf where the cruise ships tenders bring you to shore. First stop is at the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves where an hour-long guided tour will allow you to experience this magical glowworm experience.

From Kawiti the tour moves onto Kawakawa, also known as “Train Town” as the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway runs down the middle of its main street, from there it is then onto Puketi Forest, a 15,000 hectare forest, containing magnificent stands of kauri and a rich ecological diversity.

The next stop is Kerikeri is also known for its successful horticulture, niche food products, fabulous chocolates, boutique vineyards, art galleries and crafts; a visit to Makana Chocolates has been arranged where you can watch the making of chocolates, taste a few samples and, of course, shop for some delicious treats. You will see the “The Stone Store” New Zealand’s oldest building and the adjacent “Kemp House” but no time to stop & view.

Heading back to Paihia a stop will be made at the Haruru Falls, a breathtaking waterfall in a horseshoe shape – very rare and quite spectacular. Departing the Haruru Falls the final stop is at the Waitangi Look Out Loop which provides stunning views over Waitangi and the Bay of Islands. The tour will either return you to the tenders in Waitangi or drop you in the township of Paihia should you wish to explore further on foot, before catching one of the shuttles back to the tenders.

Tour commences 9.00 am (or at a time to meet the cruise ship schedule on the day)

Tour concludes 2.30 pm (or at a time to meet the cruise ship schedule on the day)

Typical start time: 09.00
Duration 5 hours approximately