Page 11 of New Zealand Island Discoveries Shore Tours by P&O Cruises

bay of islands auckland auckland by private vehicle van class approximate duration see below here you can see where modern new zealand was born the bay of islands is located 140 miles north of auckland in a long finger-like stretch that runs from auckland to cape reinga geographically speaking the bay of islands is a drowned river system an area where the sea has inundated a series of river valleys the bay of islands is the finest maritime park in new zealand with secluded bays and an abundance of marine life ever since captain cook sailed into this bay containing nearly 150 islands the region has become a sightseer and settler s delight every imaginable water sport is pursued with big game fishing a particular favourite the bay s three principal towns waitangi paihia and russell provide excellent tourist facilities while retaining many monuments to their lively histories akl-pb things to see and do in and around the bay of islands the bay of islands has lured explorers for countless centuries the maori say that kupe the great polynesian adventurer came here in the 10th century captain cook anchored offshore in 1769 followed by assorted brigands traders colonists and missionaries today tourists from around the world come to appreciate the area s great natural beauty motukokako island a must see for many visitors it is famed for its famous `hole in the rock and `grand cathedral cave and owes its history to the dairy industry being in the path of the original `cream run te waimate mission house the centre of the church of new zealand in the early 19th century and the only survivor of three mission houses built in 1832 the house is furnished with missionary period furniture and early tools waitangi treaty house at this location in 1840 the british crown and many maori tribes of new zealand signed the treaty of waitangi new zealand s founding document puketi state forest once covering the whole of the northern region there are now few remaining areas in new zealand where these towering kauri trees may exist to live to more than 1,000 years kawiti caves these caves have strong ancestral ties to the local maori people who have lived in this region for centuries they feature natural underground formations and the magnificent delicate stalactite and stalagmites pioneer village among the exhibits is a courthouse built in 1862 a charming cottage from 1875 with original kauri shingles a fully equipped blacksmith shop 1890s tackhouse and jail 1919 sawmill undergoing complete restoration a fire station and garage with a 1936 fire engine and vintage tractors and a fully restored 1907 burrell steam locomotive waipoua forest tane mahuta this forest contains three quarters of new zealand s remaining kauri trees and is the finest stand of kauri forest in the country today within the forest s 2,500 hectares a short walk will take you to tane mahuta or `lord of the forest which is estimated to be 1,200 years old and at 52 metres it is the largest remaining kauri tree in the country kerikeri it is here that the first house kemp house was built in new zealand the house was built for the missionary society of london in 1819 now kerikeri is an important citrus fruit area where much of new zealand s orange and grapefruit crop are grown kerikeri is also a popular haven for artists and crafts people a private vehicle is the perfect solution for passengers who wish to tour privately or who want the flexibility of designing their own itinerary all private vehicle bookings are nonrefundable actual vehicle type may vary depending on final number of passengers and availability visiting more than one site often requires a full day vehicles are air-conditioned and are provided with a driver/guide entrance fees we suggest you use local currency for entrance fees meals gratuities and refreshments private vehicle bookings do not include what you should know vehicles with an english-speaking driver/guide are offered on a half-day four hours or full-day 8 hours basis no deviations to duration departure or return time can be made this is a private arrangement those accompanying you are the family or friends with whom you agree to share costs we do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle vehicles are of extremely limited availability reserve early these tours are ordered per vehicle one person in your party places the order for the vehicle the entire cost of the vehicle is charged to that person s shipboard account and cannot be divided among the party once onboard you will receive a letter requesting details about your travel plans please complete this information and return it to the tour office as soon as possible akl-pb1 half day with driver/guide 4 hours one to seven 1-7 passengers maximum aud$525.00 per vehicle akl-pb2 full day with driver/guide 8 hours one to seven 1-7 passengers maximum aud$795.00 per vehicle please be sure to request this tour by indicating the number of vehicles you wish to have not the number of passengers auckland 18 19 bay of islands

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