Enjoy a hassle-free pickup from your centrally-located Auckland hotel or the Sky City coach terminal, before we whisk you away on a comfortable air-conditioned coach. As we travel from Auckland to Paihia, you'll have the opportunity to relax, soak up the scenery and use the free onboard WIFI.
Upon arrival in Paihia, we head to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a guided tour of this historical site. Considered the founding document of the nation, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed by 43 M?ori chiefs and the British Crown in 1840. Visit the Waitangi Treaty House, an elaborately decorated marae (M?ori meeting house) and see a large waka (war canoe) as you learn more about M?ori culture in New Zealand.
After your Waitangi visit, enjoy a short ferry ride to Russell for a 1-hour coach tour of this charming town. Discover why Russell was once known as the 'Hellhole of the Pacific' and see historical highlights including the Pompallier Mission, Christ Church and New Zealand’s oldest pub. Soak up panoramic views of the bay atop Flagstaff Hill and learn about the historical controversy surrounding the flagstaff back in the 1840s.
As your guided tour concludes in Russell, you'll have the opportunity to explore Russell’s cafes, shops, waterfront, museum and art galleries at your leisure before we board the coach for our return trip to Auckland.