David L
The island hopping day of water taxis and walking was hard to beat on this Bay of Islands holiday.
With emerald-green islands sprinkled across sparkling water, quaint historic towns, sheltered white-sand beaches and resurgent wildlife, the Bay of Islands is rightly one of New Zealand’s top tourist destinations. Outside the bustling tourist hub of Paihia and the busy Christmas holidays, it’s still the kind of place you can find a beach or a bushwalk to yourself.
The Cape Brett Track offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in New Zealand, and that’s saying something! This walk allows you to experience the region from both the land and the sea, with both land and sea transfers.
Russell, your base for the duration of your stay, will offer all the creature comforts you need, from welcoming, well-appointed accommodation to fine restaurants. During your stay, you’ll also get a sense of the Bay of Islands’ role as the crucible of New Zealand history.
Both accommodations are in the oldest town in New Zealand. Russell is a great place to come not only if you love walking, but also golf, sailing or just to go fishing. Russell’s history is significant, including being a key player in the Maori wars. Its closeness to New Zealand’s first capital Okiato (where the car ferry comes in) also adds to the history.
The accommodations we use have superb views over the Bay. Staying in Russell affords you the opportunity to dine at some excellent eateries. If you have more energy after your walks you can further explore the town including making your way to the flag pole at the top of Russell, famous for being chopped down a number of times in the Maori wars.
This trip is almost always available, but we don’t suggest the winter months of June, July and August. We suggest that, if you can, avoid January and February when the area gets more crowded with holidaymakers. The walking temperatures are also higher but then you can also take a swim. There is a surcharge at this time (as well as during the holiday period of December and of course in January and February). Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are good times to walk.
There are two main ways to get to and from the walk.
Travelling to the Start of the walk
You are required to get yourself to the start and from the end of this walk which starts and finishes in Russell. Make sure you have some new Zealand cash it will make things easier and less costly than using your credit card for small purchases.
There are two main ways to get to and from the walk.
You can fly to Kerikeri from Auckland, where one of our transfer providers will meet you for a 30 min transfer to Paihia, from Paihia you will need to catch a 15-minute ferry to Russell. Your accommodation is a short 200m from the Russell ferry jetty. Please note the ferry is an additional $9 which you will need to pay in cash on the day.
Alternatively, you can self-drive. The drive to Russell is around 3.5 hours from Auckland. The roads from Auckland are excellent and there are ample opportunities to explore on the way by taking the more scenic routes. Your vehicle can be left safely at your accommodation in Russell.
Travelling from the End of the walk
The walk finishes in Russell after breakfast on the last day if you drove.
Or we will transfer you from Paihia to Kerikeri airport. Flights are available back to Auckland from Kerikeri a few times a day.
Try google flights or skyscanner.com.au to book flights
The tracks are well-graded, with some ascents and descents. There are some potentially difficult bits if you have a fear of heights. The walk distances average about 15 kms a day allowing you to explore the many isolated beaches. You will also have the option of undertaking additional walks should you wish to further explore the region.
From December through February it is usually warm to hot with excellent swimming weather. You will need to book well in advance for January and February due to the summer school holidays. March through May and September to November is usually cooler, with long sunny days, perfect for walking.
See the New Zealand Meteorological Service information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
For almost 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form or email us at info@Stroll.com
from £ 1285
from £ 1080
4 Walkers or more
from £ 1340
from £ 1135
4 Walkers or more
from £ 1395
from £ 1185
4 Walkers or more
With emerald-green islands sprinkled across sparkling water, quaint historic towns, sheltered white-sand beaches and resurgent wildlife, the Bay of Islands is rightly one of New Zealand’s top tourist destinations. Outside the bustling tourist hub of Paihia and the busy Christmas holidays, it’s still the kind of place you can find a beach or a bushwalk to yourself.
The Cape Brett Track offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in New Zealand, and that’s saying something! This walk allows you to experience the region from both the land and the sea, with both land and sea transfers.
Russell, your base for the duration of your stay, will offer all the creature comforts you need, from welcoming, well-appointed accommodation to fine restaurants. During your stay, you’ll also get a sense of the Bay of Islands’ role as the crucible of New Zealand history.
Both accommodations are in the oldest town in New Zealand. Russell is a great place to come not only if you love walking, but also golf, sailing or just to go fishing. Russell’s history is significant, including being a key player in the Maori wars. Its closeness to New Zealand’s first capital Okiato (where the car ferry comes in) also adds to the history.
The accommodations we use have superb views over the Bay. Staying in Russell affords you the opportunity to dine at some excellent eateries. If you have more energy after your walks you can further explore the town including making your way to the flag pole at the top of Russell, famous for being chopped down a number of times in the Maori wars.
This trip is almost always available, but we don’t suggest the winter months of June, July and August. We suggest that, if you can, avoid January and February when the area gets more crowded with holidaymakers. The walking temperatures are also higher but then you can also take a swim. There is a surcharge at this time (as well as during the holiday period of December and of course in January and February). Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are good times to walk.
There are two main ways to get to and from the walk.
Travelling to the Start of the walk
You are required to get yourself to the start and from the end of this walk which starts and finishes in Russell. Make sure you have some new Zealand cash it will make things easier and less costly than using your credit card for small purchases.
There are two main ways to get to and from the walk.
You can fly to Kerikeri from Auckland, where one of our transfer providers will meet you for a 30 min transfer to Paihia, from Paihia you will need to catch a 15-minute ferry to Russell. Your accommodation is a short 200m from the Russell ferry jetty. Please note the ferry is an additional $9 which you will need to pay in cash on the day.
Alternatively, you can self-drive. The drive to Russell is around 3.5 hours from Auckland. The roads from Auckland are excellent and there are ample opportunities to explore on the way by taking the more scenic routes. Your vehicle can be left safely at your accommodation in Russell.
Travelling from the End of the walk
The walk finishes in Russell after breakfast on the last day if you drove.
Or we will transfer you from Paihia to Kerikeri airport. Flights are available back to Auckland from Kerikeri a few times a day.
Try google flights or skyscanner.com.au to book flights
The tracks are well-graded, with some ascents and descents. There are some potentially difficult bits if you have a fear of heights. The walk distances average about 15 kms a day allowing you to explore the many isolated beaches. You will also have the option of undertaking additional walks should you wish to further explore the region.
From December through February it is usually warm to hot with excellent swimming weather. You will need to book well in advance for January and February due to the summer school holidays. March through May and September to November is usually cooler, with long sunny days, perfect for walking.
See the New Zealand Meteorological Service information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
For almost 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form or email us at info@Stroll.com
4 Walkers or more
4 Walkers or more
4 Walkers or more
David L
The island hopping day of water taxis and walking was hard to beat on this Bay of Islands holiday.
Gwendolin F
We really enjoyed our Bay of Islands walk. The accommodation and our host Sue were lovely. Our water Taxi and guide Bob was helpful, informative and fun.
Richard J
Our trip of the Bay of Island Walk went very well. All of the transport arrangements worked very well. The airport transfer driver was excellent. The boat transport lads were great. Good sense of humour and informative.