OVERVIEW

With emerald-green islands sprinkled across sparkling water, quaintly 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 Bay is gaining a reputation as an active holiday destination with a year-round mild climate and great opportunities for kayaking, sailing, mountain biking and, of course, walking. The Cape Brett Track offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in New Zealand, and that’s saying something. We have pieced together four beautiful walks that allow you to experience the region from both the land and the sea. Private transfers on both land and sea seal this intimate expedition, as you walk and explore the Bay of Islands region.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Walk the Cape Brett Track along a rugged peninsula to a historic lighthouse with spectacular 360-degree views — hands down the best one-day walk in Northland and one of the best in the country
  • Visit the ruins of a 19th-century whaling station in a picturesque bay accessible only by boat or on foot
  • See rare birds such as the tieke (saddleback) or kakariki (red-crowned parakeet) on pest-free island sanctuaries
  • Island-hop through the three main bush-clad islands, each lovelier than the next, with sublime views and superb walking
  • Zip across the Bay in a water taxi operated by a member of the local iwi (tribe); if conditions allow he’ll take you through the iconic Hole in the Rock or let you try your luck at fishing
  • Enjoy refreshing swims at pristine white-sand beaches
  • Explore forests of lush tree ferns, crimson-flowered pohutukawa and towering kauri trees

 

 

AT A GLANCE

TRIP LENGTH
6 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Easyto Moderate
PRICE FROM
$ 1300 per person twin/double share
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 420 per person

ITINERARY

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • 5 nights accommodation
  • 5 breakfasts and 3 lunches
  • 4 great walks in Northland including Cape Brett
  • Private transfers from Kerikeri
  • All water taxis on the Bay of Islands
  • National Park fees and walking permit at Cape Brett
  • Stroll comprehensive walking notes

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

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.

GENERAL INFO

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AVAILABILITY

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.

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GETTING THERE AND AWAY

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

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WALKING

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.

Array
(
)

WEATHER

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.

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INSURANCE

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.

Array
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)

INFORMATION PACK

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.

Array
(
)

CONTACT

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

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    Single Occupancy
    Details
  • 1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $ 1470

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $ 420
  • 1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $ 1300

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $ 420

    4 Walkers or more

  • 1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $ 1530

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $ 450
  • 1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $ 1530

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $ 450

    4 Walkers or more

AT A GLANCE
TRIP LENGTH
6 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Easyto Moderate
PRICE FROM
$ 1300 per person twin/double share
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 420 per person
Overview

With emerald-green islands sprinkled across sparkling water, quaintly 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 Bay is gaining a reputation as an active holiday destination with a year-round mild climate and great opportunities for kayaking, sailing, mountain biking and, of course, walking. The Cape Brett Track offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in New Zealand, and that’s saying something. We have pieced together four beautiful walks that allow you to experience the region from both the land and the sea. Private transfers on both land and sea seal this intimate expedition, as you walk and explore the Bay of Islands region.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Walk the Cape Brett Track along a rugged peninsula to a historic lighthouse with spectacular 360-degree views — hands down the best one-day walk in Northland and one of the best in the country
  • Visit the ruins of a 19th-century whaling station in a picturesque bay accessible only by boat or on foot
  • See rare birds such as the tieke (saddleback) or kakariki (red-crowned parakeet) on pest-free island sanctuaries
  • Island-hop through the three main bush-clad islands, each lovelier than the next, with sublime views and superb walking
  • Zip across the Bay in a water taxi operated by a member of the local iwi (tribe); if conditions allow he’ll take you through the iconic Hole in the Rock or let you try your luck at fishing
  • Enjoy refreshing swims at pristine white-sand beaches
  • Explore forests of lush tree ferns, crimson-flowered pohutukawa and towering kauri trees

 

 

Itinerary
What’s Included
  • 5 nights accommodation
  • 5 breakfasts and 3 lunches
  • 4 great walks in Northland including Cape Brett
  • Private transfers from Kerikeri
  • All water taxis on the Bay of Islands
  • National Park fees and walking permit at Cape Brett
  • Stroll comprehensive walking notes
Accommodation & Dining

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.

General Info

AVAILABILITY

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.

GETTING THERE AND AWAY

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

WALKING

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.

WEATHER

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.

INSURANCE

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.

INFORMATION PACK

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.

CONTACT

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

Map
Departure Dates
  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023
    AVAILABLE
    from $ 1470
    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $ 420
  • 1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023
    AVAILABLE
    from $ 1300
    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $ 420
  • 1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
    AVAILABLE
    from $ 1530
    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $ 450
  • 1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
    AVAILABLE
    from $ 1530
    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $ 450

ENQUIRE NOW

If you’re looking for further information on any of our walking holidays please fill out the enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.
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