Description
Looking for a great escape? Grab the Bay of Islands Bay & Cape bus pass and head from Auckland to Paihia, in the ‘winterless north’. Explore the stunning Bay of Islands, home to 144 islands and amazing beaches. Dive into epic adventures like fishing, sailing, and nature walks, or just kick back and relax on some of the best beaches around. It’s the perfect spot for young travelers seeking both thrills and chill vibes!
**We will contact you for availability dates after purchase.
Bay & Cape Departures
- Departs Auckland
- Finishes Auckland
How Does the bus pass work ?
- Minimum days of travel on this pass is 3 days
- Cheap Az Travel will customize your travel itinerary for you
- Simply tell us your departure dates and ending dates and we will plan your adventure
- This is a jump on jump off adventure so take as long as you want over 3 days
Bay & Cape Inclusions
- Start Auckland, finish Auckland.
- Minimum of 3 days travel
- Change travel dates as many times as you like with no fees
- Pre-Book and Pay for accommodation via the Trip Planner (by 7am 2 day before any overnight stay)
- Pre-Book and Pay for activities via the Trip Planner
- Flexible, easy, stress-free travel with like-minded travellers
- Legendary local Driver Guides
Not Included
- Accommodation
- Meals
.Looking for epic adventures in New Zealand? Thrill-seekers, you’re in luck! Dive into action with a bungee jump in Queenstown or ride the rapids with whitewater rafting. For a sky-high adrenaline rush, strap on a parachute and free-fall over Lake Taupo on the North Island.
Head to the Waitomo Caves for blackwater rafting in the Tuma Tuma caves, or take on the Lost World Epic adventure. Abseil 100 meters into the Lost World and spend the day exploring the massive underground passages—think walking, wading, swimming, and climbing. With ceilings soaring 50-80m above, this cave system is a must-see for adventure lovers!
Important info before travel
AUCKLAND TO PAIHIA
Rise and shine! It’s time to depart Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) bright and early to head north to Paihia. Along the way, you’ll make a quick stop at Warkworth for breakfast, and later on to marvel at the Whangārei Falls. By midday, you’ll find yourself in the Bay of Islands, also known as the ‘Winterless North’ – a true paradise waiting to be explored. Home to 144 picturesque islands, the Bay of Islands is known for its pristine beaches and rich historical heritage. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Waitangi, Aotearoa New Zealand’s most historic location– the ‘Birthplace of the Nation.’
If water activities are your thing, this is the place for you! Set sail on a cruise to the renowned Hole in the Rock and discover the hidden treasures of the surrounding islands. Keep your eyes peeled for the diverse marine wildlife that calls this area home. If you prefer a more active approach, indulge in sailing, fishing, diving, or parasailing. Alternatively, simply unwind and bask in the sun-kissed glory of the beach.
Accommodation
- Centabay Lodge (Paihia Pacific Resort from the 4th of December 2023) – Not included (book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Whangarei Falls (free)
- Hole in the rock cruise (optional extra)
- Parasailing (optional extra)
- Bay of Islands Skydive (optional extra)
- Horse Trek (optional extra)
- Sailing (optional extra)
CAPE REINGA DAY TRIP
Today we head up to New Zealand’s Northernmost Point – Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua). Along the way, we make a couple of stops where you will learn more about the history and Māori legends of the area. Uncover the wild beauty of this vast and untouched region rich in Māori culture and tradition. Your driver guide also doubles as a storyteller, sharing the stories of this significant site where, according to Māori legend, spirits depart on their journey home to Hawaiki. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views, visit the iconic lighthouse, and see the point where the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean come crashing together.
Ninety Mile Beach is another tour highlight – you’ll drive along the sand as waves crash beside the custom-built coach. Feel the sand between your toes as you help your driver-guide dig for shellfish (conditions permitting). Don’t be alarmed when your driver takes the bus up Te Paki Stream towards the mountainous sand dunes; it’s all part of the off-road experience. Clambering up and then sandboarding down the enormous dunes (if you dare!) will stretch your legs after the first part of the tour and get your heart pumping with excitement.
Accommodation
- Centabay Lodge (not included- book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Most northern point of New Zealand (Included)
- Visit the famouse lighthouse (Included)
- Go sandboarding down dunes (Included)
PAIHIA TO AUCKLAND
Departing mid-afternoon, you have the best part of the day to experience one of the many activities on offer in the Bay, or simply chill on the beach with a good book. The drive back to the “big smoke” is relaxed and we will have you back in time to find some dinner in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) or hit the town.
Accommodation
- LyLo (not included – Book via the Trip Planner)
Experiences
- Auckland Skytower
- Auckland nightlife
- Rangitoto Island
- Mission Bay (free)
To allow for ultimate flexibility, accommodation is not included in the price of your bus pass. The Trip Planner makes it simple to pre-book and pay for your accommodation while travelling on the bus. You must book your accommodation by 7am two days before arrival at each overnight location. Book your accommodation directly with the hostel if you’re staying longer at a destination than on the bus. You always have the option to book your own accommodation outside of Kiwi Experience. Please note that the Kiwi Experience bus will only pick up and drop off from the accommodation on the trip planner. Your are always guaranteed a bed spot on the first night.
You also add your bus sectors on the trip planner if Cheap Az Travel is not doing it for you.
Once you’ve decided on your itinerary and accommodation, Cheap Az Travel can add your activities for you as well at a great price.. From whale watching to bungy jumping, surfing to skydiving.
The pass is valid for 12 months so you can buy now and use later. Each pass has a min time of travel for instance the Bay & Cape is 3 days. We suggest spreading it out and allowing you extra time to take in New Zealand.
Hop-On-Hop-Off Terms & Conditions
- Kiwi Experience travel passes (Travel Passes) are valid for travel in one direction for the route stated on the Travel Pass, repeating sections is not possible.
- Travel using the Travel Pass must commence within 12 months of the date of purchase unless otherwise stated. Travel Passes are valid for 12 months from the first date of travel, or until you have travelled once over all sections of the Travel Pass, whichever occurs first.
- Travel agent vouchers or website E-Tickets are not valid Travel Passes and must be exchanged for a valid Travel Pass (your welcome email will do) before you can travel on a Kiwi Experience service.
- Travel Passes that have expired may be extended on the following terms. A Travel Pass can expire either because you did not use it within 12 months of purchase (or such lesser period if stated in the specific terms of purchase) or you have not finished your travels within 12 months from the first date of travel. Extensions must be requested and paid for before the expiry date of the Travel Pass. A charge of NZD$50 per month (period) of extension applies to all extensions. Further, if you wish to extend your Travel Pass before your first date of travel and the current Travel Pass price is higher at the time of extension than the price you paid for your Travel Pass, the difference must also be paid. There are no refunds if the Travel Pass price at the time of extension is less than the price you paid for your Travel Pass.
- Kiwi Experience Travel Passes are non-transferable.
- Unlimited Travel applies only to The Whole Kit & Caboodle and the Funky Chicken pass. To qualify for unlimited travel, an entire route circuit must be completed. Backtracking isn’t permitted, and point-to-point journeys can not be repeated without completing the entire circuit. Only the first return inter-island ferry crossing is included in the pass. Any additional crossings are at the pass holders’ expense. These can be purchased via the Kiwi Experience bus planner. No limits are imposed on completing entire route circuits. All other T&Cs still apply.
- All national passes include Inter-Island ferry crossings in line with the itinerary of the pass i.e. (one-way or return). Inter-Island ferry tickets are for walk-on passengers only and do not include food and beverage, lounge access or excess luggage. These are at the expense of the traveller. Kiwi Experience reserves to right to use multiple provides on this crossing.
- Cancellation policy for Travel Passes: In the event you have purchased a Travel Pass and subsequently wish to cancel it, Kiwi Experience may refund your Travel Pass at its sole discretion, in which event you will be required to pay a cancellation fee as follows: a. where the purchase price of the Travel Pass is less than NZD$200, the cancellation fee shall be equivalent to the price paid for the Travel Pass; b. where the purchase price of the Travel Pass is greater than NZD$200, the cancellation fee is NZD$200. No Travel Pass may be cancelled following the first date of travel. The Milford Explorer and Cape Reinga add-on passes are 100% non-refundable.
- Travel reservations are recommended on Kiwi Experience services and should be made at least 14 days before departure to give you the best chance of a seat in the summer period (1 January to 30 April), and 7 days before departure to ensure a seat at other times. Changes to reservations must be made at least 24 hours prior to departure and are subject to availability. All reservations and changes must be made by contacting our reservations department:
Ph: +64 (9) 336 4286 or email: travel@kiwiex.co.nz - No Shows: Should you fail to show for any booked and confirmed departure your Travel Pass will become invalid unless and until an NZD$50 fee is paid to reinstate the Travel Pass. This does not include the Milford Explorer and Cape Reinga add-on passes, which are 100% non-refundable and require full payment to reinstate the booking if a no-show occurs.
- Kiwi Experience reserves the right to vary any fares, routes, overnight stops, pricing, inclusions, accommodation operators, departure dates, times and locations without notice. Kiwi Experience reserves the right to substitute other vehicles in place of our own. Kiwi Experience product inclusions and advertised accommodation operators are not guaranteed and will be provided where possible.
- Kiwi Experience will endeavour to adhere to stated departure and arrival times but will not be liable for any failure to meet those times or for any cancellation or delay of Kiwi Experience services.
- Kiwi Experience shall not be liable for any loss or damage of any kind, including indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising directly or indirectly out of a cancellation or abandonment of, or delay to, any trip, however caused.
- Kiwi Experience has preferred agreements with accommodation providers however we cannot always guarantee your first choice of accommodation.
- Luggage is limited to one piece at 23 kilograms. For additional luggage, charges may apply.
- Kiwi Experience reserves the right to refuse to carry any passenger, luggage or goods at its sole discretion.
- Kiwi Experience will not be liable for the sickness of, injury to, or death of, any passenger, or the loss of, or damage to, any personal effects, whether caused by Kiwi Experience’s negligence or otherwise. There is no travel insurance cover included in the price of a Travel Pass and Kiwi Experience recommends that you obtain travel insurance to cover any sickness, injury, or loss that may occur while you are travelling with Kiwi Experience.
- You agree to indemnify Kiwi Experience against any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by Kiwi Experience, its officers, employees, agents or related companies as a result of any claim by any third party whose claim arises from your use of your Travel Pass or your acts or omissions while travelling on any Kiwi Experience service.
- Where the services of another operator are provided as part of the Travel Pass it is agreed and understood that Kiwi Experience has no responsibility whatsoever for any default of that operator.
- Passengers must be 18 years old at the time of travel. Proof of identification and age may be requested, and failure to provide such proof may invalidate your Travel Pass.
- Kiwi Experience does not offer the Waitomo sector on routes heading North. No Kiwi Experience Travel Pass that includes the Waitomo sector can exchange the Waitomo sector going Southbound for a trip operated by the Waitomo Wanderer going Northbound.
- These terms and conditions are governed by the law of New Zealand and you and Kiwi Experience agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of New Zealand in any dispute. Nothing in these terms and conditions affects your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
- Kiwi Experience may, at any time and without notice, vary any of these terms and conditions.
- Kiwi Experience will not be liable for breach of, or any failure to perform its obligations under, these terms and conditions where such breach or failure is caused by anything beyond Kiwi Experience’s reasonable control including, but not limited to, war, civil commotion, hostility, act of terrorism, strike, lockout, other industrial act, weather phenomena or other act of God, or governmental regulation or direction.
- If any part of these terms and conditions is held to be invalid, unenforceable or illegal for any reason, they will be deemed to be amended by the addition or deletion of wording necessary to remove the invalid, unenforceable or illegal part, but otherwise to remain unchanged to the maximum extent permissible under applicable law.