Rural Drive and Waipoua Forest
Port
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Activity Level
low
Duration
7.0 Hours
Sit back and relax and take in the lovely scenery as you drive to Waimate for a visit to the Te Waimate Mission House. The house is the only survivor of 3 mission houses which were built at New Zealand's first inland mission station in 1832. Here, you can also enjoy morning tea.
Next, you’ll continue through Ohaewai and the Ngawha geothermal area to Kaikohe. The route then takes you through farming country to Opononi on the shores of the sand dune lined Hokianga Harbour. Once the home of ‘Opo’ the friendly dolphin of the late 1950s, this area was one of the earliest settled by Europeans.
At Waipoua Forest, your guide will lead the short walk to Tane Mahuta, the country's largest kauri tree, which is approximately 1,200 years old and still growing.Kauri timber became New Zealand's very first export - sought after for ships’ masts and as a building material. Within a few decades, the vast forests were depleted, and only a few areas of these trees now remain.
During your tour a buffet lunch at a local hotel will be served, followed by a charming concert, performed by local school children.
Next, you’ll continue through Ohaewai and the Ngawha geothermal area to Kaikohe. The route then takes you through farming country to Opononi on the shores of the sand dune lined Hokianga Harbour. Once the home of ‘Opo’ the friendly dolphin of the late 1950s, this area was one of the earliest settled by Europeans.
At Waipoua Forest, your guide will lead the short walk to Tane Mahuta, the country's largest kauri tree, which is approximately 1,200 years old and still growing.Kauri timber became New Zealand's very first export - sought after for ships’ masts and as a building material. Within a few decades, the vast forests were depleted, and only a few areas of these trees now remain.
During your tour a buffet lunch at a local hotel will be served, followed by a charming concert, performed by local school children.
Search for shore experiences
Select a Destination and Port to discover our offered shore experiences.
Book your shore experiences before you cruise and save 10%
Already booked on a cruise? Save 10% when you book your shore experience before your cruise begins*. Book early to secure your space and save when booking on My P&O Cruises vs. our on-board prices. You can book and pay for shore experiences online up until 3 days prior to departure. See T&Cs.
This shore experience is indicative of what you can experience on your holiday and is subject to availability and seasonality. Terms and conditions apply and can be viewed upon booking your shore experience. Full information including prices, important information and tour timings will be available on My P&O Cruises.