Depart Auckland and stop for morning tea at the Honey Centre, renowned for its live bee display.
Continue to the Kauri Museum at Matakohe to discover how early pioneer settlers worked the giant kauri tree and its gum.
On to Baylys Beach for lunch before heading for the crystal-clear waters of the Kai Iwi Lakes.
Overnight in Dargaville.
Next morning visit the Woodturner's Kauri Gallery before continuing on a drive through the sub-tropical Waipoua Forest. Stop at the Park Visitor Centre before visiting Tane Mahuta, the tallest living kauri tree. Estimated to be 2000 years old, Tane is 52 metres tall with a circumference of 13 metres.
En route to the Hokianga Harbour, stop to admire the panoramic views above Omapere, a peaceful harbour where we stop for the night, leaving plenty of time to relax.
Next morning, travel inland to Kaikohe before turning south to Whangarei via a scenic wooded route.
After lunch at the Whangarei City basin, continue down the east coast to Waipu and on to Mangawhai Heads and Wellsford. Return to Auckland via the Kaipara Harbour.
