New Zealand’s oldest standing European buildings, the Stone Store and Kemp House, will launch your tour of KeriKeri. With your bearings set, the organic Ake Ake Vineyard and the delectable Makana Chocolate Factory will welcome you for tastings. This Paihia tour is ideal for wine and chocolate lovers, or anyone looking for a fun, tasty experience at a low price.

The small, coastal town of Kerikeri began in 1819, when the British Reverend Marsden traded 48 axes to the native Nga Puhi chief, Hongi Hika, for the land. You’ll tour Kemp House, the country’s oldest surviving building (erected in 1822), to see and hear how the first missionaries lived.

Nearby is New Zealand’s oldest surviving stone building. Built in 1833, the Stone Store continues to provide unique shopping opportunities. It will also give you context on its trading history by presenting an interactive story space upstairs.

You’ll then be guided to taste the quality wine and chocolate Kerikeri produces today, which have been key to the town’s commercial beginnings. Reverend Marsden planted the country’s first grapevines, launching a prime New Zealand industry.

Flavorful bottles of Pinot Gris, Syrah, Chardonnay, and others will be opened for your tasting at the picturesque Ake Ake vineyard. In 2014, this family owned and operated vineyard enjoyed its first full year of organic grape growing. Toast your friends, old and new, after touring the historic vineyard.

With an appetite brewing, your next destination will be the Makana Chocolate Factory. Here, you can sample handmade the delicious chocolates, truffles, and toffees. Their quaint gift shop is also available if you’d like to enjoy the goodies in the future.

Tour the historical Kerikeri as it comes to life on this Bay of Islands tour.

Begin your exciting day directly at the Waitangi Wharf after you have tendered ashore from your cruise ship and you meet your guide.

Your first destination is the Haruru Falls, which translates to “big noise.” Back in the 1800’s, more than 100 Maori villages lined the banks of the Haruru River, and Maori legend says that a taniwha (water monster) lives in the lagoon below the falls.

Next you’ll head to Kerikeri, a town with a rich and colorful history, and location of the the Stone Store and New Zealand’s oldest building, the adjacent Kemp House. Kerikeri is also known for its successful horticulture and niche food products, so a visit to the Makana Chocolates factory to try their handmade chocolates cannot be missed. Ice cream or coffee from their adjacent cafe is available for purchase.

After free time for lunch on your own, you’ll travel south to the town of Kawakawa, through which the railway runs in the middle of the road. It is also location to the now world famous “Hundertwasser Toilets,” one of the few public toilets seen as an international work of art. They were designed by the expatriate Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who lived in Kawakawa from 1975 until his death in 2000.

Your last destination will be the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, where a local Maori guide will lead you through underground caverns to see the glow worms, and tell you how the caves came to be found. Located right in the heart of the Waiomio Valley, the Kawiti Caves are home to thousands of luminous glow worms, breath-taking rock formations, and lush green rainforest. Explore the world-famous Milky Way, a cavern filled with glow worms as far as the eye can see. Journey underground through networks of stalactites and stalagmites to hidden chambers like the Waiomio night sky, where the glow worms are so close you can almost touch them. After the glow worm caves tour, head north around a forested coastline to Paihia and the ship.

From Paihia, it’s just a short drive back to Waitangi to board the tenders to your cruise ship.

This energetic adventure through the laid back Bay of Islands (Paihia) showcases the Giant Sundial near Long Beach before driving to idyllic Queen’s View. Your next subtropical location is Tapeka Point and the stunning 360 degree vistas of Flagstaff. Book this Bay of Islands tour for a memorable scenic adventure at a low price.

The lush aquatic playground of Paihia is home to many colorful locals. Providing history and local commentary, your professional guide will drive you to the Giant Sundial-still used by the town folk to accurately keep time. Next, it’s off to the aqua blue Long Beach before taking in stunning bay sights from Queen’s View.

The journey concludes at Flagstaff, a platform revealing a picturesque subtropical setting. This efficient Paihia tour will entertain you while providing a quick “lay of the land.” Book this Bay of Islands tour today for an incredible New Zealand experience at a low price.