Mullarkey Tours
Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, Hundertwasser Exhibition centre & opua Forest walk tour
Our first destination is the Kawiti Glowworm 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.
Your 30 minute guided tour will follow a wooden boardwalk (with handrails) through a 200 metre limestone cave system. Once inside, you will see thousands of glow worms spread across the ceiling surrounded by breath taking stalactites and stalagmites.
As you enjoy the galaxies of glow worms above, your friendly guide will explain the life cycle of the New Zealand Glow worm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) and the intricate webs used to catch their prey. You’ll even get close enough to see the actual body of the glow worm and its stunning blue/green tail light, before you make the return bush walk through a natural corridor of karst rock formations and pristine rain forest.
Then, a short drive to Kawakawa, location of the world famous "Hundertwasser Toilets" one of the few public toilets seen as an international work of art, designed by the expatriate Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, features the use of recycled materials from the local community.
You will also visit the recently opened Hundertwasser Cultural Centre. Opened in 2020, the centre offers an opportunity to enjoy the best of both Hundertwasser’s work and local Maori Arts & Crafts.
The final destination is the Opua Forest home to Kauri trees which are over 1000 years old.. From here we go back to the Wharf via the Waitangi lookout, where there are great photo opportunities particularly of your ship moored in the Bay.
Duration: 4 hrs (approx.)
Adult: $240
Child: $150
Cape reinga and ninety mile beach tour
Our journey takes you along the coastal road heading to Cape Reinga. Passing through rural coastal towns, beautiful beaches and quirky shop fronts – we stop at the southern end of 90 Mile Beach which gives you the opportunity to walk the beach and experience the sheer expanse of this well-known tourist destination!
On to the famous Cape Reinga, where the two oceans collide! Walk the path to the lighthouse on the edge of NZ –hear the crashing of the two oceans the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean in a spectacular swirl of currents, take time to absorb the atmosphere of this place you can almost feel the power!
Cape Reinga offers the ultimate northern New Zealand experience. This uniquely spiritual place … here according to Maori history is where spirits begin their final journey to their ancestral land Hawaiki.
Heading south a short hop to the immense sand dunes of Te Paki Stream – climb to the top, the views are spellbinding, and if you are brave enough grab a sandboard and surf the dunes (not included in price).
For the afternoon we work our way back to Paihia via Mangonui, where you can walk the promenade and grab a beer at the historic Mangonui Tavern.
Departs 7:30am from Paihia and 8am from Kerikeri.
Duration: 10 hrs (approx.)
Adult: $229
Child: $150
Shore excursion to kerikeri
The first stop on a tour takes us to the breathtaking Rainbow Falls. There are three stunning viewing platforms are at the top of the Rainbow Falls, all of which offer great photo opportunities.
Our next stop is the Makana Chocolate Factory to sample their hand made chocolates and time to visit the adjacent Kauri Workshop which has crafts and collectibles for sale.
We then move on to the Kerikeri Mission Station which was established in 1819. There are two significant buildings, “The Stone Store” built in 1832, originally used as a Missionary Society warehouse and the adjacent “Kemp House”, New Zealand’s oldest building completed in 1821/22 by missionary carpenters and Maori sawyers.
While we are at Mission Station, we will visit the historic Plough & Feather pub, where clients will have lunch along with a glass of locally made beer or wine (all included in the price).
The last stop of the day is the Waitangi look-out Loop. This is a final chance to take photos of the stunning views over Waitangi, Russell and the Bay of Islands, before your transportation back to the Wharf.
Duration: 5 hrs (approx.)
Adult: $240
Teens: $150
Bay Of Islands wine, spirit, and craft beer tour
Our first stop is Marsden Estate, which was started by the McIvor family some 30 years ago. Here customers can enjoy six wine tastings plus a platter lunch in the relaxed atmosphere of its courtyard which overlooks the lake and grape vines.
From here we move onto the Phat House Brewery in Haruru Falls.
Founded in 2015, Caroline and Rob the owners are passionate about every stage of the brewing process. Their beers are made from natural ingredients, carefully crafted, unfiltered, unpasteurized, and preservative free.
The brewery offers a wide range of beers and ciders from which customers can sample up to four different products of their choice.
Our last stop is a bar called Bad Habits which is in Paihia. This company stocks the largest range of New Zealand made spirits & liquers to be found anywhere north of Auckland, including Gin (46), Rum (19),, Vodka (11), Whiskey (24), and Liqueur (34). Customers will have the opportunity to taste three spirits accompanied by food samples to complement each product.
Duration: 4 hrs (approx.)
Price: $210pp