Norfolk Island Paradise
Escape to an unforgettable paradise
Often overlooked yet unforgettable once found.
Sometimes, you want to escape to a place where you can just relax and leave everything behind. Norfolk Island provides all this and more.
Norfolk Island is rich in history and we have partnered up with our on Island local experts to bring you a magnificent 8 day getaway.
This tour will take in everything including island homes, historic sites, bushwalks,convict buildings and plenty of entertainment.
Take this opportunity to unwind in nature and explore the local attractions with a group of great people.
What’s included?
Tour highlights
Itinerary
Home - Norfolk Island
Home (13th Feb)
If departing from Whanganui meet at the Whanganui Racecourse for a 5.45 am departure and travel out to Whanganui Airport to catch our 6:45am flight to Auckland. We then make our way to the international terminal ready to board our flight to Norfolk Island which departs at 10:30am.
Departing from another destination
If departing from Auckland, your shuttle will collect you at the designated time and transfer you to Auckland Airport in plenty of time to catch your flight to Norfolk. Then meet up with the rest of the group ready for your international flight. (All tickets and details will be provided in your personal information pack sent prior to travel).
Norfolk Island
We are transferred to our wonderful accommodation where you have a chance to settle in and wander the main street. The supermarket is just over the road where you can purchase some breakfast items for the week which helps to keep costs down. We then head out for our first Island meal together and have a chance to get to know our fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Aloha Apartments
Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island (14th Feb)
We start with a Half Day Orientation on Norfolk Island. On this tour, we take you to some of our key historic areas, including Kingston, Cascade and Longridge. This is your chance to learn all about the fascinating history of Norfolk Island. See the famous convict buildings for yourself and enjoy the stories told in the full commentary as you visit each new place. Take in the amazing views from the lookouts, where you’ll get to enjoy our beautiful beaches in all their glory. Learn about Norfolk Island government, laws and of course our unique lifestyle. Some of the highlights include the renowned Melanesian Chapel and a visit to the grounds of an old island home - where you will be served morning tea.
4 x 4 + Convict Dinner
This afternoon half the group will spend a few hours on a 4x4 tour while others relax before we do something a little daring…. a convict dinner night. Here we will all dress as a convict and join in with the Commandant for an evening of gaiety, feasting, singing, and dancing. The local team will supply the outfit - all you need to do is bring your sense of humour! And prepare yourself for a delicious meal with your new friends.This is Norfolk Island’s only dinner and dance night - and one of their most anticipated events.
Accommodation: Aloha Apartments
Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island (15th Feb)
We start the morning with the opportunity to enjoy an outdoor walk, with a delicious breakfast waiting at the end! Take your choice of a stroll through Palm Glen Reserve or for the more energetic, a leisurely 3.5 km walk through scenic Mt. Bates (the highest point on the island! to Captain Cook Monument. It stands at the spot where Captain James Cook and his officers landed in 1774 - and has spectacular views of the coastline. At the end of the walks, we all meet up on the clifftop for a delicious breakfast barbecue. Transport is available for those not keen on the walk.
Indulgence Tour
After our morning work we will be straight into the Indulgence Tour on the south-eastern side of Norfolk Island, at Ball Bay - just another stunning bay with magnificent ocean views! We then move on to Steeles Point, to enjoy the sheltered valleys behind the coastal cliffs. You may even spot a White Fairy Tern nesting in the forest! From here, we head to the Captain Cook Monument, a scenic lookout where you will stand at the spot on the northern coast where Captain James Cook and his officers landed in 1774. It has some of the best sea views on the Island, with offshore rock formations like Bird Rock and Elephant Rock. We will finish the day the way all fantastic days should end - with wine, cheese & crackers on Mount Pitt. The Lookout gives a 360° view of the whole island, so it will be a picnic to remember!
The Norfolk Island Ghost Tour
The fun doesn't stop there up next is The Norfolk Island Ghost Tour which involves a dinner and lantern walk, while listening to talks and stories that will delight you, make you sad and send shivers down your spine! The dinner will be held in a beautiful, historic Georgian Building - while the lantern walk takes you through the historic Kington Ruins.
Accommodation: Aloha Apartments
Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island (16th Feb)
After an action packed day 3, the other half of the group will go on the 4x4 tour. We visit various sites and get off the beaten track so you can really experience the back blocks of the Island. Don’t worry its nothing to full on - you will be nice and comfy in the vehicle and enjoy this morning out in the back country.
In the afternoon we experience an in depth tour of the World Heritage Listed Georgian settlement of Kingston on the Convict Settlement Tour. This whole area is a living showcase of Polynesian, convict and Pitcairn Islander history. We take you through the cemetery, where you will hear the history of the colonial headstones, as well as the old houses along Quality Row. You will also walk through the ruins of the New Gaol, see the Pier Store, Boat Shed and the Crank Mill - all of which has to be seen to be believed. Trust us - the only way to truly experience the incredible history of Norfolk Island - is to see it for yourself. A delicious afternoon tea will be provided.
Mystery Dinner
In the evening we will enjoy a lovely meal over the road from our accommodation so a nice chance just to kick back, relax and spend some time together. For those keen we will meet beforehand and have some friendly competition playing lawn bowls while mixing with the locals at the bowling club. The place to be in Norfolk!
Accommodation: Aloha Apartments
Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island (17th Feb)
This morning we have a bit of an early start just so we can fit in all the activities planned for the day. We begin with the Glass Bottom Boat which involves gently cruising around the reef at Emily Bay checking out the various fish species and exploring the beautiful coral that is nice and close to the shore.
From here we immerse ourselves in the Over the Cattlestops tour. Discover the hidden gems of our local industries. Meet the skilled artisans and entrepreneurs behind the island's thriving businesses as they showcase their unique crafts and specialties. From handcrafted pottery to locally made soft drinks, you'll have the chance to taste and purchase some of the finest locally-made products. Along the way, we'll stop at a stunning scenic spot for morning tea, where you can soak up the breathtaking natural beauty of the island. Don't miss this chance to connect with the island's thriving community and see the magic in action.
Wonderland by Night celebrates
The afternoon will be free to explore before we enjoy a delicious 2 course dinner in one of the most popular restaurants on the Island.
After dinner is one of the favourite activities on Norfolk Island and is always a hit. Wonderland by Night celebrates the stories of life gone by on Norfolk Island and how the past has shaped their identity.
The setting is 10 acres of magical Norfolk Pines, which are lit up like a magical enchanted forest. Meander along (or ride in the ‘moon buggy’) through a gentle winding path with a descendant of the Bounty Mutineers, as they recite poems and light up the dioramas. while sharing entertaining stories. Enjoy a cuppa at the end of the bush, before being taken back to our accommodation.
Accommodation: Aloha Apartments
Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island (18th Feb)
We kick this morning off with a superb visit to the Pitcairn Settlers Village.
Guides provide in depth knowledge of the Pitcairn Settlers and the Bailey family. Among the experiences, you’ll visit the 1879 Bailey family homestead, see their farming innovations, visit the oldest working forge in the Pacific and enjoy simply spectacular gardens. Travelling for part of the tour will be on the Island’s first tour bus – a 1928 Model A Ford truck! You’ll leave understanding how the Pitcairners survived in an unfamiliar and remote location.
Cyclorama
After lunch we view the spectacular Cyclorama. The painting blends a series of scenes, taking you on a journey depicting the history of the Norfolk Island people who are descended from the crew of the famous 1789 mutiny on the Bounty and their Tahitian companions. Their tale is told through storyboard panels which document the scenes of the painting – the voyage of the Bounty to Tahiti, the mutiny and the settlement of Norfolk Island.
The A little bit more down time this afternoon where you can go shopping, take a dip in the pool at our accommodation or simply relax before the Norfolk Island Fish Fry. It's one of the most popular events for visitors. This fantastic event has been operating for over 40 years. Imagine - a feast of local dishes, salads and homemade coconut bread, alongside mouth-watering fried fish that you won’t forget. Your feast overlooks breathtaking coastal scenery as the sun sets - with live music in the background. The dishes include ‘Pilhi’ (savoury banana Slice,) a special sweet potato mash with local herbs called ‘Ana’, coconut bread and delicious coconut pie and cream for dessert. Your evening is completed by local entertainment from the Baunti Byuutis dancing group, on our exclusive Western Side property Orn Dar Cliff.
Sound and Light Show
To top off an action packed day, nightfall at Kingston brings a completely different mood to the Convict Settlement on Norfolk Island. The stillness and the stars are there just as they were, when the original settlers arrived in 1788. However, with the dramatic use of real-life sounds, theatrical lighting and costumed actors, the stillness is broken as you are taken through the horrifying decades of Norfolk Island’s convict era. The Sound and Light Show is a lot of fun and you’ll come away with a whole new perspective.
Accommodation: Aloha Apartments
Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island (19th Feb)
With our final day on the island you will also visit some of the most stunning gardens on Norfolk Island. Through the morning, we visit a nursery owned and operated by a Norfolk Islander, and view the hydroponics. We also visit a gorgeous private garden with a spectacular view and Norfolk Islands only maze! You will also see some of our rare and endangered plants and hear about how the different settlements of the past have influenced the gardens of today. Morning tea is also included, at a scenic location.
Farm and industry tour
After lunch it's then onto the Farm and Industry Tour. We take you to a selection of the many enterprises that sustain the community. These might include: raising meat producing sheep, market gardening, pig farming, manufacturing soft drinks and liqueurs, gardening or exporting Kentia seedlings. Refreshments provided.
Progressive Dinner
After a great afternoon and a bit of time to relax we will experience a first hand insight into Norfolk Island living, enjoying a Progressive Dinner. We will enjoy a 3 course meal, progressing to different Norfolk Island family homes. Each home has been carefully selected - and each dinner host has a sensational story to tell. You’ll hear all about their family’s history and day to day life. The Progressive Dinner is a fun night and a great way to meet the local people. You will come away with a true insight on life on Norfolk Island and our beautiful people.
Accommodation: Aloha Apartments
Norfolk Island - Home
Norfolk Island (20th Feb)
It's time to leave the Island and continue after an action packed week. We will be transported to the airport ready to fly to Auckland at 1pm. Once back we head over to the domestic airport and get set for our 6:20pm flight back home.
If you are travelling to another destination all travel arrangements can be made for you
Home
Once back we head over to the domestic airport and get set for our 6:20pm flight back home.
If you are travelling to another destination all travel arrangements can be made for you.
Optional extras
Optional extras
Meet your tour guide
Jason Granville
After years in the broadcasting industry, Jase hung up his headphones to run Take It Easy Tours. With now over a decade behind the wheel Jason ensures every tour will leave you with a lifetime of memorable expereinces.
Reserve your spot
There is limited availability for this tour. Please contact us to find out more.
Frequently asked questions
Can I earn Air New Zealanad airpoints on my flights?
Yes, you can earn airpoints with Take It Easy Tours when we are using Air New Zealand flights. All you need to do is get in contact with us and let us know your airpoints number for each time you wish to earn points.
Can you collect me from my door?
Yes, it would be our pleasure. We can arrange for you to be picked up and returned to your front door at the conclusion of any tour.
How about travel insurance?
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. It just puts your mind at ease. Remember to make sure you are covered for and loss of personal possessions, sickness, accidents or travel delays. Feel free to ask us for any tips to make this quick and easy for you.
How active are your tours?
We are called Take it Easy for a reason as we like to do just that. Do as much or as little as you like - after all it's your holiday! However, there is walking and various activities on each tour that require various levels of fitness. Please check with us if you are unsure about anything and relax knowing that there's always another option for you if you would rather miss out on any activity. We always have a back up plan.
I have some dietary requirements?
Please just let us know in advance and we will sort everything for you. Chefs are used to all sorts now when it comes to diet so as long as we know - we’ll have you covered.
What happens if I have to cancel?
Cancellation charges do apply so again we recommend travel insurance. Our cancellation policy is clearly outlined for each tour so make sure you cast your eye over it and please feel free to ask any questions.
What kind of accommodation do we stay in?
Having a good night's rest after a day out touring is very important so we personally choose all of our accommodation. Generally, four star accommodation when available - with all the comforts you need for a relaxed night.
What types of transport do we use?
Our buses are quality touring coaches that are very comfortable and fully air conditioned. They range in size from 19-28 seats ensuring that we can easily access all those secret spots off the beaten track. All vehicles are regularly serviced as your safety is our priority.
Coaches and luggage trailers are always locked and secure but we recommended you take any valuables with you when staying overnight.
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