Norfolk Island: pine trees, jagged cliffs and sandy beaches.
We are delighted to offer this tour for 2027, showcasing the best of Norfolk Island. Designed for those looking for a short break away, not too far from home.
Step back in time and experience the charm, history, and hospitality of Norfolk Island – a subtropical paradise where rugged cliffs meet emerald hills, and every corner tells a story. During the course of the tour, we’ll uncover Norfolk’s fascinating past, from its convict and colonial heritage to the legacy of the Bounty mutineers and their descendants. Explore the UNESCO-listed Kingston settlement, visit historic homesteads and museums, and hear tales of adventure, survival and island life.
Beyond its history, Norfolk Island offers breathtaking natural beauty. Enjoy coastal walks through lush reserves, panoramic views from Mount Pitt, and the dramatic coastline at Captain Cook Monument. Indulge in local hospitality with memorable experiences – a Progressive Dinner through island homes, a cliff-top BBQ breakfast, and sunset wine and cheese at one of the island’s most scenic lookouts.
Throughout the tour, savour fresh local cuisine, engage with the warm and welcoming community, and immerse yourself in the relaxed rhythm of island life. Concluding with a night in Sydney before our return home, this journey promises a perfect blend of history, culture, nature, and genuine island charm.
Highlights
- Guided Island Orientation Tour: Kingston, Cascade & Longridge
- Progressive Dinner across three family homes – meet locals and sample island dishes
- Tour of the Georgian settlement of Kingston
- Cliff-top BBQ breakfast overlooking the ocean
- Indulgence Tour – Ball Bay, Steeles Point, Captain Cook Monument & Mount Pitt Lookout including wine, cheese & crackers at a scenic viewpoint at sunset
- Evening cultural experience under the stars – stories, lights, and “Norf’k” heritage
- Pitcairn Settlers Tour – visit a historic island homestead, working forge & museum
- Visit to Bounty Folk Museum – tales of convicts, mutineers & settlers
Tour Itinerary
We depart Auckland early this morning on our flight to Norfolk Island (via Sydney). On arrival, we will be met by our local representatives and transferred to our accommodation on the Island – Paradise Hotel & Resort.
We begin our day with an Island Orientation Tour – a must for all visitors to Norfolk. We explore the key historic areas, including Kingston, Cascade and Longridge. This is our chance to learn all about the fascinating history of Norfolk Island. See the famous convict buildings and enjoy the stories told in the full commentary as we visit each new place. Take in the amazing views from the lookouts, where we’ll get to enjoy the beautiful beaches in all their glory. Learn about Norfolk Island government, laws and of course the unique lifestyle. Some of the highlights include the renowned Melanesian Chapel and a visit to the grounds of an old island home – where we will be served morning tea. The afternoon is free, until we meet for dinner this evening for a special Progressive Dinner. We enjoy a three-course meal progressing to different Norfolk Island family homes for each course. A fun night, and a great way to meet the local people, and sample some island dishes.
Morning at leisure. After lunch, we enjoy an in-depth tour of the historic Georgian settlement of Kingston. Walk through the cemetery and hear the history of interesting convict and colonial headstones. Hear stories of the houses along quality row and walk through the ruins of the new gaol, see the Pier Store, Boat Shed and the Crank Mill. This evening, we have dinner included at Hilli’s Restaurant.
Early this morning, make your choice of a stroll through Hundred Acres Reserve or for the more energetic, a leisurely 3.5km walk through Mt. Bates to Captain Cook monument. At the end of the walks, we meet on the cliff-top for a delicious breakfast barbeque. (Travellers who do not wish to do a walk, will be able to join the group for the scenic clifftop breakfast). After some time at leisure, we start our Indulgence Tour on the south-eastern side of Norfolk Island, at Ball Bay – just another stunning bay with magnificent ocean views! Here we will learn all about how the locals get fuel ashore, as this is where the supply is unloaded. 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 we 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 at a scenic spot. On this tour we will also visit Mount Pitt. The Lookout gives a 360° view of the whole island. Later tonight, we enjoy dinner at Governors Lodge, before we experience a magical journey through Norfolk Island’s culture and history with an enchanting tour. Illuminated by fairy lights, towering Norfolk Pines and intricate dioramas we listen to stories of family life and the unique ‘Norf’k’ language. Discover fascinating details, from cows, Cattlegrids to the ‘Norfolk wave’, all within a dreamlike atmosphere. This visitor favourite promises an unforgettable experience under the stars!
On our morning tour, we learn about the proud history of the Pitcairn Islanders on Norfolk Island. In the grounds of a beautiful old island homestead, stroll through the outbuildings, browse through the Museum filled with items of nostalgic and historic interest, see the oldest working forge in the Pacific, look through an ex-New Zealand Army hut with war-time memorabilia and watch an exclusive film of Norfolk Island interest. After time for lunch, we visit Bounty Folk Museum, which tells the strange and startling history of Norfolk Island, from the harrowing tales of ill-fated convicts brought here, to the against-the-odds survival of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives. Discover Bounty memorabilia, early photographs of Pitcairn settlers, old weapons and some terrifying antique medical instruments. Browse handwritten research books and get lost in the page-turning plot of Norfolk Island’s past. You’ll also get a good sense of the day-to-day life on the island, not just the key historical events. For our final dinner on the Island, we enjoy a feast of local dishes, salads and homemade coconut bread, alongside mouth-watering fried fish that you won’t forget. Our feast overlooks breathtaking coastal scenery as the sun sets – with live music in the background.
Morning at leisure. Early afternoon, we farewell Norfolk Island as we head back to the airport to continue our journey. We depart for Sydney mid-afternoon. On arrival in Sydney, we overnight at our airport hotel, with one final group dinner included.
We return to the airport mid-morning and join our flight back to Auckland.
NB: For those that wish to extend their tour and stay on in Sydney, we are able to assist with arrangements.
Highlights Reel
Inclusions
- Economy Class Air Travel from Auckland
- Superior hotel accommodation
- Air-conditioned coach transportation
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Prepaid airport/government taxes, security and fuel surcharges (as at 01/09/25)
- Sightseeing & entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary
- Tips/gratuities to guides, drivers & staff
- Baggage handling of one (1) piece per person where applicable (Not available at all properties on tour)
- Fully escorted by a Maher Tours Leader
Exclusions
- Any meals and sightseeing tours not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Travel insurance – advice and assistance offered
- Items of a personal nature such as drinks, room service, laundry, telephone charges etc.