A truly unspoilt jewel of the Pacific with a fascinating ecological ethos is a World Heritage Island with 168 bird species (including the endemic woodhen), 241 species of native plants (105 are endemic), 500 marine fish and 90 different coral species.
As the sea is warmed by the South Equatorial Current, Lord Howe enjoys a subtropical climate with an average rainfall of 1568 mm per annum - a virtual ‘Garden of Eden’. Temperatures rarely rise above 26°c in summer or fall below 16°c in winter. Water temperature in summer can be as high as 24°c and in winter still remains as high as 18°c – a snorkelling mecca. Lord Howe is two hours flying time from Sydney, 11kms long and 2.4kms wide at its narrowest point and home to approximately 400 locals. Tourism is an important part of their economy, but visitor numbers are restricted to 400 at any one time.
Top Activities For Your Free Time:
A morning departure from Auckland to arrive in Lord Howe mid-afternoon with a 3 hour transit in Sydney. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation for a six night stay. Afternoon at leisure to explore and shop for breakfast requirements or maybe hire a cycle (easy and safe cycling) to explore your new environment. Welcome Dinner at a local Restaurant.
The morning to enjoy a half day Orientation Tour of Lord Howe Island highlighting the island, its features, wildlife, history and optional activities.
Today’s tour to Lord Howe Island’s world heritage marine environment with the opportunity to view the marine paradise through a glass bottom boat. There is also the option to snorkel Erscott’s Hole. Afternoon free with a Group BBQ Dinner in the evening.
Erscott’s Hole This spot is easily the snorkelling highlight of Lord Howe Island. Erscott’s Hole is home to more than 500 species of fish and more than 90 species of coral. The reef system here is incredibly healthy and diverse - a tapestry of colour and activity that easily ranks among the most impressive reef sites in Australia. The site is huge and completely protected as an intertidal groyne. A garden of staghorn coral dominates the scene, complemented by dozens of other soft and hard coral species. The shallow nature of the lagoon means almost anyone can enjoy the underwater spectacle.
A special morning to join a naturalist on a Reef Walk at Ned’s Beach where golden sands and clear calm waters are home to masses of different species of fish.In the afternoon historical movies will outline the island and its past.
Neds Beach Among the 11 beautiful beaches on Lord Howe Island, Neds Beach is one of the most entertaining and most unique. It is here that you can actually wade into the shallow waters and hand-feed the mélange of fish that swarm to your side whenever food is dropped in. There are several species of fish that live in the waters at Neds Beach. Expect to see silver drummers, wrasse, mullets, kingfish, garfish and even the spangled emperor. It’s a real frenzy of placid, but hungry, fish.
Today’s outing lets you view the fish and corals of the world’s most Southern Barrier Reef as you slowly cruise to the beautiful North Bay. Enjoy turtle spotting of the Green and Hawks Bill Turtles through the glass bottom boat. Lunch is included . For the adventurous, snorkel the wreck at North Bay, or take the short climb up Mt. Eliza with its panoramic views and Herring Pools or just sit and laze the afternoon away. Dinner at the Golf Club.
North Bay This is one of the finest spots on the island to lounge away the day on its brilliant white-sand beach. The bay is very shallow, ensuring easy access for anyone who wants to wade into the crystal-clear waters or take a look beneath the surface. The snorkelling at Lord Howe Island’s North Bay is spectacular. An impressive range of fish, stingrays and sea turtles live among the healthy coral reef so exotic aquatic sightings are guaranteed. The waters around the island are protected within a marine park so you can count on pristine water conditions and incredibly healthy marine life. North Bay is a popular hang-out for migratory sea birds.
This morning join our guide on a relaxed 3km history ramble to Little Island. Pass through lovely forests, a mutton-bird rookery, enjoy cliff top views, giant banyans, see valley of shadows, clear place and Balls Pyramid. Learn about the palm and tourist industry, flora,tucker and medicine, birds, volcanic history, snippets of colourful local history and more. An afternoon cruise on board the ‘Lulawai’ to view the island the way it was discovered, from the sea. Circumnavigate the island alongside volcanic cliffs and large numbers of nesting seabirds (seasonal). Enjoy a Farewell Dinner tonight.
Return flight to Auckland via Sydney arriving into Auckland late evening.
Mt Gower Towering 875 metres above sea level, Mt Gower is Lord Howe Island’s highest point. Besides being a beautiful geological feature to gaze at, this mountain is one of the world’s highest-rated day treks. Located at the southern end of the island, alongside its equally impressive mountain neighbour Mt Lidgbird, Mt Gower is a guided eight-hour return trek that comes with all kinds of exciting features. At the summit, trekkers are rewarded with a refreshing, misty forest environment filled with native creatures like the wood hen and other unique birds beneath you.
• Economy air travel Auckland / Sydney / Lord Howe Island / Sydney / Auckland
• Six nights’ accommodation on Lord Howe Island
• Five dinners, two lunches
• Transfers as specified
• Sightseeing as specified
• A Pukekohe Travel escort subject to 15 passengers travelling
• Govt and airport taxes
Cost Per Person * Auckland - Auckland | Twin Share | Single |
---|---|---|
$5,965 | $6,892 | |
One Bedroom Apartment upgrade | per person +$300 |
*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment
• Meals not specified
• Items of personal nature
• Travel Insurance – please ask us for a quote
• A non-refundable deposit of $1000 per person will confirm a place on the tour
• Full payment due no later than 07 February 2025
• From the date of booking until 07 February 2025 – loss of deposit
• After 07 February 2025 – no refund
Travel Insurance is highly recommended. Please contact us for a quote.
Climate
• Temperatures are likely to be a very pleasant High 22˚c Low 18˚c
Currency
• Australian Dollars only. ATMs available but fees may be high
Documentation
• A current New Zealand passport is required, valid three months from date of travel
• All other passport holders -please ask
Mobile Phone/ Wifi
• There is no mobile phone coverage.
• Internet access may be available via satellite links.
• A good standard of health is required and clients should be independently mobile with the ability to walk unaided on uneven surfaces.
• For full terms and conditions please visit our website www.pukekohetravel.co.nz/termsandconditions or ask our tour consultant for a copy
The lodge is located moments away from shops, restaurants and pristine beaches; and because of the prime position, they are the ideal venue for our stay whilst we enjoy all that this idyllic part of the South Pacific has to offer. The lodge is the perfect vantage point to take pleasure in the healthy sea air, breathtaking views, glorious sunsets and scenic walks of Lord Howe Island.
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Note:
Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change