Our Top Picks
If you decide to stay on for a few days there are lots of great things to do in Auckland and outside some of our favourites....
Auckland War Memorial Museum Auckland War Memorial Museum is one of New Zealand's first Museums. The Museum tells the story of New Zealand, its place in the Pacific and its people. The Museum is a war memorial for the province of Auckland and holds one of New Zealand's top three heritage libraries. It has pre-eminent Māori and Pacific collections, significant natural history resources and major social and military history collections, as well as decorative arts and pictorial collections. Discover Art and Culture Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is New Zealand’s largest and most inspiring visual arts experience. Enter between majestic kauri columns to explore four floors of exhibitions, many centuries of art and one of Auckland's most iconic buildings. Visit us and discover some of the best in New Zealand and international art right in the heart of Auckland city. Sky Jump and Sky Walk Located smack dab in the middle of Auckland’s Central Business District is New Zealand’s tallest building. Standing 328m high, the Sky Tower is an icon of Auckland’s sky line and is the adrenaline hub of the city. When you head over to the bustling SKYCITY Plaza, you know you’re in for something seriously exciting. Now it’s up to you whether to look or leap. Auckland Viaduct and Central Central Auckland is a hub of urban delights set against beautiful coastal scenery. It’s not hard to see why this is regarded as one of the most livable cities in the world. Discover world-class shopping, dining and entertainment in the city centre. Splurge on designer fashion, indulge in Pacific-Rim cuisine overlooking the harbour and discover buzzing waterfront precincts. Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour is the city’s chic waterfront entertainment precinct. Spend a day wandering around the marina checking out super yachts, cruising the harbour on a pleasure craft trip and experience some of Auckland’s finest dining at the waterfront restaurants or meet friends and chill out in atmospheric bars, watching the city light up at nightfall. Waiheke Island Waiheke is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches. The white sandy beaches at Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi slope gently down into the Hauraki Gulf and are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or having a picnic. If you’re a walker, explore the island’s trails which meander along cliff tops, down to the beaches and into cool enclaves of native forest. At the eastern end of the island the Stony Batter walkway leads you to a system of World War II gun emplacements and underground tunnels. Rangitoto Sitting majestically just off the Auckland coast, this 600 year old volcano boasts a unique landscape of rugged lava crops, lush native bush and sandy coves. Walk to the top for spectacular 360 degree views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf islands, or hop on board our Volcanic Explorer road train tour for a guided island experience. Rangitoto and Motutapu are both pest-free islands. They are sanctuaries for our native wildlife. Please help to ensure the islands stay pest free. Check your bags and shoes for seeds, dirt, any insects or skinks, mice and rats before travelling to these islands. Fine Wine Tours – Scenic West Coast and Country Full day and half day trips available. Fantastic wine, food and stunning west coast and rural scenery. Four Award-winning Wineries – at least 30 wines to sample! Plus fine cheese board, plus vineyard Restaurant Lunch with wine, tea/coffee. Plus stunning ‘black sand’ surf beach. Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari Auckland's Whale & Dolphin Safari takes you out on the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park which is considered one the most biologically and geographically diverse marine parks in the world. Over 22 species of dolphins and whales have been seen in the Gulf, and we encounter marine mammals on well over 90% of our trips and whales on over 75% of our trips. Every safari is different and our experienced crew will find the most exciting activity in the Gulf on the day. The trip also includes extensive commentary on the most significant cultural and historical parts of this amazing maritime park. With over nine years of continued scientific programmes undertaken on board, our crew are some of New Zealand’s most experienced and knowledgeable. Tiritiri Matangi Island Surrender your senses to the beauty and magic of Tiritiri Matangi Island, situated in the Hauraki Gulf and only a 75 minute ferry trip from Auckland via Gulf Harbour. From the moment you step onto the island to the moment you leave, you will be entranced by the serenade of gentle bird song and the lush native bush. Tiritiri Matangi Island is one of the world’s most successful volunteer conservation projects. It has been re-vegetated with around 300,000 native trees and consequently 12 of New Zealand’s endangered birds and 3 reptile species have been successfully re-introduced as a result. Tiritiri Matangi, meaning “tossed by the wind”, is an Open Scientific Reserve managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) in partnership with the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Inc. The “open sanctuary” status allows 150 ferry visitors daily from Wednesday to Sunday onto the island. Here they can witness first hand some of New Zealand’s rarest inhabitants in a natural and protected environment. Visitors can have the opportunity to stay on the island overnight by booking through the Department of Conservation (DOC). This experience is truly unique, observing New Zealand’s nocturnal wildlife emerging as the sun goes down, wildlife such as the Little Blue Penguin (the world’s smallest penguin), the Little Spotted Kiwi, and the Tuatara are just some of the highlights. Ananda Tours (Waiheke Wine Tour) A natural complement to the fine wines you will taste on Waiheke is a range of hand-made specialty foods and locally-grown produce. A visit to a local olive oil mill is followed by two boutique vineyards, each offering a range of gourmet tastes to accompany their wines, such as succulent oysters straight from Te Matuku Bay, wild honey, vincotta, the famous local green herb spread and a small cheese board. The tour includes a two-hour lunch stop at a beachside café or, for a more memorable gourmet experience, lunch at one of our top vineyard restaurants. Lunch is an additional cost and it is advisable that we reserve a table for you at the time you confirm your booking. Ferry tickets can be arranged please contact us for more details. |