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About the City (Clicking on red colored text will link to more info or videos or official sites)
Understanding Auckland
Greater Auckland is actually a fusion of four cities, Auckland, Manukau, North Shore, and Waitakere. Each is on a motorway network, which crosses the harbor, rivers, creeks, and bays. North is an area devoted to producing great food and wine and living the good life. West is where the Tasman Sea's mighty surf pounds onto black volcanic sand with loads of walking trails. East a sweeping coastline with spectacular views across the Hauraki Gulf. South is a place of complete contrasts, bustling cosmopolitan centre. |
Downtown
This is the heart of Auckland city, with a relaxed Pacific vibe by day and a night-time pulse shared by the inner-city suburbs that surround it. Auckland is defined by its harbourside location, with the central city on the doorstep of the Viaduct, Princes Wharf and the recently developed Wynyard Quarter. The Britomart heritage area in downtown Auckland has had fresh life breathed into it in recent years and now features some of Auckland’s coolest retail outlets, cafes and urban spaces. |
Hauraki Gulf
The jewel in Auckland’s crown is the Hauraki Gulf. Its home to over a million hectares of sheltered, sparkling-blue waters and is dotted with beautiful emerald islands. It has a natural richness, environmental quality, biological diversity and landscape that make it outstanding and distinctive within New Zealand. The Hauraki Gulf is a coastal feature of the North Island. Waiheke Island, Great Barrier Island, Rangitoto & Motutapu, Tiritiri Matangi Island, Rotoroa Island, Kawau Island. |
Northern Bays
The Shore, home to quintessential Auckland lifestyle: laid back, informal and the sea. A 12-minute ferry ride across the harbour from the central city lies Devonport. This seaside gem is packed with 19th century buildings and has a proud military history too. On North Head you can clamber over gun emplacements aimed at thwarting various invasions that never came. Further north, there’s the beachside township of Orewa, and beautiful coastal Shakespeare Park on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. |
The Domain
Auckland Domain, resting above the volcanic crater known as Pukekawa, spans over 75 hectacres and is known as the oldest park in New Zealand. The park houses a number of historic attractions, most notable among them the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Walking paths, picturesque statues, and incredible plant varieties, many of which are featured in Wintergardens, dot the landscape throughout the park. |
Auckland Harbour
Auckland Harbour is an arm of the Hauraki Gulf, which extends west from the end of the Rangitoto Channel. Auckland’s Viaduct displays an extensive range of restaurants and bars to choose from. The Auckland Harbour Bridge extends over the harbour and connects the center with the North Shore. Enjoy the more relaxed and scenic journey of exploring the harbour in one of the many Auckland Harbour cruises. |
Auckland Harbour Bridge
Auckland Harbour Bridge is one of the most striking man-made structures in the city. Dating back to the late 1950s, this eight-lane motorway bridge connects the city with the North Shore, crossing Waitemata Harbour and stretching for some 1,020 metres / 3,346 feet. One of the most unusual ways to fully appreciate the construction of the Harbour Bridge is to join the regular guided bridge climbs. |
Sky Tower
The Sky Tower is now synonymous with the city and measures over 325 metres / 1,066 feet, making it the tallest building in New Zealand. Visitors will no doubt appreciate the breathtaking modern architecture and the platforms offering spectacular panoramic views across the city, as well as the restaurant that slowly revolves. Those feeling brave may even like to have a go at sky jumping with a harness. |
Auckland Town Hall
Built in the early 20th century and features striking Italian-style architecture. One of the city's most striking buildings, used for important administrative functions. 2 large halls where concerts and major local events are staged, as well as a fully restored huge pipe organ. |
Acacia Cottage
Historic wooden house, famous for being oldest timber building, dating early 1840s. Stands in Cornwall Park, Acacia Cottage is close to both Huia Lodge and a popular visitors' centre, and enjoys a Category I listing by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. |
Alberton House
On the south-western side, built around 150 years ago. Managed by Historic Places Trust, the house features classical architecture, a lavishly decorated interior and many original period features. Additional attractions include seasonal garden parties, balls and live music. |
Ferry Building
The historic Ferry Building stands on Quay Street, in the heart of the city centre, where it was built in the early 1900s. After being thoroughly restored and refurbished in the 1980s, the Ferry Building now houses a trendy restaurant and bar, together with a number of shops. |
Mount Wellington
A particularly eye-catching natural landmark and can be found in southern Auckland, close to the suburbs of Penrose and Tamaki, where it measures just under 140 metres / 459 feet. The top of this volcanic peak can be reached by car and offers spectacular panoramic views of both the cityscape and the surrounding countryside. |
Mount Victoria
Mount Victoria is a prominent volcano standing on the North Shore, where it measures in at almost 100 metres / 325 feet high and dominates the area. Particularly notable are the stunning views of both the inner Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour, as well as the various scenic picnic spots and walking / tramping trails. |
Mount Eden
Mount Eden is an enormous natural volcanic 'cinder cone' towering almost 200 metres / 650 feet high and presiding over the surrounding landscape, being Auckland's highest natural point. With driving trails and pathways suitable for walking / tramping, Mount Eden overlooks the Hauraki Gulf and is rich in native flora and fauna. |
Grafton Bridge
Grafton Bridge was built around 100 years ago and crosses the Grafton Gully, stretching for some 98 metres / 322 feet. When it was originally constructed in 1910, using reinforced concrete, Heralded as a feat of engineering and remains an important historic landmark in Auckland. Used by roughly 15,000 vehicles daily. |
War Memorial Museum
Perched atop the lush Auckland Domain, this is where you can see the largest collection of Māori taonga (treasures) in the country, and learn about New Zealand history from colonial times to the present day. It’s worth booking for the twice-daily Māori Cultural Performance, which includes traditional waiata (songs) and culminates in a demonstration of the haka, the war dance made internationally famous by the All Blacks rugby team. Located at Domain Drive. Children go free here. |
Voyager NZ Maritime Museum
A place of stories, ambition, courage and exploration. A place of amazing journeys. Discover how the nation’s relationship with the sea has shaped the NZ identity; from stories of the Polynesian people’s epic migration to Aotearoa, early European exploration then settlement, to modern-day yachting success. Engage with exhibitions and explore New Zealand's rich and diverse maritime history or experience Auckland's stunning Waitemata Harbour aboard a heritage sailing vessel. |
Auckland Art Gallery
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is New Zealand’s most inspiring visual arts experience. Visit and discover the world’s largest permanent collection of New Zealand art right in the heart of Auckland city with collection numbering over 15,000 works. Includes major holdings of New Zealand historic, modern and contemporary art, and outstanding works by Māori and Pacific Island artists, as well as international painting, sculpture and print collections ranging in date from 1376 to today. |
Tamaki Hikoi Experience
Take a unique and cultural experience of Auckland City with Tamaki Hikoi (meaning “Auckland Walk”). The Guided Walking Tours offer you an intimate and engaging insight to Auckland’s history at key sites of significance, with an emphasis on learning from local Maori Iwi (tribe), Ngati Whatua. They will offer you a truly New Zealand and cultural perspective about the locations and history throughout your walk. Options are Maunga Hikoi or Mt Eden Walk; Haka Hikoi (Haka Walk) or Puke Hikoi (Hill Walk). |
Rainbow’s End Park
New Zealand’s largest theme park promises all the thrills you can handle with a host of fun activities and world class rides. There is something for everyone, spin vertically, horizontally suspended 18m high on the Power Surge, be trapped in a runaway mine cart and Fear Fall 18 storeys at 82km/hr! Try interactive 3D virtual theatre experience or fun rides in Castle Land. Defy gravity on New Zealand’s only corkscrew roller coaster or ride the Log Flume with its dramatic water chute plunge. |
Auckland Zoo
Home to the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New Zealand, set in 17 hectares of lush parkland and just five minutes from central Auckland. There is lots to see and do all year, including events, animal encounters, Zoom (behind the scenes) tours and more! Tours offer you an exclusive backstage pass to go behind the scenes. Imagine helping a keeper wash down an elephant, coming eye to eye with New Zealand fauna, a tiger, or one of Africa’s big five. |
Stardome Observatory
The sky of the Southern Hemisphere contains beautiful star clusters, gas cloud nebulae and star patterns that can only be seen from this latitude. Experience the unique wonders of New Zealand’s southern night sky at Stardome Observatory & Planetarium. Astronomy Presenters will reveal the features of the Southern Hemisphere sky as these constellations are projected onto the domed ceiling of the planetarium. Learn about their history and significance to New Zealanders. |
Glenfern Sanctuary
Glenfern Sanctuary is a 260 hectare predator controlled area on Great Barrier Island in the Hauraki gulf of New Zealand, where threatened and endangered species are able to thrive once more. The sanctuary is providing a safe habitat for many endangered native species including the black petrel, brown teal, chevron skink and the recently re-introduced North Island Robin. Accomodation is available on-site through historic Fitzroy House. See the Tony Bouzaid memorial. |
Kelly Tarlton’s World
The Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World is a uniquely New Zealand Pacific and Southern Oceans experience that showcases a variety of marine life. Home to New Zealand’s only Sub-Antarctic Penguins, plus sharks, stingrays, seahorses and thousands of other sea creatures! Come face-to-face with huge sharks, stingrays, and thousands of other deep sea creatures along the world’s first curved aquarium tunnel. Seahorse Kingdom, world’s only display of Spiny Sea Dragons. |
Spookers Theme Park
Step into the Spookers, and become engulfed by darkness, fear, and heart pounding terror. Spookers Haunted Attraction Theme Park takes you on a trip through the scariest, creepiest, most blood curdling attractions outside of America. Flee for your life from the frightening apparitions in the old Kingseat Psychiatric Hospital. Spookers is Australasia’s only Haunted Attraction Scream Park, including Haunted House, Freaky Forest of Fear, Disturbia, CornEvil and Amazing Maze ‘n Maize. |
Snowplanet
Snowplanet is New Zealand’s first and only all-year indoor snow resort where guests can experience the thrill of snowsports and the atmosphere of a snow village only 20 minutes north of Auckland. We are open 365 days of the year to ensure everyone gets the chance to experience real snow. Whether you are wanting to ski, snowboard, toboggan, or even just play in the snow with the kids, Snowplanet is the perfect family destination! Excellent skiing and snowboarding lessons. |
Maze ‘n Maize
The Amazing Maze ‘n Maize is a giant maze design cut into a paddock of maize or feed corn. It is approximately 16 acres or six hectares in size and takes visitors an average of one hour to complete. The maze has a different theme each year. The Auckland site is part of Spookers Scream Park. Throughout the maze are kernels of knowledge or small signs with trivia about the current maze theme. Corn-evil is a Haunted Horror Maze in the corn field that is strictly R.16. |
Freddy's Ice House
Freddy’s offers a unique experience for everyone! Wandering into the Ice House takes you into a whole new world where absolutely everything is made out of ice! Even the glass you drink from. This longstanding ice bar will chill your bones while delighting your senses. Freddy’s is Auckland’s only winter wonderland where everything is hand carved from ice. You can touch, feel and explore our hand carved sculptures and architecture; even the cocktail glasses are ice! |
Auckland Explorer Bus
The Auckland Explorer Bus is a Hop On Hop Off sightseeing tour visiting the big 14 attractions with full commentary. The bus departs from the ferry building every 30 minutes from 9am (10am hourly in winter) or from Sky City at 9-45. The all day bus pass is $40 per Adult. Operates 365 days with a great commentary. No booking required. The length of the tour is up to you. The Auckland Explorer Bus can be as short as a one hour sightseeing tour or it can be all day (Finish 5pm). |
Whale & Dolphin Safari
Auckland's Waitemata Harbour is not just a playground for yachts — it’s also a maritime reserve home to 25 different sea-loving mammals. The 4.5-hour voyage departs from the Viaduct in downtown Auckland, and while every trip is different, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll be treated to the sight of dolphins leaping through the bow wave. Whales are also a common sight. Better yet, the enterprise is dedicated to conservation. The boat itself is a research vessel, and runs on biodiesel. |
Marine Discovery Centre
Create beautiful memories with a visit to the Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre. State-of-the-art displays and a tide pool full of marine creatures are waiting to be explored. Marine experts staff the centre and will insure you leave the centre with some new pearls of wisdom and ready to take advantage of a snorkel or dive. Overlooking the stunning Goat Island Marine Reserve it is an experience you will not want to miss on a day out to Goat Island or Matakana. Perfect for all ages. |
Smith & Caughey's
Walking into Smith & Caughey’s is like stepping back in time. Housed in a beautiful historic building, this old fashioned department store is the place to go for luxury items. The store has the best end-of-season sales, making the designer gear that much more accessible. Smith & Caughey’s three floors contain local and international men's and women's fashion, cosmetics, perfume, accessories, house wares and a fine foods section. Buy the feijoa (aka pineapple guava) chocolate. |
Newmarket Shopping District
Auckland’s main shopping district provides a range of budget and moderate chain stores, as well as a Westfield Shopping Mall on the main strip. Venture into the back streets and you’ll discover best of New Zealand fashion designers. You can take in a movie while in the area at the plush Rialto Cinemas Newmarket, Auckland’s largest art house cinema. Zambesi, Karen Walker, Kate Sylvester, Annah Stretton, moochi and Ruby all have boutiques here in the Newmarket shopping district. |
Farmers’ Market
Enjoy some time in the slow lane, grab a freshly brewed coffee, meander around the stalls and take the opportunity to talk with the growers at Matakana, Stalls at the market sell organic and gourmet fruit, vegetables, chocolate, preserves, breads, meats, cotton reusable shopping bags and much more. To add to the atmosphere, local musicians play live music and the market is relaxed and friendly. Or visit the La Cigale French Style Farmers Market in central or Auckland Indoor Markets in south. |
Wineries
Auckland is surrounded by wine regions, each distinctively different. Matakana lies less than an hour to the north, Kumeu (New Zealand's oldest wine region) is west and even closer. Just south lie the wineries of the Clevedon Hills and out in the Hauraki Gulf there's Waiheke, the "island of wine". Get a Wine Experience At Big Picture. Go on a interactive wine tasting discovery, from rediscovering your senses in the Aroma room to flying over NZ’s wine regions and tasting wine with winemakers. |
1885 Britomart
One of its best of bars is 1885 Britomart, due in part, no doubt, to its frequently promoted theme nights and excellent cocktails. Next door, Britomart Country Club (owned by the same group) boasts New Zealand’s largest garden bar. It's a good place for an early drink before late night dancing at 1885. In the downstairs 1885 Basement, VIPs tend to hang out and the odd international guest star is hosted. It offers a more laid-back scene. |
Fort Street Union
A couple of blocks from Britomart, this best of Auckland bar is another great place for precursory drinks or as a venue to watch rugby or whatever sport you’re into (he friendly bar staff will change the channel for you). Beside a backpackers lodge and popular with the after-work crowd, the spacious FSU has a delicious bar menu and a party atmosphere after dark. Happy hour revelers tear the roof off at Fort Street Union. Located at 16 Fort St. |
Libertine
Brand new to the Auckland scene, albeit slightly removed from the central city hustle, this place has quickly established itself as a hot spot. As you enter, you find yourself in a bar with a rather glorious, but unexpected, tree centerpiece that pushes the expanse of the room. Upstairs in the dining area there are long tables for shared dining, booths and smaller, intimate candlelit tables. Outdoors, the large west-facing deck is the best place in Auckland to have a drink on a sunny day. |
The Cavalier Tavern
Distinctly British in feel, this pub is an Auckland institution and has been for more than 130 years. The historic, two-story villa is popular for long Sunday lunches. The Cavalier’s deck is great on a sunny day and offers panoramic views of the central business district and 328-meter Auckland Sky Tower. Serving the some of the best pub meals in town, the Cavalier carries a range of reasonably priced local beers on tap. Extensive wine selection. |
The Groove
It’s easy to see why The Grove has earned the Auckland's Metro Restaurant of the Year Award two years in a row. Fine dining in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. You won’t find any stuffy waiters wearing suits; the service is warm and attentive, but not in an overbearing way. Decor is modern, with New York-style loft windows overlooking Albert Street. The wonderful tasting menu with wine pairing uses a great selection of seasonal local produce. |
Coco’s Cantina
Coco’s Cantina is always bustling, and for good reason: the generous portions are a great value. The cuisine is rustic Italian with a dash of Mediterranean, but Coco’s also cooks one of the best steaks in Auckland. The interesting decor enhances the ambience with an eclectic mix of black and white floors, gingham tablecloths and vintage bric-a-brac. Coco’s is located on K Road. You can get a table outside if you enjoy people-watching. |
Mezze Bar
Incorporating influences from the Middle East, Africa and Mediterranean, charming Mezze Bar offers great food and a casual vibe. Open throughout the day, it’s the kind of place where you can relax and, before you know it, afternoon has become evening. Established in 1992, the menu has barely changed, not that anyone is complaining. Food varies from tapas and mezze to full meals, with a good selection of local and European wine and beer. |
Tanuki’s Cave
Established in 1997, Tanuki’s Cave is an old favorite, a longtime best of Auckland pick. Walk down the dimly lit stairs and you’ll find yourself in the “cave.” There’s a good selection of skewered yakitori and kushiage. The place takes its sake seriously, with more than 30 types to choose from. Don’t like sake? The plum wine is sweet and delicious. Tanuki’s Cave is consistently busy, so unless you get there early, expect to wait for a table, or simply eat at the bar. |
Hilton Auckland Hotel
It’s hard to beat the Hilton for location. Top of the line luxury jutting 300 meters out to sea at the end of Princes Wharf, the views of the harbor are spectacular. It’s only a 10-minute walk to the central business district, but the immediate surroundings are worth checking out. Viaduct Harbour, packed with bars and restaurants, is a lovely place to while away an afternoon. International cruise liners sometimes moor at the wharf. |
Rendezvous Grand Hotel
The fact that this central city hotel won a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2012 for its consistently outstanding reviews is hardly surprising, considering that it's such good value. Rooms are modern and clean and the bathrooms are huge compared with standard hotels. A highlight of any stay is the hotel’s excellent Katsura Japanese restaurant. On Fridays, the delicious and extensive seafood dishes provided at the Executive Buffet Lunch is worth a long meal. |
Mollies
Nestled in the fashionable suburb of St. Mary's Bay in Auckland, Mollies has a rich legacy of hospitality. With it's artful and quirky decor and spacious, private suites. Mollies is a truly unique 5-star luxury experience. Overlooking Auckland's harbour, the property is an easy walk to Ponsonby and Herne Bay with their upmarket shopes, cafe and abrs. Mollies is also just a few minutes from Auckland's humming CBD. A 5-star luxury accommodation. |
City Lodge
A great option for "flashpackers," city Lodge is the only five-star Qualmark-accredited backpackers stay in Auckland, giving you the chance to mix with travelers without having to rough it too much. Rooms are quite small and plain, but each -- ranging from single to quadruple -- comes with its own bathroom, TV, small fridge, heater and tea and coffee facilities, enabling the kind of privacy that’s commonplace in a hotel, but unusual in backpacker accommodations. |
Auckland Arts Festival
March The region's biggest celebration of arts and culture. The biennial Festival, celebrates with a dazzling line-up of more than 75 separate events involving over 500 artists, concerts, productions, arts exhibitions, and programmes of seminars, workshops and family activities. Presenting top quality work from around the world, including a spectacular fireworks display by pyrotechnic artists Groupe F, theatrical masterworks by Japanese company Ishinha, and Robert Lepage's company Ex Machina, and sell-out cabaret sensation La Clique. |
Auckland Fringe
14-24 March Aan open access pan arts festival that aims to provide a platform for practitioners to present innovative work in an environment of artistic freedom and to enable audiences to access these eclectic arts experiences. The first Auckland Fringe was held in 2009 and was initiated in partnership with THE EDGE and Auckland Arts Festival. Not just an arts festival experienced by 50,000 people over four weeks in February and March. It is also an engine block of 99+ productions, driven by 1200+ individuals from the performing and visual arts sector. |
Taste of Auckland Festival
15-18 November High-calibre chefs, artisan producers, foodie masterclasses and vibrant music all combine to make it the biggest and most exciting yet. Taste of Auckland is renowned for bringing together the finest and most innovative NZ chefs in Victoria Park. As well as the enviable line-up of chefs, Taste of Auckland brings together some of the best in their field with a selection of Masterclasses for fun and education. Learning to blend cocktails like a true mixologist is absolutely possible with top international barmen. |
Tempo Dance Festival
9-12 October Tempo takes over Auckland’s hottest venue, Q Theatre, with a dazzling programme featuring hip hop to contemporary, Pacific dance to ballet and Bollywood to burlesque. Tempo opens with a bang! Tuakana, Tempo’s signature Maori Dance Showcase, is followed by Footnote’s Forte Series performing one show only, setting the stage for the Honouring a Dancer tribute, which this year celebrates the life and artistic career of Deirdre Tarrant. Exciting new shows. hands-on mime workshop, dance for kids by kids... |
Skywalk
Don’t just admire the view - be part of it with SkyWalk, a walk around the outside ring of the SkyTower. SkyWalk is a new adventure activity where you can take an informative journey around the ring of Auckland’s famous SkyTower and get the best possible views of the sparkling harbour and many landmarks from 192 m (630 ft) above the ground! There are no hand rails on this walk - just a full body harness and overhead safety lines to keep you safe. Beyond the realm of the window cleaners |
Rocket Ropes
Auckland’s Newest Adrenaline Pumping Attraction. Rocket Ropes offers a unique mix of adrenaline pumping aerial challenges : Two separate courses comprising four levels, and over 50 intense and demanding high ropes activities. he newest adventure high ropes course, a mere 20 minutes from Auckland City. Boasting 2 seperate courses with over 50 intense activities as well as New Zealand’s only powerfan freefall and a 12 meter gaint swing. Conquer your fears balancing 12 meters in air. |
Bridge Bungy Jump
Auckland is home to the worlds first harbour bridge Bungy Jump operated by AJ Hackett Bungy. As part of the Bungy experience you'll enjoy an exclusive bridge walk out to the specially-constructed 'Bungy pod'. It's here you'll build up the courage to leap out over the Waitamata Harbour. Once airborne take time to enjoy the views of the harbour, that is if you can keep your eyes open long enough. There's a variety of Bungy options available with the optional 'water touch' being the favourite. |
Skydiving
The experience of a lifetime - breathtaking, insanity inducing freefall at over 200kmph , over the skies and beaches of Auckland! Of the vrious heights available, popular are 9,000, 13,000 & our favourite the Highest Jump on the North Island 16,500ft! Operators offer both DVD & HD Photos that capture the whole experience for posterity. They also offer “Learn to skydive” training. Skydive Auckland is located less than an hours drive from Auckland Airport and the central city, |
Ziplining
Unleash your inner monkey. EcoZip Adventures offers state-of-the-art flying fox ziplines and an eco-immersive forest walk on breathtaking Waiheke Island, for nature lovers aged 8 to 88. Complimentary pick up from the island ferry and a range of drop-off locations afterward! After gearing up, three 200m dual flying fox ziplines will fly you smoothly side-by-side with a partner, friend or relative down into a stunning tract of original and regenerating native ‘bush’ (forest). |
Hovercraft Flying
Floating on a cushion of air, having a blast on a hovercraft is exhilarating and very different. Suitable for all ages as a passenger. If you are 15 or over you can have a go at controlling it yourself. See if you can get round the course without knocking any cones over! After a short intro, demo and safety briefing you will have a few practice runs honing your skills. Then you will be ready to have a timed circuit and see if you can get around the course without points off for knocking cones over. |
Offroad Driving
Get an unforgettable 4x4 quad biking experience with fun, adventure, spectacular views, towering forests, mountains, West Coast beach and Maori history. See market gardens, spectacular views, mountain ranges, deep valleys, towering forests, sheep stations and out to the breaking surf of New Zealand’s Wild West Coast where New Zealand’s longest river meets the sea. Just think of excitement! Roaming through towering forests and vast wild West Coast surf beaches on your own quad. |
Climbing Auckland's Volcanoes
Auckland’s 48 volcanic cones provide not only a unique landscape, but also some truly spectacular views. You can spot the Auckland volcanoes dotted across the region – just look for the tell-tale green pastures – and many of them are also home to lush parkland just perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. New Zealand is part of the 'Ring of Fire' that stretches around the edge of the Pacific Ocean and where a large proportion of the Earth's volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur. |
Rainforest Canyoning
Rainforest Canyoning - Abseiling (repelling) under showering waterfalls, underground streams into caves, jumps, water slides into hidden pools, mysterious water sculptured gorges. Set amongst the stunning landscape of the Waitakere Ranges - see the site of the historic Kauri logging dam, created by pioneering New Zealander’s and visit the famous black sand Piha surf beach. Try night canyoning, Explore through the narrow canyon illuminated only by your headlamp and the glow worms on the walls. |
Salt Water Kayaking
Varied kayaking options abound. A popular one is Motukorea. The island of the pied oystercatcher bird, is one of the best preserved volcanoes in the Auckland Volcanic Field. Private boats and kayaks are the only means of access to this untouched island. Scenic kayaking on one of the estuaries of the Manukau Harbour or scenic (flat water) kayaking down part of the Waikato River (New Zealands longest river) and Waikato River Delta. Safe leisurely kayak adventures available. |
Blokart Sailing
The most fun you can have on three wheels. So easy that anyone can do it. Suitable for all ages. Any open space in wind becomes a fun fest. Being small and nimble allows for close exciting action. If you want speed and adrenaline just trim the sail and soon you are flying along only a few centimetres from the ground. If you prefer a more relaxing ride just ease the sail out and relax and enjoy the scenery. No wonder that blokart sailing is becoming the worlds top land based sailing sport. |
Wakeboarding
Carve, jump and pull tricks behind a fully surveyed boat! Operators provide you with everything you need to ensure you have an epic day out on the water: Equipped with wakeboard tower, professional skipper, instructor (if needed) and up to date ‘Liquid Force’ wakeboarding gear. Wakeboarding charters are tailored to small groups, giving best possible chance to learn and progress in wakeboarding. Suitable for anyone, no matter whether you’re a beginner or a pro. Come for an awesome ride. |
Jet Boating
Auckland Adventure Jet is the first sea jet boat of its kind in New Zealand to offer an amazing jet boat ride on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour. Experience high speeds and incredible tricks; perfect for the thrill seeking traveller. These engines have been supercharged and turbo charged. The grandstand seats are designed to ensure every passenger has a great view of the impressive Auckland Skyline, they are also shaped for comfort and safety to provide a low impact thrill ride. |
Island Hopping
Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park encompasses an incredible 1.2 million hectares of coast, sea and islands – and there are so many ways to explore it. Dotted with more than 50 emerald isles, a spot of island-hopping is a must. Auckland’s most iconic island is the volcanic cone of Rangitoto, just a short ferry ride away and home to the world’s largest pohutukawa forest. Various ferries organize transport to islands such as Waiheke Island and Rangitoto Island. |
Pohutukawa Coast Road Trip
Beautiful stretch of coastline from Whitford to Duder Regional Park. It's one of the most stunning coastlines. The Pohutukawa Coast is widely known as a spectacular driving route. Named after the beautiful flowering trees fringing its shoreline, the Pohutukawa Coast includes the seaside villages of Beachlands and Maraetai, and regional parks at Duders Beach and Omana. All along the coastline there are stunning views of Waiheke, Ponui and Pakihi islands in the Hauraki Gulf. |
Visit Hobbiton
Discover the real Middle-earth on the most picturesque private farmland near Matamata in the North Island of New Zealand, where you can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. It's a 2 hour drive south of Auckland through rolling farmland and small towns, sited on a glorious working sheep farm, you will recognise the Shire immediately! Relax and soak up the unique atmosphere with a great cup of coffee or a light meal in The Shires Rest Cafe, |
Popular side trips (Clicking on red colored text will link to more info or videos or official sites)
Rangitoto Island
Home to the world’s largest pohutukawa forest, just a short ferry ride away. Visit icons of the Auckland landscape and favourite destinations for hikers and day-trippers. Rangitoto Island has long been a favourite day-trip and boating destination for Aucklanders. Take either the guided tour option on the 4WD road train or walk up to the summit on foot. Lying next to Rangitoto Island adjoined by a causeway established during WW2, Motutapu Island is a popular hikers destination. |
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is just 40 minute ferry ride. Find beautiful galleries and craft boutique and plenty of places to enjoy a good coffee and cuisine. The island also boasts more than a dozen high-quality vineyards, many with relaxed restaurants onsite. Enjoy local wine while looking out over vine-covered valleys to the blue sea beyond. The white sandy beaches at Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi are perfect for swimming, kayaking, strolling along or having a picnic in the sun. |
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Just 30 kilometres from central Auckland, the island of Tiritiri Matangi is one of the most successful conservation projects in the country. As you explore the island, native bellbirds (korimako) perch and sing just a metre or two away. The romantic 1864 lighthouse and the old keeper's house mark the highest point on the island. A modern fast ferry to Tiritiri Matangi leaves from downtown Auckland, calling in to Gulf Harbour marina (a half hour drive north) on the way. |
Great Barrier Island
Great Barrier Island (3.5 hrs fast ferry ride or 30 mi flight) is the largest and most seaward of the Hauraki Gulf islands in Auckland region. For thousands of years it has sheltered the gulf from the relentless swells of the Pacific Ocean, creating a boating paradise. A popular destination for diving, fishing, surfing, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and camping. Accommodation options range from tent sites to luxury eco lodges. Rising 627 metres, Hirakimata (Mount Hobson) beckons the hiker. |
Bay of Islands
Stunningly beautiful, historically significant. Visit Waitangi Treaty House, See traditional Maori meeting house and a huge waka (war canoe). Next you'll board the Bay Belle ferry to cruise from Paihia to historic Russell, a lovely town that retains the charm of its early whaling port days. Wander and enjoy the cafes, museums and craft shops along the waterfront. Jump aboard a catamaran to Cape Brett Lighthouse and the Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island. It's the Bay of Islands' most popular cruise! |
Waitomo Caves
Leave Auckland behind and enjoy the scenic drive through the Waikato and King Country regions. Waitomo, home to the renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers to view stalactites formed over thousands of years by the constant dripping of water or go on a magical boat ride through the glowworm grotto, illuminated by thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. Across Kaimai Ranges, Matamata, is home to Hobbiton. |
Waitakere Ranges
Explore and admire Auckland's largest regional park, the Waitakere Ranges. Explore a vast forest park with waterfalls, rivers, giant kauri trees and wild ocean beaches. Waitakere Ranges Regional Park includes more than 16,000 h of native rainforest and coastline. There is plenty to do - swimming, surfing, fishing, boat launching, horse riding, relaxing, or exploring the 250km of walking and tramping tracks. Popular TV series like 'Xena’ and ‘Hercules’, all filmed here. |
Howick Historical Village
Step back in time and experience the past. Enjoy a relaxing day in the tranquil and rustic surroundings of an 1850s settlement. Walk around 7 acre site, and explore gardens and buildings in a Fencible settlement during the 1840 to 1880 period. There are 30+ original colonial buildings collected on site, including schools, church, forge, general store. Chat to the costumed staff, or take a break to savour the home-style food and real coffee in the cafe. Come face to face with the past in beautiful surroundings. |