Day Tours
To ensure
you make the most of your stay in Auckland,
we suggest you consider some of the great
day tours available.
Half day and full day
tours will operate on 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st
and 22nd September. Except for Tiritiri Matangi tour
which will operate 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st
September. Travellers are requested to be in the
main lobby of the SKYCITY Grand Hotel at least 15
minutes prior to the departure time for each tour.
Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Tour
Enjoy a scheduled tour to two of New
Zealand’s famous destinations in one day,
travelling onboard a premium air conditioned
tour coach. Visit the Waitomo Glow Worm
Caves before travelling to Rotorua,
internationally known for its spectacular
geothermal activity that includes geysers,
boiling mud pools and springs and for its
flora and fauna. Experiences also include
Maori arts and crafts, Maori concert and a
farm tour. Bring a jacket, sunscreen,
bottled water and camera.
Timing: 7.00am to 9.30pm
(approximately)
Adult: NZ$310.00
Child (to 14 years of age): NZ$115.00
Children up to 4 years of age are
free Includes road transport, escort, venue charges,
Maori concert, morning tea, lunch and evening snack.
Tiritiri Matangi – A Day to Remember Forever
Tour operates everyday of the week except
Monday and Tuesday. Located 30km north east
of central Auckland and just 4km from the
end of Whangaparaoa Peninsula, Tiritiri
Matangi Island is one of New Zealand’s most
important and exciting conservation
projects. 120 years of farming saw this
220-hectare island stripped of 94% of its
native bush, but between 1984 and 1994
volunteers planted between 250,000 and
300,000 trees.
The island is
now 60% forested. The remaining 40% will be left as
grassland for species such as the Takahe. In
conjunction with this planting programme, all
mammalian predators have been eradicated and a
number of species of threatened and endangered birds
have been successfully introduced. Nowhere else in
New Zealand can you readily walk amongst so many
species in such significant quantities. Wear
comfortable walking shoes and bring your own lunch,
a jacket, sunscreen, bottled water and camera.
Timing: 8.15am to 5.30pm
Adult: NZ$78.00
Child: NZ$39.00
Includes escort to walk travellers
from hotel to wharf, boat trip and guided walk on
Tiritiri Matangi Island.
Waiheke Island Wine & Olive Oil Tour
Cruise on a commuter catamaran for 35
minutes to Waiheke Island. Here on this
island which is 3 degrees Celsius warmer
than Auckland and home to some 9,000 people,
visit some of the island’s most respected
vineyards and olive groves. Taste wines and
meet people who are passionate about their
vineyards and wine-making and olive groves
and olive oils.
Visit Artworx where you will view and be able to
purchase high quality New Zealand craft work. Enjoy
spectacular views as you travel around the island. A
stop will be made at a local cafe where travellers
can purchase their own lunches. Bring a jacket,
sunscreen, bottled water and camera.
Timing: 8.30am to 5.00pm
(approximately)
Adult: NZ$185.00
Child: NZ$120.00
Includes tour escort, ferry tickets,
guided tour of Waiheke Island, wine and olive oil
tasting charges.
Maori Guided Walk of Auckland – Tamaki Hikoi
For years, Maori from local Ngati Whatua
tribe have passed down from generation to
generation, sacred tribal history,
traditions and ancient stories. Guides from
the Ngati Whatua tribe re-tell these ancient
and sacred stories on the Tamaki Hikoi - a
walking tour through Auckland. Learn how
Ngati Whatua discovered Tamaki (Auckland),
why it was so fiercely fought over, how the
people co-existed with the land and the
arrival of foreign vessels to Tamaki shores.
The walk
begins at Maungawhau (Mt Eden); the site of a
majestic Pa (Maori strategic stronghold). You will
walk past iconic Auckland landmarks, stopping along
the way at places of historical significance to the
Maori. After a brief break the journey continues
through the heart of the city, before coming to an
end at the edge of the Waitemata Harbour on
Auckland’s waterfront. A moderate level of walking
ability required. Wear comfortable walking shoes and
bring a jacket, sunscreen, bottled water and camera.
Includes road transport to and from
start and finish points, Maori guide and morning
tea.
Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Auckland
This guided walk of downtown Auckland is an
entertaining discovery experience exploring
the city’s natural history, heritage,
architecture and culture. Commencing at the
waterfront, walk up through the lower city
to Albert Park and return. There are rich
encounters with the city’s origins, insights
into local culture and an understanding of
the story of Auckland, along with lunch and
a guided tour at a late Victorian historic
home.
Moderate level of walking ability required. Wear
comfortable walking shoes and bring a jacket,
sunscreen, bottled water and camera.
Timing: 9.45am to 1.45pm
(approximately)
Adult: NZ$70.00
Child: NZ$40.00
Includes walking guide, guided tour
of historic home and lunch.
Waitakere Rainforest & Black Sand Beaches
Only 30 kilometres from downtown Auckland is
the city’s largest regional park, the
Waitakere Ranges. No other city in New
Zealand has such a wonderful asset so close
to it. In just 30 minutes you leave behind
the bustle of the city and step into the
tranquillity of the rainforest. Travel to
the Arataki Centre perched high on the ridge
of the Waitakere Ranges and enjoy
breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman
Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
Learn about
and admire the magnificent traditional Maori
carvings. Continue on to the lush rainforest where
you can walk the easy bush tracks amongst giant tree
ferns and view New Zealand’s famous kauri trees.
Unwind by a spectacular cascading waterfall or swim
beneath it. Move on to experience the power of the
wild and rugged west coast. Feel the black sand
beneath your feet as you stroll along some of the
most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer.
Moderate level of walking ability required. Wear
comfortable walking shoes and bring a jacket,
sunscreen, bottled water and camera.
Timing: 12.15pm to 5.30pm
Adult: NZ$125.00
Child: NZ$100.00
Includes road transport, driver/hiking guide and
refreshments.
Dolphin & Whale Safari
A safari of a lifetime right here in
Auckland. Auckland’s beautiful Hauraki Gulf
is considered to be one of the most
biologically and geographically diverse
marine parks in the world. It is also one of
the world’s richest habitats for marine
mammals: 22 species of dolphins and whales
have been seen in the Hauraki Gulf.
Auckland’s Dolphin and Whale Safari is the
only Auckland operator permitted to show you
these wonderful animals in their natural
environment.
Every safari is different. You may see small pods
of dolphins playing around the boat or be spellbound
by the spectacle of a feeding frenzy involving sea
birds, dolphins and whales. Bring a jacket,
sunscreen, bottled water and camera.
Timings: 1.15pm to 6.15pm
Adult: NZ$140.00
Child: NZ$100.00
Includes boat cruise and full
commentary from knowledgeable crew. Refreshments and
food available for sale onboard vessel.
