Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand with a population of 1.3 million, is the embarkation port for most Cruise Ships.
Known as the City of Sails, its location between the Tasman Sea on the west side and the Pacific Ocean on the east, side means you are never far from the water. There are a wide range of tour
destinations to visit both within the city and in the surrounding areas. Also easily within a days tour are the famous Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, a popular choice. Below we provide details of many
of the destinations and areas we visit on our tours, so have a browse through to see which ones interest you. |
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Auckland Visitor Information Centre |
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Auckland City Centre Destinations |
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Kelly Tarltons Underwater World |
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Kelly Tarlton's is a wonderland of snow, ice and amazing underwater sights. Explore the wilds of Antarctica and
the natural treasures of the ocean depths in our Underwater World - and beyond.
Visit the The Antarctic Encounter, where you'll be taken back in time to the life-sized replica hut
of intrepid South Pole explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott. Climb aboard the Antarctic snowcat, for a tour through the antarctic landscape to see the Penguins.
Then to the aquarium to
see Stingray, our largest has a wingspan of 2 metres! Now step onto the moving walkway in the Underwater World, you'll come face-to-face with Shark and the hundreds of awesome sea creatures
within. |
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The AJ Hackett Bungy and Bridge Climb let's you do more than just lingering wistfully on top of the Bridge- you
can now get up, in, around, on top and then off the side with our exclusive 'all areas' access. And it's safe, sensational and not too arduous. Located at Westhaven Marina and featuring some of
the best views in Auckland, the Centre (known as the 'Bach'), has easy access, loads of parking, and you can choose from a range of activities; and then there's the Bungy pod, tucked into the
Harbour Bridge, this engineering marvel is where it all gets extremely real. Launch yourself off the bridge from our specially-constructed-and sensationally-suspended retro 'Bungy pod'. The only
Bungy in Auckland. |
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Auckland Botanic Gardens is home to over 10,000 plants from around the world, spread over 64 hectares in
Manurewa, South Auckland. On our web site you can find information about the Gardens along with useful practical guides on gardening in the Auckland Region. With 24 unique plant collections, we
have a fantastic range of gardening ideas. From native plants to herbs and exotic African plants - come and be inspired! |
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Auckland Museum is located close to the city centre. In one of New Zealand's most outstanding historical
buildings, boldly situated in the Domain - a central city pleasure garden - you encounter exhibitions that will excite you with the artistic legacy and cultures of the peoples of the Pacific; the
monumental carvings, buildings, canoes and taonga (treasures) of the Maori; and the diversity of cultures which now combine to form the rich tapestry of race, nationality and creed which is
modern New Zealand.The Museum is a key destination for families. Children are encouraged to develop an understanding of the world around them by exploring cultures, the arts, science and the
environment. |
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Auckland Museum Maori Concert |
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The Auckland Museum is the only venue in Auckland that provides authentic Maori cultural performances on a
daily basis. Our outstanding Maori cultural group performs every day with performances that will introduce you to the story of Aotearoa through traditional song and dance. |
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Auckland Zoo has New Zealand's largest collection of animals and is recognised as one of the most progressive
zoos in the world. A winner of national and international environmental-related awards, it is home to 179 different species and over 1300 animals.There is lots to see and do all year, including
events, eye-to-eye encounters, Zoom (behind the scenes) tours and more! Meet up with New Zealand's only Asian elephants Kashin and Burma at the Animal Planet Elephant Clearing Walk the
beach at Sealion & Penguin Shores, and enter the cave to view sealions through a spectacular underwater viewing window! |
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MOTAT is New Zealand's largest and leading transport and technology museum. Within 40 acres, MOTAT will take
you on an interactive journey through many of the technological achievements that have helped shape New Zealand. MOTAT is proud to have in its possession over 300,000 items covering
everything from fire engines to World War 2 planes, steam trains to a fully functioning tram line. With state of the art touring exhibitions and special events all year round, there's always
something new at MOTAT. |
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Highly acclaimed, as a world-class facility the New Zealand National Maritime Museum is a 'must see'
attraction. Every gallery draws you in as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of early and modern day mariners. See Te Waka: Our Great Journey – a 10-minute fully animated movie – portraying
one of the most remarkable migrations in human history. Take a harbour cruise aboard a traditional sailing scow. As our Maori name, Te Huiteananui-A-Tangaroa (holder of the treasures of
Tangaroa - of the Sea God) suggests, this museum stores many of our nation's treasures. The displays are original from boats to life size exhibits and include an amazing collection of
models and artefacts. |
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Auckland's famous Sky Tower stands out on the city's skyline. The tallest structure in the southern hemisphere, this feat
of engineering is designed to cope with earthquakes which often occur in this region. Take the lift to the observation decks over 600ft above ground level for a panoramic view over the
city. Look down on the cruise liners far below berthed in the harbour. Watch the brave Sky Jumpers and Walkers [see below] test their nerve. If you have time why not enjoy a meal in the
revolving restaurant and watch the city revolve around you. If you are feeling lucky you can also test your skills at the tables in the Casino below. |
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New Zealand's Highest Jump! Leap off the famous Sky Tower – 192m straight down! SkyJump is one of NZ's
most thrilling attractions, a 'don't miss!" optionexperiences. SkyJump can be described as Base Jumping while attached to a wire - just like a movie stuntman. You'll fall very fast (approximately
85kph) for around 11 seconds, and then come to a very smooth landing in the plaza below. Challenge yourself to complete both the SkyWalk and SkyJump! SkyWalk Walk the 1.2 metre-wide walkway
around Auckland's famous Sky tower – 192 metres above the ground, no handrails and nothing but air either side of you! Then…SkyJump JUMP OFF the Sky Tower – 192 metres straight down! |
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Pride of Auckland Sailing |
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The Pride of Auckland Company operates its fleet of large purpose-built sailboats on the sheltered waters of
the sparkling Auckland Harbour (Waitemata Harbour). With its trade mark Blue and White sails, the yachts have become the nautical icon in Auckland - City of Sails - for international, national,
and local visitors alike. Auckland harbour is the hub of New Zealand's nautical playground. Always clean and shipshape, our yachts are extremely comfortable for non-sailors yet can provide
experienced sailors with the thrills they seek from helming and trimming the sails. Entry to the NZ National Maritime Museum is provided to all guests. |
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A family owned New Zealand winery Founded in 1961 by its current owner and Managing Director, George Fistonich,
Villa Maria is 100% New Zealand owned. Villa Maria has been New Zealand's leading wine award winner, both nationally and internationally since the early 1980's. The Auckland Winery and Vineyard
Park was officially opened on 25 February 2005. The land is attractive, close to the airport and Otuataua Stonefields, which are being developed as a recreational tourist park. Puketutu Island is
nearby and the site offers stunning views over the Manukau Harbour and central Auckland. One of the many great Auckland Wineries. |
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From its cliff top and coastal fairways, the Formosa course has panoramic views of Waiheke Island, Rangitoto
and the distant Coromandel peninsula. With hundreds of Pohutukawa trees having been planted alongside the fairways, Native Trees have been added along with 79 bunkers and over 1,000 mature
Phoenix and Washingtonian Palms. Formosa Golf Resort course covers an area of 440 acres which makes it New Zealand's longest championship course at 6650 metres off the Pro (Black) Tees. The 18
hole golf course has been designed by Bob Charles and has a par of 72 which is longer than any other existing course in New Zealand. |
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Gulf Harbour Country Club is the home of the 2005 US Open winner Michael Campbell. With a world class golf
course, and matching club facilities, where the pleasure of relaxing in the Country Club is only matched by the challenge of the golf tee. The Country Club provides visitors with a memorable
experience. Its world class facilities also includes tennis courts, squash courts, a swimming pool and a gym. Spectacular finishing holes, ocean views, rolling terrain and classic, traditional
values, all combine to make the Gulf Harbour Country Club one of the most exciting new developments in New Zealand. This 6,400 metre, par 72 course is located at Gulf Harbour on the Whangaparaoa
Peninsula, just north of Auckland. |
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Auckland Region Destinations |
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Located within the Hunua Regional Park, a short drive south of Auckland and on the edge of bushland, this is a popular
start point for hikers, recreational users and other visitors. The scenic Hunua Falls cascade over a rock ledge into a crystal clear pool below.
The Hunua Park is one of twelve within
Auckland and is a range of hills forming the southern boundary of Auckland. Volcanic in origin, the range is around 2200 feet at the highest point and is a major water storage area for Auckland.
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This rugged beach is situated just 50 minutes from Auckland city, close to Muriwai Beach, on the western side of the
Waitakere Ranges, Auckland's wilderness area. Guarded by Lions Rock and with the NZ bush as a backdrop, this beach is popular with surfers. Made famous in New Zealand by the popular TV series
'Piha Rescue' swimming here is not for the in-experienced, as the many rescues shown on the program testify. Climb the Lions Rock for great views along the rugged coastline, then relax with an
ice-cream on the beach and take in the panorama. If you're feeling like some adventure we can arrange a canyoning experience for you in the Piha Canyon just behind the beach. |
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Muriwai is 45 minutes west from the city and is notable both for the gannet colony living on the adjacent rock and for the
views from the cliff top approach. Muriwai Beach is a black sand beach of volcanic origin which stretches from Muriwai to the Kaipara Harbour, 30 miles (50km) north. The beach is north of Piha on
the same coast so we can easily combine a visit to both on a day tour.
Of particular note is the nearby golf course and the Woodhill Forest area where the Zena television series was
filmed. Check out the wildlife, have a walk in the fresh air or just enjoy the views. |
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Enjoy a short, scenic walk along the rugged coast of one of Auckland's famous west coast beaches, Muriwai. Take
in the stunning view of the sweeping black sand beach, the native bush and the colony of 1,200 pairs of gannets. A type of seabird (known in Maori as Takapu) with distinctive markings and a
striking yellow head, gannets flock to Muriwai every spring. Here, you can view these stunning birds as well as spot the occasional fur seal or blue penguin in the sea below. The best time to
view the gannets is between October - February. The chicks hatch in November and leave for Australia at 15 weeks old, returning to breed when they are 3 and 7 years olds. Be sure to take along
your camera! |
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Located 30 kms north west of Auckland this area is famous for it's wineries, orchards cafes/restaurants and favourable
climate. Originally settled by vineyard oriented Croatians/Dalmatians, Kumeu remains a horticultural and lifestyle area.
Enjoy a spot of wine tasting or a meal and take in the country
atmosphere. The Woodhill Forest area to the north and east is a favourite amongst mountain bikers. Kumeu can easily be incorporated into a full day tour to the west coast beaches of Piha and
Muriwai or just let us plan a half day of winery visits. |
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More distant destinations that can be visited on a day tour from Auckland |
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One of the wonders of the world – underground. The caves were first discovered by a British surveyor and his Maori
companion during the 19th
century and they have evolved into a popular tourist destination. Waitomo is just south of Otorohonga, a country town in the King Country, a region which is itself steeped in history. Maori land wars were fought here and many Waitomo staff are descendants of the original tribes. The landscape is green, rolling and remote.
You can enjoy both a cave walk and a boat ride to view the famous glow worms, plus plenty of more extreme options such as Black Water Rafting for the adventurous - One of the Must See
destinations in New Zealand. |
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If you wish to see the famous Limestone cave formations of the Waitomo region, but on a more personalised
basis then this is the choice for you. In groups of no more than 12 persons we travel into a cave system separate to that of the main Waitomo Caves (25 minutes drive away) and enjoy peace and tranquility. Walk and raft through the caverns, this is a safe and accessible tour for all.
No significant fitness level is required and you will be spellbound by what you see. Bookings are essential during high season. Combine this tour with a visit to the Kiwi House at
Otorohonga to see New Zealands iconic flightless bird, the Kiwi. |
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Black Water Rafting Waitomo |
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The worlds first Black Water Rafting company has truly earned the title Legendary during its 20 years of
successful operation. Visitors come from all over the world, in fact, www.ShermansTravel.com recently included us in their Top 10 Extreme Vacations list. With two exhilarating tours, namely Black
Labyrinth and Black Abyss, to choose from, there is something to suit all adventurous spirits. Cave tubing involves the use of an inflated rubber inner tube, the kind you would normally find in a
car or truck tyre, as a flotation device to take you down river.
Black Labyrinth is a 3 hour cave tubing excursion that calls on you to weave, jump and gently float your way through
Ruakuri Caves glow worm lit underworld universe. Black Abyss takes a slightly more vigorous approach to the same underground domain by mixing abseiling, climbing and cave tubing into a
physically demanding 5 hour adventure. Our friendly, knowledgeable local guides will help you step outside yourself and leave with a huge sense of accomplishment. |
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Woodlyn Park Farm Show Waitomo |
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Woodlyn Parks NZ Sheep Shearing Farm Show, near Waitomo Caves is the New Zealand experience of a life time! See
our pioneer history combined with a farm show. This is New Zealand's first Kiwi Culture Show with audience participation, see sheep shearing, bush animals, the kiwi bear and the dancing pig. This
show has it all! As the Lonely Planet says "this is one helluv'a show". Hosted by the legendary "Billy Black" or one of his team, they will leave you in fits of laughter
as you watch or even participate in anything from log sawing & log explosions to helping shear the sheep. Animals from the bush including a kiwi bear and a dancing pig plus farm animals and
working sheep dogs complete this unique story. |
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The Coromandel Peninsular is the northern end of the New Zealand mountain axis and has lots of mining and logging history.
Despite its proximity to Auckland, it has a very different atmosphere away from the crowds, and is popular for those seeking a more alternative lifestyle. Drive up into the forests to see the
last remaining Kauri Trees, these kings of the forest were almost wiped out by logging operations in the 1800's. Driving Creek Railway in Coromandel township, is a must do activity and provides
great views over the landscape from its Eyefull Tower! If you want to get away from it all, for the day or overnight, this is just the place to go. An overnight excursion is recommended if
you have the time. |
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The famous Bay of Islands is one of those destinations you really should see when visiting New Zealand, located
just three hours north of Auckland. A short Ferry ride across the Bay from Pahia is the historic town of Russell, the first capital of New Zealand. Russell was the site of many legendary battles
between the British and Maori during the first half of the 19th centuary. New Zealand's own founding document - The Treaty of Waitangi - was signed here and you can take a guided tour around the
Waitangi Treaty Grounds, just one of the many options to enjoy. |
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