Itinerary
After collection from
your cruise ship or hotel, we make our way along the North Western Motorway which parallels both the inner Waitemata Harbour and West Auckland. Distant views of the Auckland Harbour Bridge
and downtown Auckland can be enjoyed. Once off the Motorway we enter the region of north west Auckland. Here are some of Auckland's better vineyards, cafes and restaurants.
Passing through the township of Kumeu, we continue on to Muriwai village, where we turn off to Muriwai Beach. This beach has a volcanic origin. The famous Xena TV series was filmed
near the main beach. We take you down the Cliffside road, with spectacular views of the beach, Woodhill Forest and the gannets. At your leisure you can take the graveled walkway down to the
gannets, nesting on the rock. The gannets hail from Australia and have evolved to survive Muriwai's often rugged conditions. Walk down the pathway along the cliff face to the beach car park
and enjoy the crashing surf and the cave that has been carved by the seas power.
A coffee break is included in this tour so we can either take this at the beach or back at Waimauku Village
by the main road. Our next stop is the award-winning Matua Valley vineyard, with its charming country surrounds and friendly staff. Taste wine at your leisure or simply look around and
enjoy the country scenery.
After Matua we cruise via the back roads through to Albany (North Shore) and rejoin State Highway 1. This gives an idea of typical New Zealand countryside
and is a very pleasant journey. Crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge we gain extensive views of the Waitemata Harbour, and Auckland downtown. |
