Auckland Tamaki-makau-rau In the Māori language, Auckland is known as Tamaki-Makau-Rau - ‘the maiden with a hundred suitors’. It earned this name because it was a region coveted by many tribes. Map of Auckland Accommodation Options
The Ultimate America's Cup Experience: The Americas Cup is the worlds oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy and ultimate yachting regatta. Usually the domain of billionaires and elite professional yachties, this tour offers the unique opportunity for everyone to participate sailing on these grand prix racing machines. Passengers become the crew and are encouraged to take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or simply sit back and enjoy the action as we sail down the Auckland Harbour. The trip suits people of all experiences and abilities.
Waiheke Island - Art, Wine & Scenic Beauty: Also known as the island of wine – idyllic vineyard surroundings and a soft breeze from the Pacific Ocean deliver the perfect environment for the ultimate wine tasting experience. Start with a picturesque 35 minute ferry ride to Waiheke Island to meet your local guide. You may choose from a range of tours which can include the art, wine and scenic highlights of the island. You may visit local artists in their studios, taste wine at several wineries or enjoy an olive oil visit and tasting. A highlight of your day is lunch at a fabulous award winning vineyard!
Airport Meet & Greet / City Highlights Tour: This privately guided tour may begin upon your early morning arrival in Auckland (full day) or after you've had a chance to check into your hotel (half-day), with a fascinating introduction to the city by your knowledgeable, local driver/guide in a private car. Sightseeing and activities you may choose from include The Auckland Gardens and Auckland Museum, a tour of the waterfront, Mt. Eden, West Coast Beach Walk, Waiheke Island, wine tasting, Parnell Village, gallery visits and more. After the tour, your guide will drop you off at your hotel for an early dinner and a well-deserved good night's rest.
Rangitoto Island: Rangitoto is an iconic landmark in Auckland's inner harbour which pushed its way through the ocean floor around 600 years ago. Richly upholstered in basalt lava, Rangitoto offers spectacular 360 degree views from its summit, lava caves and the world's largest pohutukawa forest. The journey to the summit can be made by foot or 4WD road train.
Urban Māori Experience: Visit Maungakiekie, the site of a Māori fortified village with stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland City and Rangitoto Island. Learn the history of this sacred mountain and the Māori community who lived in this area. Next we drive out to a boutique village where you can buy your lunch at a funky cafe, mix with the locals and view some authentic Māori / NZ made arts and crafts. Then we drive through the native rainforest to our next stop, a bush walk amongst the plants and trees where you will learn some of our ancestral knowledge of the traditional Māori medicinal uses for them. Throughout the day we will explain Māori culture to you.
Marine Reserve Adventure: We spend the day out of Auckland snorkeling and kayaking at Goat Island Marine Reserve and exploring the surrounding areas. On the scenic drive there, we'll tell you Māori legends about the places we pass, and stop at a local fruit stall and an award winning local bakery. When we get up North, we stop in at our whanau's (families) house for morning tea and to fit you out with snorkeling gear. The afternoon will be spent snorkeling, kayaking and walking along a beautiful east coast beach. To finish the day in true 'Kiwi' style, you'll enjoy complimentary hot chips on the beach at Mathesons Bay.
Auckland Museum: Auckland Museum is the first stop for anyone wishing to understand the story of New Zealand and it's people. 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 Zealands top three heritage libraries. It has
pre-eminent Maori and Pacific collections, significant natural history
resources and major social and military history collections, as well
as decorative arts and pictorial collections. Open daily 10am - 5pm.
National Maritime Museum: Discover the city's proud seafaring history at the National Maritime Museum
in the heart of Auckland's waterfront. The museum exhibits a diverse
range of nautical and historical artefacts that represent New Zealand's
maritime history, from the earliest Polynesian arrivals to modern day
seafaring. All displays are originals from boats to life size exhibits, and include an amazing collection of models and artifacts.
Pakiri Beach Horse Riding: Listed in the Worlds "100 Things One Must Do Before You Die", Pakiri Horse Rides (90 mins from Auckland) offers a unique and personal ride along 9 miles of white sand and blue ocean. Imagine the sun on your skin, the wind on your face and nothing but the sound of surf and hoofbeats in the sand. Ride along beautiful deserted Pakiri Beach, over white sand dunes and native bush. Rides from 1 hour to a full day. A romantic sundown ride is also available. Suitable for children, novice and experienced riders.
