Auckland

Photo taken by: Matthias Gudath (Flying Kiwi Traveller)

Tours in Auckland

Auckland - Tour Highlights

New Zealand’s largest and highly regarded as the world’s third most liveable city, the perfect place to start or finish one of our New Zealand tours. There are a bounty of goodies to explore, from art precincts to amazing eateries, museums, theatres and shows, not forgetting the world class waterfront. Would you believe that there are over 50 volcanoes in the Auckland area? There is much more than meets the eye than here, Auckland most definitely isn’t “Just another city”.

Time spent here while on a Flying Kiwi tour:

Depending on where you start your tour you will spend 1 night here. However, as the main point where people start and finish their tour its a great place to consider staying a few extra days pre or post tour.

Tours that take you here:

BOTH ISLAND TOURS:    NORTH ISLAND TOURS:
Ultimate Explorer - 27 or 28 days     Hot Rocks - 9 or 10 days
Total Aotearoa - 24 days Northern Wanderer - 8 days
Grand Traverse - 15 days Beach It - 4 days
Reverse Traverse - 14 or 15 days Northern Light - 5 days

 

Where we stay: 

Jucy Snooze Auckland – A complete accommodation in the heart of the city. It offers a variety of prices, both hotel ensuite rooms as well as a hostel style wing with private rooms and shared bathrooms.

- 30mins of free WIFI daily
- 24-hour reception
- Laundry service
- Supermarkets, cafes and restaurants nearby.

Auckland is one of the main centre's where people start or finish their tour. Jucy Snooze is a safe, cheap and conveniently located Auckland hostel with 24hr check-in and only a 5 minute walk from our pickup point. Private single rooms with shared facilities are priced from $72 per night (basic double are from $88 per night) or with an en-suite from $125 per night making it a great option for pre or post tour accommodation.

Things not to miss:

Architecture is a highlight in this avant-garde city. The Viaduct and the Sky Tower are examples of modern architecture in its finest form. The viaduct is nowadays home of apartments, offices and restaurants, but still maintains the original harbour vocation. It is very popular amongst locals and visitors. Sky Tower. With its 328 meters, is the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere. If you need extra adrenaline you should try to do the skyjump or the skywalk.

One of the best ways to view the city is from the sea, nothing beats an evening Harbour Cruise for awe inspiring city-scape’s

Things to do:

As the largest city in the country Auckland has plenty of places to visit:

The Waitakere Ranges is one of the Auckland’s Regional Parks. The park offers 250km of walking and tramping tracks through amazing beaches, lovely waterfalls and impressive cliffs. The giant kauri trees are prevalent in the forest, protected by the kaitiaki –the Māori guardians- who have the obligation to protect the environment for future generations. That’s why they encourage not using some of the ranges in order to preserve the flora heritage. To know more about where is it permitted to explore visit the Arataki Visitor Centre or book a tour with an operators.

For a self-guided immersion in the area’s military history, visit the North Head and tunnels. This emplacement has great historical importance for the local defence. The variety of its installations spans nearly 120 years.

The Otara markets take place every Saturday morning, 150 stalls are built up to offer visitors a diverse choice of food, jewellery and local art pieces. Situated 18 kilometres to the south-east of Auckland this is a must in many people’s calendar.

Another good idea is to visit Piha or Waiheke island. Piha is a well-known, black-sand surf beach on the west coast of the Auckland Region. Just 40 minutes away from the city, Piha is one of the favourite holiday or weekend destinations for many Auckland residents.

Waiheke is just a 35 minute ferry trip from downtown Auckland and has numerous gold sand beaches, while also being home to many famous vineyards and olive groves. A true slice of paradise, right on the doorstep of the city.

Free Things to Do:

- Enjoy a free movie in the park. Every Friday and Saturday during summer a movie is projected in Silo Park. A good way to enjoy an Auckland evening, while you get an insight to the local atmosphere.

- Go to the winter gardens, two barrel-vaulted Victorian style glass houses full of rare and beautiful plants. The pergolas host many showy climbers.

Insiders Tip:

Take a stroll around the Britomart bars and restaurants. Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, Britomart hosts a wealth of post-modernist architecture. Some of the city’s most delicious restaurants are nearby and you will also find some of the best coffee in the country. ‘Shaky Isles’ tops this list for an unforgettable coffee experience.

Hiking Options:

sky tower

Mount Eden – Climb to the top of Mount Eden, a volcano in the middle of the city which offers one of Auckland’s most iconic views.

The Waitakere Ranges –offer impressive native bush hemmed by the sea. There are plenty of walks and bike rides to do here.

Our pick of Auckland's Top Activities:

 

Wine Tasting and tasty Vineyard Lunch in Auckland

Wine Tasting

New Zealand produces some of the world’s best wine. There is no better way to add some flavour to your ‘once in a lifetime experience’ than to embark on a wine tour through the region

auckland dolphins and whales

Dolphin Explorer

Many boats depart daily from Auckland harbour to watch these wonderful creatures in their own environment. You can also see whales, penguins or seals.

americas cup

America's Cup Sailing

The America’s Cup is one of the most important regattas, recognised the world over.  It is a very prestigious event, which attracts a lot of spectators, sponsors and entrepreneurs. The next competition will be raced in the early part of 2021.  Why not take to the helm and sail for a day as a crew member on an authentic America’s Cup yacht! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Woodhill Forest 

Trail biking and mountain biking are very popular is in this area, there are many tracks to enjoy beneath the forest of pines.

Kelly Tarltons Sea Life Aquarium

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Sky City Auckland

Auckland Harbour Bridge - Bungy & Bridge Climb