Day 1 in Auckland

Welcome to Auckland! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

Begin your afternoon with a stroll along the harbor area filled with plenty of dining and shopping options, we recommend that you get acquainted with the city, by choosing an optional tour such as the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour, where you can check out several of the city`s attractions, including the Auckland Domain, The Auckland War Memorial Museum, Albert Park and the Sky Tower, wander around the downtown area and take in the sights of the city.

Hop-off at the Sky Tower Auckland, ride the glass bottomed elevator up to the observation deck and enjoy the 360-degree views of the city and harbor. If you are feeling brave try the SkyJump, a 630-foot jump from the observation deck! There are also several levels of entertainment located at SkyCity for visitors to enjoy.

Spend the afternoon at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, the first and largest art gallery in New Zealand featuring an extensive collection of national and international art, with over 15,000 works of art displayed, and the Maori themed Adorned Histories collection exhibit.

On your first evening in Auckland, venture down to Viaduct Harbor, where you will find plenty of fine dining options along the waterfront, sit outside with a glass of renowned Auckland wine and watch the sunset while enjoying dinner. After dinner, wander down to the Britomart precinct, where you will find several places to enjoy some of Auckland`s famed nightlife and live music.

Day 2 in Auckland

Start your day with a kiwi classic breakfast of corn fritters, then head down to the harbor for a ferry ride out on the Hauraki Gulf, glide past thousands of sailboats in the place known as `The City of Sails.` Visit Waiheke Island, `the Island of Wine` and spend your morning relaxing on the white sandy beaches, or browsing the shops and galleries.

Visit one of the best vineyards in New Zealand with over 30 featured on the island. Enjoy some lunch filled with wine, cheese, and fresh olives that are grown on the island.

For the adventurous type take the 3 hour Church Bay Circuit walk which provides excellent views of the island and Stony Batter Historic Reserve. 

Take a sunset kayak trip out to Rangitoto Island, just off the coast of Auckland; this iconic landmark features unique landscape, plant life and sandy coves with spectacular hiking trails. The island is home to the region`s largest and youngest volcanic cone. Capture a spectacular sunset from the Rangitoto peaks, then venture back with the stars and city lights as your guide. Once you arrive back on land, venture to Britomart precinct for plenty of dining and entertainment options after your busy day on the water.

Day 3 in Auckland

Today head out to the Waitakere Rangers, a chain of hills located in the Auckland Region with 155 miles of hiking and biking trails. Wander through the Regional Park here featuring 40,000 acres of lush native rainforest and a long stretch of coastline decorated by black sand beaches. Discover pools, streams, and waterfalls including Kitekite Falls, Fairy Falls, and Cascade Kauri waterfalls.

From here head over to Phia Beach, New Zealand`s most famous surf beach, take some surf lessons in the rolling Tasman Sea, enjoy the beach which is surrounded by emerald cliffs and subtropical rain forests with the majestic Lion Rock in the background. Make your way along the Tasman lookout track for some breathtaking views out over the cliff tops at the south end of the beach.

On your way back to the city stop and visit the Auckland Zoo, a 40-acre zoological garden featuring over 875 animals including Sumatran tigers, zebras, and Giraffes, explore the six themed zones. Head to the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) the largest museum of its kind with a large collection of civilian and military aircraft and other transport vehicles. Highlights at the museum include the Beam Engine, a Solent flying boat, and the WWII Lancaster Bomber.

Once back in the city head down to Ponsonby Road, this vibrant inner city suburb in central Auckland is packed with stylish restaurants, bars, galleries, high-end boutiques and nightclubs. Browse the sophisticated shops and dine at one of the best spots in Auckland with five-star restaurants featuring award-winning chefs. Enjoy some live music or dance the night away at one of the clubs.

Additional Days in Auckland

Should you be able to spend additional days in Auckland visit Mount Eden a vibrant suburb combining nature and culture with the main focal point being Maungawhau/Mount Eden a dormant volcano who`s summit is the highest point in Auckland. Hike up to the summit, stroll through the garden settings featuring plants, waterfalls and rock formations while enjoying spectacular views of the city and harbors.

Take a trip to the quiet harbor side village of Devonport, Auckland`s oldest suburb. Visit the Naval Base and see where the naval vessels are docked, enjoy dining and drinks at the many establishments located on the harbor along with shopping, galleries, and beaches.

Auckland Harbor Bridge is an iconic landmark in the city, connecting Auckland to the North Shore City the bridge stands at 142 feet above the water and is 3,348 feet long featuring the SkyPath a walking and cycling path. Try the bungee jump operated from the bridge and the bridge climb.

Visit Auckland`s Botanic Gardens with over 156 acres of forest land holding more than 10,000 plants and home to the award-winning Potter Children`s Garden.

One Tree Hill is a suburb located at the base of Maungakiekie, a volcanic peak standing at 597 feet tall. Visit historic Maori sites, forest and walking trails with the grave of Sir John Logan located at the summit.

Cornwall Park is Auckland`s biggest park located adjacent to the One Tree Hill Domain. The park features the largest green space found in the city and the Stardome Observatory.

The Kelly Tarlton Sea Life Aquarium has a waterfront location on Okahu Bay. The aquarium showcases over 30 animal exhibits in nine themed zones with the world`s largest Antarctic penguin exhibit. 

Your Last Day in Auckland

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.