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Tours in Auckland |
For a Half Day
Hauraki Gulf Islands: The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park (tel: (09) 379 6476; website: www.doc.govt.nz) contains 47 islands, some just a few minutes' sail away from Auckland. Not all can be visited, as some are nature reserves closed to the general public, although others are devoted to human pleasures, with all the usual holiday facilities.
The volcanic island of Rangitoto is one of the most popular islands and is the largest volcanic cone in Auckland. There are several ferries per day from Auckland's ferry building and the trip takes 30 minutes. Details are available from Fullers (tel: (09) 367 9111; website: www.fullers.co.nz). Guided walking tours of Rangitoto Island are available from The New Zealand Walking Company (tel: (09) 235 0099; website: www.nzwalkingcompany.com) as part of multi-day packages.
For a Whole Day
Tiritiri Matangi Island: Walkers with a nose for New Zealand wildlife in the raw will enjoy Tiritiri Matangi Island, some 30km (19 miles) north, a re-stocked and re-forested sanctuary for many rare species of native bird. Fullers (see above) runs ferries to the island. Once there, the Department of Conservation (DOC) guides on the beach impart bush and bird lore for a small charge. Visitors should not forget to take lunch, because there is nowhere to buy any.
Auckland vineyards: New Zealand makes some of the best wine in the world, especially Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The best-known vineyards are situated further south, such as in Hawke's Bay and Marlborough, although Auckland has several good vineyards to the west of the city, notably in the Henderson and Kumeu areas. Several tour companies organise day trips, which normally include visits to at least four vineyards and lunch at one of them. Some tours require a minimum number of passengers. Companies include North West Auckland (tel: (09) 630 1540, website: www.winetrailtours.co.nz), Bush and Beach (tel: (09) 837 4130; website: www.bushandbeach.co.nz) and the extra special Fine Wine Tours (tel: (09) 849 4519; website: www.insidertouring.co.nz).
Hauraki Gulf Islands: The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park (tel: (09) 379 6476; website: www.doc.govt.nz) contains 47 islands, some just a few minutes' sail away from Auckland. Not all can be visited, as some are nature reserves closed to the general public, although others are devoted to human pleasures, with all the usual holiday facilities.
The volcanic island of Rangitoto is one of the most popular islands and is the largest volcanic cone in Auckland. There are several ferries per day from Auckland's ferry building and the trip takes 30 minutes. Details are available from Fullers (tel: (09) 367 9111; website: www.fullers.co.nz). Guided walking tours of Rangitoto Island are available from The New Zealand Walking Company (tel: (09) 235 0099; website: www.nzwalkingcompany.com) as part of multi-day packages.
For a Whole Day
Tiritiri Matangi Island: Walkers with a nose for New Zealand wildlife in the raw will enjoy Tiritiri Matangi Island, some 30km (19 miles) north, a re-stocked and re-forested sanctuary for many rare species of native bird. Fullers (see above) runs ferries to the island. Once there, the Department of Conservation (DOC) guides on the beach impart bush and bird lore for a small charge. Visitors should not forget to take lunch, because there is nowhere to buy any.
Auckland vineyards: New Zealand makes some of the best wine in the world, especially Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The best-known vineyards are situated further south, such as in Hawke's Bay and Marlborough, although Auckland has several good vineyards to the west of the city, notably in the Henderson and Kumeu areas. Several tour companies organise day trips, which normally include visits to at least four vineyards and lunch at one of them. Some tours require a minimum number of passengers. Companies include North West Auckland (tel: (09) 630 1540, website: www.winetrailtours.co.nz), Bush and Beach (tel: (09) 837 4130; website: www.bushandbeach.co.nz) and the extra special Fine Wine Tours (tel: (09) 849 4519; website: www.insidertouring.co.nz).
View Our Airport Guides for Auckland:
Auckland International Airport