Itinerary 1 itinerary
Day 1
Meet at meeting point: There is a vehicle drop-off and pick-up area just to the right of the Ferry Building (behind some big red gates). We will pull in here at 10 am. Alternatively, we offer central pick-up options. Please let us know where you are staying, and we will advise the closest pick-up point.Attractions and Activities: Downtown Terminal (Free entry) Our main pick up point is alongside the Ferry Building on Queens Wharf. There's a pick-up & drop off area, that's the spot. Alternatively, we offer 4 central pick-up locations. Let us know where you are staying and we will advise the closest pick-up point. This is a very comprehensive tour and we pack a lot into the 3.5 to 4 hours. You will get a real feel for Auckland. It's geography, history, sights, and our way of life. This tour is family run, and the commentary is detailed, full of insights from a local perspective and delivered with humor. 2 min(s)
Attractions and Activities: Viaduct Harbour (Free entry How to visit:No indoor visits) We drive along the downtown waterfront area, past the Viaduct Harbour, which is one of Auckland top "going out" spots. Great selection of restaurants and bars. Lots of boats, and home to the America's Cup yachts, and Whale & Dolphin watching boats
Attractions and Activities: Wynyard Quarter (Free entry How to visit:No indoor visits) The Wynyard Quarter has been transformed into an attractive waterfront restaurant area and is home to the Auckland Fish market. great place to revisit later for some Fish and Chips.
Attractions and Activities: Westhaven Marina (Free entry) Westhaven Marina is the largest Marina in the Southern Hemisphere. We stop here for great photos of the Harbour, Harbour Bridge, and the Marina. Sometimes we see Bungy Jumpers leaping off the Harbour Bridge. Sorry., but Bungy Jumping is not included in the tour, but I can help you organise it.... There's also nice clean bathrooms here. 10 min(s)
Attractions and Activities: Auckland Harbour Bridge (Free entry How to visit:No indoor visits) We travel over the Bridge to the North Shore, heading to Northcote Point.
Attractions and Activities: Little Shoal Bay Reserve (Free entry) We visit Shoal Bay in Northcote Point for arguably the best views of Auckland City from across the Harbour. Great place for photos. 10 min(s)
Attractions and Activities: Northcote (Free entry) Optional coffee stop. We don't stop on this tour for a formal Morning or Afternoon "Tea/Coffee" break as I prefer to show you as much of Auckland as possible. There's a couple of nice choices for takeaway drinks and snacks. Just bring them back to the bus. I have drink holders installed for this very reason. 5 min(s)
Attractions and Activities: Ponsonby (Free entry How to visit:No indoor visits) Ponsonby is a Victorian/ Edwardian suburb full of lovely older buildings. Fantastic shopping, with that point of difference, and mostly privately owned shops. An extremely varied selection of stores, from fashion boutiques, gift shops, homewares, antiques, cafe's and restaurants. Well worth a re-visit after the tour.
Attractions and Activities: Karangahape Road (Free entry How to visit:No indoor visits) Known as a "colourful' area in the past, it's making a come-back. The nightclubs, bars, and tattoo parlors are still here, but there's also an interesting selection of shops, and cafe's. Definitely worth a re-visit.
Attractions and Activities: Mount Eden (Free entry) Fantastic elevated views of Auckland City from the summit of Mt Eden. It's a 5 - 10 minute walk from the parking lot to the Summit, but well worth the walk. There's bathrooms here. 30 min(s)
Attractions and Activities: Auckland War Memorial Museum (Free entry How to visit:No indoor visits) We drive through the Auckland Domain ( Park) and past the Auckland Museum. You would at least 3-4 hours to visit the Museum, so we don't stop, but the Museum is well worth a visit. Excellent exhibit on Maori and Polynesian culture, and the daily Maori cultural performance is most enjoyable.
Attractions and Activities: Dove Myer Robinson Park (Parnell Rose Garden) (Free entry) We drive through the Victorian suburb of Parnell, and past the Parnell Rose Gardens. If the flowers are in bloom we can stop for some photos. 5 min(s)
Attractions and Activities: Mission Bay (Free entry How to visit:No indoor visits) We are now back on the waterfront, where we enjoy a picturesque drive past Ohaku Bay, Mission Bay, Kohimarama Beach, and on to Saint Heliers.
Attractions and Activities: St Heliers Bay (Free entry How to visit:No indoor visits) After Achilles Point we drive through the seaside village of Saint Heliers, and then back along the waterfront, to downtown Auckland.
Attractions and Activities: Achilles Point (Free entry) Achilles Point in the suburb of Saint Heliers affords wonderful views out over the many islands in the Hauraki Gulf. There's also a nice view of Auckland City in the distance. Great photo stop. 10 min(s)
Attractions and Activities: The University of Auckland (Free entry How to visit:No indoor visits) We drive along the tree-lined Symonds St, past the University of Auckland, where we head into the downtown area. .
Attractions and Activities: Auckland Central (Free entry How to visit:No indoor visits) In the downtown city area, I'll point out the Auckland Art Gallery, and show you some of the smaller side streets, like High St, and O'Connell street where there are interesting shops.
Attractions and Activities: Queen Street (Free entry How to visit:No indoor visits) Queen St is the main shopping street in Auckland. I point out many lovely heritage buildings, like the Auckland Town Hall & Civic Theater.
Attractions and Activities: Downtown Terminal (Free entry) We conclude our tour back at the Ferry Building. Alternatively, if you are staying in the downtown area, I'm happy to drop you back at your hotel. This tour is delivered with a comprehensive commentary, not just about the places we visit, but also about the geography, history , and an insight into our way of life. There's' a few funny bits as well. 5 min(s)
Guests leave on their own: End the tour on your own and bring your trip to a happy conclusion There is a vehicle drop-off and pick-up area just to the right of the Ferry Building (behind some big red gates). We will pull in here at 10 am. Alternatively, we offer central pick-up options. Please let us know where you are staying, and we will advise the closest pick-up point.
*Itinerary times are in the local time of the place of visit and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions, road conditions, and other factors. We appreciate your understanding.