Auckland
is modernity set on rugged coastlines
Welcome to Auckland
Paris may be the city of love, but Auckland is the city of many lovers, according to its Māori name, Tāmaki Makaurau. Those lovers so desired this place that they fought over it for centuries.
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Auckland activities
Waitomo Caves and The Lord of the Rings Hobbiton from Auckland
Discover two of the best places to see in NZ on this full-day trip from Auckland; wind through scenic farmland aboard your luxury coach, journey into Middle-earth on a guided Hobbiton tour and marvel at the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Plus, enjoy informative commentary from your expert driver guide along the way (headsets provided for recorded Spanish, Mandarin and Japanese commentary). Departing Auckland in the morning, begin your coach tour by winding through the lush rolling farmland as you travel south to the small rural town of Matamata where you’ll discover the Hobbiton Movie Set. Journey into Middle-earth with your expert guide on a Hobbiton tour; see The Shire, Bilbo Baggins’ house and many other locations you’ll recognise from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Conclude your Hobbiton tour with the unforgettable experience of tucking into a buffet style lunch outside the Green Dragon Inn. After lunch, your tour continues as you board your luxury coach and make your way to Waitomo. Upon arrival at Waitomo Glowworm Caves, embark on a guided tour through a subterranean wonderland; see stalactites and stalagmites, learn about how these limestone caves were formed and conclude your tour with a boat ride through the enchanting Glowworm Grotto. After a magic-filled day, allow your eyes to adjust as you climb aboard your luxury coach once again for the return trip to Auckland. Highlights: - Waitomo and Hobbiton day trip from Auckland - Discover Hobbiton with an expert guide - See The Shire, Bilbo Baggins’ house and the Green Dragon Inn - Marvel at Waitomo Glowworm Caves - Drift through the world-famous Glowworm Grotto - Complimentary hotel transfers (must be pre-booked) April to October Departs Auckland: 7:30am Arrives Auckland: 8:10pm November to March Departs Auckland: 7:00am or 8:00am Arrives Auckland: 7:00pm Please note the order of this tour is subject to change.
Auckland Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Join one of the best sightseeing buses in New Zealand complete with air-conditioning, a modern glass roof and complimentary return ferry ride from downtown Auckland. With a 24-hour hop on hop off bus ticket from Explorer Bus, you’ll have the opportunity to discover Auckland city at your own pace; from the seaside village of Devonport to fashionable shopping districts in Ponsonby and Parnell Village and the tree lined streets of Auckland Waterfront. A double decker bus departs every 15 minutes* in summer and visits Auckland Museum, Sky City, Parnell Village, Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium, Auckland waterfront, Mount Eden, St Lukes Shopping Mall, Auckland Zoo and many more of the best things to see in Auckland. The first Explorer Bus departs from the Waterfront stop at 9am, with the last bus returning at 5pm. An entertaining commentary is available in English with translated information sheets in French, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Portuguese and German. Combine your Explorer Bus pass with an attraction combo and save! See the options available. *Single and double decker buses operate. Frequency every 20 minutes 1st April – 30th April and every 30 minutes 1st May – Nov 30th.
Small-Group Lord of the Rings Hobbiton Movie Set from Auckland
After morning pickup from your Auckland hotel, travel south over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Stretch your legs and enjoy a stop for morning tea (own expense) en-route to HobbitonArrive in Hobbiton, where your movie set tour begins. Explore the magical world of ‘the Shire’ as your guide entertains you with stories about the making of The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. See the hobbit holes, the mill and the double-arch bridge, the party tree and the Green Dragon Inn. Pose for pictures at the door of Bilbo Baggins’ house and see stunning views overlooking the largest ‘outdoor set’ in the world! Cross the double-arch bridge and enjoy a complimentary cider, ale or ginger beer inside the Green Dragon Inn.After your tour of Hobbiton, enjoy lunch (included) at the Green Dragon marquee before travelling back to Auckland.
Waitomo Caves and Rotorua Day Trip from Auckland
Leave the city behind on this full-day sightseeing tour from Auckland to Waitomo and Rotorua and discover some of the best things to see in New Zealand. First stop... the glowworm caves at Waitomo! Enjoy a Waitomo Caves guided tour through long galleries and lofty chambers; see stalactites - formed over thousands of years by the constant dripping of water - and glide into the magical glowworm cave, illuminated by thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. Allow your eyes to readjust as we head to Rotorua for a hands-on New Zealand farm experience; see sheep mustering by highly trained dogs, sheep shearing demonstrations and receive an insight into the history of dairy farm milking. Then it's time to experience one of the best things to do in Rotorua as we head to the famous Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. See the renowned silica terraces, bubbling mud pools and the unique Rotorua geothermal activity. Exploding from the ground up to 100 feet (30 meters) high is the world-famous Pohutu Geyser, which bursts into life 10-20 times a day. Before your tour concludes, you have the chance to learn about traditional Māori wood carving and woven textiles at the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, and see how traditional carvings and weaving record history and customs in the marae (Māori meeting house). Choose to end your tour in Rotorua or return to Auckland.
Waiheke Island Food and Wine-Tasting Tour from Auckland
Board your ferry at Auckland’s Ferry Terminal for a relaxing 40-minute cruise to Waiheke Island, a bucolic combination of farmland, forest, beaches and seaside villages. You might think you’re in France when you see the vineyards, olive trees, and lavender fields! Upon arrival at the island, you’ll be greeted by your tour driver and taken by air-conditioned coach. Light lunch & wine tasting at Stonyridge Vineyard - Nestled in a beautiful valley of olive trees and vines, Stonyridge is one of the most romantic and exotic venues in the greater Auckland area. Known for their Cabernet blends, Stonyridge also has a wonderful cafe menu, featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Wine tasting at Casita Miro - A sprawling Spanish-style vineyard is home to Casita Miro restaurant, renowned for its delightful tapas-inspired food and fine wines. Enjoy a wine and food pairing in the beautiful art deco style pavilion. Olive oil tasting at Rangihoua Estate - Sample a range of premium, internationally-awarded Extra Virgin Olive Oil surrounded by olive groves and native New Zealand Forest. Rangihoua also hosts The Hay Paddock Cellar Door, with wine tastings to complement the EVOO. Wine tasting at Mudbrick Vineyard - Learn about Mudbrick's varietals during a special cellar door tasting. Relax on the terrace or wander the garden, enjoying sweeping sea views all the way to Auckland City. Ferry & coach transfers - The tour includes return ferry fare from Downtown Auckland, as well as all coach transfers on Waiheke Island. Your local tour driver will meet the ferry at Matiatia Wharf, sharing the island's unique story on the scenic drive. BONUS All Bay Bus Pass - if you have more time to spend on the island, enjoy a complimentary bus pass so you can explore on your own after the conclusion of the tour.
Hobbiton, Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip
Hotel pickups from 6:30am - Please note you must be ready and waiting at your specified time. We have set times at the attractions on tour - We apologise but If you are late we cannot wait. We start our day traveling from Auckland to Hobbiton through Waikato, where you will take in the gorgeous scenery of Dairy Farms and the Hauraki Plains. On arrival at Hobbiton, you will be guided through the picturesque, 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. You will be escorted through the twelve acre site and be given fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie set was created. The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, the Mill and other structures were created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. They can be viewed and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-Earth, with the finale being a complimentary drink at the "Green Dragon Inn". After this tour you will travel to Rotorua (approximately 55 minutes) to Te Puia where you will have lunch. and time to explore Te Puia - total time in Rotorua approximately 1.5 hours. Te Puia spans 70 hectares within the historic Te Whakarewarewa Valley, on the edge of Rotorua. It is home to the Pohutu geyser, mud pools, hot springs, silica formations, the Kiwi bird and the national schools of wood carving, weaving, stone and bone carving. They have shared these treasures with manuhiri (visitors) for 170 years and proudly continue that legacy today. If you want more time in Rotorua please look at our over-night tour option New from October 1 - Lunch will be buffet style in the new Restaurant at Te Puia and will have a large selection of Traditional (Maori) food plus typical Kiwi dishes From there we travel to Waitomo Caves, World renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in the New Zealand vacation wish-list. The glow worm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves' historical and geological significance. You will walk into the caves and sail out in a small boat. Please note that because of the amount of travel time this tour is not suitable for children under 2 years, as part of the group - It can be booked as a private group tour - please ask TripAdvisor/Viator to contact us for the custom price