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1. Morning Ferry Ride to Devonport

Devonport is a short 12 minute ferry ride away. There are some great shops to browse on your way up the hill to hike Mount Victoria. Also known by the Māori name of Takarunga, Mount Victoria is the highest volcano on the North Shore of Auckland and offers stunning views of Waitemata Harbour and Auckland City.

2. An Afternoon Discover Auckland Scenic Tour

The Discover Auckland Scenic Tour is a small group tour which allows you to visit the best sights of Auckland that you may otherwise miss. There are plenty of photo opportunities as you encounter the sparkling Viaduct and Waitemata Harbours, beaches, historic buildings such as the War Memorial and Mount Eden.

3. Night Time Sky Tower Visit

The Sky Tower is a must on a visit to Auckland. At 328m tall, the Sky Tower is the tallest man-made structure in the Southern Hemisphere. There are 2 observation decks at the Sky Tower – the Main Observation Deck and the Sky Deck. Beware of the glass floors on the Main Observation Deck – most visitors were too scared to walk across them.

4. Day trip to Waitomo Caves and Rotorua

A visit to the Waitomo Caves begins with a tour of the caves, where the guide explains how they were formed and first discovered. After the tour of the formations, you enter a boat and slowly float out to see the glow worms (Arachnocampa luminosa) hanging from the roof of the cave. It is a peaceful and magical moment.

A visit to Te Puia, located in the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley of Rotorua includes a Māori cultural performance where the group gets to observe a ceremonial welcome and some song and dance, including the famous Haka. After the performance, a tour guide leads the group to observe the kiwi bird in the Nga Manu Ahurei – Kiwi House. It is then time to see the Mud Pools and spectacular geysers.

5. Ferry Trip to Waiheke Island

A 40 minute ferry ride from Auckland is Waiheke Island, one of the most populated islands in New Zealand and full of beautiful beaches and vineyards. The best way to tour the island is to purchase the Fullers Waiheke Explorer Tour ferry ticket which includes a 1.5 hour bus tour. At 92km2, there is a lot of area to cover on the Island and the bus tour provides an easy way to see the sights and learn about the history of Waiheke Island at the same time. Departing the bus at Oneroa provides the perfect opportunity to browse the boutique stores and enjoy a nice lunch.

6. Half Day Bush and Beach Tour

The 1/2 day Wilderness Experience Bush and Beach Tour allows you to get out of the city  and experience both the bush and beach in one afternoon. The first stop on this tour is the Arataki Visitor Centre, the entrance to the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park with great  lookouts of Auckland.

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The tour also visits Piha Beach (known for its black sand) and the Kitekite Falls Rainforest Walk. The guide takes you on a short hike, or tramp as it is referred to in New Zealand, to the Kitekite Falls. The final stop on the return back to Auckland City is on the roadside to see a magnificent Kauri tree.

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