Things to do in

Auckland

Take an affordable, easy, and stress-free 25-minute ferry journey to the popular Rangitoto Island. Travel from downtown Auckland to the island and back, while enjoying panoramic views of the stunning surrounding landscapes. Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of 2-4 departures a day depending on the season, which will allow you to fit the ferry ride into your travel schedule and get the chance to explore the island at your own leisure. During the sail, admire the view as the ferry cruises past Auckland’s stunning coastline. Upon arrival at the island, spend the day exploring and wandering through the unique landscapes of olive groves and sandy beaches before your return journey to the city.

The best way to get around Waiheke is to combine your ferry travel with the Waiheke Explorer Hop-on Hop-off tour bus. This newdouble-decker and single level bus experience is designed to let you see more of the island for less and see it in a whole new way, at your own pace! It’s the most flexible and cost effective tour option on the island. Introducing you to the island’s top spots; hop on and off as much as you like at any of its 16 convenient stops which include vineyards, beaches and restaurants. If you prefer, stay on board and enjoy a 1.5 hour scenic tour of the island. The buses stop at some of the island’s iconic spots including Oneroa Village, Onetangi Beach, Batch Winery, the new Tantalus winery/brewery, Mudbrick Vineyard, Cable Bay Vineyard and more. The knowledgeable tour drivers, and the addition of an on-board host, ensure you’ll receive the most informative commentary as you travel around and you can get all the local tips and tricks for how best to enjoy Waiheke! The Explorer Hop-on Hop-off departs from each location approximately every 30 minutes throughout the day in summer, and every 60 minutes throughout the day in winter.

Hosted on Waiheke Island, just 30 minutes by fast ferry from central Auckland, this 3-hour zipline adventure offers nature lovers a thrilling, state-of-the-art dual zipline flight over native forest. Enjoy a mini-tour of Waiheke's beaches, million-dollar properties, and boutique wineries en route to the zipline site, where you'll be geared-up for one of New Zealand’s most exciting eco activities. Soar along 3 dual ziplines, each more than 650 feet (200 meters) long. Glide smoothly, side-by-side with a partner or friend, over a working vineyard and stunning tracts of original and regenerating native New Zealand bush. Catch views of Auckland, Rangitoto, and the Hauraki Gulf, as you zip. On completion of the 3rd line, enjoy a spectacular interpretive walk back to the visitor center, while guides share stories of the local flora and fauna, and Maori and European history of Waiheke.

Book your ticket to Tiritiri Matangi Island, a wildlife sanctuary for New Zealand’s native birds and an important conservation project. Visitor numbers are limited in order to protect the island’s wildlife. Begin this 8-hour excursion in Auckland city with a 75-minute ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf to the island preserve. Explore the island at your leisure, walking along the trails and enjoying the coastline after a ranger orientation. Enjoy informative displays at the visitor center and a complimentary cup of coffee or tea during your visit. See the lighthouse, and in warmer months, head to Hobbs beach for a swim before the return ferry ride to Auckland.

Dine on Waitemata Harbor for a memorable experience in Auckland. Join a 2.5-hour sailing dinner cruise for a uniquely local experience with a relaxed, intimate and engaging atmosphere. Discover the city skyline and iconic highlights as they light up for the evening. Set sail while enjoying the city highlights and engaging commentary from your captain. Assist the crew or try your hand at steering the boat. Enjoy the breeze and relax with a drink, with ample space and seating above deck.  Set anchor in Westhaven Marina to enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner, supplied by top Viaduct restaurant Degree. Complement your meal with a selection of premium locally produced wine or beer. After dinner, marvel at the city views and as the sun sets to watch the night lights of the cityscape come alive.

Enjoy Auckland, the City of Sails, as you join the yachts on Waitemata Harbor and enjoy the relaxed pace of harbor sailing. Set sail on a 50-foot cruising yacht for a spectacular sailing experience on the sparkling harbor waters. Meet your captain at the Auckland waterfront and be welcomed by the crew, who will supply you with weather-proof jackets if required. After a brief introduction accompanied by a safety briefing, depart Viaduct Habor to sail past the Sky Tower and Auckland Harbor Bridge for a 1.5-hour sightseeing tour. Enjoy engaging commentary from your skipper on Auckland, the home of the Americas Cup. Enjoy light refreshments, including a hot drink and a sweet treat, in the sunshine or below deck. Afterwards, set sail to cruise Auckland's sparkling Waitemata Harbor. If you like, help the crew sail the vessel or simply sit back and relax as you take advantage of photo opportunities. Glide past the Auckland Bridge, Westhaven Marina, the charming suburb of Devonport and the city skyline before returning to Auckland.

Join this tour to visit two of New Zealand's most iconic and famous attractions, the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, in one easy small-group day trip from Auckland. After pickup from your central Auckland hotel, travel south over the Bombay Hills for panoramic views of the Waikato Region and the scenic Hauraki Plains. Arrive at The Shire's Rest in Matamata, the home of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Your guide will help you skip the crowds so you can explore the Movie Set on an official 2-hour tour. Be escorted through the 10-acre site and learn fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created. See Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, and The Mill. Savor a complimentary specially-brewed beverage at The Green Dragon Inn.  Afterwards, travel to the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you'll enjoy a Kiwi-style lunch at The Homestead in Waitomo. On the way, share stories from Hobbiton and interact with your fellow travelers. Glide silently by boat in the world famous caves and be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms. Your guide on the 45-minute tour will likely be a descendant of the Maori Chief who originally explored the Caves and can share with you the remarkable history of the area. Walk through the majestic Cathedral Cove, famous for its acoustics. The return trip takes you through some of New Zealand's most beautiful countryside before following the majestic Waikato River northwards part of the way back to Auckland. You will pass Taupiri with its very sacred Maori burial ground.  The day concludes with your return to your accommodation.

Make your visit to Waiheke Island as easy and stress-free as possible with use of this fast, reliable and affordable ferry service. With all the comforts and necessities you could wish for, travel from the city to the island and back, while enjoying panoramic views of the stunning surrounding landscapes. With regular departures throughout the day, fitting the ferry ride into your travel schedule is no problem at all, meaning you can explore the island at your own leisure. Located in the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island is a popular tourist destination just a 40-minute ferry ride from Downtown Auckland. During the sail, admire the view as the ferry cruises past Auckland’s stunning coastline. Upon arrival at the island, spend the day exploring and wandering through the unique landscapes of olive groves and sandy beaches before your return journey to the city.

Climb aboard a 65-foot luxury catamaran conveniently docked in the heart of Auckland. Set sail on the "Dolphin Explorer" to take in the sights and sounds of the city from the water. Enjoy a quick tour past impressive landmarks, such as the Auckland Harbour Bridge, North Head/Devonport, and Rangitoto Island. Keep a close look out for Orca and Bottlenose Dolphins that regularly visit the waters close to the city. Then explore the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Get up-close viewings of whales, dolphins, and sea birds. The "Dolphin Explorer" is able to get much closer than whale watching operations in other locations. Learn about the fauna via expert commentary from the ship's skipper, gained from 15 years of running trips daily in the area.

Discover the flavors of Waiheke Island on a fully-guided gourmet food and wine tour. Journey by ferry or helicopter from Auckland over to Matiatia Wharf on the island where your guide will meet you. Your guide will provide entertaining and informative commentary throughout the day about the various delicacies you will taste. Enjoy succulent fresh oysters, award-winning olive oil and other locally-produced specialty foods. Delight in a platter lunch, consisting of a selection of cold meats, seafood, breads and dips, at one of the island's top vineyard restaurants. Savor wines from some of the island’s top boutique vineyards, and visit an award-winning olive oil mill and two vineyards. Each vineyard offers a range of gourmet tastings to accompany their wines. Treats may include oysters straight from Te Matuku Bay, wild honey, the famous local green herb spread, or artisan cheeses. On Saturdays, your tour may also include a visit to the Waiheke Market. The tour returns you to Matiatia Wharf in time for the 3:00 PM ferry for a 3:45 arrival in Auckland.