Auckland Adventure

From Auckland you can easily discover our famous, 100% pure New Zealand. In just one day, we take in verdant rainforest, surf-pounded beaches, iconic volcanoes, cascading waterfalls and expansive plains before enjoying one of the city’s most charming and historical quarters. Join us on a journey through pristine rainforest, to untamed beaches and among perfectly terraced vines, all shaped by Auckland's volcanic beginnings.

The 'city of sails' extends across a network of now-extinct volcanoes. We begin at the crown of one, Mount Eden (Maungawhau), with a fun introduction to Auckland's unique geography. Awe-inspiring 360º panoramas take in the sparkling Waitemata and Manukau harbours, the Waitakere Ranges to the west and our youngest volcano, Rangitoto, just off the eastern coast.

We then travel west through chic Titirangi village to the Arataki Heritage & Environment Centre. Guarded by an 11m tall traditional Maori Pou (carved guardian), with dramatic views of the Manukau Harbour, Arataki is a fascinating introduction to the stories and secrets of the Waitakere Ranges – an ecological treasure cloaked with 16,000 hectares of spectacular rainforest.

Our next short journey winds through pristine rainforest to a sheltered glade before we follow a freshwater stream on an easy bush walk (around 30 minutes each way) to a cascading waterfall. Refresh yourself under the clear, clean waters of the falls, or relax in the leafy shade before our return walk.

Later, feel the sand between your toes on an untamed west coast beach. Made famous in films like The Piano, the iconic iron sand beaches of Karekare, Piha and Te Henga (Bethells) are magnets to surfers, photographers and seekers of nature at its most wild and exciting.

A little way north we stand dwarfed by an ancient kauri tree, the imposing giant of the New Zealand rainforest. The sea features prominently in the lives of Aucklanders, as you’ll see when you survey the uninterrupted views stretching from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean from the breathtaking Pukematekeo lookout.

We then descend into open farmland and visit West Auckland's human icon – the winemaker – where Dalmatian settlers planted the first vines in soil that now sustains myriad excellent, family-run vineyards. Here you can sample produce direct from the 'cellar door' and discover the winemaker’s techniques and secrets.

We close our journey's circle from a final volcanic cone, above Devonport’s pretty Victorian villas. Our vantage point atop the long-decommissioned gun batteries of North Head gives us some unsurpassed photo opportunities, as the sun slips behind the Waitakeres and the city lights begin to twinkle.

Then we’ll whisk you south across the harbour bridge to your hotel or cruise ship, and say goodbye after another great day.

Please Note: Wine tasting participants must be 18 years or over.

This tour features a walk through our native bush; suitable footwear is recommended.

Bring your swimming togs and a towel!