The tour includes driving you around Waiheke and tastings at 3 wineries. They will pick you up from…read morethe ferry or downtown. Julie was a lovely guide and bus driver. They have pre-booked tastings at the wineries and thus you get a tour of the vineyard and some information about the history, etc. Our tour had 10 people on it. My only critiques are that they don't give you that many tastings at the wineries (3-4) and they don't allow substitutions if you don't like whites or reds. Also they give you an extra 30-45 minutes at each winery after the tasting has ended, which was perhaps a bit too much time. I figured out you could take a public bus from the ferry terminal that will drop you off right in front of many of the wineries, so not sure its fully worth the money (though this tour does take you to ones that are not available by public bus). You do get better value for money with this tour though compared to many other tours we looked at.

Thanks to our New Zealand friends (Geoffrey and Margaret), whom we met the year before during our…read morecruise through Southeast Asia, for planning a day of fun, exercise, and good eats in Auckland. We started with a hike up Mount Eden (Maungawhau), a dormant volcano and the highest natural point in Auckland, offering panoramic views of the city from its summit. As we hiked uphill along pathways and boardwalks to the summit, our friends explained that Mount Eden is a culturally significant Māori site, pointing out its historical Māori pā (fortified village) terraces and its sacred 160-ft-deep crater. It took us about 18 minutes to hike up from the parking lot to the summit while following the pathway to the boardwalks. The uphill hike was relatively easy with an elevation gain of nearly 240 feet, and I was sure glad that my osteoarthritic knee wasn't "acting up." We prepared for this hike by taking physically challenging shore excursions and actively exercising pre- and during our cruise. After all, we didn't want to reach the summit wheezing and out of breath, because we truly wanted to enjoy the panoramic views and take in the cultural and historical background from our younger friends. It was very windy atop and along the summit boardwalks, and I had to either hold on or lean into the handrails, otherwise be blown about like tumbleweed. At the summit, we were treated to a 360° panoramic view of Auckland city, its nearby neighborhoods, the iconic Sky Tower, Auckland Harbor Bridge, Rangitoto Island, and a glimpse of the South towards the Auckland Airport. Instead of returning to our vehicle the same way we had climbed up, our friends guided us downhill on a less steep, paved private roadway. Our round-trip hike took about an hour, and it was a beautiful day to spend with friends, enjoying iconic sights and learning about Māori history and culture.

At 196 meters high, Mount Eden, a dormant volcano, is the highest natural point in Auckland. It…read morewas named in honour of George Eden, the 1st Earl of Auckland (a white guy), by Governor William Hobson (another white guy). In the Māori language, Mount Eden is called Maungawhau, which means "mountain of the whau tree". At the top of Mount Eden/Maungawhau is a large, grassy crater 50 meters deep which is sacred to the Māori and must not be entered. Mount Eden/Maungawhau is a popular for hiking, and while it is not a long or difficult hike, there are steep sections. Around the crater are boardwalks that were installed in 2020 for people to take a stroll. Fortunately when we went hiking on Mount Eden/Maungawhau, the weather was nice, although it was quite windy at the top. I took a lot of photos to try and capture the beauty of the area, but it's something you just have to experience in person. If you like hiking and nature, don't miss Mount Eden/Maungawhau. [Yelp collections: NZ/Fiji 2023; New Zealand 2023; Hiking]

I mainly wanted this glowworm tour because they allow pictures to be taken while in the cave. The…read moretour date I was looking at was fully booked but you can email them to be added to the waitlist. I asked to be added to the waitlist for 2 on October 12, and got off the waitlist on November 9, for a tour on December 28 so don't give up hope if it is originally fully booked! I did the spellbound explorer tour which included a walk through a cave as well as a boat ride through a cave for the glowworms. The tour guide was great and allowed pictures during the first back and forth on the boat ride and asked us to put away our phones during the second. This is because the first go-around allows for the eyes to adjust and see the glowworms better so the second go-around the glowworms are much brighter. The cave walk was also a nice add on for 20 NZD but if the tour with the cave walk is not available the regular boat ride is perfect on its own. I loved this tour as our tour guide took pictures for each group that wanted some with glowworms and also provided us with personal pictures of glowworms taken with a nicer camera with a longer shutter speed.

This was a really incredible experience for the whole family! Our guide even showed us a place…read morewhere we could feed eels in a stream. We took our nine month old and two year old in carriers. Would highly recommend! The morning is the best time as the glow worms are the brightest! This isn't too far from Hobbiton if you are planning a drive strategically to Auckland.

Rangitoto was definitely a highlight of our visit to Auckland. We had a free day and wanted to get…read moresome exploring in, so we took the 10:30 ferry ride on over which was quick and beautiful. The range in microclimate hiking to the summit was fascinating. There were times where it was unbearably hot and then others when it was cool and wet. So interesting! The views, unsurprisingly, were magnificent.

We booked this tour through Fullers/360 Discovery Tours. They made it very simple to find the…read morecorrect dock, pick up our ferry tickets, and hop on board to the island. It was a fun little cruise to Rangitoto and then a very well organized tour and hike once there. We boarded an open-sided cart pulled by a truck/tractor, and it drove us all over the island - with our guide pointing out neat sights along the way, including volcanic fields, old dwellings where the WWII soldiers used to bunk, and some flora and fauna that we passed: birds and pōhutukawa trees (of which Rangitoto is the largest forest in the world). We stopped at the foot of the summit, and those who wanted to venture to the top hopped onto the boardwalk that runs alongside the mountain. It was an easy climb along the flat winding boardwalk, but the views do get a little daunting for those afraid of heights. There is a stop along the way called the crater summit track. Here you can walk around the edge/ring of this very large and very deep volcanic crater. There were lots of beautiful trees and scenic views to stop and see/snap photos of along the way. You can see Motutapu Island from the summit, where it connects to Rangitoto. Our guide said that some people hike from Rangitoto to Motutapu along the causeway connection, but we did not have time for that on this tour. Once we snagged our photos at the top of the summit, we headed back down and then boarded the vehicle again to meander back around the island to the dock and start our journey home. Overall, I would say this island (as part of a tour or a self guided hike with your own ferry pass) is a great way to spend a day. Hiking, beautiful views, and the sights of New Zealand that you don't get from just staying in Auckland!

MUST DO on your first day! Highly recommend Liz's Aucky Walky Foodie tour in Auckland CBD. Debbie…read more(and Liz) met us right outside Sky City Tower sign/ticketing area which is right in front of the SkyCity Hotel entrance. You won't be disappointed... you end up with tummies full of delicious food, ton of information, and new found friends. I really liked the small group setting bcuz it's like you are on a private tour. Knowledgeable and they chose the perfect spread of foods while meandering the streets of Auckland CBD down to the wharf. Take the tour first before anything else... that way you can narrow down where to eat/see next. Debbie - you are the BEST! Thank you for being our guide. Special thanks to owner Byron at Cocoa Wilds Chocolates for personally coming out to greet us. We could just feel the good vibes and passion he has for his business. God bless you and much success to you and your team! Special MAHALO to Jed, SkyCity Tower Hotel OUTSTANDING concierge, for recommending us to Aucky Walky tours.

Great tour! Debbie customized the tour to accommodate our interests and she graciously answered our…read moremany, many questions about architecture, history, culture, restaurants, places to buy men's shoes and Auckland customs. We enjoyed our time with Debbie and wholeheartedly recommend Aucky Walky Tours. -Michael Florida, USA P.S. the mussels were incredible! Thanks for the recommendations.

Beautiful views from the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park at Bastion Point…read more Take the Explorer Bus to stop #8 and enjoy the park. The bus comes about every 30 minutes. The memorial has a sunken reflecting pool, a huge obelisk and the most beautiful surrounding garden. Climb up and down the steps to get a better view. Walk through the park to get a better view overlooking the harbor. What a difference a day makes. Monday was blue skies and so sunny as compared to the intermittent thunderstorms and overcast skies the day before. A nice way to enjoy a beautiful summer afternoon in Auckland.

Michael Savage is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike in central Auckland. From…read morehere you have spectacular views of Auckland city; I've seen several sunsets here and I'm never tired of them. You're also able to visit the memorial of the park's namesake, Michael Joseph Savage, who founded the Welfare State and was the first Labour Prime Minister of New Zealand. The monument is such a great piece of New Zealand history and is surrounded by a pond and beautiful gardens you can walk through. The parking spaces fill up quickly here but there's more than enough room for everyone, whether you're exercising, having a picnic or going for a leisurely stroll. The rolling grass areas are huge and give you a great view no matter where you are. If you aren't travelling by car, there's pedestrian access on the west end of Mission Bay. If you forget to bring dessert with you, there's almost always an ice cream truck there in the afternoon. My partner and I make frequent visits here usually after lunch dates on Tamaki Drive, as its a great place to digest, chill out and appreciate this great piece of our city. Wedding parties are also a common sight and its no surprise considering the beautiful backdrop the memorial offers. You're sure to see tourists by the busload every hour here, viewing the scenery and taking snaps galore. Its nice to know that visitors get to see this place, as it really is an Auckland marvel through and through.

Okay. So it's not like the bus in London, Rome or Sydney, but it was a really great way to see the…read morecity especially when traveling with a couple of octogenarians. Stopped at almost all of the stops along the Red Route. Blue Route was less interesting to us. Stop 1- The heart of the city is at the Queens Wharf and the Central Business District. Loved the historic buildings, shops and restaurants. Saw the International Buskers Festival. Watched the boats come into harbor. Stop 2- The Sky Tower is pricy, but gives a great view of the city. A short uphill climb from our hotel apartment. Stop 3- The Art Museum and Albert Park. The Guo Pei exhibit was so interesting. A very eclectic museum. Stop 5- The Auckland War Memorial Museum and the switch to the blue line or red line depending on which way you came. Easy to walk from this stop to the Winter Garden. Stop 6- The Holy Trinity Cathedral. Closed on Auckland Day. Easy to walk from here to Parnell Village and then stop #7. Stop 7- Pick up a lamb or meat pie on the way to this stop. Stop 8- Bastion Point has stunning views of Auckland. The memorial is beautiful as well. Stop 9- The aquarium, because who doesn't love penguins? Happy Feet! Stop 10 - The Winter Garden has the most beautiful flowers in the glass greenhouses. The fernery is interesting, too. Pricy, but we got a great taste of Auckland.

Really good time. Professional helpful really enjoyed our day. I have said enough and think 85…read morecharacters is too much so I write this gibberish

The ONLY way to tour Auckland‼ My regret - I did not have…read morethis as my first ebike experience in New Zealand. Whether you're w first timer, as a solo or with friends or a family group- this ebike tour is a GREAT, extraordinary way to experience Auckland. Our tour guide was Carson- who is well versed with the history, customs and culture of New Zealand, Auckland and the Māori people. Power2Peddle provides headsets for the guides narrative. In addition, Carson offered several suggestions for activities and dining. The P2P people are pro's with a special passion for ebikes and their city. HIGHLY recommended- I plan BRING friends on my next visit with P2P being at the top of our to do list. Thank you Eddie and thank you Carson. - Don

Exceptional! Highly recommend. Small group ebike tour of Auckland. The ebikes and helmets were well…read moremaintained. Eddie had us wear headsets so he could give us directions, keep us safe, and share lots of info. Very informative and professional. He took lots of photos to share with us. Great overview of Auckland and New Zealand on our 2nd day. We are mid 60s and fit but sure needed that pedal assist and turbo climbing to the top of the dormant volcano. Plus enjoyed an iced coffee and yummy donut at the meeting place before. Sign up now!

This a great revitalized area in Auckland. It's a great walk from the CBD. And there are dozens of…read morerestaurants. An urban park and even cooler there's an Asian set of stands on the weekend. Delicious. Besides the theater and the shops there's at lots of condos and great city and bay views.

Restaurants, the civic center, Hyatt and children playing. A nice walkway on route to the fish…read moremarket.

Wharf to get you Waiheke Island to/from Auckland and other points abroad. This little wharf is in a…read morenice bay, with hills on both sides, boats idly floating around. It's a picturesque little wharf that welcomes you into Wine Island. There's a car park here, but they charge to let you park here. If you walk a ways down the street, there's a free lot. The public bus runs out here, as do taxicabs, but the walk is recommended upon arrival. On the walk back from the vineyards, I advise you to take the bus for just over a dollar, it's totally worth it. It's about a 10 minute walk into town. I wish there were stalls selling stuff like snacks and more wine. That'd have been helpful. And why can't they build the wharf further inland? J/k...

Beautiful setting! The different bus lines to Onetangi, Palm Beach, Rocky Bay etc meet most…read morearriving ferries and there is a taxi stand there in case you're not a bus person. Would pay to book a taxi ahead of time as they get snapped up. Parking is $3 a day down at the wharf or there is a free gravel carpark a 5min walk up the road