The Best Tours and Excursions From Auckland
Combining both local history and beautiful scenery, this day trip allows you to see the lush Waitakere area. Home to ethereal black sand beaches, abundant bushland and craggy cliff faces, this is a region that speaks to the power of mother nature. You’ll begin your day at the Arataki Visitor Centre where you can immerse yourself in the area’s strong Māori history and gain insight into both the cultural and ecological elements of the region. You’ll then head out to Piha, visiting waterfalls and the much-loved local beach – popular with surfers and renowned for its Lion Rock and inky sand.
For those short on time and eager to discover this stunning peninsula, this guided day trip explores the best of the area in one easy excursion. From Cathedral Cove to Hot Water Beach with its natural hot springs, you’ll be able to swim at both and still have time to hike up Mount Paku for breathtaking views over Pauanui. As the sun goes down at the end of this action-packed day, you’ll feel sure that you’ve experienced the best of the Coromandel Peninsula, with some incredible memories to take home.
Just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, and yet seemingly a million miles away, Waiheke Island is its own microcosm of a wine region. The sprawling island is home to some of the country’s best wineries, but also has heavenly beaches and jaw-dropping real estate courtesy of its wealthy residents and holiday home owners. Your driver-guide accompanies you by coach for cellar door visits where you indulge in tastings of wine, microbrews, olive oil and a delicious lunch. Be sure to finish up the day by visiting some of the island’s best beaches with a free bus pass.
Matakana is a thriving area for produce just north of Auckland. Home to award-winning wineries and bespoke cheese makers, this bucolic area is perfect for a day of drinking and dining. On this day trip, your knowledgeable guide will provide expert insight as you taste local wine, honey and cheese, and take you through the history and topography of the area too. You’ll also enjoy lunch at The Plume – a top-rated local restaurant – and discover what makes each product you’re tasting so special. You’ll likely leave with a fuller understanding and appreciation for Matakana’s homegrown produce.
The geothermal town of Rotorua provides a breathtaking look into the workings of mother nature – from erupting geysers to bubbling mud pools. On this guided tour, you’ll witness incredible volcanic activity up close, before immersing yourself in Māori culture with a visit to The National Māori Arts School. During the visit, your guide will explain the historical significance of the area, before taking you to a number of significant towns on the way back to Auckland to round off the day.