Things to do in Auckland Central, North Island: The Best Bus Tours

December 27, 2021 Toi Mattera

European, Polynesian, Asian and strong Maori heritages give the Auckland its distinctive culture. Discover the history of the world's largest Polynesian city through Maori treasures at Auckland Museum and experience the lives of 19th-century settlers at Howick Historical Village. Find Polynesian handicrafts at Otara Market or people-watch in bustling Ponsonby and Parnell. Adventure junkies can get their fix from kayaking, sailing and high-octane bungee jumping.
Restaurants in Auckland Central

1. Waitomo Glowworm Cave Experience

Grand Mercure Auckland, 8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand ExperienceKart
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

New Zealand prides itself as one of the few countries in the world with an incredibly wide range of natural resources and wonderful attractions. The Waitomo Glow-worm Caves are a major drawing card for the region as its natural beauty is something to admire. Under the green hills of Waitomo lies a labyrinth of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers. Ride a boat beneath thousands of tiny glow-worms inhabit the cave and put on a mesmerising light display likened to the twinkling night sky.

Inclusions: Fully guided return transfers from Auckland, Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD, Complimentary refreshments and water on board, A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour, Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus, Admission to fully guided experience Waitomo Glow Worm Cave, Boat ride on an underground stream through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Marvel at awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites during the 45-minute tour of the Glow-worm Caves, Be captivated by the thousands of magical glow-worms as you glide silently by boat, Walk through the Cathedral Cave and experience the amazing acoustics, Immerse yourself in geology and history of the Waitomo caves with the help of a tour guide, Witness the history created over thousands of years, See more glow-worms than you could ever imagine all lighting up above your head!

Exclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Access to Wi-Fi on board for a small surcharge

Reviewed By ivris2019

Highly recommend Started off with Guided Tour with Mark definitely a must do . Came away with more knowledge of my country ????❤️ Finished off with relaxing in Mud Bath and spa omg Heaven ???? Definitely going back again ????

2. Redwood Forest , Blue Springs & Huka Falls Day Tour from Auckland

H SHARMA
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Take a Tour which is Good for your soul. Visit Nature & Natural Places in New Zealand. Book with us for a Flexible , affordable Private Tour. Take your break wherever you want, No Sharing or Group Tour. Enjoy your Privacy and Family Tour Time :)

Inclusions: Driver / Guide, Private Transportation , Air-Conditioned Vehicle, Drinking Water 1 bottle per person, Snack / Chips, Soft drink

Exclusions: Tour Guide Tips ($10 per person), Lunch, Personal Expenses

Reviewed By Isis_Pinto

The beaches are amazing and our guide and driver, Sharma was impeccable, a great guy. Also, he takes the best pics! ????????

3. Auckland Bush, Beach and Bites Trail

99 Quay Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand Locals New Zealand
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

This tour is your chance to get away from the city & experience this paradise we call home. If you're a nature nut, animal lover or you just love to get out for a walk among beautiful scenery this is the trail for you! It's a small group tour with no more than 6 people. Perfect if you are not into the "big tour bus" vibe. You'll see unique trees, bush & some pretty exotic bird life. As we stroll along the elevated board walk, we will hear bird song & get glimpses of birds you would not believe are so close to the city! We then head to a coastal walkway. Here you'll stroll along beautiful golden beaches then trek across ancient coastal lava flows. After all that & once you've worked up a hunger we'll deliver locally caught fish n' chips on the beach with a beer, cider or soft drink to wash it down. A classic kiwi picnic! No worries if your vege, just let us know. Go for a swim if you like in our clear blue waters while you wait for the Kai(food). I then drop you back to the city.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Fish and Chips on the beach, with your choice of drink. Be it a local beer, cider, wine or soft drink, or the classic water!, New Zealand beer or cider to wash down your lunch!, Private transportation

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Reviewed By 911gustavr

Great tour with a great guide! I would highly recommend this tour where you get to taste a lot of local brews.

4. Rotorua Small Group Tour incl Te Puia, Traditional Maori Buffet Lunch & Concert

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Experience the world famous geothermal and Maori cultural wonders of Te Puia. This unforgettable tour combines natures power and beauty with Maori culture all in one day. Highlights: • Te Puia Geothermal Park & Pohutu • Maori Cultural Village and Arts School • Rotorua City Highlights • Waikato Farm Region While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it’s our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. This day tour gives you the time to explore Te Puia fully and participate in the activities there, unlike many other tours. Led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Entry Tickets, Traditional Maori Hangi Buffet Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks, Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Rotorua

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

5. Hobbiton & Rotorua Small Group Tour incl Te Puia, Hangi Buffet Lunch & Concert

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Experience the world-famous Lord of The Rings Hobbiton Movie Set plus the geothermal and Maori cultural wonders of Te Puia all in one day. This unforgettable combo tour takes you to two of the top tourist attractions in the North Island. Highlights: • Hobbiton & Alexander Family Sheep Farm • Te Puia Geothermal Park & Pohutu • Maori Cultural Village and Arts School • Rotorua City Highlights While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in a modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Bottled water, Snacks, Entry Tickets, Traditional Maori Hangi Buffet Lunch, Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Rotorua

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

6. Hobbiton Movie Set Group Tour Early Access (Avoid the crowds!)

Auckland & Beyond Tours
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Experience this full-day tour from Auckland to the enchanting Hobbiton and Lord of Rings Movie Set, where the popular trilogies were brought to life. We offer free pickup and drop-off from any Auckland central location. Sit back and relax on the 2-hour scenic drive to the movie set, with a stunning stop along the way for a photo and a sightseeing drive through Matamata township. Explore Hobbiton with a 2-hour guided tour by a professional guide. Wander past the iconic Bag End and welcoming Hobbit holes before stopping for a refreshing complementary drink in the Green Dragon Inn. Even if you are not a fan this is a must-do in New Zealand.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Hotel pickup and drop-off in Auckland City Center., Professional driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Snacks, Bottled water

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Reviewed By ameliaaus2021

We had a wonderful time yesterday. Our guide John was exceptional. Kind, funny, informative and patient. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide and enjoyed all the experiences. We highly recommend this experience our fellow aussies heading across the ditch! Thank you for having us.

7. Piha and Karekare Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland

NZWINEPRO - Auckland Wine Tours
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5.0 based on 61 reviews

Discover the famous wineries and top natural attractions of New Zealand’s North Island on this 7.5-hour Piha and Karekare rainforest tour from Auckland. Travel through the Henderson Valley to Babich Wines, Kumeu River Wines, and West Brook Wines with a guide and sample the chardonnay, pinot gris, and pinot noir wines in production. Admire panoramic rainforest views at the Arataki visitors’ center, and discover natural sites of interest including Piha beach and the Karekare waterfalls. This tour includes lunch and round-trip travel from your Auckland hotel.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Guide, Transport, Lunch, Wine-tastings, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Infant seats for children under seven years of age

Reviewed By KylieJBaird

My sisters and I did the Matakana Scenic Coastal Getaway tour last month and it was a lovely way to spend a day together. John was a great guide and had interesting information about the area and wine culture in the area. All the wines we tasted were delicious, the cheese tasting at the Puhoi factory was great and the chocolates from Chocolate Brown were all amazing. The lunch at Plume was really good as well. It was a good, enjoyable day and we had a fun time.

8. Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland

Auckland Scenic Tours
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5.0 based on 27 reviews

Make the most of your time in Auckland with a small-group tour to the magical and enchanting Hobbiton - Lord of the Rings Movie Set. Enjoy the trip of a lifetime to one of the most iconic New Zealand attractions in an idyllic location, all in just one day from Auckland. See how this beautiful piece of farmland has been transformed into the Shire from Middle Earth.Our simply magical and enchanting tour takes place over 8 hours and with the insight of our highly knowledgeable local tour guide, it truly will be a day to remember. No trip to New Zealand’s North Island is complete without a visit to this iconic attraction, so don’t hesitate to book your trip with us as our tours fill up quickly! Take photos in front of your favourite places like the Hobbit Holes, The Mill and the Green Dragon Inn. Afterwards visit the Shire Store, which features an extensive selection of souvenirs to remind you of your visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set.

Inclusions: Beverage at The Green Dragon, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Local taxes, Knowledgeable tour guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By 144cinematicc

Absolute knowledgable & friendly guide with excellent photography skills for the best interest of my tour experience on a stunning day, it’s simply incredible! The effort of putting a customised plan for a solo trip is beyond what was paid, greatly appreciated. Two big Thumbs-up to David, you are amazing as :))

9. Matakana Scenic Coastal Getaway from Auckland

NZWINEPRO - Auckland Wine Tours
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4.9 based on 19 reviews

Visit the picturesque wine region of Matakana. Just an hour north of Auckland you can see native forest and giant tree ferns as you pass through beautiful sheep, cattle and deer country. Matakana village also has a farmers market on Saturdays from Octobr to March. Stop and see the local hanicraft and organic food and drinks. See an 850 year old Kauri tree and sample wine and samle chocolate. You will enjoy a memorable open menu lunch at award winning Plume Vineyard Restaurant as also taste their Runner Duck Wines. We visit three different wine producers which may vary on the day depending on availablity. By special arrangement you may also be able to visit the Tawharanui regional park and bird sanctuary.

Inclusions: Wine tasting, Lunch, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Local taxes, Bottled water, Hotel pickup and drop-off or Port pickup

Exclusions: Personal expenses and gratuities

Reviewed By KylieJBaird

My sisters and I did the Matakana Scenic Coastal Getaway tour last month and it was a lovely way to spend a day together. John was a great guide and had interesting information about the area and wine culture in the area. All the wines we tasted were delicious, the cheese tasting at the Puhoi factory was great and the chocolates from Chocolate Brown were all amazing. The lunch at Plume was really good as well. It was a good, enjoyable day and we had a fun time.

10. Full-Day: Auckland Scenic Tour- 8 HOURS

Sky Tower, Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand Auckland Scenic Tours
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4.9 based on 91 reviews

Take in the top attractions of New Zealand's largest city on this full-day scenic tour of Auckland. Drive through the City to Tamaki Drive by air-conditioned 12-seater Mercedes with a guide, discover sites of interest including Devonport, Mission Bay and gaze over the coastal scenery from Achilles Point. Travel to the top of 2 of Auckland's volcanoes for stunning 360 degree views; North Head, a volcano with the most commanding, spectacular views over the City, inner harbour and the Hauraki Gulf, and also see Auckland historic Mt. Eden, the highest volcano on the isthmus. Admire native birdlife at Muriwai Beach, the spectacular rugged coastline with black sand beaches and sip fine wines along the Kumeu Wine Trail. Visit the Auckland Domain, home to the Auckland Museum and visit the 2 stunning Wintergardens and Fernery. Enjoy our historic lunch stop in Riverhead. Marvel as we journey into the lush countryside.This 8-hour tour includes round-trip travel from your Auckland accommodation 

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off at Downtown Centrally Situated Hotels or Cruise Ships, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minibus, Wine-tasting

Exclusions: Lunch, Personal expenses

Reviewed By emilyz906

Auckland Scenic Tours was outstanding. I really appreciate their no cancellation policy as I was only there for a few days and had wanted to organise a trip to Hobbiton. David, my guide for the day was excellent. We definitely took the scenic route and I got to see some stunning scenery. Thank you for the great experience and I would definitely recommend them to family and friends wanting to explore Auckland and beyond.

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