Location: Auckland
Top Things to do in Auckland
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Top 10 Self-Guided Tours & Rentals in Auckland, North Island
The Māori call Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau — a maiden desired by 100 lovers,
and a valuable territory fought over for centuries for its fertile land and
natural harbors on the Pacific Ocean (to the east) and Tasman Sea (to the
west). Today, it’s New Zealand’s largest city: A vibrant and diverse place
where nature and urban life go hand-in- hand, with 48 volcanic cones, more
than 50 islands, and 29,000 km of coastline and beaches just minutes away
from the arts and shopping of the central city.
Restaurants in Auckland
1. Fly & Dine - Wine Tasting Tour at Man O' War, Waiheke Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
With its magical sandy beaches, Waiheke Island makes a favourite destination for an unforgettable getaway. Join us on this mesmerizing flight over the beautiful islands of the Hauraki Gulf as we land on the tranquil waters of Man O’ War Bay. Relax and wind down by enjoying a full range of award winning wines with a lunch platter. The Man O’ War vineyard provides a one-of-a-kind first class wine-tasting experience that is sure to leave you wanting to return again.
Inclusions: Scenic Flight, Lunch, Wine tasting, Alcoholic Beverages
Exclusions: Extra beverages and food can be brought.
Reviewed By johnmichaelo954
The was truly a great experience and an awsome way to see the city and surrounding areas. The team looked after us and made us feel very welcome. Thouroughly recommended!
2. Scenic Flight over Hauraki Gulf and Islands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
The Hauraki Gulf is truly a slice of New Zealand paradise. Make your visit to Auckland Harbour an unforgettable one by experiencing a unique flight over the mesmerizing islands. As we fly you over Rangitoto’s crater and Motutapu, take in the spectacular view of the favourite getaway destination, Waiheke Island, with its award winning vineyards and magical sandy beaches. End your experience with a unique scene of the skyline of the City of Sails before water landing in the heart of the Auckland Harbour. Duration: 50 min with 30 min flight. Operates daily, all days of the year This flight operates with a minimum of 4 adult fares Passengers may be combined with other groups, unless a tour charter has been booked Children under 2 are free of charge, children aged 2-12 years pay a child fare (which is 75% of the adult fare)
Inclusions: Headsets to hear the guide clearly, Live commentary on board, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Seaplane experience
Exclusions: Go Pro video (available for purchase), Hotel drop-off, Food and drinks
Reviewed By Niki S
Great experience - loved every minute of it, so good not to have the hassle of ferrying into Auckland, taxiing to the airport and then flying to Great Barrier. Staff were super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable - couldn't speak highly enough of them. Views were amazing, making it a great way to see both Waiheke and Great Barrier Islands from the air, really enhanced our stay on GBI and always amazing to see Waiheke (where we live) from the air, such a different perspective. Will definitely be using Waiheke Wings again!
3. Waitomo and Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Make a visit to a lighted cave powered by amazing glowworms and then travel to another world as it feels like you were dropped into the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Trilogies movies as you explore the Hobbiton movie set in the Shire.
Inclusions: Snacks, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Port pickup and drop-off, Round-trip shared transfer, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Reviewed By Kenneth H
My wife and I were picked up at the cruise terminal by PJ and given an excellent private tour of the Auckland area including the Fernery, Soljans Estate for lunch and wine tasting, and along the beautiful coastline and the Gannet sanctuary before dropping us at the airport for our flight home. PJ was personable and knowledgeable and provided us with an excellent day in Auckland.
4. Beautiful Nature Tours Auckland - Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
German/English speaking On this day tour you will experience Auckland's fascinating volcanic landscape, get a taste of Maori history and discover the wonderful West Coast, the home of Maui Dolphins, Seals (Kekenos) and native bird life. An Impression of Auckland you will not find in your travel guide! Leaving the crowds behind us, we will travel through the Kumeu wine region to the wild West Coast. Enjoy the wonderful nature on a walk through mystic rainforest before reaching the 60 km long black sand beach. Stop for a picnic with an amazing view over the Tasman Sea and if you are lucky you will see playful Maui Dolphins, sunbathing seals and about 3000 Gannets looking after their chicks (August-April). Duration 4 hrs Shore Excursion
Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), National Park fees, Bottled water, Snacks, Driver/guide, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified
Reviewed By jermanyjack
We were Gesa's first customers after the COVID-19 New Zealand lockdown was reduced to Level-2. She gave us the royal treatment and we were much appreciative that we could tour with her during our last week in New Zealand. We can recommend Gesa's knowledgeable and informative tours without reservation!
5. Beautiful Pohutukawa Coast - Half Day Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
German/English speaking Magnificent views of the Coromandel Peninsula and the islands of the inner gulf Leaving the City of Sails we explore Auckland like the locals do without having to fight the crowds, and discover under-the-radar beaches and walks where you can expect few or no people and a tranquil ambiance. Reaching the Regional Park South of Auckland, we walk (1-2 hrs) on coastal farmland located on the pohutukawa-fringed Whakakaiwhara Peninsula which offers spectacular 360 degree views of the Hauraki Gulf. Try putting names to the islands you see Rangitoto, Waiheke, Motutapu, Pakihi, Rotoroa. . . Coromandel Peninsula. From sleepy Maraetai the shoreline stretches for several kilometres of splendid unspoilt coastal scenery along the narrow Coast Road until it reaches Umupuia, where we find a Maori cemetary and marae - the meeting place of the Ngai Tai people.
Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), National Park fees, Bottled water, Snacks, Driver/guide, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Exclusions: Food, drinks, coffee
Reviewed By jermanyjack
We were Gesa's first customers after the COVID-19 New Zealand lockdown was reduced to Level-2. She gave us the royal treatment and we were much appreciative that we could tour with her during our last week in New Zealand. We can recommend Gesa's knowledgeable and informative tours without reservation!
6. Daily Electric Bike Rental
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
The bikes provided have been selectively curated to cater Waiheke's need for alternative transportation and are maintained on a regular basis to make sure you have a great experience.
Inclusions: Use of bicycle
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Hal4dS
Great bikes, great trip with beautiful views and lovely wine along the way. We finished with a late lunch at Cable Bay ( they picked the bikes up from there) then we just had a short walk down at the Ferry. Perfect!
7. The Hunt for the Missing Monarch - An Auckland Adventure
Clue Zealand adventures offer a unique way for visitors to explore Auckland, while even locals will be scratching their heads to find the answers dotted around their home town.
Inclusions: One full Clue Zealand Adventure - A series of clues taking you through Auckland
Exclusions: You'll need a charged phone with data and WhatsApp installed
Reviewed By amysB2834JW
I happened across this online but when I tried to search for reviews I couldn’t find anything so wasn’t sure if it was even legit! Eventually I found reviews on a third party booking site so decided to try it out. I did the booking directly through the website and it was all very easy. Got the confirmation email within seconds and whenever you’re ready to start you just click on the link. I read somewhere you need WhatsApp on your phone but that doesn’t appear to be the case now as you submit the answers on the website at the end of each question. We chose to do the family friendly hunt with our 7, 9 and 11yr olds and it was quite enjoyable. It took approx an hour and that was at a very easy pace. The walk covers a few blocks and was very doable. The kids enjoyed reading the clues and then searching and taking turns submitting the answer. (The 11yr old probably would’ve been better with the older version as it was a bit easy.). All in all, a nice way to spend an hour and learn a bit about Rotorua. Note: it’s entirely outside but there’s a stop halfway where the clock can be paused if you need a break. It also takes you past the info centre at one stage so an easy toilet stop for the kids!
8. Clue Zealand - The Hunt for the Missing Monarch - An Auckland Adventure
Clue Zealand quests offer a unique way for visitors to explore Auckland, while even locals will be scratching their heads to find the answers dotted around their home town. Great fun for adults and families, if you're a fan of solving clues, this is for you!
Inclusions: One Clue Zealand quest for a group of up to 6 adventurers
Exclusions: You will need a mobile phone with internet data
Reviewed By amysB2834JW
I happened across this online but when I tried to search for reviews I couldn’t find anything so wasn’t sure if it was even legit! Eventually I found reviews on a third party booking site so decided to try it out. I did the booking directly through the website and it was all very easy. Got the confirmation email within seconds and whenever you’re ready to start you just click on the link. I read somewhere you need WhatsApp on your phone but that doesn’t appear to be the case now as you submit the answers on the website at the end of each question. We chose to do the family friendly hunt with our 7, 9 and 11yr olds and it was quite enjoyable. It took approx an hour and that was at a very easy pace. The walk covers a few blocks and was very doable. The kids enjoyed reading the clues and then searching and taking turns submitting the answer. (The 11yr old probably would’ve been better with the older version as it was a bit easy.). All in all, a nice way to spend an hour and learn a bit about Rotorua. Note: it’s entirely outside but there’s a stop halfway where the clock can be paused if you need a break. It also takes you past the info centre at one stage so an easy toilet stop for the kids!
9. Kayak rental single for 1 hour
Get the essential kayaking skills! Fully qualified and experienced kayak instructors are available to help develop your technical paddling skills. Learn about kayak safety, the variety of kayaking equipment and environments, tides and weather, navigation, rescue techniques, or develop advanced skills!
Inclusions: Kayak, paddle, life jacket
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Peng Boon T
It was the first time my 2 granddaughters (11 and 17 years old) tried out Stand-up Paddling. The operator was very friendly and encouraging. He told us we could rent one stand-up paddle board and that the 2 girls could paddle together or take turns to do it. He showed my 2 granddaughters how to handle the Stand-up paddle board. They found it easy to learn to handle the stand-up paddle board. They found the experience exciting and fun. Anyone 8 years old and above can enjoy it.
10. Stand Up Paddle Board rental - 2 hour
Mission Bay is the home of stand up paddle boarding in Auckland Included in every rental is the following: A free 10 minute lesson for all rentals 1 hour or more. Even if you are not opting for a full lesson, we will go through the key skills needed so you can get the most out of your time on the water. Board, Paddle, Leash, Personal Flotation Device (PFD) ‘Mission Bay is the home of stand up paddle boarding—and for good reason. Despite what the name may suggest, it’s no mission to get to Mission Bay. The beautiful sandy beach is just 10 minutes from the heart of Auckland CBD.’ The Best Stand Up Paddle Boarding Spots in Auckland – Urban List
Inclusions: SUP, Paddle, free short lesson, life jacket
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Peng Boon T
It was the first time my 2 granddaughters (11 and 17 years old) tried out Stand-up Paddling. The operator was very friendly and encouraging. He told us we could rent one stand-up paddle board and that the 2 girls could paddle together or take turns to do it. He showed my 2 granddaughters how to handle the Stand-up paddle board. They found it easy to learn to handle the stand-up paddle board. They found the experience exciting and fun. Anyone 8 years old and above can enjoy it.
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