What to do and see in Auckland, North Island: The Best Bus Tours

March 18, 2022 Tonie Szymanski

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. The Afternoon Artisan Food and Wine Tour

Matiatia Ferry Terminal, Auckland 1081, New Zealand Ananda Tours
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5.0 based on 31 reviews

If you're after a relaxed pace day, with a small group of people this afternoon tour is a great option for you. The tour offers some of Waiheke’s scenic highlights, a visit and tastings at three boutique vineyards, a micro-brewery and an excellent platter lunch. Enjoy an entertaining and informative commentary along the way.

Inclusions: Lunch (Vineyard Platter), Wine tastings at 3 vineyards and 1 Micro Brewery, Local guide, Live commentary on board, Pickup and drop-off from Waiheke accommodation, Local taxes, Small group tour (shared with others) Minimum 2 people - Maximum 10 pax people, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Ferry Tickets (these can be purchased at the Fullers ferry terminal at 99 Quay st), Gratuities

Reviewed By KatzBullen

Brilliant tour and well worth the money. Our guide Michael was excellent and very knowledgeable. Highlight was lunch at Three Seven Two

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 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.

6. 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.

7. Full-Day Milford Sound Hiking Tour with Cruise

Fiordland Community Events Centre, 20-22 Luxmore Drive, Te Anau 9600, New Zealand Trips & Tramps
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5.0 based on 217 reviews

Enjoy a friendly, small group (maximum 15 people) day excursion to Milford Sound from Te Anau, including a small boat cruise along the full length of the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea. Our relaxed timetable ensures plenty of opportunities for guests to enjoy short walks, photographic stops and exploration with the nature guide. Plus, from November to April guests can select 2 ½ hours hiking (unguided) on the renowned Routeburn Track to Key Summit.

Inclusions: Afternoon or morning tea, Local driver/guide, Te Anau accommodation pickup and drop-off (if advised), Sightseeing boat cruise, Guided and Self-Guided Walking tours, Modern air conditioned minivan (max 15)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Queenstown pick ups - the tour departs from Te Anau

Reviewed By mike61119

Fabulous trip to Milford Sound today. Andrew's commentary and knowledge of the area was outstanding. Would definitely use Trips and Tramps again. Highly recommend for those looking to book in Fiordland. ????????????????????

8. 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.

9. The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour

Matiatia Ferry Terminal, Auckland 1081, New Zealand Ananda Tours
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4.9 based on 52 reviews

Waiheke Island has become known as New Zealand's 'Island of Wine' home to a dedicated group of award-winning winegrowers. Travel in a comfortable minibus to three or more of the top vineyards on the island for wine tasting, and enjoy a commentated scenic tour of Waiheke from one of our experienced guides, all of whom are locals with extensive knowledge of the island, its people and its produce.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Wine tastings, Waiheke Acommodation Pick-up and Drop off, Scenic tour including scenic look-outs and beaches, Lunch - Cost of a one course lunch + a local beverage is included , Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities, Ferry tickets

Reviewed By DayTrip44453254240

The Gourmet wine tour was awesome. Very knowledgeable staff at the vineyards and Olive Grove. Delicious food to compliment the wine tastings - oysters, cheese, chocolate brownie and very nice platter for lunch. Bill our tour guide was amazing - very friendly and knowledgeable and made the day. Thanks for a great day.

10. Coromandel Day Trip (Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach)

Sky Tower, Victoria Street West, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand Kiwi Day Trips
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4.9 based on 111 reviews

The Coromandel is a real Bucket List NZ destination! This Day Trip includes the classic must do's of Cathedral Cove/Narnia and Hot Water Beach. We give you 2 hours at Cathedral Cove, (time to explore, relax and swim if you choose) We alter our itinerary daily so you'll be at Hot Water Beach as close to low tide as possible. We provide shovels and help you to find the good places to dig your own natural spa. We also include the Mount Paku summit climb which larger tours can't access, and is a real favorite. Our day trips are small groups. (8 Max) plus a friendly guide to show you around. We go at a slow pace, and include time for lunch, so you can really enjoy, and soak up this beautiful part of the world. After a long day of epic views, and beautiful beaches we are sure you'll have a great night's sleep. Don't miss this once in a lifetime experience!

Inclusions: Pickup and drop-off from central Auckland Accom, Kiwi guide, Visit to Cathedral Cove, Visit to Hot Water Beach, Mount Paku Summit, Use of Shovels

Exclusions: Food and drinks, but great local breweries/cafes may be visited along the way

Reviewed By savvytravlor

staff were the worst i have ever had and NEVER goingg back and it was a massive wate of my time and money HORRID BAD NASTY

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