Auckland Sightseeing Tours
CYCLE AUCKLAND

- Guided and Self-guided tours available
- Detailed maps and local information provided
- Tours of Devonport , Auckland City Bays and Waiheke Island
- Bike hire starts from $14 and each hire receives a helmet and a lock
STORE: Cycle Auckland is located in the Devonport Ferry Terminal.
AUCKLAND PRIVATE TOURS
Taking a Private Auckland tour is guaranteed to give you the flexibility and privacy of traveling compared to that of joining a group. What better company to travel with than Auckland Private Tours. NZ-born and Maori hosts live locally and showcase the west Auckland region in style.
These are unique Auckland tours which can incorporate a special visit to their own sheep farm and historic Homestead.

GLENBROOK VINTAGE RAILWAY
While in Auckland take a tour south to Waiuku and visit the Railway Enthusiasts Society Inc for a nostalgic ride on a real old steam operated railway.
User Rating 2 Stars: Good!
A great Auckland sightseeing tour.

- Operates on 6km long track which was part of the old Waiuku branch line
- Operating season is from October to June each year when trains run on Sundays and most public holiday weekends
- Up to 30,000 passengers per year enjoy the experience
- Facilities available for charter throughout year
- Staffed and maintained by volunteers
- Other activities include hand and motor jigger rides
- Children’s playground, picnic area and wheelchair access
- Part of Waiuku Heritage Area
Unfortunately there is no public transport available to the Glenbrook Railway Station but it is an easy 50 minute drive from central Auckland.
The gates open at 10:00am on operating days and trains run on the hour from 11:00am til 4:00pm.
RAILWAY ENTHUSIASTS SOCIETY INC
For detailed prices and more information visit: http://www.railfan.org.nz
DEVONPORT TOURS
Tourists can choose to explore Devonport by foot or alternatively take a ride on the Town & Country Clydesdales. Another alternative is to hop on the Devonport Explorer Tour bus which departs hourly from the ferry terminal and is a great Auckland sightseeing tour.

- This historical maritime village has unique heritage
- Admire the colonial architecture
- Visit the many galleries, museums and library
- Explore 2nd World War caves on North Head
- Enjoy Cheltanham Beach with the kids
- View naval heritage treasures in their museum
- A diverse range of boutiques, bars, cafes and restaurants
The ferry trip takes only ten minutes from Downtown Auckland direct to Devonport Village and the car trip 20 minutes over the Harbour Bridge.
There is an abundance of free local activities for the community and visitors to enjoy
DEVONPORT
For more information visit: http://www.devonport.co.nz
MARITIME HERITAGE
Join a free tour, just a few minutes walk from Downtown Auckland, in a museum that provides a rewarding, enjoyable and unique discovery experience through the preservation and presentation of New Zealand’s maritime heritage.
- Discover New Zealand’s exceptional relationship with the sea
- Collections, artifacts, stories, photos, models, oral histories
- View the showcase of maritime art in the Edmiston Gallery
- See NZ’s finest collection of maritime vessels
- Sail the Harbour aboard the Museum’s heritage fleet
The museum is located in the heart of Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour close to the ferry terminal, or the Britomart bus and train terminals.
The museum is open every day (except Xmas Day) from 9:00am til 5:00pm. Admission is NZ$16 for adults, NZ$7 children, NZ$11 senior citizens
NZ NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM
For special or optional admission and more information visit: http://www.maritimemuseum.co.nz
DISCOVER PARNELL
A walking and shopping tour around the carefully restored historic village of Parnell is not to be missed. The village is a legacy to Les Harvey, a popular property developer, who loving restored its character while others were bulldozing the past away during the 1960s.
User Rating 3 Stars: Very Good!
• Ask for the “Welcome to Parnell” map at shops along Parnell Road
• Discover the magical atmosphere of its charming boutique-style stores
• Featuring an international line-up of over 45 restaurants, cafes and bars
• Arts, crafts and a collection of Auckland’s best jewelers
• Guided or self-guided walks offered to discover Parnell’s hidden treasures
• New residents are welcome
Downtown Auckland is only ten minutes away on the Link Bus which runs through Parnell every ten minutes Monday to Saturday; and every 15 minutes evenings and Sundays!
PARNELL TRUST
For more information visit: http://www.parnell.net.nz
A TOUR OF RAINBOW’S END

Opened in 1982 to rave reviews and an eager public. Since then the park has prided itself on offering guests a first-rate experience with a stable of world-class rides and friendly staff.
- Power Surge–spinning, flipping and twisting
- Scorpion Karts–pure single-seater racing fun
- Corkscrew Roller Coaster–down at teeth-rattling speed
- Fear Fall–dropped from tower 18 stories high
- Log Flumes–one of the most popular rides
- Pirate Ship–a rollicking good ride on old Galleon
- Motion Master–an interactive virtual theatre, now in 3D
Easy to find at Manukau City, south of Auckland. Visit the website and find all the information required at your fingertips.
RAINBOW’S END
For detailed prices and more information visit: http://www.rainbowsend.co.nz
AUCKLAND CYCLE TOURS

Bicycle Studio is a registered charitable trust established in 1993 to encourage and educate members of the community in practical uses of bicycles for ecology, tourism and transportation.
- Dedicated to the love of cycling
- Cycling activities organised
- Encouragement to commute and improve health
- Wide range of bikes for sale, hire or rental sale
- 12 month warranty offered–totally risk free
- Other benefits include three free service checks
- Six month, 50% buy back scheme
The best scheme is the 50% buy back particularly for tourists wanting to use the bike longer than one month
BICYCLE STUDIO
For more information visit: http://www.adventure-auckland.co.nz
PRIDE OF AUCKLAND CRUISES
Relax and tour the beautiful Waitemata Harbour on a 50 foot yacht under full sail for a choice of dining cruises for either lunch, coffee, dinner or just for an evening around the city’s magnificent harbour.

- Large purpose-built sailboat fleet available
- Sit back and enjoy the photogenic sights
- Various menus offered for each dining cruise
- Fully licensed cash bar facilities on board
- Informative commentary from crew
- Options available of helping to crew the yacht
Cruises range from 45 minutes to two and a half hours depending on choice of excursion. The yachts are also available for private charter or corporate match racing around the buoys.
Prices range from NZ$39 to $110 per adult and from NZ$19 to $63 per child over five years.
EXPLORE NZ
For detailed prices and more information visit: http://www.sailingnz.co.nz
SUNDAY SCENIC FLIGHTS
The familiar sight and sound of a DC-3 is heard regularly on her Sunday scenic flights over Auckland so grab yourself a boarding pass and join the professional and friendly crew at Ardmore.

- Half hour flights
- Seats for 30 passengers
- Give somebody a surprise
- Hen’s parties, stag parties, Xmas parties
- Birthdays, family reunions, social groups
- A group of up to 30 and the aircraft is totally yours
Reservations are essential. Bookings can be made up to six months ahead. Departs 11 am from “HQ” at Ardmore on Sunday mornings.
Flight fares: NZ$90 for adults (16-64 years); NZ$80 “Golden Oldies” (over 65 years); NZ$70 for children (4-15 years); NZ$145 “Big ‘n Little” (adult & child).
NZ WARBIRDS ASSN
For more information visit: http://www.nzwarbirds.org.nz
RAIN FOREST EXPRESS
While in Auckland take a tour of Watercare’s bush tramway. Travel into the heart of the Waitakere Catchment area through ten pipeline tunnels and over nine bridges including the spectacular Quinn’s Viaduct.

- Opportunity to see a water supply dam
- Personalised commentary on local history
- Close-up views of glow-worms and cave wetas
- Flora and fauna
- Enjoy extensive views of picturesque Lake Nihotupu
- Relax at a scenic picnic spot with tables and barbecue
Bookings are essential for all regular weekend trips, evening trips over summer, charters or additional trips during school and public holidays.
Bookings and prices provided by phoning 09 302 8028 between Monday and Friday (9 am-5pm).
WATERCARE AUCKLAND
For more information visit: http://www.watercare.co.nz
MOTUTAPU ISLAND
The recreation reserve is considered as a sacred place by local iwi. Motutapu Island was intensively settled and cultivated by Maori in more recent times, the island served as a base during 2nd World War.

- Archaelogical and historical landscapes to visit
- “Walk Motutapu” is a network of easy walking tracks
- Forests are being replanted and wetlands restored
- Become involved with Motutapu Restoration Trust
- Swimming, camping and picnicking are all popular
- Cross the artificial causeway to Rangitoto Island
Visitors and tourists are welcome. Ferries depart regularly from central Auckland to Islington Bay on Rangitoto Island then a short walk across Gardiners Gap brings you to Motutapu.
DEPT OF CONSERVATION
To book or for more information visit: http:// www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation
GREAT BARRIER ISLAND
A geographically isolated island in the Auckland region that offers a chance to experience eco-tourism at its finest.

- There are limitations like no street lighting
- Internet access and mobile phone coverage is limited
- Enjoy the white sandy beaches
- Fishing, diving, surfing and kayaking
- Rich history dating back to initial settlement of NZ
A profusely illustrated guidebook, edited by Don Armitage, is well-worth purchasing.
Getting to and from the island depends on various ferry and air services with weather conditions being the main cause for delays or cancellations. A range of transport options are available once on the island.
TOURISM AUCKLAND
To book or for more information visit: http://www.greatbarriernz.co.nz
RANGITOTO ISLAND
Rangitoto dominates Auckland’s seascape and a visit there is like stepping into another world. The island is a public reserve managed by the Department of Conservation and is famed worldwide as a botanical gem.

• Located in Waitemata Harbour
• Contains NZ’s youngest volcano, now extinct
• Features 200 species of native plants
• It’s a great place to view unusual plants
• The pohutukawa forest is largest in NZ
• Many coastal and forest walks available
A number of private ferry operators run trips to Rangitoto Wharf and some to Islington Bay Wharf. There is no accommodation available.
Check with the Auckland Visitor Centre for details of all services
DEPT OF CONSERVATION
To book or for more information visit: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation
VISIT KAWAU ISLAND
As one of the largest islands near Auckland, it is advertised as a jewel in the Hauraki Gulf resulting in it being a popular destination for pleasure craft and base for many holiday dwellings.

- The climate is sub-tropical
- Originally a base for sea-faring Maori tribes
- Sold to Europeans during the 1830s
- Manganese and copper was mined from 1844
- Governor Sir George Grey purchased island in 1862
- Mansion House bought by Crown in 1967
Access to the island is by boat or ferry. Water taxis travel daily from Sandspit near Warkworth (about 90 minutes north of Auckland). Kawau Island does not have scheduled passenger air service.
KAWAU ISLAND
To book or for more information visit: http://www.kawauisland.org.nz
AUCKLAND GHOST TOURS

The aim of ghost walker, Anthony McAnulty, is to freak you out and make you laugh so you can experience the bone-chilling ride that is the Auckland Ghost Tour
- Tales told with humour and intense graphic detail
- Learn about the public hangings in Queen Street
- Why did the cinema manager commit suicide?
- Hear about murders being planned in “Vultures Lane”
- Discover the gory details of the suitcase murder
- Where are the dead of Auckland buried?
The two hour tours depart daily from outside the Britomart train station in lower Queen Street from 7:00pm (summer) and 6:00pm (winter).
Prices: Adults NZ$50 each, children under 12 NZ$25 each. Groups and special tours can be arranged.
AUCKLAND GHOST TOURS
To book or for more information visit: http://www.aucklandghosttours.com
AUCKLAND HOP-ON HOP-OFF TOUR
It’s a perfect way to explore Auckland City especially for your first visit. The flexibility of being able to hop-on and hop-off during the day while visiting Auckland’s attractions along the way is a great idea.

- Big 14 attractions visited
- Itinerary available for hop-on hop-off stops
- Passes valid for one or two days
- Comprehensive audio commentary
Buses depart from the Ferry Building or Sky Tower and leave every 30 minutes (hourly in winter).
Go to web site for accurate prices as currency is set to USD
VIATOR
To book or for more information visit: http://www.viator.com
SIGHTSEEING FROM THE SKY
Bring your camera and record the stunning views of Auckland as you float in the wind with New Zealand’s oldest established balloon company.

- Safety of passengers is paramount
- Pilot is in constant radio contact with Air Traffic Control
- Largest balloon is nearly 110 feet tall
- Up to eight adult passengers and the pilot
- No special clothing required
- Bubbly and snacks served on completion of flight
Allow around four hours for total excursion from pick up time with flight time being about an hour at pilot’s discretion.
Prices: NZ$300 per person (subject to change) with gift vouchers making an ideal present.
BALLOON SAFARIS NEW ZEALAND LTD
To book or for more information visit: http://www.balloonsafaris.co.nz
HORSE RIDES ON THE BEACH
The Haddon family welcome you to share their land, their home, their farm, their history, their horses and their unpopulated and private Pakiri Beach.

User Rating 4 Stars: Excellent!
- Horse rides to suit your ability
- One Hour or two hour rides are safe and exciting for everyone
- Half Day or full day are superb nature experiences
- Watch the sunset below the western hills with “The Sundowner”
- Safaris include two-day “Overnighter”, four-day “Beach and Bush”, five-day “Warrior Trail” and seven-day “Great Northern Coast to Coast”.
- Accommodation available
Rides depart daily at 10:00am and 2:00pm year round. For full schedule of times and prices go to their website.
PAKIRI BEACH HORSE RIDES
For detailed prices and more information visit: http://www.horseride-nz.co.nz
AUCKLAND BIKE TOURS
After basic instructions on mountain bike track riding, it’s a reasonable challenge to keep pace with the guide for the half or full day excursion.

- Test the Woodhill Forest Ramble Ride
- Includes a well-earned drink and a muffin
- Discover the Hunua Ranges “Track Tackler”
- Includes snacks and stop at a fine café
- Weekend ventures also catered for
All activities suit a wide range of fitness levels, abilities and age. Itineraries also created for any group adventure ranging from 4 hours to an action packed weekend.
Prices vary with each activity – please enquire.
BIG FOOT ADVENTURES
To book or for more information visit: http://www.bigfootadventures.co.nz



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