Culture & Heritage
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.
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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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
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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
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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
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A TOUR OF AUCKLAND ZOO
It’s a small zoo by world standards and while covering 50 acres has around 180 species of animals totaling 1300 individuals. The zoo is divided into grouped exhibition areas with many informative and educational signs to help visitors.
See the latest “Te Wao Nui” (encompassing the natural unique habitats and environment of Aotearoa New Zealand).
- Visit Animal Planet Elephant Clearing
- Share a mixed walk called Aussie Walkabout
- BNZ Kiwi and Tuatara House
- See the features in Hippo River
- Just Juice Primate Trail is more than just monkeys
- Meet Oz and Molek in Tiger Territory
- Many more features including Kidzone
Allow a full day as there is much to see and experience with or without guided tours. Book in for the ZOOM “behind the scenes” tour!
Auckland Zoo is open every day (except Xmas Day) with wide pricing options to cover different situations
AUCKLAND ZOO
For detailed prices and more information visit: http://www.aucklandzoo.co.nz
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AUCKLAND ART GALLERY
Experience the best of New Zealand’s art in the Gallery’s existing “New Gallery” building. The collection numbers over 12,500 works ranging in date from 1376 to the present time.
- Outstanding works by Maori and Pacific Island artists
- Includes Goldie, Lindauer, Hodgkins, Angus and McCahon
- Exciting and diverse range of programmes
- Be involved with workshops, lectures, readings, seminars
- Join The Friends of the Auckland Art Gallery
- Reduced admissions to pay exhibitions for members
- Visit the Art Gallery Shop
Public transport will take you to the heart of the city and once in Downtown Auckland, the Gallery is just a short walk up from Queen Street.
Entry to the gallery is free except for admission charges to special exhibitions.
AUCKLAND ART GALLERY
For more information visit: http://www.aucklandartgallery.govt.nz
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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
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AN AUCKLAND RETREAT
This immaculately presented retreat has been designed and built by the owners to provide couples (and up to one extra) with a memorable escape from daily life.
- Unique blend of character and home comforts
- Open plan, spacious and fully self contained
- Set in secluded bush surrounds
- Just a 10-15 minute stroll to world-renown Piha Beach
- A bare five minute walk to Kite Kite Falls track
- Plenty of things to do
Piha Cottage is about an hour’s drive from Auckland. Maps and advice on tracks and other activities of interest are happily provided.
PIHA COTTAGE
Schedule of prices and more information visit: http://www.pihacottage.co.nz
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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
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AUCKLAND BOTANIC GARDENS
It is a young garden by both national and international standards (opened in 1982) but has received many awards and much recognition by the community and other important visitors.
Vast range of plants on display
- Be informed about the importance of plants
- Visit the new Visitor Centre Huakaiwaka
- Themed plant displays
- Ride the Wiri Rambler for 30 minutes every Sunday
- Visit the Potter Children’s Garden
Guided tours are available on Wednesdays for groups, bookings are essential. A staff guide can also join you on your bus.
Prices: Wednesday guided tours are NZ$50 per group and NZ$100 for commercial groups.
AUCKLAND BOTANIC GARDENS
To book or for more information visit: http://www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz
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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
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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
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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
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FACE TO FACE WITH THE PAST
Welcome back to the 18th century and to a Fencible village that settler immigrants built in Howick to defend Auckland.
User Rating 2 Stars: Good!
- This living museum is built on a five acre site
- Over 30 colonial buildings including schools, a church, blacksmith’s forge and general store
- Enthusiastic volunteers dressed in period costume
- Homestead café for real coffee and home-style food
- Try the village shop for gifts, souvenirs and old fashioned toys like teddy bears and homemade dolls
- Explore the village in horse and buggy or with a guide
- Enjoy a peaceful day in beautiful surroundings, admire the gardens and lovely wooden fences
The village is open every day from 10:00am with last admission at 4:00pm. Live days are held on the third Sunday of every month except December.
Admission charges range from NZ$7 to $14 along with other variations like students, family, groups and annual passes.
HOWICK HISTORICAL VILLAGE
For detailed prices and more information visit: http://www.fencible.org.nz
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TAKE A TOUR AROUND MOTAT
Auckland’s MOTAT museum has over 300,000 items in its collection and has now become so big that it has been divided into two (MOTAT 1 & MOTAT 2). Both are within an easy 500 metre walk or take a ride on a historic tram that leaves at 30 minute intervals daily.
- Full-time professional museum staff on call
- Collections largely managed by volunteers
- Aviation pavilion houses civil and military aircraft
- Railways remembered with live steam, diesel and electric
- Displays with operational trams and support equipment
- Significant collection of historic buses and road vehicles
- Colonial village of early shops and houses
- Walsh Memorial Library for research purposes
There is always something new at MOTAT especially during school holidays with its Holiday Experience. There is a new theme each time with new activities, so there’s lots of variety and new things to see and do.
One entry cost per person. Tickets can be used another day if other sites not visited. Valid for one year.
MOTAT
For detailed prices and more information visit: http://www.motat.org.nz
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AUCKLAND HIGHLIGHTS COACH TOUR
Book one of the daily tour options online for the popular three hour drive around the “City of Sails” in the comfort of a de luxe air conditioned coach.
- Highlights include Queen St, University, Waterfront and Harbour Bridge
- Take in 360 degree views from Mt Eden
- Visit Auckland War Memorial Museum
- Fantastic views of Waitemata Harbour from Paritai Drive
- Discover many popular dining and shopping villages
Tours operate daily with afternoon excursions departing at 2pm and terminating three hours later. The NZ$63 fare includes hotel/motel pick-ups and tax.
GRAY LINE NEW ZEALAND
To book or for more information visit: http://www.graylinetours.co.nz
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VOTED AUCKLAND’S BEST ATTRACTION
Looking for things to do?
This is a genuine, friendly and authentic experience that is priced to make your Auckland visit a very special day with husband and wife team, Stuart & Donna, hosting you like family!
- Chosen as the best thing to do in Auckland
- Holds Tripadvisor’s 2011 Certificate of Excellence Award
- Focusing on exploring the West Auckland region. Holiday sights to see include Waitakere Rain Forest, Gannet Colony, Muriwai Beach, & the operator’s own Sheep Farm and Historic Homestead
- Test your taste buds with wine tasting, raw NZ honey, homemade afternoon tea and Pavlova
- Also shop for NZ crafts, walk a NZ native garden, feed and touch farm animals and visit a woolshed
- It’s an opportunity to experience a real eco friendly tour with specialist hosts whose family have lived in the area since 1922.
- Carbon Neutral with a tree planted for every tour run.
- Lots to see and do without a lot of traveling
This is a very popular tour that is taken time and time again. By the day’s end your interest in Auckland will be transformed into a love for the countryside and its numerous sights and attractions.
Their tours are “all-inclusive” [with lunch and afternoon tea!] and include a visit to the operator’s own private sheep farm.
Auckland COAST TO COAST tour (operates all year round): NZ$210 to $234 per person
ULTIMATE Auckland tour (only operates 1 Oct to 30 April): NZ$234 to $260 per person
Auckland SHORE EXCURSION tour (only operates 1 Oct to 30 April): NZ$216 to $240 per person
(Full breakdown of prices available on their very comprehensive website!)
To book, or for more information visit: http://www.coast2coastnz.com
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