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| Auckland, North Island, New Zealand |
Auckland is the largest and most populated city in New Zealand, although not the designated capital, which is proudly held by the city of Wellington. Located in a beautifully scenic area on a narrow volcanic isthmus separating two harbours, the cosmopolitan and vibrant city/port of Auckland is located in the north-west of the North Island. It overlooks the Waitemata or Auckland Harbour and the island studded Hauraki Gulf to the east, and is backed by the Manukau Harbour which opens into the Tasman Sea to the west. Auckland Harbour is New Zealand’s largest commercial port as well as a popular cruise ship destination, and is crossed by the Harbour Bridge which carries State Highway 1, New Zealand’s most significant highway. North Head and Bastion Point stand at the entrance to the harbour and offer good views of the city, the offshore volcanic Mount Rangitoto and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. Bastion Point was made famous during the 1970’s due to Maori land protests and is today a popular regional park.
The suburbs of Auckland sprawl around the bays and beaches of its huge recreational harbour whose sparkling waters are covered in a mass of boats of all kinds. With its proximity to the waters of the Hauraki Gulf which contains 500 sheltered islands, Auckland has developed an enormous enthusiasm for sailing which has given rise to its nickname, the ‘City of Sails’. However Auckland offers visitors far more than this. Located within an area of diverse and amazing geography from volcanic peaks, offshore islands, lush green hills and white sandy beaches, any visitor to Auckland can enjoy this city’s unique position. Many outdoor activities lie within 30 minutes of the city and include hiking in a rainforest, exploring a volcanic island, tasting beautiful wines, making headway against the wind in a yacht or lazing on a beach. This almost perfect lifestyle, the envy of many visitors, has currently pushed Auckland into the 4th position of over 200 cities in the world which were surveyed for their quality of life!!
With over 1.3 million residents, Auckland is New Zealand’s most cosmopolitan city which is reflected in the culture of this vibrant and exciting town. The city is the main port of entry for New Zealand’s immigrants and is today home to over 180 different ethnic groups, including the world’s largest Polynesian population and a very large Asian group. Auckland has more than 800 parks and reserves, and with 28 beaches within the Auckland isthmus, it is not hard to enjoy the outdoor living that the city offers. With cafes and restaurants overlooking the harbour, such as those at the busy and bustling Viaduct Harbour, a huge variety of shopping from high fashion to unique arts and crafts, and being a major centre of sports, arts and entertainment makes the city a popular visitor destination.
Auckland is full of sightseeing, attractions and activities including the popular Auckland Art Gallery which is recognised as the largest art institution in New Zealand and includes over 12,500 national and international works - the Auckland Museum which displays an ever changing range of exhibits and traces the history of New Zealand from its original occupation around 1200 A.D. and includes Maori cultural performances - the National Maritime Museum which displays New Zealand’s rich maritime heritage and the country’s strong bond with the ocean from the days of the early Polynesian peoples to modern commercial shipping - MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) which focuses on aviation, rail and military technology – and the Auckland Zoo, which features New Zealand’s largest range of native and exotic animals. Other attractions include the Sky Tower, which at 328 metres is New Zealand’s tallest man-made structure and offers three spectacular viewing platforms - Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World which contains an interactive undersea world of sharks and stingrays, and includes an area devoted to the history of Antarctic exploration – located within Albert Park House is displayed the Bruce Wilkinson Collection which was donated to the people of Auckland and contains treasured items from around the world – and just out of town is the Howick Historical Village which displays 30 original buildings from New Zealand’s colonial period - and of course the old Town Hall which has been recently renovated and remains one of Auckland’s most prominent historic buildings. There are many other sights to see but it is worth taking a walk to one of the viewing areas to enjoy this beautiful city, such as the Auckland Domain, One Tree Hill or Mount Eden.
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| Accommodation | Activities | Cruises | Tours |  |
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Quay West Suites Auckland
Auckland
 |  Quay West Suites Auckland is an exclusive 5 star apartment hotel featuring very spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom suites. Distinctive hotel facilities and guest services include a relaxing indoor heated pool with a star filled ceiling, a sophisticated Executive Lounge with a complimentary selection of fre... |
Hotel DeBrett
Auckland
|  Settled in Auckland CBD, Hotel DeBrett links two unique precincts - High Street's hip fashion and Shortland Street's tailored commerce.
Hotel DeBrett's iconic building has been stylishly reinterpreted into a 25-room boutique hotel. Every room is individually designed and complimented with eclectic ... |
The Quadrant Hotel Auckland
Auckland
 |  Who said style took more than four stars?! Chic living and value for money is why The Quadrant Hotel stands alone in the Auckland CBD as an affordable hip hotel.
Located in downtown Auckland, just a well shod hop, skip and jump away from the city’s fashion district, restaurants and bars - featurin... |
Stamford Plaza Auckland Hotel
Auckland
 |  Stamford Plaza is centrally located in Auckland, near Queen Street Shopping District, sky tower, and Auckland City Hall. It is also within easy walking distance to Waitemata Harbour and Vector Arena. It has all the facilities you would expect from a hotel of this standard including heated indoor s... |
Holiday Inn Auckland Airport
Auckland
|  Situated a mere 5 minutes by shuttle from Auckland Airport and set in 10 acres of tranquil gardens, the Holiday Inn is a good choice for that overnight stay close to the airport. The staff are friendly, the hotel bright clean and comfortable, and with a gym, pool and broadband internet access, it ... |
Crowne Plaza Auckland
Auckland
|  The Crowne Plaza is conveniently located in the heart of Auckland's business district, above the Atrium on Elliott shopping complex and just a few minutes walk from the Civic Theatre, Town Hall, Skycity Theatre, Queen Street and the Viaduct Harbour. With 13 floors of accommodation including the Cro... |
Mercure Auckland
Auckland
 |  Located in the heart of the Auckland waterfront district, Mercure Auckland overlooks the spectacular harbour and bustling city. Situated within walking distance of Auckland shopping, restaurants, the Viaduct Harbour, ferry terminals and Vector Arena, the Mercure is a good choice for those wanting a ... |
SkyCity Grand Hotel
Auckland
|  Centrally located in the heart of Auckland City, the SkyCity Grand Hotel is a 5 star masterpiece of contemporary elegance and style. The rooms are luxurious and comfortable. There is a sublime East Day Spa for those who would like a little pampering.
The SkyCity entertainment complex with a larg... |
Langham Hotel Auckland
Auckland
|  The Langham Hotel in Auckland is a beautiful hotel and has an understated elegance and impeccable service. Although the hotel is situated outside the city centre there is a shuttle bus which takes guests into the city. There are excellent business and leisure facilities, including the Great Room, ... |
Westin Auckland Lighter Quay
Auckland
|  The Westin Auckland is a beautiful hotel in a stunning location overlooking the Viaduct Harbour, and from the minute you enter the foyer you will be impressed. If you want to escape the 'madding crowd' in the middle of the city this is it! The hotel is elegant and modern, and the service definatel... |
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Urban Maori Experience
Tour
Auckland |  Spend a day exploring Auckland from a Maori perspective. This is their version of an 'Auckland Orientation Trip' but with a few minor differences to the usual ones! First they take you to Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill), originally the site of a Maori fortified village. See stunning views of the Haura... |
Pride of Auckland Dinner Cruise
Cruise
Auckland |  Pride of Auckland's Dinner Cruise offers a dellightful way to enjoy great sailing and, as the sun sets, watch the lihgts of this photogenic city come alive. You can either sit back and relax while your crew describe the unique sights of Auckland or join the crew and help participate with the sailin... |
Sky Jump
Bungy Jump and/or Swing
Auckland |  Leap off Auckland's famous Sky Tower - 192 metres straight down! Sky Jump is one of NZ's most thrilling tourist attractions and one of the Auckland City's 'don't miss' experiences. It can be described as Base Jumping while attached to a wire - just like a movie stuntman. You will fall very fast (... |
Wairoa Rafting - Grade 5
White Water Rafting
Auckland |  Enjoy the thrill of one of New Zealand’s best Whitewater rafting trips on the Wairoa River in New Zealand's central North Island. Located just 2 ¼ hours from Auckland, this is one the locals love and it is recognised worldwide for it's rafting value.
This fantastic rafting adventure offers a stun... |
Eco-tour Half Day
Tour
Auckland |  On this half day tour you will see the Waitakere Rainforst and the Arataki Visitor Information Centre. The tour will stop at Craftworld for some genuine NZ products before moving on to a wine tasting. You will visit Bees on line and sample some honey before proceeding to Takapu Gannet Colony. You... |
Eco-tour Full Day
Tour
Auckland | On this full day tour you will see the Waitakere Rainforst and the Arataki Visitor Information Centre. The tour will stop at Craftworld for some genuine NZ products before moving on to a wine tasting. You will visit Bees on line and sample some honey before proceeding to Takapu Gannet Colony. You... |
A J Hackett Bridge Bungy
Bungy Jump and/or Swing
Auckland |  Auckland is home to the worlds first harbour bridge Bungy Jump and is operated by AJ Hackett. As part of the Bungy experience you'll enjoy an exclusive bridge walk out to the specially-constructed and sensationally-suspended retro 'Bungy pod'. It's from here you will build up the courage to leap o... |
Sky Walk
Aerial
Auckland |  Sky Walk is one of New Zealand's most exhilarating and unique tourist attractions . Walk the 1.2 metre-wide walkway around Auckland's famous Sky tower - 192 metres above the ground, no handrails and nothing but air either side of you! The views of Auckland city and the sparkling harbour are specta... |
Whale & Dolphin Safari
Dolphin Watching
Auckland |  Considered one of the most biologically and geographically diverse marine parks in the world, 22 species of marine mammal have been identified in the Hauraki Gulf, almost 1/3 of the entire world’s population of species.
You will be spellbound by the spectacle of a feeding frenzy involving sea bird... |
Pride of Auckland Coffee Cruise
Cruise
Auckland | Pride of Auckland's Lunch Cruise offers a dellightful way to see the sights and experience the action on beautiful Waitemata harbour. You can either sit back and relax or join the crew and help participate with the sailing. Enjoy morning tea, coffee or milo or even purchase a drink from the bar. C... |
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White Cloud Wonder
14 nights |  Cruising from Brisbane, discover why New Zealand is internationally renowned as one of the most untouched beauties on earth. Visit eight of the country’s most noteworthy locations starting with a scenic cruise of Fiordland National Park at the bottom of the South Island and making your way up to the... |
White Cloud Wonders
13 nights |  Cruising from Sydney, discover why New Zealand is internationally renowned as one of the most untouched beauties on earth. Visit eight of the country’s most noteworthy locations starting with a scenic cruise of Fiordland National Park at the bottom of the South Island and making your way up to the B... |
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Great Northerner
8 days | After arriving in Auckland you will be met and tranferred to your hotel, where you will meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director. Have a wander around this 'city of sails' and maybe choose a harbourside restaurant for dinner. Next you are off to the beautiful Bay of Islands for two days in th... |
New Zealand Highlighter
14 days |  Beginning in the North Island, this tour winds its way south, taking in New Zealand's premier attractions along the way. After arriving in Auckland and meeting fellow travellers and your Tour Director, you travel to Rotorua to see the amazing geothermal reserves and also take in some Maori culture ... |
Northern Experience
8 days |  After you arrive in Wellington you will be taken on a sightseeing tour of this lovely city, including Mount Victoria and Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Te Papa is amazing and well worth the experience, there is time to see the magnificent contemporary Marae (meeting house) and explore interact... |
Royal Tourer
18 days |  This tour certainly does tick all the boxes for seeing the most well-known attractions in New Zealand and with five two night stays it is more relaxed than other tours. From Auckland to the Bay of Islands, Rotorua to Wellington taking in the geothermal area, the Waitomo Glow-worm caves and the Wait... |
Great New Zealand Experience
18 days |  This tour is a shorter version of the 21 day tour of the same name and travellers will arrive in Auckland and travel straight up to the beautiful Bay of Islands where you will be delighted with a cruise to Cape Brett and the famous 'Hole in the Rock' weather permitting. From there back to Auckland ... |
Northern Highlights
8 days |  This is a good introduction to the Northern Island of New Zealand and with two, two night stays you won't be feeling rushed. Firstly to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand and what a delightful city. A sightseeing tour will show you the major attractions and the panoramic view from Mt. Vic... |
Wonders of New Zealand
17 days |  From the moment you arrive in Christchurch to your departure from Auckland this tour is sure to impress. This tour certainly introduces you to some of the best attractions and sights that New Zealand has to offer. After arriving in Christchurch you travel across the Southern Alps to Punakaiki to s... |
Scenic Highlighter - 15 Days
15 days |  The Scenic Highlighter is a great introduction to the major attractions that New Zealand has to offer. After arriving in Auckland and spending one night you will travel to Rotorua and the geo-thermal reserves for two nights. You will have lunch at a working farm, and visit Whakarewarewa Village fo... |
Royal New Zealand - 20 Day
20 days | This is a great tour for those who would like to see the major attractions in New Zealand. After arriving in Auckland and exploring this lovely city you will travel to the beautiful Hokianga and Bay of Island regions before returning and travelling to Rotorua and experiencing the hot pools and the... |
Scenic Sights
12 days | On this tour of New Zealand there are two, two night stays and one three night stay, therefore travellers will have the feeling of a more leisurely pace. After arriving in Auckland there is time for an afternoon activity, whether you may want to climb the Auckland Bridge, or cruise on Waitemata Har... |
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