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 Coast to coast |
9 Bournemouth Terrace Mairangi Bay Auckland 1311 New Zealand +1 800 222 868 (toll free) http://www.aucklandnz.com/Visi... s_rodgers4@xtra.co.nz |
All four tours depart from downtown Auckland in air-conditioned coaches. The City of Sails Tour takes in the sights of Auckland City, from the Harbour Bridge to the Parnell Rose Gardens. Both harbours are visited in the Coast to Coast Tour, which includes wine tasting. The Historical Auckland Tour gives informed commentary and entry to the Howick Historical Village. The Full Day Tour combines the first two. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Explore Waiheke Island |
20 Seaview Road Waiheke Island Auckland 1232 New Zealand +64 9 372 7530 / +64 27 233 4565 (mobile) http://www.ananda.co.nz/ anandatours@ihug.co.nz |
What better way to explore Auckland's Waiheke Island than on a guided tour? With five options available there is something to suit every taste. Waiheke's many artists are on display in their own studios with the art tour - it covers pastel, oil and acrylic painting, water colors, intaglio etchings, drawings, woodcut prints, sculpture, ceramics. There are also eco, scenic and wine tours. A sunset tour will be available from October. A ferry will have to be caught from Auckland City to Waiheke. Call for tour timings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: wcities |
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Auckland Adventures Ltd |
P.O. Box 31-772 Milford Auckland 0741 New Zealand +64 9 379 4545 http://www.aucklandadventures.... info@aucklandadventures.co.nz |
With three adventures to choose from, this company will cater to most people. The Auckland Adventure, which runs from October through March, takes you to Mount Eden, two West Auckland wineries, an orchard, bush walk, and the Muriwai Beach Gannet colony. The Mountain Bike Adventure is the same, but with a one to three hour guided bike ride through some beautiful West Coast scenery. If you prefer an easy two hour downhill bush walk to the bike ride, then the Wilderness Adventure could be more your thing. Customized group adventures are also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Andrew Jansen |
 Photo: maura_mcgreevy |
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Comprehensive art collection |
Corner Wellesley and Kitchener Streets Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 307 7700 / +64 9 302 1096 (Infoline) / +64 9 307 7728 (Education service) http://www.aucklandartgallery.... gallery@aucklandartgallery.govt.nz |
The Gallery contains the largest and most comprehensive collection of New Zealand and international art in the country. First opened in 1888, this Victorian building is in French Chateau style. The city rotates displays of its own collections (14th century to the present) as well as showing international exhibitions. Free guided tours are offered daily. There is also a research library, a shop and café. Admission: Permanent exhibitions are free. A cover charge applies to special exhibitions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Sally Britnell |
 Photo: Terence Neoh |
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Don't look down! |
Westhaven Reserve (bottom of Curran Street, Herne Bay) Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 361 2000 / +1 800 462 5462 http://www.aucklandbridgeclimb... aucklandbungy@ajhackett.co.nz |
The Auckland Bridge Climb is an exciting attraction. Walkers are guided underneath and over the top of the Auckland Harbor Bridge to a height of 200 feet above the water. The one and half hour adventure includes a full briefing by a professional guide before walkers are issued with over-garments, radio headsets and safety harnesses for the journey. The walk may be enjoyed by everyone over the age of 10 and caters to people of all levels of fitness. Interactive videos, engineering features such as the vertical movement of the four clip-on road lanes, viewing platforms, a webcam and a "ride" to complete the adventure will add to the experience. Reaching the top of the Bridge walkers will be awe struck by the views out over the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City. Groups of any size can be catered for, with one guide allocated to every 12 walkers. Groups depart at 10-15 minute intervals. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Mike Gieseg  |
 National treasures at war museum |
The Domain Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 306 7067 http://www.aucklandMuseum.com |
The steps of this museum offer splendid views over the Cenotaph forecourt to the Domain, the city and Waitemata Harbour beyond. The museum houses New Zealand's largest collection of Maori and Pacific Island taonga (treasures); fantastic interactive discovery centers for children young and old; and the Scars on the Heart exhibition of New Zealand war history. A 20-minute Maori cultural performance featuring songs, poi dances, stick games, a weaponry display and haka takes place. There is an excellent gift and book shop and a café within the building. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Guided wine tasting tours |
11 Pentland Avenue, Mount Eden Auckland 1003 New Zealand +64 9 630 1540 http://www.winetrailtours.co.nz/ john@winetrailtours.co.nz |
This tour company allows you to see the countryside, as well as taste and purchase some of the finest wines in the country and the world. There are three tours - a full-day excursion to Matakana (north of Auckland) and half and full-day trips out to West Auckland, visiting four and six vineyards respectively. All of the tours are relaxed and informative, with the opportunity to have a winery lunch at an extra cost along the way. Group discounts are available and bookings are essential. Prices also vary by season. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bush & Beach |
P.O. Box 12-1007 Henderson Auckland 0650 New Zealand +64 9 837 4130 http://www.bushandbeach.co.nz bbl@bushandbeach.co.nz |
This company has been in operation since 1984, and offers eco-tourism on and around Auckland's wild West Coast - a wilderness experience. There are many tour options and places to take in on your travels. Karekare Beach, huge Kauri trees, the Waitakere Ranges, Arataki Visitor Centre, Auckland City Highlights, the Muriwai Gannet Colony, and a Winery Tour, to name but a few. All travel is in luxury mini-coaches. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Canyoning in the Waitakere Ranges |
PO Box 68-057 Newton Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 570 4151 http://www.canyonz.co.nz info@canyonz.co.nz |
Canyoning, although well established overseas, is relatively new in New Zealand. Participants travel down a stream by means of a combination of abseiling, sliding and jumping off waterfalls. The venue is the Blue Canyon, in the Waitakere Ranges on the rugged West Coast. The adventure takes all day - you will get your money's worth. After a half-hour hike to the stream, there are 15 waterfalls ranging from two to 25 meters in height to be negotiated. Other trips visit the Coromandel Peninsula. All equipment (including wet suits), food and transport is provided. Training in abseiling is also given. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hop on--hop off service |
671 Great South Road Penrose Auckland 1006 New Zealand +1 800 43 9756 http://www.explorerbus.co.nz/ info@explorerbus.co.nz |
This is the ideal way to take in the highlights of Auckland with full commentary. Buses depart from the Ferry Building (on Quay Street) every half hour, and go on a loop--alight and re-board as often as you like at the city's biggest attractions. They offer a complimentary pickup from Auckland Airport and South Auckland Hotels and Motels. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Matt Werner |
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Living colonial history |
Bells Road, Lloyd Elsmore Park Pakuranga Auckland 1706 New Zealand +64 9 576 9506 http://www.fencible.org.nz fencible@ihug.co.nz |
Auckland's colonial past (1840-1880) comes to life in this museum of living history, where characters in historical costume recreate life in a 19th century settlement. Authentic buildings number over 30 and include a store, church, forge, settlers' houses, sod and raupo cottages. Live Day, the third Sunday of each month (except December), includes a regimental march and military manouvers, plus a working blacksmith. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Dianna Narotski |
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Garden & Botanical Tours |
3 Edith Street Point Chevalier Auckland 1002 New Zealand +64 9 846 5350 http://www.mikesgardentours.co... mikesgardentours@clear.net.nz |
This is the ideal excursion to take in a country famous for its clean green image. This company has access to some of the more beautiful plant life on display in the greater Auckland area. There are three regularly scheduled tours (Auckland Highlights and City Gardens, Native Bush and Gardens, Auckland's Botanical Treasures), and three others available upon request (Regional Botanical Treasures, Private City Gardens, Country Gardens). They combine sightseeing and tours of private gardens. There are half-day and full-day options. Pick-up in an air-conditioned mini-coach is also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Noah Lang |
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Fine old sailing vessels afloat |
PO Box 3141, Shortland Street, Corner of Quay & Hobson Streets Viaduct Harbour Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 373 0800 / +64 9 377 6000 / +64 800 7258 9726 (Free only in NZ) http://www.nzmaritime.org museum@nzmaritime.org |
A thousand years of maritime history are revealed in creative ways on the harbor's edge. The museum features numerous restored vessels, some afloat in the marina. Daily cruises are offered on the scow, which sets sail when the cannon is fired at noon. Learn the stories of Polynesian voyaging, immigration, navigation and whaling. Meet Salty Sam! Use the interactive exhibits or join the model-makers workshop. There is also a café and store. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Mark Wilson |
 Photo: Russ & Joan Richards |
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Sea kayaking adventures |
7A Westech Place Kelston Auckland 1007 New Zealand +1 800 99 9636 http://www.nzkayak.co.nz team@odnz.co.nz |
Outdoor Discoveries offer an exciting range of sea kayaking adventures within the Hauraki Gulf. In the summer, twilight or night kayaking is available. Some longer trips are also available including tailor-made overnighters and corporate packages. Small groups are lead by skilled and qualified guides. Equipment, right down to jackets and footwear, is provided. Caving and abseiling adventures are also arranged. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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See the city sights |
42 Boakes Road Mount Wellington Auckland 1006 New Zealand +64 9 570 2661 pavlova@xtra.co.nz |
Half, full, and two-day tours are on offer. The Auckland City Sights Tour (three hours) allows tourists to take in the city's highlights including Mount Eden, Queen Street, Mission Bay, and the Harbour Bridge. The four-hour Rainforest Experience Tour visits the Waitakere Ranges in West Auckland. A bush and beach walk are included. Both half-day tours can be taken together - in the Best of Auckland Tour. There are also one and two day tours to the Coromandel Peninsula, southeast of Auckland. All this, in the comfort of ten-seater mini coaches! Children under 14 are charged at half the price on all half and full day tours. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Protected bird sanctuary |
Hauraki Gulf Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 979 7060 (Tourist Information) http://www.tiritirimatangi.org... |
This island in the Hauraki Gulf is a haven for endangered native birds such as Takahe, Silvereye and Kokako. Managed by the Department of Conservation, their staff is available for guided walks. Access to the island is limited, and ferry bookings are essential. In the summer, Hobb's Beach provides the opportunity for swimming and picnicking. Walks are easy to moderate in difficulty and range from 10 minutes to 4 hours. There are extensive sea views from the Tiritiri lighthouse - once the most powerful in the Southern Hemisphere, and a souvenir shop for a memento of your visit. Ferries to the island start from Auckland. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Jon Sullivan |
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Personal Touch |
266 Point View Drive Auckland 2016 New Zealand +64 953 426 63 http://www.gardenstovisit.co.nz valeside@ihug.co.nz |
Jacque Jamieson's backyard is something to see. In the green universe behind her house, you'll find 5,000 square meters of beautifully-landscaped garden, complete with New Zealand natives of many varieties. The garden includes ferns, perennials, roses, woodlands plants, trees, shrubs, bulbs, and even succulents, all made possible by the sub-tropical climate of the area, not to mention Jacque's hard work (20-30 hours a week). Among the green, you'll find some blue, too; specifically, local blue stone that's used to construct pillars, retain banks, pave patios and edge gardens. There's also a pond and a ponga house for plants needing more shade. Jacque's delightful tour costs only NZD10, and makes for a relaxing and educational day out. Bring a picnic! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Historic grave sites |
Great North Road Glen Eden Auckland New Zealand +64 (0)9 818 5615 http://www.waitakere.govt.nz/c... |
Waikumete is one of the largest cemeteries in the Southern Hemisphere and dates from 1886 when Grafton in the central city became too crowded. A great deal of Auckland's history has been laid to rest here, and various areas include a large military cemetery and a recently opened Maori Urupa. Members of the Friends of Waikumete take guided walking tours around the cemetery on the first Sunday of the month, starting at 1.30pm. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Peter Denniston |
 Photo: Wayne Clifford |
 Photo: Wayne Clifford |
 Photo: Chrysler Menchavez |
 Photo: Sasha Efimov |