Down Under Answers
New Zealand
Auckland Area Tours
Insights into Auckland
Explore contemporary indigenous Maori culture at your local guide’s pick of urban, forest and beach locations. Hear about history at a former Maori fortified village on a volcano, with panoramic views. Visit a modern Maori design store then lunch at a neighborhood café. Travel to the rainforest, learn medicinal uses for plants, and hear the Maori ‘Creation Stories’. Explore a spectacular black sand beach. Departs daily at 10am. Duration 8 hours. Includes: Transfers, guide and refreshments. Private tours available.
from $200 per person
Auckland—Rotorua Via Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
Enjoy a seat-in-coach day trip from Auckland to Rotorua across lush rolling farm landscape to the mystical Waitomo Glow Worm caves. After lunch (own expense) enjoy a guided tour through the galleries and lofty chambers of the caves. Your tour culminates with a boat ride through the Glow Worm grotto lit up by thousands of tiny living lights. Continue your journey through to Rotorua. Includes Hotel transfers and lunch.
from $204 per person
Auckland Dolphin & Whale Safari
The Hauraki Gulf is one of the most biologically and geographically diverse marine parks in the world. Over 60 percent of the Southern Hemisphere’s entire marine mammal species have been seen ere. your cruise departs from Auckland Viaduct Harbour and will take you beyond the islands of Rangitoto and Waiheke and into the open water of the Hauraki Gulf. Departs daily (May-Sep) at 12 noon and (Dec-Mar) at 1.30pm from Viaduct Harbour. Duration 4½ hours.
from $120 per person
Auckland - Rotorua Eco Tour
Travel through the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Arrive at the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you will be guided through the long galleries and lofty chambers to view ancient stalactite formations. Later travel on to Rotorua. Departs daily at 8.30am. Duration 8.5 hours. Includes Hotel transfers, knowledgeable guide, travel in luxury vehicle, homemade afternoon tea and gourmet lunch.
from $316 per person
Wine on Waiheke
Waiheke Island is a picturesque blend of beaches, vineyards, olive groves, and artist colonies. Cruise across the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf and visit three of the island’s most well known vineyardsand enjoy premium tastings of five star quality wines. Departs daily (Oct-Apr) and Wed-Sun (May-Sep) at 1pm from Pier 2, Ferry Terminal Quay St. Duration 4½ hours. Includes Ferry cruise, winery visits and tastings, and a hop-on hop-off bus pass to tour the island at your leisure with a return ferry ride to Auckland viaduct.
from $94 per person
Auckland Discovery
With your experienced guide in a luxury touring vehicle, your tour heads first to the Waitakere Ranges, a beautiful rainforest only 30 minutes’ drive from the city. Visit the Arataki Centre to learn about Maori culture and view Maori carvings. Stroll through the rainforest among magnificent Kauri trees and giant ferns. Continue on to New Zealand’s rugged west coast and the awesome black sands of Kare Kare Beach. After lunch, tour the Auckland Domain and Paratais Drive, the beautiful Eastern Bays, the Americas Cup village and bustling Queen Street. Departs daily at 9.30am. Duration 8 hours. Includes Hotel transfers, experienced guide, home-style morning tea, lunch and park entries.
from $213 per person
Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tour
A must-do for every Lord of the Rings fan traveling through New Zealand. Guided daily tours available from Matamata (two hours south of Auckland) and Rotorua, visiting the original Hobbiton movie set from the infamous trilogy. The set has been returned to its natural state, however Hobbiton Holes and seom structures are still present. See the sites and hear the stories about what wnet on during filming. Afterwards, enjoy a true sheep farm experience followed by hand bottle-feeding of lambs, in which you are invited to participate. From Auckland, self-drive only. From Rotorua, transfers available at additional cost.
from $79 per person
Bush and Beach Wilderness Experience
Your guide will take you to the heart of the rainforest, the Arataki Visitor Centre perched on top of the Waitakere Ranges with views of two oceans. Learn about traditional Maori carvings, stroll the bush tracks among the giant tree ferns and beautiful rainforest. Later, feel the sand beneath your feet on the awe-inspiring black sand beach. Departs daily at 12.30pm. Duration 5 hours. Includes Transfers, refreshments. Half-day or full-day with Auckland sights available.
from $108 per person
America’s Cup Sailing at the Viaduct
The America’s Cup is the world’s oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy and ultimate yachting regatta. NZL40 and NZL41 offer the unique opportunity for passengers to become the crew and to take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or simply sit back and enjoy the action as you sail down Auckland Harbour. Cruise departs Tue, Wed, Sat and Sun at 2pm and Match Race Tue, Wed, Sat and Sun at 1pm Oct-Apr from Viaduct Harbour.
from $120 - $156 per person
Pride of Auckland Dinner Cruise
A romantic way to watch the fairytale lights of Auckland city pass by. Sip Champagne and enjoy the harbor setting while dining on a fresh seafood set menu as your crew caters to your every need. Later watch the sails go up for an exhilarating after dinner sailing experience. Departs daily at 7pm from Viaduct Harbour. Duration 2½ hours. Includes Three-course seafood dinner (alternative meals available). Other cruise options available.
from $88 per person
Contemporary Maori Experience
Your Maori guide will provide a semi-private tour to the sacred mountain Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill), then visit boutique villages showcasing Maori and New Zealand-made arts and crafts. Drive to the west coast through native rainforests, take a bush walk and learn of traditional Maori medicines. Your day ends at Tangaroa, God of the Sea, for a walk along famous black sand surf beaches. Departs daily at 10am. Duration 8 hours. Includes Transfers, guide and refreshments. Private tours available.
from $152 per person
Ruakuri Cave Experience
This round-tip coach tour from Auckland includes a guided tour of Ruakuri Cave. Laced with myth and legend, Ruakuri “den of dogs” was first discovered by Maori some 400500 years ago. For over 18 years it has been closed to the public and has recently opened again for guided walking tours. Formed from limestone over 30 million years ago, Ruakuri Cave has around just under a mile of underground limestone passages and amazing cave formations. With just 19 people per tour, Ruakuri offers an intimate experience, with winding passageways, glowworms up close and even fossilized seashells. Includes Hotel transfers and lunch.
from $173 per person