Auckland – city and nature tour

Auckland City Highlights combined with the tranquil rainforest and black sand beaches located in the Waitakere Ranges.

Join us on a combo tour of city highlights and wilderness experience on this full day shore excursion. Auckland (Tamaki Makau Rau) is New Zealand’s largest city, with a population of around 1.4 million.  The city extends over a narrow isthmus between the Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean, and the Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea. Auckland has spectacular natural features, including 49 dormant volcanoes, all located within 20km of the city centre. It boasts some of the best beaches in the world.  The city highlights tour is three hours in duration and takes in all the main attractions of Downtown Auckland, including Queen Street, the Viaduct, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Auckland University and War Memorial Museum and some of the outer suburbs and golden beaches on the inner harbour, including Paratai Drive and the Tamaki Waterfront.

Following the morning sightseeing the tour then travels out west of the city to the regions spectacular rainforest in the Waitakere Ranges. Located in a lush native bush setting with panoramic views of the Manukau and Waitemata Harbours. Learn about the native flora and fauna and admire the impressive Maori carvings that stand guard there. Enjoy leisurely bush walks to see huge ancient kauri trees, (over 800 years old) giant ferns and native birds. Visit the black iron sands and roaring surf of Auckland’s west coast beaches, enjoy the tranquillity of cascading waterfalls, the largest cascading 39 meters and the beauty of nature at its best. This is a most enjoyable day of contrasts of this beautiful region.

Highlights:

* Queen Street

* University

* Harbour Bridge

* Domain Parks & Gardens

* Auckland War Memorial Museum

* Paratai Drive

* Tamaki Waterfront

* Arataki Visitors Centre

* Cascading Waterfall

* Black Sand Beach

* Rainforest Walk

* Magnificent Kauri Tree

The best of Auckland sightseeing. We combine an Auckland city tour in the morning with an afternoon nature tour to the black sand beach of Piha and the rainforest covered hills of the Waitakere Ranges – a relaxed day of variety and a great introduction to Auckland and New Zealand.

Your morning Auckland city tour is designed to explore the history and sights of the city. Discover the Māori history of the city and see what makes our city a vibrant place to live. Auckland City is built around the beautiful Waitematā harbour and it is known as the ‘City of Sails’. This small group city tour includes stops at iconic landmarks such as The Auckland Domain, Devonport and Westhaven marina. There is also a stop at a cafe by a beautiful beach and lots of photo opportunities. Your local guide can answer any questions you have about what to do in the City.

Your afternoon nature tour is spent in the rainforest covered Waitākere Ranges. In just 30 minutes you leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquility of the rainforest. On the way we make a short stop for you to buy some lunch at a local bakery – time for NZ food treats!

We travel to the Arataki Centre, an information centre for the rainforest park built high on the ridge of the Waitākere Ranges. From here you get breathtaking panoramic views across the rainforest to Auckland’s two harbours. The visitors centre is also home to some traditional Māori carvings and your guide will talk about them and explain their significance for the area.

Continue on to the lush rainforest where your guide will take you on a guided walk on the easy tracks among giant tree ferns and view New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and silver ferns. Your guide talks about the unique natural history of New Zealand as we wander through the forest. With no snakes or ‘nasties’ in NZ this is a very safe environment!

We then move on to experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast. Feel the black sand of Piha beach beneath your feet as you stroll along one of the most awe-inspiring beaches New Zealand has to offer.

During the afternoon we also include a New Zealand style afternoon tea including Anzac biscuits, Mānuka honey and tea and coffee or juice.