Auckland City Sights

Description

It began with the Māori, who started building their pā (fortified villages) in the Auckland region during the mid-1300's. Then, this gorgeous area caught the eye of Joseph Brooks Weller, who bought the sites of the modern cities of Auckland and North Shore for 'one large cask of powder' in 1832. Now, the city boasts a population of over 1.4 million people! Over the centuries, the city of Auckland has been shaped by the people who love it. If you too love the 'City of Sails' – or you are just curious to see what this amazing city is all about – the Auckland City of Sights tour is perfect for you.

This amazing half-day Auckland tour will allow you to discover the iconic and most scenic areas of the city centre. Find out why so many people love the beautiful 'City of Sails' by experiencing it all for yourself. Your adventure begins with a trip over the Auckland Harbour Bridge. The awe-inspiring views over the city will whet your appetite for more. Explore the Viaduct Harbour and do some people watching in Auckland's iconic Queen Street, before visiting the amazing Auckland Domain. The Domain is the city's oldest park and is a huge 185 acres. It is also unique as it is situated on a 62,000-year-old extinct volcano!

For a delightful morning tea, you will be visiting Parnell Village – a historical section of the city that has been lovingly preserved and now houses chic cafes, specialty shops, antique shops and boutique art galleries. Following morning tea, you will take a lovely stroll along the glistening waterfront via Tamaki Drive, through to the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, in Mission Bay. Named after one of New Zealand’s greatest Prime Ministers, the Memorial Park boasts some of the most majestic views over the city, Whenua Rangatira and Waitemata Harbour and its gorgeous gardens are often used as a wedding venue.

On your way back to downtown Auckland, you will again enjoy a waterfront walk as you contemplate this beautiful city and maybe – just maybe – realise that you too have fallen in love with Auckland.

Trip Includes

• Harbour Bridge
• Viaduct Harbour
• Queen Street
• Auckland Domain 
• Parnell Village
• Tamaki Drive
• Michael Savage Memorial
• Visit Kelly Tarltons (optional extra)
• Visit Skytower (optional extra)

Optional Extras

Kelly Tarlton's
Visit Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. This underground visitor attraction enables you to experience something truly unique. Come face to face with species from New Zealand's waters including sharks, stingrays, turtles and other incredible sea creatures. Enjoy an informative encounter with your favourite animals as the staff give talks and feed them before your very eyes.The Antarctic Encounter lets you take a peak inside New Zealand's only colony of Arctic penguins. Come within arms length of the 80 plus colony as you travel on a fantastic snowcat ride. See live penguins gracefully swimming underwater and going about their days in a sub-Antarctic snow and ice domain setting.

Skytower
At 328m in height, SkyTower is the tallest free standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere. Take in 360 degree views from the top!

Duration

• 3 hours (allow an extra couple of hours if doing optional extras)

Departures

• 9.30am (returns 12.30pm)
• Pick up from central Auckland hotels or meet at Sky City Coach Terminal, 102 Hobson Street, Auckland
• Operates daily all year round

Other Information

• Child rates apply 3-12 years
• Children under 3 years are free of charge
• Please note hotel drop-offs are not available with optional extras