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Auckland Shore excursions

Our most recommended Auckland Shore excursions

Auckland: Waiheke Island Group Boutique Wine Tour

1. Auckland: Waiheke Island Group Boutique Wine Tour

Catch the 10:00 AM ferry from Auckland City to Waiheke Island where you will be greeted by your tour guide. The first stop is for a lovely wine tasting at the Cable Bay Boutique Vineyard. Sample around 4 boutique wines grown on the island and Malborough. Visit Thomas's Batch Vineyard, where you'll have the option for lunch (at your own expense) and can admire incredible views and enjoy their wonderful food and wine within a great atmosphere. After lunch, make your way to Te Motu Vineyard for classic Bordeaux wines. The last stop is The Mudbrick Vineyard for rose, pinot gris, and more. Return to the wharf at 3:40 PM for the ferry back to Auckland. If you wish to stay on the island, you can be dropped off at Oneroa Village, where you'll find beautiful shops, eclectic Kiwiana gifts, plus good bars and restaurants. Or stay at Mudbrick and enjoy more wine and views.

Waiheke Island: Wine Tasting Tour

2. Waiheke Island: Wine Tasting Tour

Acquaint yourself with Waiheke Island's world-renowned wine on a vineyard-focused guided tour. Discover some of Waiheke’s scenic highlights as well as visits and tastings at 3 boutique vineyards.   Catch the 10:00 AM ferry from Auckland for a cruise over to Matiatia Wharf on Waiheke island where your guide will meet you. Begin with a scenic drive, taking in spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf and beyond to the Coromandel Peninsula. Marvel at stunning scenery around every corner and be entertained by your guide’s insightful commentary on the history, geography, culture, people, and produce of Waiheke. Sample a range of Waiheke wines from Rose, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, sparkling wine, and Syrah and Bordeaux blends. Encounter spectacular scenery from sun-soaked hillsides of vines to spectacular 360-degree views over the island and beyond to the gulf islands. The tour returns you to Matiatia Wharf in time for the 4:00 PM ferry for a 4:45 PM arrival in Auckland. Or, if you would like to linger a little longer on the island, you can be dropped off at Oneroa Village to explore further. Sample Itinerary: 10:00 AM Depart Auckland on a ferry to Waiheke Island 10:35 AM Arrive at Matiatia Wharf 11:00 AM Mudbrick Vineyard visit and wine tasting 12:00 PM Kennedy Point Vineyard visit and wine tasting 1:00 PM Obsidian Vineyard visit and wine tasting2:00 PM Lunch

From Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set Half-Day Trip with Tour

3. From Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set Half-Day Trip with Tour

Travel in comfort in a luxury Mercedes van from Auckland to the famous Hobbiton Movie Set. Your trip begins with a pick-up at your preferred location in Auckland. Enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive into Waikato with stops for photos en route.  On arrival, spend 30-45 minutes at the official Hobbiton Gift Shop and have a chance to grab a drink or a bite at the famous Shire's Rest Café. Next, embark on a 2-hour guided tour of the 1,250-acre sheep farm with amazing views of the Kaimai Ranges. Your guide will then lead the way through the 12-acre site that’s home to Hobbit Holes, the Old Mill and the Double-Arched Bridge. Stop for a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn. At the end of the Hobbiton Movie Set visit, head back to Auckland along the scenic roads of Waikato, arriving at approximately 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM.

Auckland City & West Coast Luxury Tour

4. Auckland City & West Coast Luxury Tour

Enjoy spectacular views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, several ancient volcanoes in the Auckland isthmus, untamed coastline, black and golden sand beaches, subtropical rainforest with the famous Kauri trees and unique indigenous flora and fauna. This tour will show you why Auckland is known as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Drive through Auckland Domain and see some of New Zealand’s most beautiful buildings, including Auckland Museum. Continue with a drive through the suburb of Parnell, restored in the old colonial style and with many beautiful mansions. Along the waterfront of Tamaki Drive, view several of Auckland’s stunning beaches. These are just some of the main highlights. From 09:00 to the end of the day, your tour aims to show you as much of Auckland and in as much detail as possible.

Hobbiton Movie Set & Rotorua Premium Day Tour from Auckland

5. Hobbiton Movie Set & Rotorua Premium Day Tour from Auckland

This full-day excursion begins with a pick-up at your preferred location in Auckland, and a scenic 2-hour drive into Waikato with the possibility of stops for photos en route to the Hobbiton Movie Set. On arrival, you’ll spend 30-45 minutes at the official Hobbiton Gift Shop and have a chance to grab a drink or a bite to eat at the famous Shire's Rest Café. Next you’ll embark on a 2-hour guided tour of the 1,250-acre sheep farm with amazing views of the Kaimai Ranges. Your guide will then lead the way through the 12-acre site that’s home to Hobbit Holes, the Old Mill and the Double-Arched Bridge. Stop for a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn. Your tour then continues to Rotorua, where you'll visit Te Puia and explore Te Whakarewarewa, a 60-hectare geothermal valley. You’ll also have an opportunity to see the kiwi bird house and viewing enclosure, watch traditional Maori carving and weaving, learn about Maori art and history and take a walk around a model pre-European Maori village and sacred marae. If you like, you can enjoy a meal prepared using ancient geothermal cooking techniques, watch a Maori haka performance and learn about Maori culture inside the sacred marae. At the end of the program it will be time to sit back and relax on the scenic drive back to Auckland.

Auckland: Half-Day Private City Highlights Tour

6. Auckland: Half-Day Private City Highlights Tour

Discover a different side of Auckland on a sightseeing tour with a local guide. Meet your guide in your hotel lobby or cruise ship terminal and hop in the air-conditioned van that will take your first stop. Start your day with a short walk through the mystic rainforest in the city. Next, visit the historic Bastion Point and find out why Auckland is called the 'City of Sails'. At Orakei Marae, learn more about Maori history and the Ngati Whatua tribe. Later, stop at a seaside village and enjoy fantastic views of Auckland's largest volcano, Rangitoto, and Brown's Island. Finally, visit Maungakiekie, the second largest volcano in Auckland and a place of remembrance for both the Maori and European people of New Zealand. Enjoy incredible views over the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland City, and Rangitoto, from the peak of One Tree Hill before heading back to your hotel.

Auckland: Ship to Shore Half-Day Excursion

7. Auckland: Ship to Shore Half-Day Excursion

Embark on a half-day scenic tour to see as much of Auckland as possible in four hours. Perfect for those on a cruise ship, this tour will ensure you are able to see the absolute best of Auckland’s sights. Star at Auckland Harbour Bridge, which affords spectacular 360-degree views and photo opportunities. Next, visit Devonport, arguably the quaintest township in Auckland, and North Head, formerly an underground township during WWII and the 1880s. Check out the winter gardens and fernery before heading up to Mount Eden, the highest point on the isthmus of Auckland. See the city’s beaches, native flora and fauna, and Mission Bay. Get spectacular views from Achilles Point, also one of the most historic places in Auckland, and the Hauraki Gulf, Orakei Basin, Remuera suburb, and the Parnell golden mile.

Auckland: Ship to Shore Full-Day Excursion

8. Auckland: Ship to Shore Full-Day Excursion

Embark on an adventure and go on a comprehensive 8-hour Auckland Tour. See the top attractions of Auckland on this scenic full-day tour. Drive along Tamaki Drive in an air-conditioned Mercedes with one of the guides renowned for their knowledge. Discover the quaint village of Devonport, Mission Bay, and gaze over the coastal scenery from Achilles Point. Travel to the top of 2 of Auckland's volcanoes for stunning 360-degree views. See North Head, a volcano with the most spectacular views over the City and the Inner Harbour. You will also witness Auckland's highest volcano, historic Mount Eden. Admire native birdlife at Muriwai and the spectacular rugged coastline with black sand beaches. Sip fine wines along the Kumeu Wine Trail. Visit the Auckland Domain, home to the Auckland Museum, and the 2 stunning Wintergardens and Fernery.  Enjoy our historic lunch stop in Riverhead. Marvel at the surroundings while traveling into the lush countryside.

Auckland: Horse Riding and Wine Tasting Tour

9. Auckland: Horse Riding and Wine Tasting Tour

This great escape heading out of busy Auckland starts with your local tour guide picking you up from central Auckland, then traveling through the scenic roads in a luxury, air-conditioned Mercedes minivan towards your first destination. On arrival at the horse riding base, meet your tour instructor and horse. The guide will then explain health and safety and the basics of riding your horse. Let the fun begin and enjoy one hour of horse riding. After returning from your horse ride, your driver-guide will take you to discover the vines and taste some of New Zealand’s Luxurious Wines. Once you finish the wine tasting your guide will take you back to downtown Auckland.

Luxury Auckland & West Coast Day Tour with Maori Guide

10. Luxury Auckland & West Coast Day Tour with Maori Guide

Enjoy a unique experience in Auckland and the surrounding area with award-winning TIME Unlimited Tours. Your guide for the day will be a local, highly knowledgeable Maori, who will be able to share the region’s indigenous history and culture from a personal perspective. Auckland is the world’s largest Polynesian city and home to a variety of cultures from across the Pacific. You’ll see the best that Auckland city and its West Coast have to offer on this tour. On the first segment of the tour you’ll visit Maungawhau. From the heights here you’ll have panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. You’ll drive to colonial Parnell, and continue along the waterfront along Tamaki Drive. See the stunning beaches along Auckland's shoreline and Waitemata Harbour, the Hauraki Gulf, the mystical island volcano of Rangitoto, and the famous Harbour Bridge. Visit Devonport, a picturesque marine village with great cafés, boutiques, and stunning views of both Takarunga and Auckland city. The second part of the tour takes you to Auckland’s West Coast. See Titirangi, or the Fringe of Heaven, an artist enclave on Manukau Harbour, and stop at the Arataki Visitor Centre - the gateway to Auckland's West Coast. From here you’ll enjoy magnificent views over the Harbour. Further along the coast you’ll marvel at views of the soaring cliffs, take in incredible ocean vistas, the roaring surf, and the unique black sand beaches. Ancient native rainforests abound, where you’ll see the amazing kauri trees as well as pohutukawa trees with their crimson flowers.

Other Sightseeing Options in Auckland

Want to discover all there is to do in Auckland? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Auckland

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 25 reviews

We enjoyed a fabulous day out with Waiheke Island Shared Boutique Wine tour. Our great tour guide and driver Sharon shared her extensive knowledge on the tour of the island and the vineyards. We all enjoyed a wonderful lunch & 3 excellent vineyard wine tasting’s . Certainly compares well with Margaret River WA except I have to admit the views are better on Waiheke Island.

Caleb was our guide. He was punctual and very helpful. The wineries we toured were each unique in their own way and we took the opportunity to be dropped off in town on the way back and then took the 20 minute walk back to the ferry dock. The only suggestion I have is that the lunch stop was too long.

We really enjoyed our Waiheke Wine Tour, the wineries were fantastic, the staff very informative and the scenery was stunning - not to mention the beautiful wines as well. Our tour guide Caleb was great and kept everyone entertained with lots of local knowledge as well.

Great day, great driver with lots of local knowledge. Visited four wonderful vineyards is stunning settings. Had overseas visitors so was fantastic to be able to share this with them.

Friendly host/driver. Very helpful. Interacted with other guests of all ages in a personal and informative manner. I recommend this tour.