Glimpses of Auckland

Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand, the youngest country on Earth! On arrival in Auckland, 'The City of Sails', you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Auckland is a blend of islands, Polynesian culture, glistening harbours and modern city environment. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore the city and discover why it is one of the best places in the world to visit.

• Your morning Auckland city tour is designed to explore the history and sights of the city. Discover the Māori history of the city and as see what makes our city a vibrant place to live. Auckland City is built around the beautiful Waitmata 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, Mount Victoria in Devonport and Westhaven marina. There is also a stop at a cafe by a beautiful beach and lots of photo opportunities all day.
• Your afternoon eco tour is spent in the Waitakere Ranges. In just 30 minutes you leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquillity of the rainforest.
• Travel to the Arataki Centre, an information centre built high on the ridge of the Waitakere 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 you walk the easy tracks among giant tree ferns and view New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and silver ferns.
• 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 the world has to offer. The perfect Auckland day trip.
• During the afternoon we also include a New Zealand style afternoon tea including biscuits and tea and coffee or juice.

• This small group tour is an easy day trip from Auckland to Hobbiton movie set. The day includes a fully guided tour of the set as seen in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy. We also have a sumptuous lunchtime buffet in the Party Marquee.
• Our experienced guides look after you all day from pick up to drop off from your Auckland City location. They include a full commentary on the way with insights into the areas you are travelling through and background to the movie set you are visiting. On the way down to Hobbiton there is a brief stop at a local cafe in case you want to buy some local baking or a coffee (or as we like to call it a ‘second breakfast’)
• At Hobbiton you travel down to the set itself and have one of the specialist Hobbiton guides take you on a walking tour around the 44 Hobbit holes. You will get the chance to have a photo in the doorway of a Hobbit house, see the Party Tree and stand by the gate to Bilbo’s house ‘Bag End’ overlooking the whole set to the hills in the distance. Before your feast in the Party Marquee (which is included in the price) you cross the bridge by the mill to go into the Green Dragon Inn where you can enjoy a complimentary ale, cider or ginger beer.
• After lunch in the Party Marquee we’ll give you a $10 souvenir voucher to spend at the Hobbiton gift shop before we head back to Auckland, arriving back mid-afternoon before the traffic builds up.

Today is free for you to explore Auckland on your own. You can opt to visit the Auckland town and experience the city sights or enjoy the night life of the city. Overnight stay at hotel.

Today morning check-out from your hotel. You will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home. Your tour ends with happy memories.