Auckland itself is surrounded by rainforests, beaches, and volcanic domes and has become the metropolitan city to visit. There is such a variety of scenery all packaged into one small city. The outdoor and water activities are endless and as a country, New Zealand is the thrill-seeking capital of the world.
What's included
- All-day Hop on Hop off ticket
- Comprehensive Audio Commentary
Highlights
Itinerary
10:00
SOME OF THE SITES THAT YOU CAN VISIT ON THE DAY
Philips Corner/Princes Wharf (Stop 9) – All cruise passengers disembark here
Our main stop, this marks the entrance to the Viaduct Harbour and is the closest stop to cruise ship terminals at Princes Wharf and Queens Wharf.
Stroll around the marina past superyachts from around the world and enjoy views of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, explore New Zealand’s rich maritime history at the fascinating Voyager Maritime Museum, or enjoy world-class hospitality at the many delicious restaurants and bars that line that water’s edge.
At the new Wynyard Quarter precinct, you’ll find the Auckland Fish Market, and the Silo Park playground, as well as many new bars and restaurants.
Bastion Point
Bastion Point offers breath-taking views out over the Waitemata Harbour and back to the city skyline. Explore the WWII-era bunkers and gun emplacements, or enjoy the tranquillity in the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Gardens. Savage was New Zealand’s Prime from 1935-1940.
A path to the front of the bus leads down the hill to Mission Bay, where you will find a beautiful beach and a range of shops and places to eat. Please note this path is steep, and if you wish to re-join the bus at this stop, allow time for the return walk.
Kelly Tarlton’s
At Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium you can discover New Zealand’s rich marine environment, including sharks, stingrays, seahorses and other incredible sea creatures. Journey through the underwater viewing tunnel, the first of its kind in the world, and get up close to New Zealand’s only colony of the king and Gentoo penguins in the Antarctic Ice Adventure.
Allow 1-2 hours for this attraction. The entrance is near our bus stop but the exit is at the other end of the carpark, so allow a few minutes extra to get back to the bus stop on time.
Parnell Rose Gardens
Enjoy a riot of colour and scent in these beautiful gardens, which showcase more than 5,000 new and old rose varieties. The annual Parnell Festival of Roses is held here every November.
Auckland Museum
The Auckland War Memorial is a must-see for all visitors to Auckland. Three expansive levels tell New Zealand’s story, from our emergence as a nation through the loss of suffering of war, to our unique natural history and our fascinating Maori and Pacific treasures. Maori cultural performances take place at 11 am, 12 noon, and 1:30 pm daily. The foyer area has free WIFI, a café and toilets, and is available to everyone.
SkyCity and Sky Tower
At 328 metres (1076 feet) high, the Sky Tower is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand and the southern hemisphere. Travel up in the glass-fronted lifts to one of the three spectacular viewing platforms for breath-taking views for up to 80 kilometres in every direction.
If you’re looking for thrills and excitement, you SkyWalk round the pergola at 192 metres high, or do the SkyJump – base jumping off the tower! The SkyCity entertainment complex also hosts a casino, two hotels and over 25 restaurants, bars and cafés, with free Wi-Fi inside.
Mt Eden
Maungawhau or Mt Eden is one of Auckland’s most famous natural landmarks. As the highest volcano on the Auckland isthmus, it provides stunning views over the city and the Waitemata Harbour. You can walk the 300-metre path to the summit from our bus stop. Be aware a reasonable degree of fitness is required and there is no shelter on the mountain
Auckland Zoo
Auckland Zoo is home to the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New Zealand. Meet 138 different species and over 875 animals as you explore 17 hectares of lush parkland. See New Zealand’s national icon, the kiwi bird, as well as elephants, lions and tigers, apes, giraffes and more.