Auckland, North Island

Auckland, known as the “City of Sails,” is a beautiful city on the North Island, with spectacular beaches and hiking trails, award-winning wineries, and exciting cultural and adventure activities like the SkyJump, a 192 meter jump from the top of the Sky Tower, the tallest tower in the southern hemisphere. First settled around 1350, the Auckland Ishtmus was populated by the native Māori people, until the Europeans arrived. It is estimated that the Māori population peaked around twenty thousand. Today, the Auckland area has a population of nearly 1.5 million people, which is over 25% of New Zealand’s total population.

One of the few cities in the world to have a harbor on each of two major bodies of water, the Tasman sea on the west and the South Pacific ocean on the east, the city is surrounded by rainforest covered mountain ranges and nearly 53 volcanic centers that make up the Auckland Volcanic Field. There are also several nearby islands that are accessible by ferry, including Waiheke (the ‘island of wine’), and Rangitoto Island (a dormant volcano). The key architectural landmarks in the city include the Sky Tower, Harbor bridge, Town Hall and the Ferry building.

Activities

Exciting and memorable things to do

SkyWalk and SkyJump

Experience heart-pounding excitement with the SkyWalk on top of New Zealand’s highest building, with no handrails to separate you from the 192m drop off the edge! Or treat yourself to 11 seconds of pure adrenaline with the SkyJump, as you jump off the edge of the SkyTower and plunge 53 floors down to Sky City plaza.

Wine Tasting on Waiheke Island

Take a ferry to Waiheke island to Matiata wharf on Waiheke island and spend the day exploring boutique vineyards to sample a range of Waiheke wines and sample fresh Waiheke oysters. Bike around the island or take a bus to see its scenic highlights and beaches.

Hobbiton & Rotorua Day Tour from Auckland

Depart from Auckland early and visit the Hobbiton movie set, then continue on to Rotorua. Choose from a variety of activities in Rotorua including tours of the geothermal sites Te Puia and/or Wai O Tapu, a traditional Māori cultural show, and various adventure activities.