Auckland New Zealand Stopover Vacations Packages Sightseeing Tours Auckland

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Suggested Itineraries > City/Resort Stopovers > Auckland

New Zealand City/Resort Stopover

Auckland
(4 days/3 nights or optional 5 days/4 nights)

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city as well as the largest Polynesian city in the world, with some 20% of the 1 million population being Maori and Polynesian. The city sits astride the sparkling Waitemata Harbour, famous for the 1030 metre long Auckland Harbour Bridge and home to Westhaven Marina where locals and visitors alike moor their sail and power boats. The Hauraki Gulf is a mass of islands, including Rangitoto, Waiheke, Pakatoa and Little Barrier. About 90 kilometres offshore is Great Barrier Island, the largest in the gulf and noted for its craggy landscape. Most of the main islands can be accessed for easy day trips. Within an hour's drive of the city centre, there are 102 beaches!

Queen Street is the lifeblood of the central business district while nearby Ponsonby, Newmarket, Parnell and Tamaki Drive are most well known for their fun, fashion and cuisine.

Vacation Highlights

3 or optional 4 nights accommodation in Auckland as selected
Auckland sightseeing tour with Scenic Tours
Choose from a day trip to Waitomo Caves or the Bay of Islands (5 day package only)
Option to extend your stay.

Stopover Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Welcome to Auckland. Please make your own way to your overnight accommodation.

Day 2: Auckland Sightseeing Tour - Spectacular Auckland with Scenic Tours!
Departs at 9.15am and returns at 4.00pm.
Enjoy a comprehensive look at the highlights of The City of Sails (currently home to The America's Cup). Highlights include: Queen Street, Auckland University, Harbour Bridge, Mt Eden, Domain Park and Gardens, Parnell Village, Paratai Drive, Auckland War Memorial Museum ($5 entry donation - pay direct), Tamaki waterfront, 1082 foot SkyTower (home of Auckland's casino and time for lunch at own cost) and Fullers Harbour Explorer Coffee Cruise around the Waitemata Harbour (tea/coffee included).
Accommodation pick ups available on request.

Day 3: Auckland - Free Day
A day to explore Auckland.

Day 4: Auckland or Optional Extension
For the 4 day package, your tour arrangements conclude this morning upon check out from your accommodation. For the optional 5 day package, your tour arrangements continue with a day trip to either Waitomo Caves or the Bay of Islands.

Option 1: Day Excursion to Waitomo Caves with Newmans Coach Lines
Departs Auckland at 9.00am, returns at approximately 6.30pm.
Travel through Auckland's southern suburbs, over the Bombay Hills to the dairy district of Waikato. Pause at the Rangariri Battle Site Heritage Centre. Cross New Zealand's longest river, the Waikato River, then continue on to Hamilton. Waitomo Caves are world famous for spectacular limestone formations and million year old caverns. Take a boat trip along the underground river to the Glowworm Grotto - see thousands of glowworms at close proximity. See Lake Karapiro, then return to Auckland.
(A barbecue lunch is available for $18).

Option 2: Day Excursion to Bay of Islands with Scenic Coachlines
Depart Auckland northbound via the Hibiscus Coast and Whangarei to Waitangi. Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty House, site of the historic treaty between the Maori and European pioneers. See a magnificent Maori meeting house and war canoe. Cruise from Paihia via spectacular islands to Cape Brett. Travel through the Hole in the Rock (subject to sea conditions). Boxed lunch included. Return to Paihia and return journey to Auckland.

Day 5: Auckland
Your tour arrangements conclude this morning upon check out from your accommodation.

Your Accommodation Options
Choose from:

For more information about the operators and services included in these suggested itineraries, please refer to the accommodation, transport and sightseeing pages in this site.

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