Auckland has a lot of highly recommended activities on offer, something for all ages and tastes. Frequently Auckland is voted in the top 5 best cities to live in. Being based around two large harbours, the city has access too many water based activities. These include fishing, sailing, exploring islands, cruises etc. with super yachts and cruise ships often in the harbour. Furthermore the city also has the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere, offering panoramic views across the city and harbour. Auckland also offers lush inner city parks, waterfront cafes, a vibrant café and bar scene, museums and art galleries. Read more below about some of Luxury Adventures favourite Auckland recommended activities.

Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto is a volcanic island, rising 260 metres above sea level in the Waitemata harbour.  The ferry from downtown Auckland  takes 25 minutes, to reach Rangitoto. Upon landing you’ll walk to the summit on a well formed track. It’s a steep but manageable walk, with spectacular 360° views over the harbour and back to Auckland city. Approximately halfway up the track you can view lava caves and these are well sign posted from the main track. Perhaps take a guided walk which not only takes in Rangitoto but the neighbouring island of Motutapu, with it’s endangered bird life. Your guide will share their knowledge about the history and cultural importance of Rangitoto.

Kayak to Rangitoto

Another cool and unique way to see Rangitoto is to kayak from downtown Auckland with a guide and Sunset is the best time to do this. Paddle across the Waitemata harbour, where you may see wildlife such as Little Blue Penguins and Cooks Petrels. As you land on the beach your guide will take you to the summit to enjoy the views.  Not to mention you’ll enjoy a true Kiwi style BBQ picnic. To end the trip paddle back to the city under the starlit sky. Ask the Luxury Adventures team if you would like a guided walking or kayak tour included in your itinerary?

Waiheke Wine Tours

Waiheke, another of Auckland’s islands in the Hauraki Gulf, is well known for its world class wines. Besides its fantastic beaches, art galleries, craft breweries and great walks. Hop on one of the regular ferries which run from downtown Auckland and take 35 minutes. Or you could take a helicopter from downtown, which takes around 12 mins. The bus service on the island meets the ferry and runs around Waiheke at regular intervals. Alternatively you can join a group tour, or we can arrange a privately guided tour with local experts. Read more about Waiheke Island and the wineries in one of our previous blogs.

America’s Cup

The America’s Cup is the oldest international sporting trophy in the world, and Auckland has been selected to host the 2021 event. Luxury Adventures can arrange for you to sail in one of the America Cup Yachts that were used in previous regattas. This is a fun and relatively inexpensive activity. Hop on board and help sail the yacht, maybe take a turn at the helm, or hoist the sails for 2 hours of sailing fun on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour. For anyone who is interested in spectating at the 2021 America Cup event live in Auckland, we strongly recommend booking early as accommodation will book up very quickly. Contact the Luxury Adventures team for help with booking a 2021 itinerary.

Auckland City tours 

With two harbours, 48 volcanic cones, museums, inner city beaches, and art galleries Auckland city has many offerings. Beyond the city there are wineries, golden beaches on the east coast and on the west coast the black sand beaches of Piha, Muriwai and Karekare. Not to mention a short drive away is the Waitakere Ranges. With more than 16,000 hectares of native bush, waterfalls and beaches. You can bet it feels like a million miles away from the bright city lights!

If you are short on time, Luxury Adventures can arrange bespoke tours to suit your individual requirements. Maybe a walking food tour based around Auckland’s cosmopolitan culture? Likewise you can enjoy spice tours, Chinese and dumpling tours or food through the ages. Visit local restaurants for tastings and talk to chefs along with local food writers. Additionally you could combine a city tour with visits to the museum and art gallery. In the afternoon head out to the Waitakere Ranges for an exhilarating walk. Why not end your privately guided Auckland city tour with a dip in the ocean at Piha beach! With our access to local guides we can ensure your Auckland experience is tailored and memorable. 

Whales & Dolphins

Many different species of whales and dolphins can be found in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, among them are the Bryde’s whales, Bottlenose dolphins, Common Dolphins, Sei Whale,  Dwarf Minke whale, and Orca. Regular tours run all year round, from Auckland’s Viaduct harbour, which is easily accessible usually by foot from most central Auckland hotels. The tours operate daily in winter and twice daily in summer. You need to allow 4.5 hours in total for the tour. Costs are relatively inexpensive at around $150 per person. Let the Luxury Adventures team know if you would like to include a whale and dolphin safari in your honeymoon or vacation.

Luxury Adventures – Tailoring luxury travel in New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific Islands since 1999.