3 Days 100 km

Highlights

  • Discover the 'Island of Wine'
  • Explore Auckland's west coast beaches
  • Sample gourmet cuisine

Proximity

CAR-FREE TRAVEL OPTIONS

Includes a return ferry to Waiheke Island

In three days you’ll find out why Auckland’s lifestyle is rated so highly. Visit picturesque Waiheke Island, known for its vineyards, beaches and artists’ studios. 

Spend a day exploring the sights and sounds of central Auckland. Then travel west to Auckland's wild side, where you can explore the rugged black-sand coast..

Day 1: Spend the day on Waiheke Island

Auckland
Mudbrick Vineyard, Auckland

Proximity

Highlights

  • The Island of wine
  • Picturesque beaches
  • Sea kayaking, zip-lining & horse riding

EXPLORE WAIHEKE ISLAND

A haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches.

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Auckland's Hauraki Gulf is home to a selection of beautiful islands, the most well known of which is Waiheke Island

Sometimes called the 'Island of Wine', Waiheke is a year-round favourite with something to suit everyone from wine tours to art studio visits or simply relaxing on a secluded beach. There are also a stunning array of outdoor activities including zip lining, archery, clay pigeon shooting, sea kayaking, horse riding and golf.

Waiheke makes a great day trip or, to stay a little longer, choose from one of the island's many accommodation options and spend the night.

Day 2: Explore Auckland City

Auckland
Auckland Museum_1.jpg, Auckland
auckland

AUCKLAND

Vibrant city life and spectacular landscapes

Highlights

  • Museums and galleries
  • Bungy jumping and jet boating
  • Designer shops and stylish eateries

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES IN AUCKLAND

Discover metropolitan delights in New Zealand's biggest city.

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Spend the day getting to know the vibrant ‘City of Sails’ with a huge range of activities and attractions on your doorstep.

The Sky Tower offers 360-degree views of New Zealand’s biggest city. Get your adrenaline pumping while you're there with a SkyWalk or SkyJump. Those who like to keep their feet firmly on the ground may prefer a trip to the Auckland Museum or Auckland Art Gallery for a glimpse into New Zealand's unique history and culture.

The afternoon is a perfect time to visit some of the city's volcanic cones; kayak to Rangitoto or climb Mount Eden to see the city at sunset. End the day with dinner at one of Auckland's dining precincts, Wynyard Quarter, the Viaduct or Britomart.

Day 3: Visit Auckland's West Coast

Auckland
Piha, Auckland

Proximity

  • by car:

    55 min | 40 km to Piha via SH16 & UR13

  • by bus:

    Visit the local iSITE for activities & tours.

Highlights

  • Walking and hiking trails
  • Surf beaches
  • Muriwai gannet colony

AUCKLAND'S WEST COAST BEACHES

Where the Tasman Sea's mighty surf crashes onto vast black-sand beaches.

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Auckland's West Coast is home to a rugged windswept coastline, long, black-sand beaches and pristine native rainforest.

Spend the afternoon on the rugged black-sand beach of Piha. Climb Lion Rock and watch experienced surfers ride the waves. The lagoon at Bethalls Beach makes a great swimming spot or you can follow the trail that crosses the northern headland to secluded O'Neill Bay, another favourite with surfers.

Between August and March, Muriwai hosts a large gannet colony, viewing platforms allow you to get up close to these fascinating birds. This is also a good place to hire blokarts, bikes and kites and explore the long expanse of beach.

View the route below

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