8 Best Tours in Auckland

Auckland is a city surrounded by lush nature, where you can take a variety of tours, from sightseeing tours of the city's most iconic sites and walks along the Pacific coastline to sunset cruises.

These tours are among the best things to do in Auckland, so here's a list of the most interesting ones, so you can choose the ones that best suit your travel style.

Full day tours of Auckland are the most recommended 3 days in Auckland or less, as you will see the main sites of Auckland and the best of the surrounding nature, accompanied by experienced local guides who will give you a very informative tour.

These full day tours last approximately 8 hours, from early morning until sunset. Some include lunch, but not all, so it is advisable to bring snacks, water and money to eat at a restaurant. Children can also take the tour, although some tours have a minimum age requirement.

Auckland sites you'll visit on these tours include Devonport Village, Mission Bay beaches, Mount Eden (Auckland's highest peak), the West Coast, Parnell Road shopping street, Kumeu Wine Trail vineyards, Piha Volcanic Beach and Karekare Falls. Don't forget to bring comfortable clothing and footwear, sunscreen and sunglasses.

Useful details

• Price: around 200€ per person.
• Duration: approximately 8 hours.
• Means of transport: car for a maximum of 18 people.

A very interesting way to get to know Auckland is to take a sightseeing bus tour, as it allows you to see the different attractions of the city at your own pace and in a comfortable way. With Auckland Hop on Hop off Buses you can get off at each tourist attraction and get back on when you have finished your tour. Buses run approximately every 30 minutes at each stop.

Buses run throughout the day, from early morning until approximately 5pm, and you can hire them for one day, or choose a two-day combo if you're staying longer in the city. Many buses include commentary in English about the attractions you visit, and provide interesting information about each attraction.

Stops include the Sky Tower, the city centre, Auckland Art Gallery, Newmarket, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, the New Zealand Maritime Museum and Parnell Village.

Details of interest

• Price: around £50 for adults, around £20 for children and under 4s free.
• Duration: about 8 hours maximum for each day booked.
• Means of transport: Tourist bus.

If you want to see the best of Auckland's sights and attractions in a single day, the Auckland Guided Walking Tour is an ideal choice. Built on a volcanic island, Auckland offers multiple vantage points from which to admire its stunning natural and urban environment.

This tour allows you to explore the city in comfort with a local guide, who will take you to landmarks such as Mount Eden, Mission Bay and Bastion Point, where you'll enjoy spectacular views of the Auckland skyline and the surrounding area.

Details of interest

If you want to try a different way of getting to know the picturesque city of Auckland, I recommend riding around on an electric bike. These half-day tours, which take you around the city in an experiential way, are great fun.

On these tours, you'll ride through the locals' and tourists' favourite spots and get to know the most iconic neighbourhoods, such as Parnell Village. Please note that food and drinks are not usually included, so don't forget to bring your snacks and water bottle.

Electric bike tours are great because they are led by expert guides who tell you passionately about the culture and history of the area and answer all your questions. They are run in small groups and provide you with all the equipment you need, including a helmet and a mackintosh in case it rains.

Due to the nature of the tour, most of these tours are not suitable for children, and there may be conditions regarding the weight and height that the bikes can carry. Remember to wear appropriate clothing and footwear to better enjoy the tour.

Details of interest

• Price: from 87€ per person.
• Duration: between 3 and 4 hours.
• Means of transport: electric bicycle.

Auckland is home to a Croatian wine region that dates back to the 1930's. The Kumeu Winery is located in the north-west of Auckland, not far from the city centre. As well as tasting delicious wines, a visit to this winery is an opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

These tours usually include a transfer from your hotel or meeting point, a typical coastal lunch at a local restaurant and a tasting of selected wines from internationally renowned wineries. All this while enjoying the paradisiacal landscapes of the ocean coast.

This activity is ideal for relaxing, as it is done in small groups. There are 3 wineries that are toured, and the wineries may vary depending on the day you go. The great thing is that wine tastings and lunch are included, and many of these tours are open to children and babies.

If wine isn't your thing, you can sign up for a beer tour of Auckland, which will give you a different perspective of the city.

Interesting details

• Price: from £160 per person.
• Duration: approximately 5 hours.
• Means of transport: minibus.

Auckland is a fantastic city, with lots to do, and one of its distinctive features is that it has two natural harbours, from where you can board a cruise to see the most emblematic of the city and the nature that surrounds it from the ocean. Without a doubt, you can take one of the best cruises in Auckland from these shores.

On these tours, the specialised captain usually tells you interesting facts about the city, while you enjoy a delicious dinner on board. Some tours, although suitable for children, have a minimum age requirement.

If you opt for this experience, be sure to let us know in advance if you have any special dietary requirements. Alcoholic drinks are not usually included in the menu, but you will be able to buy them at the bar on board. Please note that this activity only takes place in good weather, so it's a good option if you're visiting Auckland in the summer.

Useful details

• Price: around €90 per person.
• Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours.
• Means of transport: Sailing boat for up to 18 people.

If you are passionate about the marine world and want a unique experience in New Zealand, the Goat Island snorkelling tour is an activity not to be missed. This protected marine reserve, located just 90 minutes from Auckland, is home to incredible underwater biodiversity, making it an ideal snorkelling destination.

The tour begins with a brief introduction to marine wildlife and the best snorkelling techniques. You will then dive into the crystal clear waters of Goat Island, where you can swim amongst colourful fish, manta rays and even small harmless sharks. In addition, you will be accompanied by expert guides who will be with you at all times to ensure a safe and exciting experience.

Details of interest

It's often said that a good way to get to know a place is to sample its cuisine, and that's what these specialised tours offer. An expert guide will lead you through markets offering wine, jams and fresh produce and tasty dishes in a tour lasting around 4 hours.

Visiting Auckland's fish market and farmers market is an essential part of the best food tours Your guide will tell you about local ingredients and recipes, and then you'll enjoy lunch with your tour companions, usually no more than 6 people. Many tours include all food and drink tastings, though not all.

Some food tours also show you the city's most iconic sites and often include stops at some of them, such as Mount Eden and Auckland Park. This is a tour that children can do, but be sure to mention if they have any special dietary requirements.

These tours usually include a tasting of local wines, as there is significant wine production in Auckland. If you are particularly interested, you can book a more specific wine tour, to tour and experience the best of the region's vineyards.

Details of interest

• Price: around €150 per person.
• Duration: between 40 minutes and 2 hours depending on the tour.
• Means of transport: minivan.

One of the best tours from Auckland that you can't miss is a visit to Hobbiton, the film set of Tolkien's saga, where the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films were made. In the Shire you will see the 44 hobbit houses and gardens that make up this 4.5 hectare set.

On this full day tour starting early in the morning, you will pass through the Waikato region, where you will see the unmissable views of the landscape, to Matamata, where the Hobbiton film set is located.

This tour is organised in small groups, with an expert guide who will give you information about the films' themes of interest, as well as anecdotes and information about the scenery surrounding the set. The tour is suitable for children, but be aware that there is a lot of walking involved. It runs all year round, and in all weather conditions.

Lunch stops are at the Green Dragon Inn, where you can enjoy a beer and feel like you are part of the magic of Middle-earth. Most tours include lunch and drinks, and discounts for the gift shop.

Interesting details

• Price: around 100€ per person.
• Duration: approximately 11 hours.
• Means of transport: minibus for about 7-12 people.