World City Guide

Excursions

For a Half Day

Hauraki Gulf Islands: The Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park (tel: (09) 379 6476; e-mail: aucklandvc@doc.govt.nz; website: www.doc.govt.nz) contains 47 islands, some just a few minutes’ sail away from Auckland. Not all can be visited, as some are nature reserves closed to the general public, although others are devoted to human pleasures, with all the usual holiday facilities.

The volcanic island of Rangitoto is one of the most popular islands and is the largest volcanic cone in Auckland. There are several ferries per day from Auckland’s ferry building and the trip takes 30 minutes. Details are available from Fullers Cruise Centre (tel: (09) 367 9111). Guided walking tours of Rangitoto Island in the Hauraki Gulf are available from The New Zealand Walking Company (tel/fax: (09) 235 0099; website: www.nzwalkingcompany.com). A three-night tour costs NZ$1,117 while a six-night excursion will set you back NZ$1,969, though it’s worth remembering that this includes accommodation, food, guide and transport.

For a Whole Day

Tiritiri Matangi Island: Walkers with a nose for New Zealand wildlife in the raw will enjoy Tiritiri Matangi Island, some 30km (19 miles) north, a re-stocked and re-forested sanctuary for many rare species of native bird. A Fullers Ferry (see above) to the island from the ferry terminal costs NZ$45 (day return). Once there, the Department of Conservation (DOC) guides (tel: (09) 379 6476; e-mail: aucklandvc@doc.govt.nz; website: www.doc.govt.nz), on the beach, impart bush and bird lore for NZ$5 an hour. Visitors should not forget to take lunch, because there is nowhere to buy any.

Auckland vineyards: New Zealand makes some of the best wine in the world, especially sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir. The best-known vineyards are situated further south, such as in Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough, although Auckland has several good vineyards to the west of the city, notably in the Henderson and Kumeu areas. Several tour companies organise day trips, which normally include visits to at least four vineyards and lunch at one of them. Cost is in the region of NZ$55-145 for a half- or full- day, depending on the number of people – some tours require a minimum number of passengers. Companies include North West Auckland (tel: (09) 630 1540, website: www.winetrailtours.co.nz), Bush and Beach (tel: (09) 575 1458; website: www.bushandbeach.co.nz), Waitakere Scenic Tours (tel/fax: (09) 817 4547) and the extra special Fine Wine Tours (tel/fax: (09)849 4519; website: www.insidertouring.co.nz).