Walk & Kayak Auckland, Waiheke Island & Rangitoto

Make your own way to Auckland and check-in to your trip accommodation any time after 2:00pm. The city is New Zealand's largest, both in area and population and hence is often mistakenly thought of as the country's capital. Spend some time exploring the gardens and open spaces of The Domain, wander through the fascinating War Memorial Museum for a glimpse into Maori history and culture, visit the Sky Tower for spectacular 360 degree views, visit an art gallery, cruise the harbour, wander the foreshore or explore the shops. Food lovers will be spoilt for choice with a multitude of cafes, restaurants and bars to suit all budgets and tastes.

Meals: Nil

Take the 9:00am ferry this morning from Auckland to Waiheke Island. On arrival you will be greeted by your local guide at the wharf, and given an orientation around Waiheke. You will visit pristine beaches and listen to the history and stories of the places you visit. You will visit the local focal point of the Maori community on Waiheke, learning about the significance and importance of carving and traditional tattooing, the revitalisation of the Maori language and the impact of colonisation on Maori people. Lunch is a local cafe (own expense) and you will have the opportunity to experience the wine and olive growing of the island through a local vineyard tasting (own expense). During a guided walk through native bush, you will learn about traditional and medicinal Maori uses for native plants and you will also visit local historical pa sites with archeological remains. Take in all of what Waiheke has to offer whilst getting off the tourist trails. You ferry will depart Waiheke at 4.00pm to return you to Auckland city centre.

Meals: B

There are not many places in the world where you can say you have walked the width of a country, but here in Auckland you can experience just that! Once you have enjoyed breakfast, you can spend the day walking one side of the country to the other along the Coast to Coast Walk. Along the way you can discover more about the history and features that make Auckland so unique. The walk officially begins at Te Wero Bridge in the Viaduct, or you can start from the Downtown Ferry Terminal. You will cross the city centre, into Albert Park and from here head through the Auckland Domain and into the suburbs, passing Mt Eden (Maunga-whau) and One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie), before making your way to the finish line at Manukau Harbour. From here it is a short walk to the Onehunga Train station to catch the train back to Britomart. Along the way make sure you take in the people, sites, cafes, restaurants all that make Auckland the vibrant and eclectic city that it is.

Meals: B

Use this morning to enjoy Auckland. Perhaps a last minute shop at Commercial Bay, a wander around the CBD, a visit to the Auckland Art Gallery, or perhaps a visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum (its collections concentrate on New Zealand history, natural history, and military history as well as other collections). You will be collected from the Auckland Museum Atrium (next to the seats) at 3.30pm and taken through to the start point in St Heliers for your kayak. If you wanted to stretch your legs, you can walk to the starting point at the St Heliers Bay Boat Ramp instead (10.3 kms/6.4 miles on a flat, walking track following the outline of the harbour. We meet at 4.00pm at St Heliers for your safety briefing and paddling instruction before you will kayak across the Waitemata harbour, meaning ‘sparkling waters'. Kayak distance is approximately 1.5 hours each way. We pull our kayaks up to Rangitoto wharf before embarking on a one-hour explorative, fun and informative trek to the summit, viewing the spectacular sites and learning all about the history of the region. Upon reaching the top you will be treated to the finest 360 degree views that the Auckland region has to offer. At the return to the water’s edge, a healthy Kiwi-style BBQ dinner will be awaiting you. With your guide, you will paddle back in the dark watching the city lights sparkle like stars. You will be dropped back at your hotel for your last night at around 11.00pm. No better way to finish your Auckland experience then with a sunset over the city! NOTE: If doing this trip May-Sep, the pick up at Auckland Museum will be 1.30pm with a drop off back at the hotel around 9.00pm. Those that prefer a day kayak instead of the sunset one, please ask, as this can be arranged.

Meals: B,D

Your trip arrangements end this morning after breakfast. Please contact us should you wish to extend your stay.

Meals: B