Shore Excursions Group
West Auckland Countryside
West Auckland Countryside
This amazing full-day tour will introduce you to new experiences, giving you hours of exploration through the West Auckland countryside. The west coast is home to some extremely beautiful beaches, national parks and wineries.
Leave the Pacific Ocean behind as you enjoy a scenic ride through the Auckland suburbs to the rugged western portion of Auckland and the Arataki Visitor Centre in the beautiful Waitakere Ranges. The height of these volcano remnants creates a perpetual micro rainforest environment near the heart of the city. Inhale the crisp air of Arataki Bush and Nature Preserve while you survey Auckland’s stunning landscape and twin harbors. While here, pop into the Visitor Centre to see a myriad of interesting displays and learn about the diverse ecosystem.
Once you’ve had your fill you will continue westward to Muriwai Beach as your guides share fascinating facts and stories along the way. From Arataki Visitor’s Centre we will break for a light snack and beverage. Approach the west coast and be greeted by an impressive view of the Tasman Sea with its occasional surfers or para gliders. You will take a leisurely walk to the viewing decks to see the migratory Gannets (only between September-March) who nest along the shoreline. These unique seabirds can live up to 35 years old and enter the water at speeds of 100km (62 mph) to accurately catch their prey. Be sure to take a walk along the shoreline full of black iron sand and wave hello to Australia before seeing another side of Auckland as you head back to port.
Sign up today and spend 7 hours experiencing the wild, wonderful western Auckland countryside.
Please Note: Food allergies and dietary restrictions can be accommodated, but advanced notice must be given at the time of booking.
| Day 1 |
A veritable paradise on Earth, Auckland combines the best of both worlds – a thrilling urban metropolis surrounded by striking natural areas, sparkling blue water, and colorful wildlife. New Zealand’s cultural and recreational hub, beautiful Auckland has something for everyone. Museums, art galleries, and other culture-rich sites abound near Auckland’s city center. History buffs will appreciate the Auckland War Memorial Museum or the New Zealand Maritime Museum on Viaduct Harbour, while art enthusiasts will relish in the vast art collections housed at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. Be sure to peruse the famous Maori Portraits exhibit, a display featuring powerful portraits of the Maori peoples indigenous to New Zealand and Polynesia. You won’t have to venture far from the city to experience some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders! Rugged Rangitoto Island is perfect for hikes, surrounded with stunning volcanic rock and lava fields, and provides a spectacular vantage point to observe Auckland across the harbor. Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, is another of the city’s volcanic wonders; its verdant crater is a sight to behold and remains one of Auckland’s most visited attractions. Head to Waiheke Island to visit Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary, a protected wildlife sanctuary where some of New Zealand’s most eye-catching fauna roam, or hit the beaches of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park to take in the glittering ocean views and soak up some sun. Travel two hours south to marvel at New Zealand’s rolling green hills when you explore the immersive set for The Shire, the fictional village from the ever-popular Lord of the Rings novels and film franchise. Auckland, New Zealand awaits you! |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/03/22 - 05/15/27 |
Starting At $250 |
Get A Quote |
Food allergies and dietary restrictions can be accommodated, but advanced notice must be given at the time of booking. Guests must be able to get in and out of transportation. This tour can accommodate a collapsible wheelchair. According to New Zealand laws, children under 8 must be correctly secured in an approved child restraint, such as a baby seat or a booster seat. Children must be older than 7 and over 128 centimeters (about 4 feet) tall to ride without a booster seat. Children 8 years or older must use safety belts. No children of any age may travel in a parent’s lap.
