It’s back better than ever, with a significant upgrade in accommodation and food - staying at the Sebel, idyllically located on Viaduct Harbour's Waterfront with exceptional views and dining at multipe Viaduct restaurants!
Who would think that islands of pure paradise exist just a short boat ride away from New Zealand's largest city? But they are there; and there in abundance. Rangitoto, Rotoroa, Tiri Tiri Matangi and Kawau Island are just a few highlights you can expect of this unforgettable tour.
Each day, we head out on the water to a different location which gives this tour so much diversity and surprises that you wouldn't think you'd experience so close to downtown Auckland.
We avoid the hustle and bustle of city life, and see the true highlights of the region while staying in luxurious accommodation throughout the entire tour.
Depart Whanganui Racecourse at 8am and head up the coast to Hawera for a great morning tea stop. We continue our way up the coast passing through small settlements such as Urenui and over Mount Messenger through Mokau and onto Piopio for a superb lunch.
For those departing from another destination we will arrange for you to meet the group at some point today. All tickets and details will be provided in your personal information pack, sent prior to travel.
We have one last stop for a refreshment break before reaching our great central Auckland accommodation for the next 6 nights located overlooking the Viaduct Harbour. You have free time to enjoy the great facilities before meeting as a group for our first delicious dinner at a highly rated restaurant.
Accommodation: The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
A relaxed start to the day before we catch the ferry over to Devonport
and board the Devonport Explorer bus. We will be taken around by a local guide viewing the historic sites and volcanoes while learning about Auckland’s rich history.
Following our bus tour you will be given some free time to explore the shops and grab yourself some lunch in this relaxed bayside village before heading back to the Auckland CBD.
This afternoon hop on the coach for a short drive around to Westhaven Marina. Here we board the MV Hogwash for a unique excursion into the beautiful uncharted waters of the upper Waitamata Harbour. This great cruise will take us to the famous historic Riverhead Tavern, where we will have a delicious Dinner and experience the amazing culture and scenery. The Riverhead has been a house of refreshment and conviviality for around 150 years.
After a couple of hours enjoying the fine dining and waterside scenery at the tavern, we then join the vessel again for a relaxing journey back taking in such sights as Auckland’s Harbour Bridge, Chelsea Sugar Refinery, Kauri Point, and Herald Island.
We then board the bus and return to the Viaduct to relax and enjoy our classy accommodation.
Accommodation: The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
After breakfast we board the coach and head north to Sandspit to join the largest mail run by water in the Southern Hemisphere.
From the comfort of a large and luxurious ferry you will have uninterrupted 180-degree views of this scenic wonderland and historic landmarks, while your experienced and informative skipper guides you around over 75 different wharves, delivering freight and mail to the island residents.
Lunch today is a classic Kiwi BBQ onboard while cruising to our stopover on Kawau Island. Here you can visit Mansion House Museum, Sir Governor Greys Garden of Eden, or take one of the many walks to historic sites whilst watching Kawau’s wildlife.
It is then back to Sandspit and board the coach for the return trip back to Auckland. Tonight's dinner is at another fantastic restaurant in the Viaduct.
Accommodation: The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Today is a day to wine and dine and see a large part of Waiheke Island. We cruise over at 10am and are picked up by coach to travel through town and out to Allpress Olive Oil for a tour and tasting.
We then weave our way out to the Batch Winery for a lunch fit for kings and queens and of course a chance to sample a wine or two.
This afternoon we simply drive around and visit some more parts of the island before cruising back on the purpose built ferries with some time this afternoon to head out for a stroll around the Viaduct or visit the Maritime Museum before we meet for another lovely group dinner.
Then it’s off to bed getting ready to put on our walking shoes and get set for the next couple of days of exploring the outer islands of the Hauraki Gulf.
Accommodation: The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
A superb day exploring awaits us today as we cruise to Tiritiri Matangi Island. From the moment you step onto the island until the moment you leave, you will be serenaded by birdsong. A protected haven for endangered species, the island is a nature lover’s paradise, particularly for avid birdwatchers.
Beyond native wildlife, Tiritiri Matangi is home to a one hundred and fifty year old lighthouse, a network of trail walks through lush coastal forest, plus pristine beaches and spectacular views.
Guides will show us around the island pointing out various birds and explaining the history of the area. There are flat walking tracks but if you would rather just kick back and soak up the atmosphere there are plenty of spots to do just that, while enjoying another great picnic lunch.
After this truly memorable day we head back to the Sebel for the evening where we share our stories of our recent explorations and enjoy dinner together.
Accommodation: The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
We have saved a little gem for our final island visit as we head out to Rotoroa Island. Situated east of Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf it covers 82 hectares and is a unique arts, heritage, and conservation island. We have our own guided tour learning about the endangered species in the wild and the mission to save them. A great picnic style lunch is provided, and you will have some leisure time to do your own exploring of the island’s network of trails and lookout points if you wish.
After a great day on this special island, we are collected and taken back to Auckland where we head out for the evening to share our stories of our recent explorations and enjoy our last group dinner together.
Accommodation: The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
After our final scrumptious breakfast, we start the trip south but we first head to The Base shopping centre just north of Hamilton for some retail therapy or to grab yourself some morning tea.
From here we head over to Te Kuiti for yet another delicious lunch before carrying on down the main trunk line to National Park for a light refreshment snack, before the final leg home to Whanganui.
Check out what we got up to last time
After years in the broadcasting industry, Jase hung up his headphones to run Take It Easy Tours. With now over a decade behind the wheel Jason ensures every tour will leave you with a lifetime of memorable expereinces.
There is limited availability for this tour. Please contact us to find out more.
Yes, it would be our pleasure. We can arrange for you to be picked up and returned to your front door at the conclusion of any tour.
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. It just puts your mind at ease. Remember to make sure you are covered for and loss of personal possessions, sickness, accidents or travel delays. Feel free to ask us for any tips to make this quick and easy for you.
We are called Take it Easy for a reason as we like to do just that. Do as much or as little as you like - after all it's your holiday! However, there is walking and various activities on each tour that require various levels of fitness. Please check with us if you are unsure about anything and relax knowing that there's always another option for you if you would rather miss out on any activity. We always have a back up plan.
Please just let us know in advance and we will sort everything for you. Chefs are used to all sorts now when it comes to diet so as long as we know - we’ll have you covered.
Cancellation charges do apply so again we recommend travel insurance. Our cancellation policy is clearly outlined for each tour so make sure you cast your eye over it and please feel free to ask any questions.
Having a good night's rest after a day out touring is very important so we personally choose all of our accommodation. Generally, four star accommodation when available - with all the comforts you need for a relaxed night.
Our buses are quality touring coaches that are very comfortable and fully air conditioned. They range in size from 19-28 seats ensuring that we can easily access all those secret spots off the beaten track. All vehicles are regularly serviced as your safety is our priority.
Coaches and luggage trailers are always locked and secure but we recommended you take any valuables with you when staying overnight.
Yes, you can earn airpoints with Take It Easy Tours when we are using Air New Zealand flights. All you need to do is get in contact with us and let us know your airpoints number for each time you wish to earn points.
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