Auckland Island Hopper

Whanganui / Home (Dec 2nd)

Depart Whanganui Racecourse at 8am and head up SH4 for a great morning tea stop. We continue our way up passing through the Tongariro National Park and the rolling hills of Taumarunui and onto Otorohonga for a superb lunch.

Departing from another destination

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.

Riverhead (Dec 3rd)

Enjoy a relaxed start to the day today. Following breakfast there will be a few options where you can decide how you would like to spend your morning. You could choose to have a stroll around the viaduct at your own leisure, where there are many impressive boats and yachts to view. Or you may choose to explore the Maritime Museum. We would also be happy to book you in on the ferry to cruise over to Devonport if you wish to have a look over there.

This afternoon we board 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 lunch. (Lunch will be slightly later today, so it might pay to have a later breakfast)  here you will 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. Dinner will be at a local restaurant in the viaduct.

Accommodation: The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

Auckland (Dec 4th)

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

Tiritiri Matangi Island (Dec 5th)

A superb day exploring awaits us today as we cruise to Tiritiri Matangi Island. From the moment you step onto the island to 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 150-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 a great picnic lunch. 

After this truly memorable day we head back to the viaduct with a few hours to kick back before meeting for dinner.

NOTE: It’s a good idea to bring a backpack today to carry your picnic lunch and a warm coat just in case. 

Accommodation: The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

Waiheke Island (Dec 6th)

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 Stonyridge Vineyard where we will enjoy our first wine tasting for the day. 

We then weave our way to KiMaha, one of Waihekes’ most celebrated modern restaurants overlooking the stunning Onetangi beach. Here we will enjoy a relaxed beachfront lunch experience. 

This afternoon we visit Soho Family Vineyards, known for it’s vibrant atmosphere, bold branding, and beautifully crafted Waiheke Wines. Our final tasting is at one of Waihekes’ iconic cellar doors Mudbrick Vineyards, known for it’s spectacular panoramic views across the Hauraki Gulf, elegant architecture and premium wine experiences. 

Along the way your guide will share stories of the island, it’s history, people, vineyards and it’s hidden gems. 

After this fabulous day of exploring the magnificent Waiheke, we then make our way back to Matiatia Wharf for the ferry back to Auckland before heading out for dinner.

Accommodation: The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

Waiheke Island (Dec 7th)

We have saved a little gem for our final day. We explore Tikapa Moana: the Hauraki Gulf with the Explore Group on the Tikapa Moana Whales & Dolphins Cruise.  We hop on-board their purpose -built wildlife viewing vessell, departing from downtown Auckland. Cruise past iconic landmarks including the Harbour Bridge, Devonport and Rangitoto Island, before heading into the open Gulf as the experienced crew search for Dolphins, Whales and other Marine wildlife. Your journey also includes time ashore on either Rotoroa Island or Man O War on Waiheke Island with the chance to explore, swim or enjoy a relaxed bite or glass of wine. 

NOTE: It’s a good idea to bring a backpack today to carry your picnic lunch and a warm coat just in case. 

After a great day out on the water (hopefully after seeing some majestic Whales and Dolphins!)  We then 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

Auckland (Dec 8th)

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. 

‍