Tours

With its many volcanoes, beaches, historic buildings, open air markets, shops and cafes, Auckland begs to be explored. Within an hour's drive of central Auckland there are exotic beaches, pristine sub-tropical rainforests, thermal pools and vineyards.

Tour One: Walking

The best way to see Auckland up close is by foot or bike. The city is linked by a network of government-maintained walkways and bike paths. Two of the best tours are the Coast-to-Coast Walkway, which crosses the isthmus from the Auckland waterfront to Onehunga, and the 50-Kilometre Bike Ride, which circles the city.

Before you start, be sure to have a bite at Occam Espresso Bar Kitchen, a favorite among locals. Then proceed to the Coast-to-Coast Walkway, which starts at the Ferry Building and continues along Customs Street. It then climbs up a once-prominent headland, Point Britomart. From Albert Park, at the top of the bluff, the Walkway crosses to Auckland Domain, home of the Wintergardens and the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Volcanoes dominate much of the terrain. The Domain sits on a 50,000 year-old scoria cone. Mt Eden, also known as Maungawhau (mount of the Whau tree), is rich in Maori heritage. The Walkway passes well-defined defensive earthworks, storage pits and terraces. You'll be rewarded with exquisite views of the city and gulf.

From Mt Eden and One Tree Hill, the Walkway winds down to Manukau Harbour. The Coast-to-Coast Walkway is 8 miles long and takes about four hours of brisk walking. Bus stops are never far away so it is possible to either walk or ride certain stretches. Wildfire and Gina's Pizza & Pasta Bar are two nearby dinner options.

Tour Two: Auckland's Outskirts

Devonport is also easily accessible on foot from downtown via the Devonport Ferry, which departs from the Ferry Building for the scenic ride across the Waitemata Harbour on a regular schedule daily. The Old Devonport Walk passes by some of Devonport's historic spots, and short walks to the summits of Mt Victoria and North Head offer spectacular views of Auckland, Rangitoto and the Hauraki Gulf. Give yourself a good half day to see the sights; longer if you're planning on a leisurely lunch; try the pizza at Nautilus Restaurant.

Another option further afield is West Auckland, famous for its forests, beaches and vineyards. Renting a car is the easiest way to explore it, and a good place to start your tour is from the Arataki Visitors Centre, about a 20 minute drive from central Auckland. Scenic Drive follows the crest of the Waitakere Ranges with side trips to the fantastic West Coast surf beaches—Whatipu, Piha, and Te Hanga. Muriwai and the Gannet Colony are accessible from Route 16 just north of Kumeu. Finish off your day with a bite at the Shahi Cafe.

Tour Three: For Wine Lovers

To start your day, grab breakfast or brunch at the sleek Trinity Cafe. Then, rent a car and drive to the foot of the Waitakere Ranges, where Auckland's wine country begins. Noted for excellent regional Pinot Noirs and Cabernet Sauvignons, about 30 wineries dot the countryside here. The family-owned and operated Matua Vineyards offers particularly attractive grounds and facilities. Wander through their exquisite gardens before participating in a wine tasting. You can also learn a lot about the art and practice of wine making.

Afterwards, head to the pleasant Parakai Springs, which will surely rejuvinate and revive you. Indoor and outdoor pools are available. Grab a sandwich at the Springs Cafe, or head back into town and try the Peking Duck at the unassuming Empress Garden.

Tour Four: Coastal Excursions

Two well-marked routes explore the country north and east of Auckland and make excellent excursions—the Twin Coast Discovery Highway and the Pacific Coast Highway. The Twin Coast Highway follows the wine trail to Parakai and Helensville before heading north to the Kai, which was New Zealand's busiest port in the early days of the last century, shipping out kauri logs and gum to the world. Today it is a sleepy backwater more famous for fishing and kumara growing than international commerce. So, be sure to bring a lunch to enjoy at one of these many breathtaking spots.

At Wellsford, the Highway turns south towards Warkworth and the lovely Matakana region, which is becoming a wine and tourism center. Numerous regional parks such as Tawharanui provide excellent bathing and fishing beaches as well as bush walks. The Highway then returns to Auckland via the thermal pools at Waiwera, Orewa with its brilliant white sand beach and the Whangaparaoa Peninsula with Shakespeare Regional Park. The Twin Coast Discovery Trail can be done easily in a day's drive.

The Pacific Coast Highway explores the country east of Auckland before going on to the Coromandel and Tauranga, about a four-hour drive. A good day trip is to follow the Motorway south to Manukau City and then follow the Highway to Whitford and Omana Regional Park with its mangrove walks and bathing beaches. The Highway then skirts the Hunua, where there are many beautiful bush walks in the Waharau Regional Park.