What to do and see in Auckland, North Island: The Best Walking Tours

September 5, 2021 Lashaunda Abraham

The Māori call Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau — a maiden desired by 100 lovers, and a valuable territory fought over for centuries for its fertile land and natural harbors on the Pacific Ocean (to the east) and Tasman Sea (to the west). Today, it’s New Zealand’s largest city: A vibrant and diverse place where nature and urban life go hand-in- hand, with 48 volcanic cones, more than 50 islands, and 29,000 km of coastline and beaches just minutes away from the arts and shopping of the central city.
Restaurants in Auckland

1. Auckland's City Tour & Kumeu Wine Country Includes Wine Tasting & Lunch

SkyCity Auckland, Victoria Street &, Federal Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand Bush and Beach
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Experience the very best of Auckland and vicinity with a morning city tour combined with an afternoon wine tasting in the stunning nearby Kumeu wine country. Take a look at the city’s popular neighborhoods and enjoy great views over the harbor while touring Auckland in the morning. Then spend the afternoon in the Kumeu region to enjoy lunch at a winery restaurant and savor wine tastings at three award-winning New Zealand wineries. The afternoon also includes a visit to the dramatic West Coast of Auckland at Muriwai which has a colony of Gannets over summer. This is a small-group tour in a luxury vehicle, limited to 14 people.

Inclusions: Auckland City tour with central city pickup/drop off, Vineyard lunch with a glass of wine, Transport in air conditioned luxury vehicle, Experience West Coast Beach with a Local Guide, 3 wine tastings, Viewing of Gannet bird colony (Aug-April)

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Excursion92822

A fabulous tour. Picked up on time (if a little early thank you), a fascinating trip down with plenty of information and arrived in time for the first tour of Hobbiton. What a fascinating place and attention to detail amazing. Lunch and then back to Auckland on a different route with more interesting discussion. Would highly recommend this professional and friend,y tour company.

2. Auckland Craft Beer Walking Tour

Auckland Central, Auckland Central, North Island The Big Foody Food Tours
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5.0 based on 15 reviews

New Zealand may be best known for its wine, but this tour is for the beer-lovers out there. Set out on a 3-hour walking tour of Auckland, tasting delicious craft brews with an informative guide. You’ll visit three locations ranging from historical pubs and brewhouses to newer bars; four to six beer tastings are included at each venue, and the last stop comes with a food pairing. Numbers are limited to 14 people, providing a small-group experience.

Inclusions: Food tasting, Beer tasting, Local guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By KKofA

I just wanted to thank you for making the food tour happen especially for us at such short notice and accommodating our tight schedule. As you predicted, we loved spending the afternoon with Jono who is passionate and knowledgeable about Auckland and has a charming engaging personality. He not only accommodated our diets but he ended our tour on a sweet high note with hokey pokeys from Giapo. This was on my husband’s ‘must go to’ list.

3. Waiheke Island Bush & Beach Walk

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5.0 based on 3 reviews

This 5-hour walk combines the best of Waiheke Island bush and beaches. Fabulous coastal views, seabird nesting grounds and lush forest trails will make this an adventure to remember! Experience some of the most majestic forest reserves on the island, including the magnificent Pohutukawa trees and Nikau Palms of the Whakanewha Regional Park, Glenbrook Reserve and Te Whau Peninsula. Enjoy fabulous views of Waiheke Island and back to Auckland. Learn about island life in the Rocky Bay area. Finish in time for a swim or packed lunch at the beach.

Inclusions: Fantastic scenic walk with expert guiding and interpretation, Pickup from the ferry or Oneroa 30-minutes prior, for those who require it, Lunch

Exclusions: Ferry fares

Reviewed By randomasyalike

We had an absolutely fabulous day out on the water with Gabrielle and Bruce. The boat is gorgeous, with lots of room to move around and relax, the food was amazing, and our hosts took really good care of us. Our trip was to watch the America's Cup with a group of friends, and we swam, ate, had a good old singalong and watched the racing... it could not have been a more perfect day. We'll definitely be booking again.

4. Waiheke Island Vineyards and Bush Walk

Terra & Tide
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

This spectacular walk has a little bit of everything – bush, beach, headlands and vineyards. We start with a walk through restored and regenerating bush up to the headland for some breathtaking views of the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. We continue through lush, established bush tracks and rolling hills, where you’ll enjoy lovely views of valleys, vineyards and the sea. There’s time for wine tasting and/or lunch at two of Waiheke’s best-loved vineyards – Mudbrick Vineyard or Cable Bay Vineyards – with tasting options to suit all budgets.

Inclusions: Fantastic scenic walk with expert guiding and interpretation, 2 wine tastings

Exclusions: Ferry fares, Lunch and additional wine tasting

Reviewed By randomasyalike

We had an absolutely fabulous day out on the water with Gabrielle and Bruce. The boat is gorgeous, with lots of room to move around and relax, the food was amazing, and our hosts took really good care of us. Our trip was to watch the America's Cup with a group of friends, and we swam, ate, had a good old singalong and watched the racing... it could not have been a more perfect day. We'll definitely be booking again.

5. Waitomo Glowworm Caves Small Group Tour from Auckland

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Visit the amazing Waitomo Caves, be in awe of the cave formations and the thousands of Glowworms sparkling above you. Unique to New Zealand for over 120 years, Waitomo Caves are a must-see for any traveller. Highlights: • Waitomo Glowworm Caves • Wildlife viewing • Optional upgrades (see the itinerary section for more details) While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it’s our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Entry Tickets - Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Bottled water, Snacks

Exclusions: Lunch, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), DVD (available to purchase), Gratuities, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

6. Waiheke Island Art Walk

Waiheke Community Art Gallery, 2 Korora Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island 1081, New Zealand Terra & Tide
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Waiheke Island is an artsy and creative place. On this tour you’ll discover the best of its arts scene, and meet talented artists, with the help of an expert local guide. Here's just some of what we'll do: Visit art galleries in Oneroa, including an artists’ collective and the Community Art Gallery. Tour the local sculpture park and learn about this intriguing array of outdoor art. Visit sculptors and painters in their studios - and even get to meet an artisan shoemaker! Have lunch (included in the price) at an artist's home. Walk through the Atawhai-Whenua Forest & Bird Reserve to the Ferry Terminal or Community Gallery where we finish. Our Art Walk takes approximately five hours and is done at a very leisurely pace so you can enjoy both the art and the scenery around you. You will come away feeling inspired by what you have seen, the artists you have met and the beauty you have enjoyed while wandering through bush tracks and local roads.

Inclusions: Fantastic scenic walk with expert guiding and interpretation, Lunch at artist’s home and studio

Exclusions: Ferry fares

Reviewed By randomasyalike

We had an absolutely fabulous day out on the water with Gabrielle and Bruce. The boat is gorgeous, with lots of room to move around and relax, the food was amazing, and our hosts took really good care of us. Our trip was to watch the America's Cup with a group of friends, and we swam, ate, had a good old singalong and watched the racing... it could not have been a more perfect day. We'll definitely be booking again.

7. Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Auckland (return)

Kiwi Segway Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

You will enjoy this trip of a lifetime on a small group tour (with a maximum of 9 passengers) to the magical Hobbiton Movie Set, famous for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. Beat the crowds with a guaranteed early access admission ticket on this full-day tour from Auckland. Join a 2-hour guided tour of the Hobbiton 12 acre set for an in-depth experience of this magical famous site. Have your photo taken beside a hobbit-hole, see where Bilbo Baggins lived and then top off your day with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn. This tour package takes all the stress out of your visit, with tickets to the film set and transport to and from Auckland provided in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan. There are no meals included, but you have time in Hobbiton to buy and eat food and shop for souvenirs before you return to Auckland. We have an optional stop at Auckland's Botanical Gardens or Mt Eden Summit (set on a dormant volcano) to admire either attraction.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Bottled water, Entry and fully guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set, Complimentary beverage at the famous Green Dragon Inn, Central Auckland Hotel pick ups and drop offs. Can also pick up or drop off to Auckland Airport's.

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By 402randalls

We booked an Auckland airport transfer on Viator. Received automated emails confirming the reservation and two more immediately prior to the transfer date. Kiwi Segway was a no-show at the airport Did not get a reply from emails or cell phone messages, so had to arrange for transport at the airport. Eventually received a message: "Had to cancel. Sorry."

8. Waiheke Island Double Headland Coastal Walk

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5.0 based on 17 reviews

Experience the twin headlands of Matiatia and Church Bay on Waiheke Island, walking in a small group with an expert local guide. This walk consists of two parts, with lunch in between. Sometimes we do the northern route first, and sometimes the southern. Why is that? Well, we often need to work around the tides! Northern route (approx 2 hours): We’ll walk around the Matiatia headland and past Owhanake Bay, enjoying beautiful views of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula. You’ll spot sea birds, native plants and, if you’re lucky, orcas or dolphins. We’ll stop for lunch at Oneroa Village. You can eat in one of the local cafes or have a picnic on the beach with food you’ve purchased or brought with you. Southern route (approx 2 hours): We’ll walk through Pio Rehutai Reserve and around the Church Bay headland through a sculpture park and a stunning bush reserve. We’ll pass hidden coves and amazing homes, as we enjoy view of the city and sea.

Inclusions: Fantastic scenic walk and expert guiding and interpretation, Walking maps, Lunch, Return transfers to the ferry (or your island accommodation)

Exclusions: Ferry fares

Reviewed By randomasyalike

We had an absolutely fabulous day out on the water with Gabrielle and Bruce. The boat is gorgeous, with lots of room to move around and relax, the food was amazing, and our hosts took really good care of us. Our trip was to watch the America's Cup with a group of friends, and we swam, ate, had a good old singalong and watched the racing... it could not have been a more perfect day. We'll definitely be booking again.

9. Bay of Islands Small Group Tour & Cruise from Auckland

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

This small group, fully guided day trip combines the best of both a nature and highlights tour together to form the ultimate Bay of Islands experience. Highlights: • Bay of Islands Cruise • Hole in the Rock • Wildlife spotting • Sites of cultural and historical significance Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Inclusions: Small Group and Fully Guided Tour, Cruise Tickets, Bottled water, Snacks, Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Paihia available

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

10. Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua & Taupo 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Hobbiton Movie Set, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua, Huka Falls & Taupo! This is all of the most popular North Island attractions in an epic two day tour. Highlights: • Hobbiton Movie Set • Waitomo Glowworm Caves • Rotorua Highlights & Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland • Taupo Highlights & Huka Falls While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it’s our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. This tour doesn't rush you, with time and options to add extra activities if you choose. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Entry tickets - stated activities only, Bottled Water, Snacks, Optional extra - One-way option from Auckland to Taupo

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

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