Auckland & Waiheke Island

Auckland combines a modern urban lifestyle with a natural harbour setting surrounded by fifty extinct volcanic peaks. The city is home to one-third of New Zealand’s population, many of whom live within striking distance of beautiful beaches, wilderness forests and laid-back holiday islands. To fully appreciate Auckland, known as the ‘City of Sails’, you really need to climb aboard one of the many colourful sailboats and ferries plying their trade from Viaduct Harbour. Take in the views from the top of the Skytower, and explore stylish neighbourhoods such as Ponsonby and Parnell, each packed with restaurants and boutique shops. To escape the city, head to Waiheke Island. The second largest of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, Waiheke boasts a subtropical climate, native forests and a beautiful 100km coastline. This is where the locals escape Auckland’s hustle and bustle. It’s a great place to explore by foot, mountain bike or sea kayak. Waiheke is renowned for its burgeoning wine industry, with over thirty boutique vineyards. Only a 35-minute scenic ferry crossing from downtown Auckland, Waiheke is perfect for a day trip, but we do recommend a one or two night stay.