Tiritiri Matangi, Rangitoto, and Waiheke Island
Auckland and the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf Extension
Overview
Considered to be some of the best cruising grounds in the world, the islands of the Hauraki gulf lie within close proximity to Auckland, but offer experiences that are a world away from bustling city life. You'll explore this diverse range of islands as well as Auckland's vibrant waterfront on this five-day extension before or after one of our New Zealand adventures. Based from your Auckland waterfront hotel and accompanied by one of our fantastic local guides, visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum and take day trips by ferry to three distinct islands. Spend a day on Tiritiri Matangi, a wildlife sanctuary and successful conservation story with prolific birdlife, climb to the top of Rangitoto, a volcanic island that juts dramatically from the sea, and walk along gorgeous sandy beaches on Waiheke Island, a haven for artists and winemakers. Each night you can sample some of the city's fabulous "kai moana," or seafood, at lovely restaurants,
Arrive: Auckland, New Zealand
Depart: Auckland, New Zealand
Highlights
- Explore Tiritiri Matangi Island, with its Maori and European history, and Waiheke Island, known for its wineries and white-sand beaches
Itinerary
Arrive at the Auckland International Airport where you'll be transferred to your hotel at the Viaduct Basin, Auckland's vibrant waterfront. Your guide can recommend a place to grab a bite to eat in one of the area's many restaurants, and you can stretch your legs on a stroll through the harbor after your long flight. Overnight at QT Auckland...Meals on your own
Driving Time: 30 minutes
Driving Time: 30 minutes
After breakfast, visit the great Auckland War Memorial Museum, renowned for its unique collection of Maori and Pacific treasures. The exhibit “Scars on the Heart” tells the story of New Zealand at war, while “He Taonga Maori” is a collection of thousands of priceless Maori artifacts, including the last great Maori war canoe carved from a giant totara tree. Then wander along the waterfront to watch yachts from New Zealand's America's Cup yacht racing campaign and learn about the history of the race. New Zealand currently holds the America's Cup trophy and will defend it in Barcelona in 2024. Board a ferry for a short trip to Rangitoto Island, the looming volcanic island that stands guard over Auckland. Evidence of previous eruptions from this dormant volcano can be seen in the landscape as you hike to the top of the volcano for outstanding views of the city and islands of the Hauraki Gulf. The trail to the summit climbs 850 feet above sea level through the world's largest pohutukawa forest. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner is on your own tonight—you'll find wonderful choices near the hotel, from local seafood and wine to lively rooftop bars and gourmet European cuisine...BL
This morning you'll meet your guide and ferry across the gulf to Tiritiri Matangi. Meaning “looking to the wind” in Maori, Tirtiri Matangi is now one of the most successful conservation projects in the world. It's also rich in Maori and European history. Accompanied by a ranger from the Department of Conservation, you'll tour this impressive wildlife sanctuary before setting off on a hike around the island. Today, unwanted predators that once decimated the island have been eradicated, and the previously pastoral land has been replenished with native plants and trees. Rare native birds and reptiles like the unique tuatara lizard have reclaimed their habitats. Look for some of New Zealand's most endangered birds on your hike including the takahe, a large, flightless bird, and the saddleback, a glossy black bird with a chestnut-shaped saddle. In the afternoon, return to Aukland for dinner on your own and overnight at QT Auckland...BL
Take a ferry today to Waiheke Island, known for its wineries, Bohemian artists, and white sandy beaches. Its diverse microclimates create a wide range of soils resulting in a large variety of wines including reds like Merlot and Malbec, and whites from Chardonnay to Pinot Gris. You'll walk around the coastline through vineyards and forests to white sand and surf. In the quaint beach town of Oneroa, stroll into galleries, book stores, gift shops, and quirky cafes, and enjoy lunch at the local Mud Brick Winery where sweeping views stretch across the water. Return to the city to enjoy your last night in Auckland...BL
Driving Time: 15 minutes
Driving Time: 15 minutes
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight home or your New Zealand hiking adventure...B
Driving Time: 30 minutes
Driving Time: 30 minutes
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.