Free cancellation
Activity Auckland, New Zealand
Private Full Day Tour of Auckland from Coast to Coast
About this activity
See a different side of Auckland on a relaxed, private full-day tour from the city and waterfront, through the Waitākere Ranges and lush native rainforest to the rugged volcanic black sands of Piha on Auckland’s west coast.
Start by exploring Auckland’s inner city with a local guide, taking in famous sights, historic suburbs, volcanic viewpoints and a few hidden gems. Around midday, there’s an hour of free time to grab lunch and explore before we head west.
Travel through the Waitākere Ranges to Arataki Visitor Centre for sweeping views across the rainforest and Tasman Sea. Continue through the bush to Karekare Falls for a short walk and a chance to try kawakawa tea with New Zealand honey.
Our final stop is Piha Beach, where you can walk the black sand, see Lion Rock and take in the rugged coastline before heading back to Auckland.
Travel in comfort in a private Mercedes-Benz V-Class, with pickup and drop-off from your Auckland CBD accommodation or cruise ship terminal.
At a glance
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group
- Your group only
- People per booking
- 1–6
- Guide
- English
- Operated by
- Your Kiwi Tour
Ages: Adults (0–100 years)
What is included
Included
- Included: Tea and coffee: Enjoy a cup of locally sourced kawakawa tea sweetened with native New Zealand honey.
- Included: Bottled water
- Included: Explore Karekare Falls, a beautiful 30-metre waterfall hidden within the lush ancient rainforest.
- Included: Explore the Auckland Domain and Wintergardens, the city's oldest park and botanical treasure.
- Included: Visit Arataki Visitor Centre - A chance to enjoy the panoramic views and explore the visitor centre.
- Included: Walk to the summit of Maungawhau / Mount Eden for spectacular 360° views across Auckland.
- Included: Scenic photo stops - Panoramic views across the Auckland city, Waitākere Ranges and West Coast
- Included: Time to walk the iconic Piha black sand beach
- Included: Booster seat: Please let us know if you are travelling with children under 7 years of age so we can provide a suitable safety seat. We will need the age, height and weight of each child under 7.
- Included: Private transportation: Travel in comfort with your personal guide in a modern, air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz V-Class minivan
Not included
- Not included: Airport pick ups or drop-offs are not included in this tour.
- Not included: Personal expenses — Any purchases made during the tour are not included.
- Not included: Gratuities
- Not included: Meals, snacks, and beverages are not included unless specifically mentioned.
Itinerary
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Passing by
We begin by passing the Auckland Ferry Building, a distinctive 1912 waterfront landmark that overlooks the harbour and marks the heart of the city’s transport and trading history.
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Tamaki Drive
Passing by
Follow Auckland’s iconic coastal road with wide views across the Waitematā Harbour as we make our way toward Mission Bay.
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Bastion Point
20 min
A beautifully landscaped clifftop reserve offering sweeping views across the Waitematā Harbour. Explore the memorial to Michael Joseph Savage and and learn why this is one of Auckland’s most significant viewpoints.
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Mission Bay
20 min
Stop to enjoy one of Auckland’s favourite beaches. Feel the sand beneath your toes, admire the pōhutukawa trees along the shoreline, or take a moment to photograph the view across to Rangitoto Island.
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Winter Garden Auckland Domain
40 min
Explore the heritage glasshouses, including the Tropical House and Cool House, before walking down into the tranquil Fernery tucked into an old quarry beneath the gardens.
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45 min
Take a short walk to the summit for sweeping 360-degree views over Auckland’s skyline, twin harbours, and volcanic landscape.
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Karangahape Road (K Road)
Passing by
Once a Māori walking track along the ridge and later one of Auckland’s busiest shopping streets. Today, as we drive through, you’ll see a vibrant mix of heritage buildings, street art, LGBTQ plus culture, and the colourful nightlife the road has long been known for.
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Passing by
The heart of Auckland’s CBD, where 19th-century architecture meets busy retail, theatres, and business life. As we drive through, you’ll see how the city has grown from its early colonial beginnings to the modern metropolis it is today.
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Passing by
We pass this 1911 Edwardian Baroque landmark beside Aotea Square, known for its clocktower and beautifully restored concert hall.
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Auckland Central
one hour
Enjoy approximately 1 hour of free time around the Sky Tower to have lunch or as you choose.
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Arataki Visitor Centre - Waitakere Ranges
30 min
Stop at Arataki Visitor Centre for some of the best views over the Waitākere Ranges and out towards the Tasman Sea. Take a wander around the viewing decks, have a look at the impressive Māori carvings, and learn a little about the area’s natural and cultural history. It’s also a good spot for a quick bathroom stop before we continue down to the west coast.
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Karekare Falls
30 min
Explore Karekare Falls, a beautiful 30-metre waterfall hidden within the lush Waitākere Ranges. Take a short rainforest walk to the falls, then relax with locally sourced kawakawa tea sweetened with Native New Zealand honey — a unique taste of New Zealand surrounded by ancient native forest.
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30 min
At Piha Beach, step onto Auckland’s iconic black-sand coastline and take in the dramatic west coast scenery. Learn how the volcanic sand was formed, explore the shoreline, and enjoy views of Lion Rock and the rugged cliffs. There’s plenty of time for photos, fresh sea air, and soaking up Piha’s wild coastal atmosphere.
Meeting point and pickup
The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.
Pickup points
- Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences
- M Social Hotel Auckland
- SkyCity Hotel Auckland
- Crowne Plaza Auckland By IHG
- Ramada Suites By Wyndham Victoria Street West
- Travelodge Hotel Auckland Wynyard Quarter
- Grand Millennium Auckland
- Adina Auckland Britomart
- QT Auckland
- Legacy Airedale Hotel Auckland
- Quest Auckland Serviced Apartments
- Sudima Auckland City
and 27 more pickup points
Please be ready at your confirmed pickup location and clearly visible to your guide at least 5 minutes before departure.
Hotel pickups:
Wait inside the main hotel lobby, near the entrance, so your guide can easily locate you.
Cruise/Port pickups:
Please wait at the designated passenger pickup zone and keep an eye out for your guide.
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket.
Using your ticket
Please present your mobile ticket to your guide at pickup.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
| If you cancel | You get back |
|---|---|
| At least one day before | 100% |
| Less than a day before | 0% |
- The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
Good to know
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Specialized infant seats are available
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Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Please let us know if you are travelling with children under 7 years of age so we can provide a suitable safety seat. We will need the age, height and weight of each child under 7.
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Travellers must be able to safely enter and exit a standard vehicle without assistance.
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Private Full Day Tour of Auckland from Coast to Coast
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