Half Day Tour EAST AUCKLAND Explorer and Scenic Ferry Return

Auckland , New Zealand

Half Day Tour EAST AUCKLAND Explorer and Scenic Ferry Return

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About this experience

Explore the rich history and picturesque landscapes of East Auckland on this half-day tour. Cruise along scenic Tāmaki Drive with stunning coastal views and a photo stop at Bastion Point.

Discover the Howick Historical Village where colonial life comes alive through heritage buildings and gardens.

Enjoy breathtaking views from Stockade Hill Lookout, steeped in military history, before heading to Musick Point Peninsula for stunning coastal vistas.

Relax at Bucklands Beach and take a leisurely break at Half Moon Bay Marina, culminating your adventure with a scenic ferry ride across the Waitematā Harbour, offering views of yachts and the city skyline.

- Visit the award-winning Howick Historical Village and explore its heritage attractions
- Experience panoramic views at Stockade Hill Lookout, a site of historical significance
- Enjoy the scenic beauty of the coastline at Musick Point Peninsula
- Conclude with a relaxing ferry ride across the Waitematā Harbour

Available options

Half Day Tour EAST AUCKLAND Explorer and Scenic Ferry Return

Pickup included

What's included

Admission fee

Public transportation

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Pickup from Auckland CBD, drive through the world famous Tamaki Drive to Auckland East.

A drive along Tāmaki Drive is one of Auckland’s most scenic coastal routes. Stretching from the city centre to St Heliers Bay, it offers stunning views of the Waitematā Harbour, Rangitoto Island, and golden beaches like Mission Bay and Kohimarama. Stop along the way at Bastion Point - Michael Joseph Savage memorial for photos — it’s a must-do Auckland experience.

Stop 3

Step back into the 1840–1880s at the award-winning Howick Historical Village. Explore heritage houses, schools, and shops filled with authentic furniture and textiles. With its gardens and 7-acre grounds, the Village paints a vivid picture of colonial life in early Auckland.

Enjoy panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf at Stockade Hill Lookout, a historic site once home to a military stockade during British colonisation. The earthwork remains tell stories of a time when settlers defended their fledgling community.

Drive through the lush golf course to the clifftop headland at Musick Point Peninsula. The lookout offers stunning coastal vistas where the Motukorea Channel meets the Tāmaki Strait. The area is steeped in wartime communication history, once serving as a strategic radio station.

Soak in the relaxed seaside vibe of Bucklands Beach and Eastern Beach. Gentle golden sands and sweeping views make for the perfect photo stop and a taste of Kiwi beach culture. Do a little board walk to the Halfmoon bay.

Arrive at Half Moon Bay Marina for a short break. Stroll around the waterfront, enjoy a coffee or ice cream, and prepare for the scenic ferry ride. End your East Auckland adventure with a relaxing ferry ride across the Waitematā Harbour. Glide past yachts and city skylines for the perfect finish to your half-day experience.

What's not included

Coffee and/or Tea

Snacks

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, known for its stunning harbor, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant multicultural scene. With over 50 trails and 22 islands, it's a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Top Attractions

Auckland Sky Tower

The Sky Tower is Auckland's tallest structure, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.

Architecture 1-2 hours NZD 39 for observation deck, NZD 189 for SkyJump

Auckland War Memorial Museum

This museum offers a comprehensive look at New Zealand's history, culture, and natural environment.

Museum 2-3 hours NZD 25 for adults, free for children under 15

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is known for its beautiful beaches, vineyards, and olive groves.

Nature Full day Ferry fare NZD 18-25 one way

Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto Island is a volcanic island offering hiking trails and panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf.

Adventure Half day Ferry fare NZD 18-25 one way

Auckland Zoo

Auckland Zoo is home to over 1,400 animals and offers educational programs and conservation efforts.

Family 2-3 hours NZD 30 for adults, NZD 18 for children

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hāngī

A traditional Maori method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven. Meats and vegetables are cooked slowly in the earth oven, giving them a unique smoky flavor.

Dinner Contains meat, can be vegetarian if requested

Pavlova

A meringue-based dessert with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, usually topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

Dessert Gluten-free, can be made vegan

Fish and Chips

A classic New Zealand takeaway food, featuring fresh fish (usually snapper or tarakihi) and chips, often served with tartare sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish, can be gluten-free if requested

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Skydiving Beach activities Spa treatments Wine tasting Maori cultural performances Museum visits

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and numerous outdoor events. It's perfect for beach activities and hiking.

20-25°C 68-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Maori
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Time Zone

GMT+12

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Auckland is generally safe, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Auckland Airport • 21 km south of the city center

By train

Auckland Railway Station

By bus

Auckland Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Auckland. The network includes local, frequent, and express services.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Ola

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

CBD (Central Business District) Ponsonby Devonport Mission Bay

Day trips

Waiheke Island

35 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland • Full day

Waiheke Island is known for its beautiful beaches, vineyards, and olive groves. It offers a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Rangitoto Island

25 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland • Half day

Rangitoto Island is a volcanic island offering hiking trails and panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf.

Hobbiton Movie Set

2.5 hours by car from Auckland • Full day

The Hobbiton Movie Set is a popular tourist attraction featuring the filming locations from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies.

Festivals

Auckland Arts Festival • March Auckland Diwali Festival • October/November Auckland Pride Festival • February

Pro tips

Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cultural performances.
Take a ferry to Waiheke Island for a day trip, and book a wine tour in advance to ensure availability.
Explore the city's vibrant food scene by visiting the La Cigale French Market or the Auckland Night Markets.
Hike up to the summit of Rangitoto Island for stunning panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf.
Use the AT HOP card for easy and discounted public transport fares.