Top Things to do
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- Wahieke Island
- Devonport
- Rangitoto Island
- Mt Eden
- Sky Tower
- Auckland Museum
- Sea Life Aquarium Kelly Tarlton’s
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Waiheke Island
Waiheke is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves, and beaches; all just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. In landscape, lifestyle, and experience; Waiheke is a world away. The white sandy beaches at Oneroa, Palm Beach, and Onetangi slope gently down into the Hauraki Gulf and are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or having a picnic.
If you’re a walker, explore the island’s trails which meander along cliff tops, down to the beaches, and into cool enclaves of native forest
Getting there
Catch one of the regular ferries that run to Waiheke from downtown Auckland. Once on the island, there are public buses and taxis, or you can hire a mountain bike, motor scooter, or car.
Fullers ferry
Over 25 daily departures from downtown Auckland and a bar/café & free Wi-Fi on-board.
Waiheke Island offers a diverse selection of wine tours and famous vineyard restaurants. Whether you are looking for an intimate private tour, small group or casual outing, the Concierge team at the Grand Millennium can design and facilitate a wine tour experience around your time and budget requirements. Lonely Planet has listed Waiheke as one of the world’s top 10 regions in the world to visit.
Fullers – Waiheke Island explorer Hop on Hop off bus
Fullers ferry have introduced a completely new way to get around Waiheke by combining your ferry travel with the Waiheke Explorer Hop-on Hop-off tour bus.
This double-decker and single level bus experience is designed to let you see more of the island for less and see it in a completely new way at your own pace!
It is the most flexible and cost effective tour option on the island. Introducing you to the island’s top spots, hop on and off as much as you like at any of its 15 convenient stops,
which include vineyards, beaches and restaurants. If you prefer, stay on board and enjoy a 1 and a half hour scenic tour of the island.
You have tons of flexibility as you pay for your own tastings and meals depending on the vineyard you choose to stop.
The bus stops at some of the island’s iconic spots including Oneroa Village, Onetangi Beach, and Waiheke’s top vineyards – Mudbrick Vineyard, Cable Bay Vineyard, Stonyridge, Batch Vinery, Tantalus vineyard.
Devonport
Taking a short 12-minute ferry trip to Devonport is the easiest of days out. No crowded theme parks with long queues, no need to suffer angst looking for a parking space and no chain stores. Devonport village has an eclectic retro feel about it with boutique stores, galleries, parks, cafes and museums.
Walk on the beautiful Devonport marina, head to the naval Museum, short stroll from the marina leads you to the picturesque Cheltenham beach, climb up the historic North head to experience Auckland’s top lookout point for sunrise and sunset.
Visit Auckland’s West coast
Auckland’s award winning Tour Company Bush & Beach takes you on a half day guided nature tour to Auckland’s wild, black sand beaches and lush rainforest. Auckland’s coastal rainforest and the Waitakere Ranges are only 30 kilometres from downtown Auckland. In just 30 minutes, you leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquillity of the rainforest. Our experienced guides unfold the story of the forest that covers this land with its unique flora and fauna.
Climb Mount Eden
Mount Eden is Auckland city’s highest natural point and its 50-metre deep crater and surrounds hold an important place in Māori history, only about 45 minute walk from the hotel or a short drive and a gentle climb to top will give some breath-taking views of Auckland city.
Kelly Tarlton’s
Experience Auckland’s magical underwater world at Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s aquarium.
A fantastic underwater adventure awaits for kids at Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium. Each school holidays, Auckland’s famous aquarium hosts kids activities packed full of fun and learning. Simply an amazing school holiday fun you’ll find in Auckland.
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s is also a completely undercover attraction making it the perfect indoor school holidays activity come rain, hail or shine and only a 10-minute drive or 6km (3.7 miles) from downtown Auckland Indeed a perfect family day out!!!
Adventure day out
Skydive Auckland
Skydive Auckland offers the highest tandem skydive in New Zealand, where you can jump from a thrilling 20,000ft. Imagine the excitement of freefalling at a speed of 200+ km/hr with a spectacular and unique backdrop of both the east and west coasts of New Zealand. After freefall you will enjoy the serenity of a beautiful parachute ride and see stunning views in every direction. As soon as you are down, you will want to do it all over again!
Skydive Auckland is located in Parakai, an easy 45 minute drive from Auckland City. With free transport provided (subject to availability), Skydive Auckland is the ultimate tandem skydive destination in New Zealand.
A J Hackett Bungy
Experience Bungy in Auckland, this is where it all started. Indulge in this 40-metre descent from the walkways of the Auckland Harbour Bridge has become a veritable staple of the city’s adventure line up. Not only does the Auckland Bridge Climb & Bungy offer the only salt water, ocean touch in all of New Zealand, but it’s the perfect way to catch panoramic views of the city’s iconic Waitemata Harbour.
Visit Rotorua
Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland known for its bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as howcasing our fascinating Māori culture. From crystal-clear streams and magical forests, to epic biking trails and explosive geysers, Rotorua has it all. The city offers a raft of attractions and experiences for everyone from adventure-seekers to those just looking to unwind. After marvelling at the distinctive landscapes and volcanic activity within a geothermal park, enjoy a simple soak in a natural hot stream or indulge in a wellness getaway at a luxurious spa.
Coromandel
The Coromandel, renowned for its pristine beaches, misty forests and laid-back vibe, is one of New Zealand’s most popular holiday destinations. Visit Cathedral Cove- New Zealand’s top recreation reserve near the town of Hahei that is accessed by foot, boat or kayak, is the jewel in the Coromandel’s crown and a historical treasure to its local Māori guardians; by far one of the most picturesque spots in The Coromandel
Hot Water Beach
Within two hours either side of low tide visitors flock to the usually deserted Hot Water Beach to find hot water bubbling through the golden sand. Families, kids and couples can be seen digging their own spa pool in the sand and relaxing in the natural springs. Often rated as one of the world’s most renowned beaches – this is one experience that should be on your bucket list. A truly unique Kiwi experience that every New Zealander should experience at least once in their lifetime!
Contact the friendly Concierge Team to organize any excursions.