Auckland pre/post cruising
4 days/3 nights from $549 per person

Don't think of Auckland as a city, even though it's New Zealand's largest. Think of it as half urban, half marine - a cosmopolitan experience wrapped up in a fascinating water world and surrounded by over 50 islands. Aucklanders enjoy a warm, humid climate and an outdoor lifestyle. One of the best ways to get out and about is to escape to one of the many islands of the Hauraki Gulf and experience their beautiful scenery. Within 40 minutes by ferry of downtown Auckland, visitors can escape to an island experience - Waiheke, Motuihe, Rangitoto - or journey a little further to Tiritiri Matangi, Kawau or Great Barrier. The Hauraki Gulf experience is complemented by a modern evolving city with restaurants and bars, theatre, art and fashion, a host of new luxury accommodation and a vibrant waterfront. With an infusion of new restaurants and bars, Auckland is a leader in Pacific Rim dining, a style unique to New Zealand - combining fresh seafood and meats with flavors borrowed from Europe, the Mediterranean, Polynesia and Thailand.

Day 1
Arrive Auckland. Transfer to the Hyatt Regency hotel where you will stay for the next three nights. The hotel enjoys stunning views of the Auckland harbor and parks and is located just a few minutes walk from the city centre and Auckland's numerous attractions. Click for more details...

Day 2
This morning depart for the wharf on your whale and dolphin safari.

Considered one of the most biologically and geographically diverse marine parks in the world, 22 species of marine mammal have been identified in the Hauraki Gulf, almost 1/3 of the entire world’s population of species.

You will be spellbound by the spectacle of a feeding frenzy involving sea birds, whales and dolphins or see small pods of dolphins playing around the boat. Wherever the most exciting whale and dolphin activity is, we aim to find it for you, whilst showing you some of the most significant cultural and historical parts of this amazing maritime park.

With six years of continued scientific program undertaken onboard, the crew are probably New Zealand’s most experienced and knowledgeable. On Auckland’s Whale and Dolphin Safari you will experience the Hauraki Gulf from the most comfortable and stable whale watching vessel in New Zealand. The luxury 20m high speed catamaran is designed specifically for the sea conditions of this unique area.

Day 3
Today enjoy New Zealand Wild Escape's Auckland Discovery Tour

After being greeted by your guide at the hotel, we make our way to Mount Eden, a dormant volcano whose majestic bowl-like crater is 50 meters deep. Following this we visit one of Auckland’s best kept secrets, the Waitakere Ranges. Situated only 30 minutes drive from the city centre, the Waitakere Ranges offer a beautiful rainforest setting.

It is here that we enter the Arataki Centre to learn a little about the indigenous Maori people. Have the chance to view Maori carvings and admire the spectacular views from the Tasman Sea to the West. We take a short stroll through the rainforest to view magnificent Kauri trees and giant ferns.

From here we continue onto New Zealand’s rugged west coast and the awesome black sands of Karekare Beach. Here we take time to stroll along this beach made famous by the movie “The Piano”.

We return to Auckland through the Domain, past the Auckland Museum to enjoy a beautiful café style lunch at the Fish Pot Café whilst enjoying splendid views. After lunch we visit the Parnell Rose Garden where you can view over 4,500 varieties of plants.

Then through to Parnell Village and onto the city to visit the America’s Cup Village and bustling Queen Street, before arriving back at the hotel.

Day 4
Depart Auckland