New Zealand · AUCKLAND TOURS

The 15 Best Auckland Tours & Day Trips

267 tours  ·  from $12

Auckland is a harbour city that most people use as a launch pad. The 15 below cover the city itself, the ferry to Waiheke, the whale and dolphin boats, and the long day trips south to Hobbiton and Waitomo.

Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise - Rangitoto and the island waters of the Gulf
Auckland Tours, Boat Tours in Auckland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

1.Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,790 reviews · from $135Our pick

Cruise Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf aboard a 65-foot catamaran with marine research scientists. Look for dolphins, Bryde’s whales, seals, blue penguins, sharks, and rare seabirds while learning about conservation. The 4.5-hour trip leaves Viaduct Harbour, visits island waters, and returns to central Auckland.

“Wonderful start to finish with excellent staff, more dolphins than I ever expected and endless beautiful views all around the gulf. Can’t recommend this highly enough!”

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Auckland Explorer: Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Tour - Starting downtown at Customs Street
Auckland Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Auckland Explorer: Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Tour

2.Auckland Explorer: Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,180 reviews · from $43

Explore Auckland by air-conditioned hop-on hop-off bus, with English commentary, WiFi, and one or two days to visit Sky Tower, Auckland Museum, Mount Eden, Parnell, Bastion Point, and Kelly Tarlton’s. Stay aboard for the city loop or hop off at major sights. Seasonal schedules apply.

“Easy to redeem voucher at one of two places in the city. Great way to get around and learn about a new city.”

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Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour - Harbour Bridge views at Westhaven Marina
Auckland Tours, City Tours, City Tours in Auckland, Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours

Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour

3.Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,080 reviews · from $46Top rated

This four-hour Auckland tour uses a small, air-conditioned vehicle for up to 18 people. Guides such as Josh, John, and Paul combine city history with local stories, taking you from the Ferry Building and Harbour Bridge to Mt Eden, Mission Bay, and Achilles Point.

“Paul was our guide, and the tour was fantastic. Paul really knew so much about New Zealand and Auckland and was eager to share.it. We were sent a picture of where to meet with a reminder of the date and time beforehand. The vehicle for the tour was clean, comfortable and reliable. I’d highly recommend this tour !”

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Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise - Four and a half hours on the Hauraki Gulf
Auckland Tours, Boat Tours in Auckland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

4.Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,072 reviews · 4h 30m · from $130

Spend 4.5 hours aboard the 65-foot Dolphin Explorer with marine scientists and guides such as Emily, Sanaa, John, and Toni. Cruise from Auckland past North Head and Rangitoto Island, search for dolphins, orcas, whales, penguins, and seabirds, and see research work in progress. A free second cruise is offered if no marine mammals appear.

“The upfront weather communications and crew were amazing on a very challenging weather day!”

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Auckland: Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Ticket - The Red Inner route, from the Sky Tower to the waterfront
Auckland Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Auckland: Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Ticket

5.Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,064 reviews · 1 day · from $38

Ride Auckland’s Explorer Bus for one day, using the Red Inner route year round and the Blue Outer route from October to April. See the Sky Tower, Auckland Museum, Mount Eden, Parnell, Bastion Point, the zoo, and more. English commentary, multilingual app audio, WiFi, clean buses, and wheelchair access are included. Attraction entry costs extra.

“Both Red and Blue lines take 1 1/2 hours total and a great way to see where everything is located.”

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Wētā Workshop Unleashed Tour - Auckland - Entering the horror, sci-fi, and fantasy rooms
Auckland Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Workshops

Wētā Workshop Unleashed Tour – Auckland

6.Wētā Workshop Unleashed Tour – Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 903 reviews · from $40

At Auckland’s SkyCity, a guide such as Ellie, Ema, Mac, or Kris leads you through three original film worlds built around horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. Expect animatronics, costumes, miniatures, a giant, a galactic robot, hands-on effects, and a few jump scares during this 90-minute tour.

“Fun, creative and and interesting with a good guide. Quite a lot of standing and maybe slightly too long”

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Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland - Walking beneath giant tree ferns
Auckland Tours, Beach Tours, Beach Tours in Auckland, Tour Reviews, Tours

Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland

7.Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 807 reviews · from $124

Leave Auckland after lunch with Bush and Beach for Arataki Visitor Centre, a guided rainforest walk, and Piha Beach. Guides such as Ian, Annie, Leon, and Meredith share Māori history, local plants, birds, and coastal stories. Hotel pickup, tea, coffee, juice, cookies, and raincoats when needed are included.

“Really great day! Rainforest and the beautiful Piha Beach. Rainy day but with raincoats (provided if you didn’t have one) no problem. Rain added to the dramatic coast/beach at Piha. I had done the tour previously (solo) about two years ago. I Read more”

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Auckland Sky Tower General Admission Ticket - The best time to visit is tied to the weather
Auckland Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Auckland Sky Tower General Admission Ticket

8.Auckland Sky Tower General Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 805 reviews · from $24Best value

Visit Auckland’s 328-meter Sky Tower for sweeping views across Waitemata Harbour, Mount Eden, Waiheke Island, and beyond. Your ticket covers the observation decks, including clear floor sections and multiple viewing levels. Allow about an hour, and consider timing your visit for sunset or evening city lights.

“A great way to see the lay of the land and appreciate the beautiful city of Auckland .go first thing in the morning to beat the crowds”

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Auckland Scenic Half-Day City Sightseeing Tour - From Quay Street to Westhaven Marina
Auckland Tours, City Tours, City Tours in Auckland, Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours

Auckland Scenic Half-Day City Sightseeing Tour

9.Auckland Scenic Half-Day City Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 532 reviews · 4 hours · from $44

You’ll cover Auckland’s waterfront, Harbour Bridge, Northcote Point, Ponsonby, K Road, Mount Eden, Mission Bay, St Heliers, and Achilles Point in four hours. Local guides such as Josh, Paul, David, and Johnno add history, Māori culture, humour, and practical city tips. The small coach makes sightseeing easy, though most stops are brief.

“Given my short stay in Auckland, the tour was informative and excellent value.”

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2025 Award Winning: Auckland City Highlights Half Day Tour - Auckland Harbour Bridge: a quick lesson in the city’s shape
Auckland Tours, City Tours, City Tours in Auckland, Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours

2025 Award Winning: Auckland City Highlights Half Day Tour

10.2025 Award Winning: Auckland City Highlights Half Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 516 reviews · from $99

See Auckland Harbour Bridge, North Head, Mount Eden, the Wintergardens, and Holy Trinity Cathedral in about four hours. With pickup from CBD hotels and Princes or Queens Wharfs, groups capped at 10, and guides such as Sean, Lenna, Leo, and Brendon, this is a practical first look at the City of Sails.

“Small group excursion . Wonderful commentary and personal experiences. Brenden was able to read the members of our group and accommodate everyone”

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Northern Explorer Train Journey from Wellington to Auckland - Along the Kapiti Coast and the western shore
Auckland Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

Northern Explorer Train Journey from Wellington to Auckland

11.Northern Explorer Train Journey from Wellington to Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 513 reviews · from $157

Travel from Wellington to Auckland in about 11 hours on the Northern Explorer. You’ll pass the Kapiti Coast, Waikato farmland, and Tongariro National Park, with views of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro. GPS-triggered commentary, comfortable seats, open-air viewing decks, toilets, and a licensed café make this a relaxed alternative to driving.

“Good, beautiful views, but disappointed that there was no information about us having to change from the train to the bus to get to Auckland.”

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The Classic: our most popular electric bike tour of Auckland's Highlights - Auckland Museum and the city’s past
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The Classic: our most popular electric bike tour of Auckland’s Highlights

12.The Classic: our most popular electric bike tour of Auckland’s Highlights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 497 reviews · from $111

Cycle Auckland for 3.5 hours on an electric mountain bike with a guide such as Eddie, Carson, Matthew, or Cameron. Ride to Mt Eden, Auckland Museum, the Viaduct, Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter, and the Harbour Bridge, using cycleways and some city streets. Bikes, helmets, headsets, rain jackets, storage, and photos are included.

“Don’t hesitate to book this experience. Our guide Eddie was so knowledgeable about all areas of the city. Auckland is incredibly bike friendly too. We loved it.”

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Arrival Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland Central City Centre - What happens when you meet the driver
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Arrival Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland Central City Centre

13.Arrival Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland Central City Centre

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 493 reviews · from $26

Book a one-way shared minivan from Auckland Airport to an Auckland City Centre hotel. The service runs from both international and domestic terminals, carries up to 11 people, and includes luggage help from a professional driver. Expect a short airport walk, possible waiting for other passengers, and direct hotel drop-off within the city zone.

“Know that your ticket doesn’t say super shuttle but that is the correct company. One super shuttle driver told us we were with a different company but then the next driver had our reservation. You may have to ask more than one driver.”

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Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner - Waitematā Harbour, Auckland’s best front-row seat
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Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner

14.Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 476 reviews · from $105

Board a 50-foot sailing yacht at Viaduct Harbour for a 2.5-hour evening cruise past the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, Ferry Building, and Mt. Eden. Your captain provides live commentary, and you may help raise the sails or try the wheel. A welcome drink, jackets, blankets, and a three-course dinner are included.

“Great experience first timer on a sail boat and water, even though the weather was cold and rainy. The two were great, drinks went down well”

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Auckland: All Blacks Experience Guided Cultural Tour - The guide sets the pace
Auckland Tours, Guided, Maori Culture Tours, Maori Culture Tours in Auckland, Tour Reviews, Tours

Auckland: All Blacks Experience Guided Cultural Tour

15.All Blacks Experience Guided Cultural Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 453 reviews · 1h 30m · from $41

Join an English-speaking guide such as Reuben, Sam, Alex, or Cess for a 45-minute journey through All Blacks history, Māori and Pasifika culture, a replica changing room, haka presentation, and interactive rugby games. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours with the activity zone and Auckland’s largest All Blacks store.

“I enjoyed learning more about the love of rugby in this country it’s interactive and interesting for all ages.”

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New in Auckland Tours

★ 4.5Auckland Airport Private One-Way or Round-Trip Transfer14 reviews
★ 4.5Kumeu Wine Region Shuttle from AucklandFrom $6819 reviews
★ 5.0Auckland’s Wild West Coast & Black Sand Beaches Tour inc LunchFrom $10812 reviews
★ 5.0Wētā Workshop Unleashed – Intro to Scars and Scrapes WorkshopFrom $405 reviews
★ 5.0West Coast Discovery TourFrom $14237 reviews
★ 3.5West Coast Discovery – Piha Beach or Muriwai Beach from AucklandFrom $1236 reviews
★ 5.0West Coast Discovery Piha Beach Private TourFrom $35114 reviews
★ 5.0Vibrosaun Therapy ExperienceFrom $1824 reviews
★ 5.0Ultimate Auckland Experience Full Day Tour with Brewery LunchFrom $1556 reviews
★ 4.5Auckland Full Day Attractions & Museums TourFrom $2173 reviews
★ 5.0Twilight Wild Kiwi Bird Encounter Private TourFrom $5893 reviews
★ 5.0Auckland Town and Country Delights TourFrom $1839 reviews
★ 4.5Private Auckland’s West Coast – Piha/ Muriwai – Wild West Tour12 reviews
★ 4.5Tiritiri Matangi Island Discovery – from AucklandFrom $6817 reviews
★ 4.0Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island CruiseFrom $10517 reviews

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