Auckland City Sights & Maori Performance
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Port
Auckland, New Zealand
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Activity Level
Easy
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$99.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Nicknamed the City of Sails, Auckland is one of the few cities in the world to have harbors on two totally different bodies of water. Its coastal location offers visitors and locals alike beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery, and a temperate climate in addition to a cosmopolitan city just waiting to be explored. A diverse population brings an exciting blend of cultures to Auckland -- European, Asian, and South Pacific influences are reflected in the city’s architecture and cultural charm.
A narrated panoramic drive takes you past many of the city’s main points of interest. Driving through the downtown area, you’ll note the contrast in the city’s architectural style -- modern skyscrapers and restored Victorian buildings coexist in harmony. See the colonial-style shops that line the charming streets of the Parnell Village exclusive shopping district.
A crossing of the Auckland Harbour Bridge provides a great view of this dramatic structure linking Auckland with the North Shore residential areas. It also offers a terrific view of the city from a scenic viewpoint.
The Auckland Domain is the city’s oldest park. Located atop a knoll in the center of the domain, the Auckland Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Maori and Polynesian artifacts. Among its collections are monumental carvings, taonga (treasures) of the Maori people, and an 82-foot canoe carved from the trunk of a single totara tree. Experience the Auckland Museum’s cultural performance group called Haka Legend, which offers insight into Maori mythology, genealogy (whakapapa) and spirituality (taha wairua) during a stirring performance of traditional stories, chants and dances, culminating in the world-famous haka war dance. After the performance, have your photo taken with a warrior and tour the Maori Gallery where the young cultural performers are stationed to provide information.
You’ll also have free time to view the exhibits chronicling New Zealand’s experience in World War I and World War II. Highlights include an extremely rare Japanese Zero aircraft and a British Spitfire.
A relaxing motorcoach ride returns you to the port.