The Hauraki Hopper

Get up early in the morning and embark the ferry at Auckland's main wharf, for a 9.15am departure. It's just a short trip to Auckland's youngest and largest volcano. Emerging from the sea some 600+ years ago, this pest-free island offers well-maintained paths to reach the summit and you can enjoy sweeping views across the Gulf. Choose to take the 12.25pm or 2.30pm ferry back to Downtown Auckland, where you can enjoy some well-deserved refreshments in the Viaduct area.

Inclusions:

• Rangitoto return Ferry (from Auckland CBD)
• 3 Accommodation in central Auckland

Local Tips:

• Rangitoto Summit is worth the climb as it offers amazing views back across to Auckland City.

Today you will take the 30-minute ferry to Auckland's famous wine-island: Waiheke. Known for its micro-climate and leisure lifestyle, it's a perfect destination to get away from it all. With countless wineries and breathtaking views, this is the perfect spot to relax and unwind. Indulge in lunch at one of the fabulous wineries on offer, enjoy an ice cream and a beach walk in Oneroa or go surfing at Onetangi Bay. There's something for everyone. Overnight on Waiheke.

Inclusions:

• Breakfast
• Waiheke Ferry from Auckland CBD
• 3 Accommodation on Waiheke Island

Local Tips:

• Oneroa Village offers a great place to wander around the shops or grab a bite/drink.
• If you enjoy a breathtaking beach - Onetangi or Palm Beach is worth a visit. With glorious sandy beaches and calm waters, choose to relax on the beach, take a dip or take a walk.

After a good breakfast, you will be picked up from your accommodation at 10am for an exclusive wine tour. Every tour features a different collection of vineyards but you can rest-assured that the Waiheke wines won't disappoint you! After a day filled with wine tasting (the tour officially ends around 5pm), enjoy your last evening on Waiheke Island. Overnight on Waiheke.

Inclusions:

• Breakfast
• Premium Waiheke wine tour - includes complimentary wine tasting; commentary about Waiheke; 4+ vineyards; experienced guide; plus more.
• 3 Accommodation on Waiheke Island

Local Tips:

• Why not have fish & chips on the beach - a true Kiwi traditional dinner!

Take the stunning ferry ride back to the City of Sails and have the afternoon at your leisure. Perhaps have a stroll along the ever-changing waterfront, or visit some cosy cafes and boutique stores on Ponsonby Road. Auckland, often overlooked, has so many things to offer and is begging to be explored!

Inclusions:

• Breakfast
• Return ferry from Waiheke to Auckland CBD
• 3 Accommodation in central Auckland

Local Tips:

• For city views, why not head up the popular Sky Tower and enjoy a drink at one of the bars. Or if you're feeling a little more adventurous, head over to Mount Eden and hike to the summit for some incredible 360 views of the city.
• Alternatively, take in the stunning beach views on Tamaki Drive and head to St Heliers for a pint on the beach. You could even hire a bike to work up an appetite and breath in the fresh sea air!

A very special trip is planned for today - a guided walk on the pest-free Island of Tiritiri Matangi. This stunning wildlife sanctuary is reachable on a 75-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. It's a paradise for nature lovers, particularly birdwatchers: Can you spot a Takahē and Kōkako? With its lush rainforest, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Your guide will lead you to the Korora (Little Blue Penguin) nesting boxes and show you all the best spots on the island! The tracks are a mix of hard grass, boardwalks and steps so a form of fitness is required, but rest assured it is suitable for all ages. At the end of your guided tour, complimentary coffee and tea is awaiting you at the Visitor's Centre, just steps away from New Zealand's oldest working Lighthouse.

Inclusions:

• Breakfast
• Return ferry from Auckland CBD to Tiritiri Matangi
• Guided walk on Tiritiri Matangi
• Accommodation in central Auckland

Local Tips:

• While Tiritiri Matangi is primarily known for the birds, there are other kinds of wildlife on the island, so look out for dolphins, the copper butterfly, the endangered Tuatara and more.

One of the most well-known islands of the Hauraki Gulf is Aotea/Great Barrier. Today you wake up early to catch the morning ferry or plane. The rugged landscape and golden beaches are simply breathtaking. The island will bring a real sense of adventure and has something in store for everyone. Hike, bike, fish, dive, surf - you name it! You'll be picked up from the Great Barrier airport or ferry terminal and taken to your accommodation. Did you know that Great Barrier Island is officially a Dark Sky Sanctuary. Due to the low light pollution, you have great opportunities to see the Milky Way and tonight you will join a guided tour to learn more about our galaxy. You'll meet the tour in a stunning, dark island location. Lean back in a comfy moon chair, hear the waves lap against the shore, look up and see the thousands of stars visible in a Dark Sky Sanctuary. Let one of our passionate Good Heavens guides illuminate you on the magical display, and hear stories about the stars. Note: In case of unfavourable weather, the Dark Sky Reserve can be changed to a later date.

Inclusions:

• Breakfast
• Ferry or flight from Auckland to Great Barrier
• Great Barrier Island transfer to accommodation
• Dark Sky Experience - your guides will draw constellations in the sky, while you enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or herbal tea. Stargazing does not get more enjoyable than this!
• Accommodation on Great Barrier

Local Tips:

• Different seasons offer different opportunities when it comes to stargazing. In winter the stunning, dense galactic centre of the Milky Way is visible and high up in the sky. It also gets dark a lot earlier with tours starting at 7.30pm, whereas in the Summer months the start time can be as late as 9.30pm. However summer also offers many interesting constellations and star clusters to gaze at, and the temperature is lovely.
• Bring a good torch and experience paradise - off the grid! There is no reticulated electricity supply on the island; therefore there are no streetlights and as the locals harness energy from the sun and wind, sometimes there is limited power.
• There are also no banks or ATMs on the island. Most places accept credit and/or eftpos card but we recommend you taking some cash as well.

Time to get out there and explore. Motorbikes are a unique experience and a way to transport yourself across the island. The electric motorbikes can go up to 70 km/h which means you can cover quite some distance across the island. With limited public transport, this provides you with all the freedom to discover Aotea / Great Barrier. Perhaps have a look at the Milk & Honey Museum (koha entry) or check out the waves at Medlands Beach. The island is yours to explore. Note: A full drivers license is required to rent a Motorbike. Please contact us if you don't have one.

Inclusions:

• Breakfast
• Moto hire - includes pickup from accommodation, moped helmet, first aid kit, tie downs for equipment/bags as required, and rain jacket/trousers and drybag - for rider comfort.
• Accommodation on Great Barrier

Local Tips:

• Take care on the Great Barrier roads, they're mainly windy, often narrow, occasionally unsealed and have no centre line. Remember to keep left. You'll be sharing the road with pedestrians, bikes and horses but no one is in a big hurry on Great Barrier!
• There are no supermarkets on the island but general stores sell a good variety of supplies including fresh fruit, vegetables, milk & bread and wine, beers and spirits etc.

You have a full day to explore this fantastic playground. Check-out the fishing charters from Tryphena Harbour or take a scenic cruise from Port Fitzroy. Other options are taking a soak in the Kaitoke Natural Hot Springs or tackling a part of the Aotea Track (ideal for nature-lovers and bird-watchers). One way or another - ensure you maximise your last day on Aotea!

Inclusions:

• Breakfast
• Moto hire (day 2)
• Accommodation on Great Barrier

Local Tips:

• Why not head out to Medlands Beach - a fabulous surf beach on the East side of Great Barrier Island.
• For the best views on the island, climb to the top of Mt Hobson (627m/2,057ft). Located in the centre of the Island, there are many tracks to take, with the shortest track leading through the famous Windy Canyon.
• Take an easy walk along the Kaitoke Hot Springs Track , and enjoy a free soak in the sulphurous hot springs.

Today is sadly the final day of your trip and we hope you have created unforgettable memories of the Hauraki Gulf. Upon arrival in Auckland you can opt for an extra night or two in the city, otherwise we wish you a pleasant journey home and hope to welcome you again.

Inclusions:

• Breakfast
• Return flight or ferry from Great Barrier to Auckland