For the water babies...
Auckland is set on three beautiful harbours and is home to more than 50 islands, so it’s no coincidence the city has such a great range of water-based activities to offer. If you’ve got well-faring sea-legs, there are plenty of maritime endeavours to keep you busy on a long weekend in Auckland.
Day 1
Touchdown in Auckland and transfer to your hotel, then make your way to the harbour to take in the breadth of the city. Stop in at the Viaduct Harbour, where you can select a trendy restaurant or bar to settle into for the evening then sit back, relax, and enjoy a fresh and tasty Kiwi dinner on the waterfront.
Alternatively, hop on over to the Britomart precinct in the heart of downtown, where you’ll find everything from Japanese to Vietnamese cuisine.
Day 2
Explore Auckland’s cafe culture over breakfast by the harbour then get ready to board the Pride of Auckland sailing cruise. What better way to discover Auckland’s picture perfect harbour than on a relaxed Harbour Sailing Cruise?
Imagine the wind in your hair and the fresh sea air enlivening the senses, enjoying a drink and chat to the friendly crew as the wind picks up in the sails and glides you under the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Sailing enthusiasts can take a rope or steer the helm with the help of the yacht crew. Just don’t miss taking in the bustling city views – this one of the best views the ‘City of Sails’ has to offer! Enjoy a leisurely dinner at the trendy Viaduct Harbour dining precinct.
Day 3
Get your engines started with a 10am Jet Boat Tour. Be whipped around the harbour at up to 90 kilometres an hour on a 35 minute long, action-packed ride. Zip under the Auckland Harbour Bridge, past the iconic Chelsea Sugar Factory to Kauri Point. The real fun begins out on Waitemata Harbour, hang on tight as the jet engines roar into action with high-speed fish tails, wave riding and power slides.
Let your heart-rate come down over lunch then gear up for an afternoon sailing an authentic America’s Cup yacht. This is your chance to sail the only America’s Cup yachts available to the public in the country.
You can get as stuck in as you like – take the helm, get your pulse racing on the grinders, or simply sit back and enjoy the scenic trip across the harbour. The professional crew on board will teach you everything you need to know. No experience necessary.
Enjoy dinner back in Auckland, sampling a quintessential Kiwi dish of roast lamb or green-lipped mussels, followed by pavlova for dessert.
Day 4
Enjoy one last casual bite to eat on Federal Street; a lazy brunch featuring fresh local produce before transferring to the airport for your flight home.
