Kia ora Tour (Welcome)

NZ$530 (for 2 people)  NZ$750 (for 4 people)

I'm flexible, please contact me for other options and prices louise@zouzou.co.nz

If you are visiting Auckland for the first time this is a perfect introduction to Tamaki Makaurau. 

We start with a visit to a gourmet food market and travel over the Harbour Bridge to the North Shore. Visit Devonport seaside village and stand on top of Takarunga Mt Victoria for panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf, Waitemata Harbour and Auckland city.

Back to the city and Westhaven Marina, the largest marina in the Southern Hemisphere, Wynyard Quarter and the Viaduct precincts. 

Next explore the inner city, Te Toi o Tamaki (Auckland art gallery), Albert Park and the Aotea Centre. On to Auckland Domain, the Museum, the Wintergardens and Parnell rose gardens before continuing along Auckland's picturesque waterfront.  View Rangitoto island, standing guard at the harbour entrance. Continue along Tamaki Drive and the shores of the Waitemata Harbour to Mission Bay home to the original Mission House and the magnificent Art Deco fountain. 

Lunch is at a favourite cafe with the option of a sandwich or something more substantial.

After lunch we cross the city to Cornwall Park and Maungakiekie One Tree Hill (one of the many dormant volcanoes in the city).  Enjoy spectacular views of the city and beyond.  Return to downtown through Newmarket and Parnell shopping area, an historic village which has been developed to enhance the colonial quaintness of the area. 

Say goodbye at your city destination or the cruise ship terminal.
 

Tour duration 7 hour (includes morning tea)

Wild West Coast

NZ$690 (for 2 people)  NZ$990 (for 6 people)

See Auckland and surrounds in a short time.  Let's go to one of my favourite west coast beaches and be amazed at the dramatic nature and sights so very close to Auckland city.

A short introduction to our Auckland lifestyle before leaving the city behind and travelling towards the West Coast.  We quickly leave the city behind and head through vineyards, market gardens and villages. The west coast is wild, dramatic and beautiful.

First we stop to enjoy spectacular views over Maori Bay and Muriwai beaches.  A short walk to the Takapu gannet colony.  From August to March they are mating, nesting, raising their young and preparing to spend the summer here before departing for Australia at the end of the breeding season.

Amazing sense of freedom as the gannets swoop and dive overhead bringing back dinner for the young birds.  Literally living on the edge and using the wind to their advantage.

Next walk down to Muriwai beach, stand on the black sand, watch the surfers and other activities on the beach.

Enjoy a typical Kiwi lunch with a flat white coffee and possibly a Hokey Pokey ice cream.

On the way back to the city stop for wine tasting, vege shops and galleries if you wish.

Round the day off with a drive and walk in Cornwall Park, a working farm and magnificent park. Stand on top of Maungakiekie One Tree Hill, a dormant volcano, and enjoy the views from east to west, north to south of a city built on the narrow land between 2 harbours.

Finish the day by driving through the inner city suburbs to downtown Auckland.

Tour duration 7 hours

(includes morning tea and wine tasting - lunch is not included )

Auckland on Foot

NZ$260 (for 2 people)  NZ$440 (for 4 people)

Maori called Auckland Tamaki Makaurau, meaning isthmus of One Thousand Lovers.

Our first introduction to Tamaki Makaurau will be 2 fine examples of both our European and Maori heritage.

We walk on the land where terrific battles, reclamation and excavation have all left their scars on our beautiful city.  We weave our way in and out of narrow streets, enter buildings to see the architecture and design features.  Explore Takutai Square and the Britomart Precinct with its newly restored heritage buildings, history and development.  A fabulous area for cafes, restaurants and shops.  This was once a thriving portside trading area that more recently fell into disrepair and has been revitalised for all to enjoy, including a Saturday morning farmers' market.

We will stop nearby for morning coffee and then take a gentle walk to Albert Park and the Auckland Art Gallery, Town Hall, Aotea Square and the Civic Theatre.

We walk to Auckland University and explore a little here.  A surprise here will be a short nature walk to see the Silver Fern and other New Zealand natives nestled in the middle of the city.

Walk side streets and Queen Street and explore the harbour front to North Wharf.  Crossing the Te Wero bridge which connects Wynyard Quarter to the Viaduct Harbour, opening and closing to allow access for the many large yachts moored here. This area has been developed recently from a commercial fishing base to a vibrant precinct with the Seafood market and lots more to do here.

There is currently a lot of development around the city so it is an exciting chance to see the progress and changes as a new city emerges.  

This is a very easy walk with plenty of stops.

Any special interests let me know so I can include relevant stops and information

Tour duration 4 hours from meeting time.   (includes morning or afternoon tea) 

More Than Food

NZ$850  (for 2 people)  NZ$1200 (for 4 people) NZ$1500 (for 6 people)

This is a fabulous day out for foodies and those who enjoy the arts. 30 minutes from Auckland we will visit the historic Puhoi bohemian village and visit one of the world's smallest libraries. We sample award winning cheeses and ice cream at a small cheese factory and visit the Honey Shop to sample our famous Manuka honey . Also visit a creative and delicious chocolate maker. 

Visit Matakana village famous for its Saturday market.  During the week the small shops are interesting to explore and the reputation as a foodie destination is not disappointing.

Picnic lunch with kiwi treats and homebaking.

Stop at the Kauri park to view 600 and 800 year old kauri trees. We can take a short walk to see regenerating native trees and plants accompanied by the chorus of many native birds. Return to Auckland via the beautiful Hibiscus Coast stopping to enjoy spectacular views of the beaches of the Hauraki Gulf and a Hokey Pokey ice cream. 

A great addition to the day is a visit to the beautiful Sculptureum and explore the gardens, sculptures, art, quotes, aviaries, 6 indoor rooms in the gallery with art from all over the world and then wander through the Palm Garden following the paths which lead to the Pink Snail Garden. And complete your visit with a chance to see the world famous Chihuly Chandelier. Allow 2 hours here to enjoy the gardens and sculptures fully.

Tour duration 8 hours. Depart 9am and return 5pm
(coffee, cheese, honey, chocolate and wine tastings, picnic lunch and hokey pokey ice cream all included) 

Customised Tour of Auckland?

I can plan your perfect tour around our beautiful city - just let me know your interests and I can do the rest! 

Free time in Auckland and need something special to do? Contact me louise@zouzou.co.nz for suggestions and I will plan your day out. 

Waiheke Island - travel with me by ferry, meet our Waiheke local guide and enjoy the lifestyle, wineries, beaches and local food.  A wonderful day in the Hauraki Gulf.

Shopping - visit the sort of shops you love, e.g. designer, outlet, interiors, collectables, home - discover the shops off the beaten track

See the sights - architecture, gardens, parks, beaches

Artists and Galleries - see work from established and famous artists to the up and coming artists - New Zealand artists are fresh and innovative, you'll make lots of surprising discoveries. 

Gardens and nature - visit the hidden gems in private and public gardens and enjoy a picnic lunch