Auckland is commonly referred to as the ‘City of Sails’ as a result of the number of sail boats and yachts owned by the locals. Auckland is both New Zealand’s largest city and also has the world’s largest concentration of Polynesian people's making the city a veritable melting pot of cultures.

Auckland - our 3 day short city break.

Fly into Auckland where you will be met and transferred into the city by private vehicle. Once settled into the accommodation of your choosing enjoy some free time to explore. We have included an open pass to Auckland's landmark skytower.

Next day be prepared for a full day Auckland sightseeing tour with a twist as you join Potiki Tours on their 'Urban Maori Experience' tour. This is your ‘Auckland Orientation Trip’ but with a few minor differences to the usual ones!

First you will visit Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill), originally the site of a Maori fortified village. See stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland City and Rangitoto Island. Next you will travel out to a boutique village in a gentrifying trendy little local neighbourhood where you will have time to view some authentic Maori and NZ made arts and crafts in a contemporary Maori design store and art gallery.

After lunch we set off for the West Coast, driving through a few suburbs to illustrate the different architectural styles of the city. However, most of the drive is on 'Scenic Drive', through the beautiful native rainforest. We will stop for a photo opportunity overlooking the rainforest.

Your next stop will be a bush walk in the rainforest. Here you will be able to walk amongst the plants and trees and learn some of our ancestral knowledge of the traditional Maori medicinal and practical uses for them. Hopefully we will spot some of the variety of birdlife that live in the valley – for example the enormous native Kereru (wood pigeon), Tui, Fantails, etc. Learn about the Maori Creation stories and Tane Mahuta - the God of the Forest.

Finish your day in the realm of Tangaroa God of the Sea with a walk along the velvety sands of one of Auckland's famous black sand surf beaches. There will be time to take plenty of photographs of the beautiful scenery, and your guide will be with you to take photos of you and explain what you are seeing.

Throughout the day your guide will use personal anecdotes to help explain contemporary Maori culture and it’s unique place as a valued part of New Zealand culture.

On your final day in Auckland you may have some free time for last minute shopping or sightseeing before joining your shuttle transfer to the Airport, for home or to join another of our city breaks.

You can extend this short break by as many days as you wish. More time in Auckland gives you a chance to go sailing on the harbour or take a wine trail on Waiheke Island.

See below for your Auckland accommodation options.

Pricing.

There are many variations and factors that come into play when giving you a final price. However the following will give you some guidelines on what to expect:

Auckland City Break incl -

Budget Hotel - NZ$395.00

3 Star Hotel - NZ$480.00

4 Star Hotel - NZ$576.00

Luxury Hotel - NZ$942.00

These prices are based on travel from October 2010 - April 2011, they include GST at 15% and are per person share twin.