Auckland Explorer Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour Preview

Kia ora! Hi! Welcome to the Auckland Explorer Bus. We’re delighted to show you around our city, where you’ll find a rare mix of urban excitement and natural scenic beauty. We’re not the only ones who think Auckland’s unique. International surveys consistently rate this city one of the world’s best places to live.

Enjoy your tour today. Hop off at any stop and explore at your own pace. Then hop on the next bus and keep going. Our commentary shares fun and fascinating stories — from the volcanic eruptions that shaped New Zealand to our first human inhabitants, the Māori!

Your safety is our first priority. We’d like to remind you that you must always remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion. Additionally, as a courtesy to other passengers, please do not talk while the commentary is playing.

Please ensure your personal headphones are connected to your phone while listening to this commentary in another language, so you don’t disturb others who may be listening to the driver’s commentary.

All cruise ship passengers, please take note that the bus does not return to the wharf to drop you off. Instead, you will disembark at the ‘DOWNTOWN AUCKLAND’ stop at the end of your tour. That stop is located a short 5-minute stroll back to your cruise ship.

Welcome to Auckland! The Māori call this place Tamaki Makau-rau, or the land of a thousand lovers.

Sorry to disappoint you, but “a thousand lovers” refers to Auckland’s natural fertility and abundance. We’re blessed with mineral-rich volcanic soil and two great harbours.

The Waitematā Harbour, which borders the Hauraki Gulf and the South Pacific to our east. The Manukau Harbour on the south side of the city borders the Tasman Sea to our west. No wonder boats and beaches are in our blood.

Explorers have been coming here for over 1,000 years since our first human inhabitants, the Māori, arrived in their waka or great canoes. A lot has changed since then, but New Zealand is still defined by the water that surrounds us.

Auckland is your gateway to adventure, from beautiful beaches to lush, green forests and soaring mountain peaks. Along the way you’ll meet some of the friendliest people on earth.

We Kiwis have grown up in a diverse, multicultural society with the world’s largest Polynesian population along with British, Europeans, and Asians.

Auckland used to be one of the world’s best-kept secrets. Now we’re ready to share our love for this beautiful city. Come on — let’s explore it together!

We’re in downtown Auckland, one of the world’s most walkable cities. It’s only 11 kilometres or less than 7 miles from coast to coast.

The logo or icon of our All Blacks rugby team is a silver fern, a symbol of New Zealand as popular as the Kiwi bird. This fern gets its name from the silvery underside of its fronds. The Māori used them to reflect moonlight and light their path at night. Silver ferns are one of around 200 fern species that grow in the humid forests of New Zealand. Forty percent of these species grow nowhere else on earth.

Adrenaline junkies, start your engines! You’ll find your choice of thrills at Auckland’s SKY TOWER — one of the tallest one of the tallest buildings in the southern hemisphere at 328 meters or 1,076 feet. The viewing platform’s about 73 stories up, with a panoramic view up to 80 kilometres or almost 50 miles in every direction. Picture all the islands, volcanoes, and city landmarks you’ve seen lying at your feet, plus the rest of Auckland from the Tasman to the Pacific and far beyond!

Now, you real daredevils — would you rather see that view from outside the tower? Or base jump down to the ground? You can do both at SkyWalk and SkyJump — two experiences for the ultimate thrill-seeker.

The SKYCITY entertainment complex offers a wide range of attractions, from top-rated restaurants and vibrant bars to the lively SkyCity Casino — there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Ever wondered what it’s like to stand face-to-face with the All Blacks as they perform the haka?

Feel the intensity, the energy, and the raw power of New Zealand’s rugby legends — up close and personal. At the All Blacks Experience, you don’t just watch it — you live it.

This fully immersive, state-of-the-art attraction brings the story of rugby to life — a sport that’s a deep part of Aotearoa’s identity. Step into the shoes of an All Black, test your skills, and see if you’ve got what it takes to make the team.

You’ll find the All Blacks Experience inside Auckland’s SkyCity Complex — a must-do for sports fans and anyone curious about New Zealand’s national pride.

Step into the extraordinary at Wētā Workshop Unleashed, located on Level 5 of the SkyCity Precinct. This award-winning, 90-minute guided tour takes you through a wildly imaginative world of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror.

Get hands-on with epic film sets, lifelike creatures, a galactic robot, and a full-sized spaceship — all crafted by the legendary, Academy Award-winning Wētā Workshop team.

This stop is the Sky Tower and Sky City Precinct. Hop off for incredible views, hair-raising thrills, dining, The All Blacks Experience and Wētā Unleashed.

For your safety, passengers must remain seated whenever the bus is in motion, when the bus is stopped at traffic lights and in stationary traffic.

If you are travelling aboard one of our open-top buses, please ensure your hands, arms and head remain inside the bus at all times.

The next stop will be The Art Gallery. Stop here for Queen Street, Albert Park, The Civic Theatre and the Town Hall.

On New Year’s Eve in Auckland, everyone watches the Sky Tower at midnight, when it erupts in a spectacular display of fireworks. The fountain of sparkling light looks incredible reflected in the Waitematā Harbour. New Zealand kicks off the worldwide festivities because we’re just west of the international dateline and one of the first countries to ring in the New Year.

We will be soon passing The Civic, one of Auckland's architectural gems. The Civic is a renovated 1920's movie palace that now hosts live performances. Did you know it is the only known atmospheric theatre in the Southern Hemisphere?

Just around the corner take a guided tour of the Auckland Town Hall, a prominent civic landmark on Queen Street which has been the centre of the city's political and cultural life since it opened in 1911. Take a step back in time and discover the history that welcomed some of the biggest names that performed in the Great Hall. The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Sir Elton John to name a few.

Adjacent to the Town Hall in the heart of Auckland, Aotea Square, a popular location for festivals, events, live music and performing arts.

We will be passing the AUCKLAND ART GALLERY. It has the nation’s largest collection of art from New Zealand and around the world. The main attraction is a stunning collection of portraits of Māori figures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I’m always fascinated by the traditional ta moko or Māori facial tattoos. They cover the faces of the men, but only the chins of the women. Right beside the Auckland Art Gallery is ALBERT PARK, which in the mid- 1800's was a defence post during the land wars between the Māori and the European colonists. Both Albert Park and the Auckland Art Gallery are completely kid-friendly child-friendly.

This stop: Auckland Art Gallery, Queen Street, The Civic Theatre and Town Hall.

For your safety, passengers must remain seated whenever the bus is in motion, when the bus is stopped at traffic lights and in stationary traffic.

If you are travelling aboard one of our open-top buses, please ensure your hands, arms and head remain inside the bus at all times.

Our next stop will be Newmarket Shopping District.

We can now see New Zealand’s largest university, the UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND. When it opened in 1883, it had all of four teachers and 95 students attending class in an old courthouse and jail. Today the university has five campuses and 40,000 students, and it ranks in the top 100 universities worldwide.

The University of Auckland may have the world’s cutest university crest. It shows three kiwi birds running over a field of blue waves.

New Zealand has so many places to visit that our holidays usually involve road trips. In just a minute, we’re going to get on New Zealand’s longest road, STATE HIGHWAY ONE. I’ve always dreamed about driving State Highway One from start to finish.

It runs from Cape Reinga at the tip of the North Island all the way down to Bluff, the southernmost point of the South Island. The total distance is 2,047 kilometres or 1,272 miles, including a car ferry that connects the two islands.

Māori purakau (legends) say that in the beginning, Ranginui the sky lay embracing his wife, Papatūānuku the earth. Their children lay between them in darkness, unable to separate their parents.

One of them, Tāne-Mahuta, placed his shoulders against his mother and pressed his feet against his father, pushing them apart with all his strength. When the children first saw daylight, they became gods. Tāwhirimātea, the god of winds and storms, never wanted his parents separated.

He still sends storms to punish Tāne-Mahuta, the god of the forests.

The largest Kauri in New Zealand is called Tāne Mahuta, the lord of the forest found in Northland’s Waipoua Forest. He’s over 2,000 years old and more than 50 metres tall — a true giant and seen as a living ancestor in Māori tradition.

Kauri trees are protected from logging operations today, but they’re threatened by a fungus-like disease called Kauri dieback. Once they’re infected, it’s too late to save them. There's no cure yet, so protecting the forests means staying on marked tracks and cleaning your shoes at hygiene stations before and after visiting kauri areas.

So, if you visit, be sure to do your part to keep these forest giants standing for future generations.

Welcome to Newmarket! Newmarket was strategically important to the various Māori iwi that occupied the land here. Local Māori knew this area as Te Tī Tūtahi "Sacred cabbage tree standing alone." This cabbage tree was a landmark for those travelling between the Manukau and Waitematā harbours.

Sadly, it was cut down in 1908 as it was considered a danger to the children attending the local school.

The precinct housed cattle yards, market gardens, breweries, sawmills, bakers, ironmongers and general retail. People gathered here to buy and sell their wares.

Today Newmarket has been transformed into an upscale shopping precinct where you will find an abundance of designer fashion boutiques and shoe stores along Nuffield St, Broadway and the stylish Westfield Shopping mall your one-stop hub for shopping, fun and relaxation. Along Nuffield Lane you will find trendy independent galleries showcasing local Kiwi artists and designers.

This stop Newmarket. Hop off here to shop at one of Auckland's premier fashion, shopping and entertainment precincts. This stop is Newmarket.

For your safety, passengers must remain seated whenever the bus is in motion, when the bus is stopped at traffic lights and in stationary traffic.

If you are travelling aboard one of our open-top buses, please ensure your hands, arms and head remain inside the bus at all times.

Our next stop will be the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Looking to try some classic New Zealand flavours? With at least four sheep for every person here, you really can’t go wrong with delicious New Zealand lamb.

Or why not try Hāngī — a traditional Māori way of cooking food?

Hāngī involves wrapping food in leaves and placing it on hot stones at the bottom of a pit in the ground. Then it’s covered with a wet cloth and earth, trapping the heat to slow-cook the food until it’s tender, juicy, and full of flavour!

We New Zealanders call ourselves “Kiwis” after the small, brown, flightless Kiwi bird. More birds that don’t fly evolved here than anywhere else on earth, including the Takahē and Kākāpō.

Until humans arrived, New Zealand birds had no major predators or competition for food except other birds, so some species protected themselves by staying close to the ground.

The Māori hunted several flightless species to extinction, including the giant Moa. Humans' early settlers also introduced rats, pigs and other mammals that threaten birds.

Protecting our flightless species is and will continue to be a major battle in wildlife conservation.

Auckland’s parks and gardens are a good place to spot one of our most beloved birds — and one of the noisiest. The Tui uses an impressive vocabulary of songs, grunts, coughs, wheezes, and screams to mark its territory and frighten other birds away. Tui look black from a distance, but up close you can see their iridescent blue, green, and bronze feathers and a white tuft at the throat. They often show off by flying above the forest canopy then diving straight down, whirring their wings and vocalizing madly.

The volcano’s crater forms a natural amphitheatre that’s perfect for music festivals and other live performances. Thousands turn out for events like the Auckland Arts Festival and Christmas in the Park. Every year, up to a quarter million spectators gather here for New Zealand’s largest free annual concert. If you’re visiting during our warm season from November through to April, check for public events at the Auckland Domain. There’s nothing more magical than music under the stars with a crowd of happy Kiwis.

So many of my favourite memories happened where we’re headed next: the AUCKLAND DOMAIN.

The site was known as Pukekawa by Māori before being gifted to the new town Auckland. In 1845 the park became known as Auckland Domain

Look around as we drive into this 75-hectare green space. You’ll see gardens, greenhouses, sculptures, sports fields, and groves of trees with trails winding through them.

We’ll climb to the high point where the AUCKLAND WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM is located. Then circle all the way around the museum to our next stop. Along the way you’ll might notice the odd shape of the landscape. The hill the Museum is on and then there’s what looks like a bowl with gently sloping sides.

That’s because we’re driving through the crater on top of an extinct volcano. Here's where early Māori built a fortified village called a pā here, as they did on many of our volcanoes.

Auckland Domain used to be a place where Māori came for protection. Now everyone comes here for recreation, entertainment, enlightenment, and sheer fun!

In front of the Auckland War Memorial Museum stands a memorial to New Zealand soldiers who’ve lost their lives in war. Inside the museum you can learn about New Zealand's military history, see the world’s leading collection of exhibits about Pacific culture, including an authentic Māori waka or war canoe and ancestral meeting house.

Take a close-up look at our unique natural history, including flightless birds - like the Giant Moa, an extinct species that stood up to 3 metres or almost 10 feet tall.

Experience the terror in Auckland today if one of our volcanoes erupted again.

Or trace the evolution of New Zealand design and decorative arts. There's even a heart-warming history of childhood in this country and an interactive, touchable gallery just for kids.

Once the bus stops, it will change to the Blue Tour. To join the Blue Outer Tour, please stay on the bus and we’ll get underway again after picking up additional guests.

This stop is the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Hop off here to explore, there’s something for everyone.

This stop is the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Hop off here to change to the Blue Outer Tour.

This stop is the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Hop off here to explore, there’s something for everyone.

This bus will now be changing to the Blue Outer Tour to Mount Eden, the Auckland Zoo, and other attractions. If you wish to continue on the Red tour, please disembark and change buses here.

Our next stop will be Holy Trinity Cathedral.

For your safety, passengers must remain seated whenever the bus is in motion, when the bus is stopped at traffic lights and in stationary traffic.

If you are travelling aboard one of our open-top buses, please ensure your hands, arms and head remain inside the bus at all times.

The first Anglican Bishop of New Zealand, George Augustus Selwyn, arrived in 1842. You can trace his legacy at our next stop, where you’ll find two unique and inspiring churches: Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Church of St. Mary’s. Bishop Selwyn came to establish a church for British colonists, and supervise missionary work to the Māori. He also purchased the land where these churches stand today to fulfil his dream of building a cathedral.

When we arrive, you’ll see a striking modern building with a glass wall and three sharp peaks in the roofline. This is the Bishop Selwyn chapel, a recent addition to Holy Trinity. There’s no cost to enter the cathedral and inside you will see incredible stained-glass windows and an altar made of native kauri wood. Holy Trinity replaced the earlier cathedral, St. Mary’s, which dates to the 1880s. Once the new cathedral was built, St. Mary’s was actually lifted up, placed on rollers, and moved across the street — yes, the whole building! — so it would sit behind Holy Trinity. That was quite the spectacle to see. It’s well worth your time to explore the warm, inviting interior of St Mary’s, which is constructed entirely from kauri wood.

This stop Holy Trinity. Hop off to tour the cathedral and the Church of St. Mary.

For your safety, passengers must remain seated whenever the bus is in motion, when the bus is stopped at traffic lights and in stationary traffic.

If you are travelling aboard one of our open-top buses, please ensure your hands, arms and head remain inside the bus at all times.

Our next stop will be Parnell Village.

Sure, Aucklanders love tramping around the beaches and the bush, but don’t get the wrong impression. This is a city of over 1.5 million: about a third of the nation’s population lives here. We like our big-city fun, too — like going out for a meal and shopping.

Our Next stop is an only-in-Auckland experience, with quaint little cafes, art galleries, and shops specializing in hand-crafted gifts. It's called PARNELL VILLAGE, a beautifully restored old neighbourhood where you can wander along brick and wooden walkways past flowering plants, relax over a cuppa tea and scones, and shop for gifts made of native woods, sheepskin, and New Zealand Greenstone. Parnell Village was the brainchild of Les Harvey, who restored this district back in the 1970s using all recycled materials. Every time I come here, it feels like stepping back in time to a friendlier age.

This stop Parnell Village. This is your stop for restaurants, cafés, art galleries, and high-end craft shops. Parnell Village this stop.

For your safety, passengers must remain seated whenever the bus is in motion, when the bus is stopped at traffic lights and in stationary traffic.

If you are travelling aboard one of our open-top buses, please ensure your hands, arms and head remain inside the bus at all times.

From here we head along the waterfront to Takaparawhau - Bastion Point.

New Zealand greenstone, known as Pounamu in Te Reo Māori, is much more than just a beautiful stone. It holds deep meaning and mana (spiritual power) for Māori. This precious stone—also called jade or nephrite—comes in a range of colours, each with its own special significance.

From a Māori perspective, Pounamu carries the wairua (spirit) of those who wear it. As it is passed down through generations, it grows stronger, connecting the wearer to their ancestors and their strength. Pounamu is not just an ornament—it is a living treasure, a taonga (treasured possession), embodying whakapapa (genealogy) and protection.

Traditionally, Pounamu is never bought for yourself but given as a precious gift to someone else. It’s a symbol of respect, love, and connection—meant to be shared and cherished.

Many visitors choose to take home Pounamu jewellery as a meaningful souvenir—a piece of Aotearoa’s heart and history to give to someone special.

Did you come to New Zealand to see or do something in particular, or are you on a tiki tour? “Tiki tour” is Kiwi slang — it means to go on a journey with no particular destination in mind, or to take the long way to reach a destination.

New Zealanders call going on a hike “tramping”, and corner stores are “dairies”. When something is all good, we sometimes exclaim "Sweet as!"

Another slang expression you'll hear a lot is "Yeah, nah" - a short way of saying, "Yes but no at the same time".

In Aotearoa New Zealand, many young Māori proudly carry on the traditions of Kapa Haka — the Māori performing arts. It’s more than entertainment — it’s a powerful expression of identity, language, and whakapapa (ancestry).

You may already be familiar with the haka, made famous by the All Blacks, but haka is just one part of Kapa Haka. Another is poi, often performed by wāhine (women), where small, weighted balls on strings are rhythmically swung to tell stories — a practice that began as training and evolved into art.

Kapa Haka brings together traditional song (waiata), chant (karakia), dance (kanikani), and oratory (whaikōrero) in powerful performances full of emotion, movement, and meaning.

Today, events like Polyfest and Te Matatini are huge celebrations of Māori and Pacific culture. They draw thousands of performers and spectators — both in person and on national television — showcasing the pride and talent of a new generation keeping the heartbeat of Māori culture strong.

The long white PORTS OF AUCKLAND BUILDING stands on the same spot as the city’s first airport. The planes used to land on the water. In 1939, Tasman Empire Airways Limited, or TEAL, began regular passenger and freight services using seaplanes on flying boats — meaning planes that could take off from and land on the water harbour. You can still take seaplane tours for the most thrilling views of New Zealand from sky and sea.

Look across the harbour and you’ll see Devonport, a charming seaside suburb known for its art galleries, shops, and stunning views of Auckland’s skyline.

Devonport sits on a peninsula with two volcanic peaks: Takarunga / Mount Victoria and Maungauika / North Head — reflecting New Zealand’s bilingual naming.

It’s also home to a Royal New Zealand Navy base, and just a 15-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.

If you visit, don’t miss North Head Historic Reserve, where you can explore old military tunnels, gun batteries, and enjoy some of the best panoramic views in the city.

We’re passing some large, spreading trees called the PŌHUTUKAWA. You’ll often see them lining our waterfront but they’re just as happy clinging to rocky cliffs and slopes. It’s easiest to spot them when they’re in bloom and absolutely covered with bright red flowers. This starts in around mid-November each year and lasts through Christmas. For New Zealanders, the Pōhutukawa is a colourful symbol of Christmas and summer fun.

Auckland's nickname is the City of Sails. You'll probably see why as you scan the water around us. It's often crowded with sailboats jockeying for space with motorboats, yachts, kayaks, ferries, freighters, tugboats, and cruise ships. With two huge harbours, Auckland is an international destination for sailors - including competitors in the America's Cup regatta. People here own more recreational vessels per capita than any city on earth. We also spend more time at the beach because no matter where you are in Auckland, there's always one nearby. We have 3200 kilometres or nearly over 2000 miles of coastline, including the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. That includes peaceful white sand beaches of the South Pacific along our east coast, or rugged, black sand beaches on the west on the shores of the Tasman. Be warned though, we get rough surf and rip tides along the west coast. Always check with the beach patrol before you go in the water.

Okahu Bay is a picturesque beach on Auckland's waterfront, known for its stunning views of the city skyline and Hauraki Gulf, calm waters suitable for swimming and water sports, and accessible picnic and BBQ facilities.

On the inland side, the houses overlooking the bay are some of the city’s priciest real estate. My dad used to say that true Aucklanders are born with sand between their toes. Beaches are part of our lifestyle. Aucklanders seize every chance we get to go swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and sunbathing. We love living in our togs and jandals. That’s New Zealand slang: “togs” means a bathing suit and “jandals” are the footwear you call “thongs” or “flip-flops”.

Just ahead, we’ll pass over the top of Auckland’s iconic maritime attraction: SEA LIFE KELLY TARLTON’S AQUARIUM. Please note that we will not be stopping here in this direction, but we will stop at Kelly Tarlton’s on our return trip from Bastion Point.

Due to traffic conditions, we’re unable to make our usual stop at Bastion Point. Our next stop will be Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, where you can explore the underwater viewing tunnels and the world’s largest exhibit of Antarctic King Penguins.

Out in the Hauraki Gulf sits a large island that pretty much covers the entire entrance to our harbour. That’s RANGITOTO, a volcano that rose from the sea in a fiery eruption 600 years ago.

That makes it the youngest volcano in Auckland.

Over the eons, dozens of volcanoes erupted along the fault. That’s what created the dramatic landscape of islands and grassy, cone-shaped hills that you see today.

You’ll have an amazing view of Rangitoto from our next stop on Bastion Point — a photo opportunity you won’t want to miss. Rangitoto is a 25-minute ferry trip from the city. The track to the island’s summit takes you past black lava fields with tunnels and caves, and through the world’s largest Pohutukawa forest. When you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring panoramic view of Auckland and the islands in the gulf.

This stop is Okahu Bay. Hop off here to enjoy the views from the beach across the Waitematā towards Rangitoto or walk back towards the pier and enjoy waterfront dining at Akarana Eatery. OKAHU BAY, this stop.

For your safety, passengers must remain seated whenever the bus is in motion, when the bus is stopped at traffic lights and in stationary traffic.

If you are travelling aboard one of our open-top buses, please ensure your hands, arms and head remain inside the bus at all times.

With so little space in the city, you may wonder why there aren’t more buildings on the green space that we’re passing now. All you’ll see is a CHURCH AND an Urupa - CEMETERY.

Originally, the Ngati Whatua iwi had a settlement here however, the City Council thought land was valuable real estate and in 1952 they moved the residents to state houses on the hill above us.

After moving the residents, the City Council decided to burn down the village to remove all traces before a royal visit by the Queen. Unfortunately, only the little cemetery, or urupa, was left of the land that Ngati Whatua call their own.

Today, the area is held in reserve a park that can be enjoyed by all. As the lands are considered sacred, or tapu, by Māori, under New Zealand law, no one can ever build or develop the land here.

We are approaching TAKAPARAWHAU, also known as Bastion Point

In 1970s and 1980s, Takaparawhau was the focus of occupations and demonstrations by protesters who were asking the government to return the land to its rightful owners, the Ngati Whatua tribe, or iwi.

Back in 1885, Ngati Whatua had agreed to temporarily lease this land, or whenua, to the New Zealand government but the government didn't honour their side of the agreement and never gave the whenua back to Ngati Whatua.

Things came to a head in 1976 when the Prime Minister of the day announced his intention to sell the whenua for a luxury housing development. Joe Hawke, a prominent Ngati Whatua leader, organised a group who set up camp and occupied the area for 506 days until the government sent in army and police to evict the group. 222 people were arrested that day and their gardens and buildings were demolished.

Joe Hawke and his group never gave up on their quest to have their whenua returned. Eventually in 1987 the Waitangi Treaty Tribunal made a historic decision, ordering the government to return the whenua to Ngati Whatua.

Today, you can enjoy the beautiful open grounds with their breathtaking views over the harbour and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. You can also take time to explore the monument built in honour of Michael Savage, one of our Prime Ministers from 1935 to 1940.

This stop Takaparawhau - Bastion Point. Hop off here for amazing photo opportunities. Takaparawhau - Bastion Point, this stop.

For your safety, passengers must remain seated whenever the bus is in motion, when the bus is stopped at traffic lights and in stationary traffic.

If you are travelling aboard one of our open-top buses, please ensure your hands, arms and head remain inside the bus at all times.

Our next stop will be Sea Life Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium.

Kelly Tarlton had a passion for scuba diving that he wanted to share with the world. He imagined building a transparent tunnel on the ocean floor, where the public could see the magnificent creatures of the deep from a diver’s point of view. This dream became a reality at SEA LIFE KELLY TARLTON’S AQUARIUM, our next stop.

You’ll enter the aquarium through one of its most fascinating exhibits: a replica of the 1911 wooden hut that sheltered a team of Antarctic explorers led by Captain Robert Falcon Scott. You’ll experience first-hand the cramped quarters filled with scientific specimens and photographs collected by one of the first land explorations of Antarctica.

Nearby, you’ll find some of Antarctica’s most famous residents, King Penguins. Every year, it’s a treat to watch the fledgling penguins making their first attempt to waddle through the snow.

You may find yourself thinking of the adorable Mumble in the 2006 movie Happy Feet.

You’ll also encounter eels, sharks, turtles, stingrays, octopuses, seahorses, and dozens more sea creatures large and small. No visit to Auckland is complete without a trip to Kelly Tarlton’s!

This stop SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium. Hop off to explore the underwater viewing tunnels and the world’s largest exhibit of Antarctic King Penguins. SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, this stop.

For your safety, passengers must remain seated whenever the bus is in motion, when the bus is stopped at traffic lights and in stationary traffic.

If you are travelling aboard one of our open-top buses, please ensure your hands, arms and head remain inside the bus at all times.

Our last stop will be near the waterfront in Downtown Auckland. It’s the perfect place to enjoy fresh sea breezes over a glass of wine.

About 35 minutes east of Auckland by ferry, you’ll find WAIHEKE ISLAND. The Māori named it Te Motu-arai-roa, or “the long sheltering island” because the islands and ocean currents around it create an extremely mild climate. The weather’s usually warm but never extremely hot. The soil’s also rich in minerals from the island bedrock, which dates back around 150 million years to the Jurassic period. These conditions make Waiheke ideal for growing olives and grapes. I’ll let you imagine how much fun you can have visiting one vineyard after another, while enjoying not only great food and wine, but also spectacular scenery.

I hear some of you thinking, where are all the volcanoes? It’s easy to identify Rangitoto offshore but what about the other 50-plus volcanoes that Auckland was built on? Most of them don’t have steep peaks like Rangitoto. Their tops are rounded because they’re much older.

You can see at least four extinct volcanoes from where we are now. Two are across the harbour at Devonport: TAKARUNGA or MOUNT VICTORIA on the left and MAUNGAUIKA or NORTH HEAD on the right. Now look inland toward the city. The two tallest volcanic cones are, on the left, ŌHINERAU or MOUNT HOBSON and on the right, MAUNGAWHAU or MOUNT EDEN.

Kiwis have adapted these prehistoric peaks into our active outdoor lifestyle. We use volcanoes as parks, sports fields, and other public areas. Our children or tamariki, love them, especially in wintertime. It hardly ever snows here, so instead of sledding, Auckland children slide down the grassy slopes on sheets of cardboard.

You may see people swimming to the left in JUDGES BAY. That name dates back to colonial times when three magistrates settled near this inlet. Auckland’s waterfront has changed dramatically since then. Generations have reshaped and added to the coastline, transforming Judges Bay into a tidal lagoon. A few years ago, it was redesigned as a swimming area with a small beach and rafts, along with a picnic area and promenade. It’s close to the Parnell Baths, New Zealand’s largest saltwater swimming pool.

The Waitematā Harbour is home to a WORKING PORT, so it’s always a hive of activity. Almost every day, you’ll see a steady stream of freight vessels. They’re a vital link to the outside world. This is an island nation: anything we don’t produce ourselves, we have to import. Huge shipments of motor vehicles, computers, and other goods enter the country along this waterfront every day.

This is also where our exports leave the country. Billions of dollars worth of New Zealand meat, dairy products, and timber ship out of here for China, Australia, South Korea, and the United States. Whenever I get the chance, I stroll or jog along the waterfront so I can watch the working port at work.

The ocean surrounds us, isolating us from the outside world. This was one of the last lands on earth where humans settled. The Māori tell of a bold explorer named Kupe who discovered Aotearoa or New Zealand while chasing an octopus away from Hawaiki, the legendary island where the world began.

Archaeologists date the first Māori settlements to at least 800 years ago. What moved them to pilot their waka so far from the known world? The same spirit of adventure and discovery you’ll find in New Zealand today. More explorers followed, like Abel Tasman from the Netherlands and Captain James Cook from Britain — the Europeans who quote-unquote “discovered” New Zealand. The story of the vessels that sailed here from around the world and the hopeful immigrants on board inspired Hui Te Anaui A Tangaroa, the NEW ZEALAND MARITIME MUSEUM. It’s a fabulous, family-friendly look at our bond with the ocean, from the first landfall to the America’s Cup, with historic vessels, artworks, scale models, and more. You’ll find the Maritime Museum on the waterfront.

In te ao Māori — the Māori world — Aotearoa has both a physical and a spiritual origin. Millions of years ago, the land we now call New Zealand rose from the ocean floor. But in Māori tradition, it was the demigod Māui who fished up the North Island, known as Te Ika-a-Māui — the fish of Māui.The story goes that Māui pulled this giant fish from the ocean using a magical hook. As he went to get help, his brothers grew impatient and began carving up the fish — creating the mountains, valleys, and ridgelines we see today. Their waka (canoe), which brought them on this journey, became the South Island, or Te Waka-a-Māui — the canoe of Māui.

We are approaching BRITOMART, one of Auckland’s trendiest neighbourhoods. It’s named for the HMS Britomart, a British brig that raised the Union Jack over Auckland for the first time in 1840. Now Aucklanders and visitors flock to Britomart for fun. You’ll find everything from posh boutiques to nightclubs, yoga studios, bike rental, and international cuisine.

We are approaching the Downtown Auckland Waterfront stop. This is your stop for Britomart, the Viaduct Harbour, the New Zealand Maritime Museum and Auckland Whale and Dolphin Experience.

Next stop The Waterfront. If you are returning to a cruise ship from here, walk a short distance to Quay Street but please remain seated until we get to the stop.

Kia ora! Hi! Welcome to the Blue Outer Tour!

There’s so much to see in Auckland besides the City Centre and the Eastern waterfront. We’re on our way out west to some of the city’s most exciting destinations, like Mount Eden, the Auckland Zoo, and the Museum of Transport and Technology also known as MOTAT.

Along the way, we’ll tell you about life in New Zealand, from our schools, sports and getting around. Let’s start by exploring this beautiful AUCKLAND DOMAIN.

For your safety, passengers must remain seated whenever the bus is in motion, when the bus is stopped at traffic lights and in stationary traffic.

If you are travelling aboard one of our open-top buses, please ensure your hands, arms and head remain inside the bus at all times.

Soon, we will be stopping at Auckland’s WINTERGARDENS, where you’ll see two Victorian-style greenhouses. One shelters temperate plants, and the other a magnificent jungle of tropical plants.

The DUCK POND across from the bus stop is fed by a natural spring. Auckland’s first source of piped water.

Thousands of people line up outside the tropical greenhouse when one of the rarest plants is in bloom. The Amorphophallus titanum blossoms at unpredictable intervals, sometimes years apart. Its gigantic flower emits odour that’s…how shall I put it?…repulsive. People call it the “corpse flower”.

So, if you're lucky, or unlucky depending on how you look at it, you may get to catch a whiff during your visit.

The Wintergardens have a beautiful garden of New Zealand ferns. Exploring the fernery gives you a sense of what it’s like tramping through the bush, without leaving the city. Entry to the Wintergardens is free of charge.

This stop the Wintergardens. Hop off here to experience the Old World charm of this protected heritage site.

The Wintergardens, this stop.

Our next stop will be Maungawhau - Mt Eden.

The Auckland Domain sits in a historic location for New Zealand’s first residents, the Māori. It’s on top of an extinct volcano named PUKEKAWA, where a Māori pā or meaning fortified village stood in ancient times. Later, in the colonial era, the warrior Te Wherowhero had a cottage on Pukekawa where he negotiated with British leaders on behalf of the Waikato iwi, or tribes. Te Wherowhero later became the first Māori king. He maintained peaceful relations with the colonists, but he never yielded sovereignty over his ancestral lands and defended the rights of his people in a time of upheaval and uncertainty.

All that’s left of the volcanic crater today is a sloping, grassy bowl. People gather in this natural amphitheatre for sports and outdoor performances. Christmas in the Park draws huge crowds each December, when all the kids turn out to see Santa arrive in Auckland.

The Spanish Mission style building with a red tile roof is a part of AUCKLAND GRAMMAR SCHOOL, one of New Zealand’s most prestigious public secondary schools for boys. Sir Edmund Hillary went there. So did Russell Crowe, although he dropped out to pursue music and acting. Auckland Grammar requires students offers students the opportunity to study Latin and, like all New Zealand schools, also teaches Māori language and culture as part of our national heritage. You’ll see many signs around town in both English and Māori.

Auckland Grammar is one of the city’s most elite sporting schools. Our The New Zealand school system emphasizes sport for all ages. Popular sports for both boys and girls include rugby, netball and hockey in winter, and cricket and tennis in summer.

We’re in the suburb of EPSOM, which is known for horse racing at the Alexandra Park Raceway. It’s named after the English town of Epsom, famous for thoroughbred races at Epsom Downs

Cows outnumbered horses here in the mid-1800s, when European settlers built dairy farms in Epsom. Later came Chinese settlers, who raised grew fruits and vegetables.

Nowadays, the trees lining Epsom’s streets still give it the feel of a country town. We call this a “leafy suburb” — a polite way of saying most of us couldn’t afford to live here.

We’re heading towards the tallest volcano in Auckland, Maungawhau or MOUNT EDEN. From our next stop, you can walk up a steep path to the summit, 196 metres or 643 feet above sea level. It’s completely worth it for the sensational, panoramic view that takes in both of our city’s harbours and the islands beyond. You’ll even have a bird’s-eye view of the Eden Park Stadium, home of the All Blacks. From the summit, you can also look down into the volcanic crater, a grassy bowl 50 metres or 164 feet deep where pedestrians aren’t allowed. As you climb towards the summit, you’ll notice terraces cut into the slope. These terraces were part of an ancient Māori fortified pā.

While you’re at the summit, take a moment to appreciate the stone viewing platform. It was actually built with the help of an elephant named Tom.

Tom the elephant belonged to the Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh, who picked him up on a visit to Nepal in the 1870s. The two continued on to Auckland, where Tom obligingly hauled freshly quarried stone for the viewing platform to the summit of Mount Eden. He accepted no payment beyond a steady supply of sweets and beer.

This stop Maungawhau - Mount Eden. The summit’s closed to vehicles, but you can walk from the bus stop. The trail’s about 300 metres or 984 feet long and takes around 10 minutes in each direction. Wear comfortable shoes and take along water, a hat, and protective clothes in case of rain. This steep climb requires a moderate level of fitness and be aware that there’s no shelter or other facilities at the top.

Mount Eden this stop.

For your safety, passengers must remain seated whenever the bus is in motion, when the bus is stopped at traffic lights and in stationary traffic.

If you are travelling aboard one of our open-top buses, please ensure your hands, arms and head remain inside the bus at all times.

We are nearing our next stop in the trendy suburb of Kingsland. Hop off and stroll along the main strip, enjoy the funky street art, quirky shops and stylish cafes and restaurants.

Kingsland has a strong community feel, blending the charm of old villas and character homes. As we drive through, notice the mix of heritage buildings alongside trendy new developments — this area perfectly captures Auckland’s blend of history and modern lifestyle.

On the other side of the railway station, a short stroll will take you to Eden Park, which for over 100 years has been home to the Auckland Cricket and Auckland Rugby teams. Eden Park has hosted numerous memorable sporting events and concerts. Discover Eden Park Experiences, take a tour of the Stadium or enjoy a 360-degree view of the stadium on their roof top tour. Head around to Entry G at Eden Park to book.

The Treaty of Waitangi, or Te Tiriti o Waitangi, is New Zealand's founding document. Te Tiriti is an agreement written in Māori and English, that was made between the British Crown and approximately 540 Māori chiefs, or rangatira. It is named after the place in Northland where it was first signed by more than 40 rangatira on 6th February 1840.

Te Tiriti was brought around the country and by September of that year, another 500 rangatira had signed it. Most of them signed the Māori version which unfortunately was not translated accurately from the English version. Some rangatira refused or had no chance to sign but the colonial office in England declared that the treaty also applied to all Māori iwi, even those whose rangatira had not signed.

Over time, public perceptions and legal interpretations have evolved, often leading to protests and demonstrations. Thankfully, previous governments have recognised the significance of Te Tiriti in the life of our nation, and it has been woven into our framework of laws, customs and legislations.

Kiwis share an obsession with our national sport, rugby union. In case you didn’t know, that’s different to rugby league, which also has its fans — but we worship our rugby union team, the All Blacks. They’re the most successful international rugby team of all time and is the first team to win the World Cup 3 times. New Zealand sports fans are also crazy about cricket, basketball, soccer or football, and our most popular women’s sport, netball.

This stop Kingsland and Eden Park. Hop off and explore the neighbourhood, experience great eateries, find a groovy coffee spot or stroll over and discover Eden Park.

Our next stop is the Auckland Zoo.

For your safety, passengers must remain seated whenever the bus is in motion, when the bus is stopped at traffic lights and in stationary traffic.

If you are travelling aboard one of our open-top buses, please ensure your hands, arms and head remain inside the bus at all times.

New Zealand is a very diverse multi-cultural nation, and lots of different languages are spoken here. Our nation follows the global trend toward greater diversity. New Zealanders speak about 160 different languages. As the home of many people from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and many other Pacific Islands calling Auckland home, Auckland Tamaki Makaurau is the world’s largest Polynesian city. Pacific Islanders, Māori, and Asian people account for almost half of the city’s population. You can feel the mix of cultures everywhere, including a tempting array of restaurants, shops, and cultural festivals. Walk along almost any street, and you may hear music from around the world.

We’re on our way to two of the city’s most popular attractions, the AUCKLAND ZOO and the Museum of Transport and Technology, better known as MOTAT. If the weather’s nice and you feel like stretching your legs, these two stops are only a short distance apart. So, you can see visit the zoo, then take a leisurely 15-minute stroll through beautiful WESTERN SPRINGS PARK to MOTAT. I’ll point out the Explorer bus stop when we pass MOTAT, so you’ll know where to catch the next ride back to town.

Attention golfers: we’re passing CHAMBERLAIN PARK GOLF COURSE, the closest public course to Central Auckland. Kiwis seize any excuse to get outdoors and have fun, so golf is tremendously popular. In fact, New Zealand has more golf courses per capita than any other nation except Scotland. We are fortunate to have some world-class private courses here as well.

When the bus makes its next left, look for a BUS STOP on the right. Please take note of this bus stop if you plan to walk to MOTAT from the zoo. This is where you will catch the bus from MOTAT back to the Auckland Domain.

A natural spring feeds the lake in WESTERN SPRINGS PARK, a wildlife sanctuary where you can get to know some of our native ducks and other birds. It’s easy to identify the Pūkeko. Its head, throat, and breast are a beautiful deep blue or violet, and it has a bright red bill along with the hugest feet you’ve ever seen on a bird. You often see Pūkeko fighting to defend their territory.

Every March, Western Springs Park hosts the Pasifika Festival, a celebration of Pacific Island culture and our city’s diversity. The Māori name for the lake is Te Wai Orea, or waters of the eel. Look carefully in the water and you may spot some New Zealand orea, one of the largest eels on earth. Orea often live up to 80 years and can survive two days on land by breathing through their skin.

The park has easy-to-walk paths between MOTAT and the zoo.

Auckland Zoo’s native precinct, Te Wao Nui, offers six stunning habitats showcasing the native fauna and flora of Aotearoa New Zealand. Discover the iconic kiwi, cheeky kea, and more than 130 native animal and plant species all in one location.

Occupying a fifth of the Zoo’s footprint, Te Wao Nui will take manuhiri (the Māori word for ‘visitors’) on an immersive journey through New Zealand’s natural world, intertwined with Māori art, myths and legends. Te Wao Nui was blessed by local Iwi, Ngati Whatua o Orakei in 2012, and has become a must-see destination for all visitors to Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.

1,400 animals live at the Auckland Zoo. From lions, tigers, and giraffes to red pandas and macaws, you can see a huge range of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and other animals from around the world.

Auckland Zoo and its partners are working hard to build a brighter future for wildlife and wild places. The Zoo plays a vital role in breeding, research, and recovery programmes for threatened wildlife.

A portion of every ticket goes towards the Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund to support field work locally and internationally. Auckland Zoo is also home the New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine, the first national conservation centre in the world.

This stop the Auckland Zoo. Hop off here to explore New Zealand’s largest collection of native and exotic wildlife. Auckland Zoo, this stop. Our next stop will be at MOTAT.

For your safety, passengers must remain seated whenever the bus is in motion, when the bus is stopped at traffic lights and in stationary traffic.

If you are travelling aboard one of our open-top buses, please ensure your hands, arms and head remain inside the bus at all times.

In 1911, two brothers named Leo and Vee Walsh made the first powered and controlled flight in New Zealand’s history. They built their plane, the Manurewa or Soaring Bird, out of wood, wire, linen, a propeller, and an engine. Its maiden voyage reached an impressive altitude of 18 metres or 59 feet.

The Walsh brothers are New Zealand’s aviation pioneers, equivalent to the Wright brothers in the U.S. Their story is just one you’ll discover at MOTAT, the MUSEUM OF TRANSPORT AND TECHNOLOGY.

I call it a museum of big toys for big kids. MOTAT’s like a playground for the child in all of us, with interactive exhibits on aviation, railroads, motor vehicles, communication, and more. At its core is the restored pumphouse where steam pumps used to distribute fresh water from Western Springs throughout Auckland. MOTAT also has a Historic Village that shows how changing technology affected life in New Zealand.

To see the entire museum climb aboard one of their restored historic trams, some dating back to the steam age.

This stop MOTAT. Hop off here for one of Auckland’s most unique attractions, the Museum of Transport and Technology. MOTAT, this stop. Our next stop will bring us back to the Auckland Museum.

For your safety, passengers must remain seated whenever the bus is in motion, when the bus is stopped at traffic lights and in stationary traffic.

If you are travelling aboard one of our open-top buses, please ensure your hands, arms and head remain inside the bus at all times.

We’re now heading into Auckland City, one of the world’s most walkable cities. It’s only 11 kilometres or less than 7 miles from coast to coast.

Kiwis do adore their cars, but we also recognize that the future is green. So, we’re gradually building new ways of getting around that with less oil consumption. One of the keys is growing our public transport system. Getting around Auckland without a car is a lot easier these days. You can even get to the City Centre on a bicycle without dodging cars. One link in our off-road cycleway has attracted international attention. It’s called Te Ara I Whiti or the Lightpath: a refurbished off-ramp that’s separated from vehicle traffic and painted hot pink. Cyclists and pedestrians trigger an interactive LED display along the Lightpath, an exciting way to make green transport fun and rewarding.

About 200,000 vehicles a day pass through the criss-crossing motorways just ahead. Remember, our city’s located on a narrow isthmus between two harbours, so every highway headed north or south has to pass through this bottleneck. Aucklanders have a poetic name for this tangle of concrete: we call it SPAGHETTI JUNCTION.

The first Māori explorers needed extraordinary skill and courage simply to reach Aotearoa in their waka. European explorers arrived centuries later. In 1642, Abel Tasman sailed two Dutch ships along New Zealand’s west coast, but the first brief contact between Europeans and Māori ended in bloodshed. More than a century passed before the Māori saw another ship from Europe. That was the Endeavor, commanded by English explorer James Cook, who made the first European maps of our coastline.

The AUCKLAND DOMAIN, is an oasis of green in the centre of the city. A lot of the tall, shady trees you see today are more than a century old.

The Domain is our country’s oldest continuously operating plant nursery. It was established in 1841 in order to cultivate European trees and plants and distribute them all over the city. Our colonists wanted to recreate the parks and forests they’d left behind in Europe. The nursery still supplies plants for the Wintergardens and other city parks. Nowadays, there’s a greater emphasis on native New Zealand species as a way to sustain the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

Once the bus stops, it will change to the Red Inner Tour. If you wish to continue on the Blue Outer Tour, please disembark and change buses here.

This stop the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Hop off here to explore, there’s something for everyone.

This bus will now be continuing on the Red Inner Tour, into the city and towards the harbour. If you wish to continue on the Blue Outer Tour, please disembark and change buses here.

This stop the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Hop off here to explore, there’s something for everyone.

Hop off here to change buses to the Red Inner Tour, into the city and towards the harbour.

For your safety, please remain seated while the bus is in motion.

As a courtesy to other passengers, we ask that you please don’t talk over the commentary.

For your safety, please remain seated while the bus is in motion.

As a courtesy to other passengers, we ask that you please don't talk over the commentary.

Please be reminded that for your safety, you must remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion.

Sorry — we have encountered a mechanical issue. Another bus will be coming by to pick you up shortly. Please follow your driver’s instructions.

The transfer point between our Red Inner and Blue Outer tours is located here.

Traffic and construction can be a challenge in any big city and Auckland is no exception. With about 6 cars for every 10 people, New Zealand has the world’s third highest rate of car ownership behind Luxembourg and Iceland. Kiwis are committed to protecting our fragile environment, but we’re struggling to break free from our love affair with our motor vehicles. Thank you for your patience — and be glad you don’t have to drive through this traffic jam!

Due to traffic conditions, we’re unable to make our usual stop at Bastion Point. Our next stop will be Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, where you can explore the underwater viewing tunnels and the world’s largest exhibit of Antarctic King Penguins.

If you’re up for a hike, you can walk from here along the waterfront and climb up to Bastion Point. The walk takes about 30 minutes in each direction.

Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, this stop.

Every New Zealander’s favourite holiday treat is called a Pavlova: a big, round meringue topped with whipped cream and kiwifruit or other fruit. We also adore Hokey Pokey ice cream, sweet vanilla ice cream laced with bits of honeycomb toffee. My favourite New Zealand lollies — that means sweets or candy — include Pineapple Lumps, a chewy pineapple centre coated in chocolate. Mmmmm!

May I have your attention please? Today we’re unable to drive along the waterfront to our usual stops at Okahu Bay, Bastion Point and Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium. Instead, we’ll be proceeding to our next stop back at Stop 1 Downtown Auckland. We apologize for the inconvenience.

To your left, you’ll spot the impressive Mount Eden Prison. This historic site was built in 1882 using volcanic stone quarried from nearby cones. For over a century, it housed some of New Zealand’s most notorious prisoners before closing in 2011. The prison’s striking, fortress-like architecture is a reminder of Auckland’s colonial past and the evolution of the justice system.

Auckland officially kicked off in 1840, the same year the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. It was chosen as the capital from 1841 to 1865 because of its amazing natural harbour — perfect for ships — and a great spot right in the middle of things. It quickly became a melting pot where Māori and European cultures mixed, making Auckland the unique and lively city it is now.

Did you know New Zealand was the very first country in the world to give women the right to vote?

Back in 1893, New Zealand made history by becoming the pioneer of women’s suffrage — a huge step for equality and democracy. Thanks to the determined efforts of women like Kate Sheppard and countless supporters, women here gained the right to vote in national elections long before many other countries.

This landmark achievement shaped New Zealand’s identity as a progressive and fair society, and it’s something Kiwis are really proud of today.

English is the most widely spoken, but Māori — the language of the indigenous people — holds a special place and is experiencing a vibrant revival across the country. You'll hear Te Reo Māori in schools, media, and everyday life, reflecting New Zealand’s deep respect for its cultural heritage.

New Zealand Sign Language became an official language in 2006, recognizing the rights of the Deaf community and ensuring communication access for everyone.

This trilingual approach highlights New Zealand’s commitment to inclusion, culture, and diversity.

Ahead, you’ll see AUCKLAND CITY HOSPITAL, our nation’s largest public hospital and clinical research facility. Hospital treatment is mostly free of charge for citizens and permanent residents. No one can be refused emergency treatment because they’re unable to pay. Even visitors receive free treatment for accidental injuries while they’re in New Zealand. It’s all covered under the national Accident Compensation Corporation. I hope you never need it, but it’s nice to know, eh? Next door to Auckland City Hospital is the STARSHIP CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL. It was one of the first purpose-built children's hospitals in New Zealand. The exterior has fun-coloured canopies and the inside is decorated in warm colours and fabric, and child friendly equipped with playrooms, gardens, a toy library and accommodation for parents to stay with their child.

New Zealand’s subtropical Northland is well worth a visit, Tane Mahuta (God of the forest) the largest living Kauri Tree and unspoilt white sand beaches. Head for the Bay of Islands to catch a cruise past the historic Cape Brett Lighthouse, majestic Motukokako, the hole in the rock, or enjoy game fishing including marlin, shark, and tuna. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of New Zealand's most significant historic sites, this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Stroll around the historic town of Kororareka Russell where the town's original street plan and names from 1843 are still intact. See some of New Zealand's oldest and most historic buildings.

The South Island is where you’ll find rolling hills dotted with sheep and other classic New Zealand scenery. There’s also a world of adventure on the South Island. For instance, you can helicopter over glaciers in the Southern Alps. See more stars than you knew existed in the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve in Tekapo … photograph wild dolphins, penguins, kiwi, and seals … take a tour to Milford Sound a fiord in the Fiordland National Park … go bungy jumping, white water rafting, sky diving, skiing … or sample Pinot Noir at the wineries of Central Otago.

International music superstars from New Zealand include soprano Kiri Te Kanawa and the phenomenal Lorde, who had her first hit single in 2013 when she was just 16. In sport, you may have heard of Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the first two mountaineers to reach the summit of Mt Everest. We’re also proud to claim the world’s greatest yachtsman, Sir Peter Blake, and the man who popularized bungy jumping, A.J. Hackett. Truly, though, Sir Peter Jackson for directing The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit Trilogies that showcased NZ landscapes to the world and of course our biggest stars alive are the All Blacks rugby team!

Less than an hour’s drive west of downtown Auckland, there’s a world of rainforests, mountain peaks, canyons, and black sand beaches. The WAITAKERE RANGES REGIONAL PARK features hundreds of kilometres of hiking tracks past waterfalls and giant ferns. It’s pure magic for hiking, camping, fishing, or picnicking. Get the rush of a lifetime surfing, mountain biking, and “tramping” as we New Zealanders call it, through the bush. Or just breathe in that fresh mountain air, decompress, and surrender to the stunning natural beauty.

New Zealand is a fully independent nation. Even so, we still recognize Britain’s monarch as our Sovereign and head of state. The king or queen may be head of our government and armed forces, but all decisions are guided by New Zealand’s elected representatives.

We get lots of comments from visitors about our weather. Sometimes we get all four seasons in a single day. You might wrap up on a cool morning, then find yourself boiling hot 15 minutes later. Rain clouds can roll in suddenly, bringing a gentle shower or even a thunderstorm. One last thing about Auckland is that the sun here is unusually strong. Be prepared with sunscreen. You might be surprised by how quickly you burn.

Sheep symbolize New Zealand as much as Kiwi birds. Wool and lamb have been two of our biggest exports for over a century and a half. Our sheep shearers train like professional athletes to compete in each year’s Golden Shears competition. New Zealand’s sheep population peaked in 1982 at more than 70 million, or 22 sheep for every person. It’s less than half that today, but knitters and clothing manufacturers around the world still prize New Zealand wool, and agriculture — especially kiwifruit — remains a backbone of our economy.

Pohutukawa trees in bloom … red and green lights running up the Sky Tower … the Farmers Santa Parade. Christmas in the summertime! Auckland’s stores, museums, and public parks ring with carols and blaze with coloured lights. Outdoor Christmas markets spring up everywhere, selling homemade gifts and sweet treats. All over the city, families make plans for Christmas dinner at the bach — that means a beach cottage! Definitely different to our northern hemisphere friends.

Once you finish exploring Auckland, GreatSights offers excursions to all the most popular destinations in New Zealand. Ask about our deluxe coach and cruise tours to Waitomo, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound, and other amazing locations. If you’re looking for stunning scenery and the adventure of a lifetime, we can take you there.

A 5-minute walk down the hill from the museum stop, are the two large Victorian-style greenhouses called the WINTERGARDENS, where you can see rare and exotic plants in any season. The Wintergardens complex also features an outdoor quarry planted with New Zealand ferns. It’s a great way to get a sense of what it’s like tramping in the bush — that’s what we call hiking in the wilderness here in New Zealand.

New Zealand has been a player in Hollywood since Lord of the Rings hit the screen. Tell the truth: did you come here hoping you’d see a few Hobbits in the Shire?

Those scenes were filmed in the Waikato on the North Island. You can visit the set in the town of Matamata on a Gray Line tour.

Sir Peter Jackson directed, wrote, and produced the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, and filmed them in his homeland of New Zealand. He did the same when he directed the 2005 King Kong. Jackson is probably our biggest star.

He’s not the only Kiwi you’ve seen on the screen, however. Lots of movies are filmed in this country, like The Chronicles of Narnia, Whale Rider, and The Piano — that one was filmed on the black sand beaches along our west coast. It starred a New Zealander, too: Sam Neill. You probably saw him playing Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park movies. And you’ve certainly heard of our Wellington-born gladiator, Russell Crowe.