After wrapping up a successful time at MEETINGS 2025 in Auckland, I embarked on an unforgettable half-day city tour with Auckland & Beyond Tours. Known as the “City of Sails,” Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most diverse city—a place where culture, coastline, and volcanic peaks collide in the most breathtaking ways. This tour proved to be a fantastic way to get to know the city, offering both a visual and cultural introduction to the landscapes, landmarks, and stories that shape Auckland’s unique identity.
Setting Off from the CBD
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| Westhaven Marina |
The tour began with a 9:00am pick-up from Auckland’s central business district. As soon as I stepped into the comfortable vehicle, the friendly guide set the tone for a morning of discovery. Our first destination was the picturesque Westhaven Marina. This peaceful inlet is dotted with hundreds of moored yachts and sailboats, offering a true glimpse into Auckland’s maritime spirit. It’s also home to the prestigious Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the official home of Emirates Team New Zealand and a key player in the iconic America’s Cup regattas. Being here gave me a deeper appreciation of why Auckland is called the “City of Sails.”
Coastal Roads and Waterfront Charms
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| Rangitoto Island |
From there, we cruised along the stunning Tamaki Drive toward the charming suburb of Mission Bay. Just 5 km from the city center, this beachside locale is perfect for weekend strolls, family outings, or a casual coffee by the sea. The drive itself is as much a highlight as the destination, weaving past well-kept waterfront homes, lush green parks, and local cafés that invite you to pause and take in the view. Lining the street are boutique shops and eateries, each adding to the relaxed, coastal village vibe of Mission Bay. All the while, we enjoyed unobstructed views of the tranquil Hauraki Gulf and the looming figure of Rangitoto Island in the distance, its volcanic presence casting a dramatic silhouette against the morning sky.
Bastion Point – A View with a Story
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| MJ Savage Memorial Park |
Next stop was the MJ Savage Memorial Park, also known as Bastion Point. Perched high above the coastline, this iconic Auckland landmark is named after Michael Joseph Savage, New Zealand’s first Labour Prime Minister and a beloved figure in the country’s political history. His final resting place is marked by a striking Art Deco-style memorial and beautifully landscaped gardens that reflect the dignity of his legacy. As I walked through the grounds, the sense of calm was immediate—enhanced by birdsong, gentle sea breezes, and the scent of native flora. From the lookout, the sweeping views across Waitemata Harbour were nothing short of spectacular. The Harbour Bridge stretches across the glistening water, while the Auckland city skyline rises in the distance, framed by sky and sea. This spot isn’t just scenic; it holds deep cultural significance for local iwi (Māori tribes), making it a place of both remembrance and reflection for many. Standing there, it was easy to feel connected to the layers of history and natural beauty that define Auckland.
Capturing Rangitoto at Achilles Point
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| Achilles Point |
We continued on to Achilles Point, a lesser-known gem perched high above the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf. Tucked away at the eastern end of St Heliers Bay, this elevated lookout is named in honour of the HMNZS Achilles, a New Zealand naval ship that played a notable role in the Battle of the River Plate during World War II. Today, it offers one of the most striking photo opportunities in Auckland, with Rangitoto Island dominating the horizon. The island, the most recent and largest volcano in the Hauraki Gulf, rises with quiet strength from the sea, its symmetrical cone a defining feature of the city’s landscape. As I took in the view, I also noticed a series of intricately carved wooden pou (carved posts), which stand as a tribute to Māori heritage and the spiritual guardianship of the land. The carvings, rich in symbolism, added a layer of cultural depth to the natural grandeur surrounding us. Achilles Point is more than just a lookout—it’s a place where stories of history, culture, and geology quietly converge.
One Tree Hill – A Peak into the Past
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| One Tree Hill |
Maungakiekie, or One Tree Hill, was our next highlight—a site that truly bridges the natural and cultural heritage of Auckland. Standing at 182 meters tall, this ancient volcanic cone offers sweeping 360-degree views across the city, from the downtown skyline to the outer suburbs and the surrounding harbours. But beyond the breathtaking vistas, One Tree Hill is steeped in rich Māori and colonial history. Once the site of a large and strategically significant Māori pā (fortified village), it was home to thousands of people and featured complex earthworks such as terraces, storage pits, and defensive palisades. Maungakiekie was considered one of the most important settlements for the local iwi, particularly Ngāti Whātua and other Tāmaki tribes, due to its fertile volcanic soil and commanding position in the landscape.
Today, the summit is crowned by an obelisk memorial dedicated to Māori and a lone tree site that gives the hill its name—though the original tree was removed in the 1850s and a replacement planted in later years. Walking along its grassy slopes, framed by ancient trees and sweeping landscapes, I felt a deep connection to the land and the layers of history it holds. The atmosphere is peaceful, yet powerful—a reminder of the enduring presence of Māori culture and the legacy of those who lived on this land long before the modern city grew around it.
Mount Eden – A Volcanic Crown with a View
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| View from Mount Eden |
Our final summit of the day was Mount Eden, known in Māori as Maungawhau—“mountain of the whau tree.” This iconic volcanic cone rises 196 meters above sea level, making it the highest natural point in Auckland. As we approached the summit, the city gradually fell away behind us, revealing layers of green parkland, residential suburbs, and glistening coastline. At the top, we were greeted by a stunning, perfectly symmetrical crater—a deep, grass-covered bowl formed by a powerful eruption some 28,000 years ago. Though now dormant, the crater stands as a powerful reminder of Auckland’s dynamic volcanic past.
The panoramic views from Mount Eden are nothing short of breathtaking. The entire city skyline stretches across the horizon, with the Waitematā and Manukau Harbours on either side and the distant peaks of other volcanic cones dotting the landscape. Looking out over the Hauraki Gulf, I could see Rangitoto Island once more, its presence bookending the day’s journey. Standing at the edge of the crater, it truly felt like the whole city had unfolded beneath my feet.
Beyond its natural beauty, Maungawhau holds deep cultural significance for Māori. It was once home to a thriving pā, and you can still see remnants of terraces and food storage pits carved into the slopes. The site is considered sacred, and visitors are encouraged to tread respectfully while appreciating its history. Ending the tour at this high point—both geographically and symbolically—offered a moment to reflect on the unique fusion of natural forces and cultural heritage that defines Auckland.
Back to the Heart of Auckland
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| View from Mount Eden |
The tour wrapped up with a comfortable drive back into the Auckland CBD. Along the way, we shared reflections on the day’s highlights with the other couple on the tour—visitors from overseas who were just as captivated by Auckland’s blend of city life, coastal beauty, and volcanic landscapes. It was clear they had enjoyed the experience as much as I had, commenting on how the tour had given them a deeper understanding of the city beyond the usual tourist spots. I was dropped off at my hotel with my camera full of scenic shots and my mind buzzing with insights into the natural and cultural richness that makes Auckland such a remarkable place to explore.
Tour Highlights:
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| Sun, cloud, rainbow |
- Pick up from Auckland CBD
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Snacks & water provided
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Professional tour guide/driver
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Westhaven Marina
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Mission Bay coastal suburb
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Tamaki Drive views of Rangitoto Island
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MJ Savage Memorial Park (Bastion Point)
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Achilles Point scenic lookout
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One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie)
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Mount Eden volcanic summit
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Drop off at Auckland CBD
For more details or to book your own Auckland City tour, visit:
Auckland & Beyond Tours
Website: www.aucklandandbeyond.co.nz
Email: info@aucklandandbeyond.co.nz
For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine"
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/
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