Auckland, New Zealand Shore Excursions

Auckland is a city that feels like it was made for explorers. Known as the “City of Sails,” this bustling harbor town is wrapped in water, dotted with dormant volcanoes and alive with culture at every turn. From its busy downtown streets to island vineyards just a ferry ride away, Auckland offers cruise visitors a mix of city energy and coastal escape all in one stop.

Excursions in Auckland, New Zealand include walking tours through the city, cultural experiences with Māori traditions, wine tasting on Waiheke Island, adventure activities like ziplining and bridge climbing and visits to iconic landmarks such as the Sky Tower. Whether you want to take it slow with a glass of cabernet or ramp things up with an adrenaline rush, Auckland shore excursions set the stage for an unforgettable day.

Auckland City & Cultural Excursions

Auckland is a city with layers — Māori heritage, European history and a thriving creative scene. Shore excursions in town bring you right into the heart of it.

Auckland City Walking Tour

Join a local guide for a walk through Tamaki Makaurau, the Māori name for Auckland. You’ll wander past historic facades, duck into laneways filled with boutiques and cafés and hear stories that go back nearly a thousand years. It’s a relaxed way to experience the city beyond the main streets.

Auckland Highlights and Museum

The Auckland War Memorial Museum is one of the country’s most important cultural landmarks. Its exhibits showcase Polynesian artifacts, Māori treasures and New Zealand’s military history. A guided visit here adds depth to any city tour and the museum’s perch above Waitematā Harbour gives you stellar views too.

All Blacks Experience and Sky Tower

For sports fans, few experiences rival learning about New Zealand’s legendary rugby team. At the All Blacks Experience, you’ll feel the power of the haka and get behind-the-scenes insights into the game that defines the nation. The tour finishes at the Sky Tower, where 360-degree views stretch across the harbors and volcanic peaks.

Auckland Adventure Excursions

If you’re looking to turn up the adrenaline, Auckland has plenty of ways to do it — and most are right in town.

Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb

Strap into a harness and climb the city’s iconic bridge for unbeatable views over the harbor and skyline. The climb is surprisingly gentle, but the reward at the top makes it a highlight for thrill-seekers and photographers alike.

Auckland Jet Boat Ride

Hold on tight — twin engines and high-speed spins make this one of the most exhilarating ways to see the waterfront. As you zip across the harbor, you’ll catch glimpses of the Sky Tower and Harbour Bridge from the water while feeling the spray in your face.

Mt Eden Volcano Walk

For something a little more grounded, join a guided hike up Mt Eden, a dormant volcano and the city’s highest natural point. The walk is scenic rather than strenuous and from the summit, you’ll see Auckland’s neighborhoods and harbors spread out below.

Auckland Islands, Wine and Scenery

Just beyond the harbor, Auckland’s islands offer a slower pace — and some of the region’s best food and wine.

Waiheke Island Wine Tour

A quick ferry ride whisks you across the Waitematā Harbour to Waiheke Island, where boutique vineyards produce cabernet blends and crisp chardonnay. Tastings are often paired with local cheeses and sweeping coastal views. With its beaches, olive groves and laid-back charm, Waiheke feels like a world away despite being so close to the city.

Charming Devonport and Auckland’s North Shore

Closer to the port, Devonport is a historic seaside village filled with colonial architecture and relaxed cafés. A photo stop at North Head offers sweeping views of the harbor and city skyline. It’s a gentler day out — perfect for travelers who want history, shopping and scenery all rolled into one.

Choose Your Auckland, New Zealand Shore Excursion

Excursions in Auckland, New Zealand include city walking tours, Sky Tower visits, bridge climbs, jet boat rides, wine tastings on Waiheke Island and cultural encounters. From downtown laneways to coastal vineyards, Auckland shore excursions offer a little bit of everything. No matter how you choose to spend your day, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for why this city is called the “City of Sails.”