5 Day Auckland Family Escape

Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s vibrant City of Sails. After arriving and settling into your Auckland City accommodation, enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the waterfront, Viaduct Harbour or nearby city attractions at your own pace.

Included Experience – Return Auckland Airport Transfers
Enjoy convenient pre-booked transfers between Auckland Airport and your Auckland City accommodation, with both your arrival and departure journeys included. Transfers are available from Auckland’s Domestic and International Terminals, providing a comfortable beginning and end to your family holiday.

Journey into the Hauraki Gulf for a day devoted to marine wildlife, island scenery and conservation. Expert commentary provides an engaging introduction to the remarkable species and environments found throughout Tīkapa Moana.

Included Experience – Tīkapa Moana Whale & Dolphin Wildlife Cruise (6–8 hours)
Explore the Hauraki Gulf aboard a purpose-built wildlife-viewing vessel as the crew searches for dolphins, whales, seals and native seabirds in their natural habitat. The cruise also includes the choice of an island stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Bay, where families can walk, swim or relax before returning to Auckland.

Alternatively, replace today’s included wildlife cruise with the following experience:

Alternative Experience – Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise (1.5 hours)
Sail across the Waitematā Harbour aboard a purpose-built yacht while enjoying views of the Auckland skyline, volcanic landmarks and Harbour Bridge. Family members can help hoist the sails, take a turn at the helm or simply relax with a complimentary hot drink and sweet treat.

Alternative Experience – America’s Cup Sailing Experience (2 hours)
Replace the relaxed harbour cruise with a more energetic sailing experience aboard a former America’s Cup racing yacht. Help operate the grinders, take the helm and work alongside the crew, or sit back and enjoy the thrill of sailing one of these remarkable vessels. Minimum age 10 years.

Alternative Experience – Auckland Bridge Climb (1.5–2 hours)
Follow custom-engineered walkways through the structure of the Auckland Harbour Bridge before climbing to its summit with an experienced guide. From the top, enjoy panoramic views across the city skyline, Waitematā Harbour, Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf. Minimum age 7 years and minimum weight 35kg; maximum weight 150kg.

Alternative Experience – Auckland Bridge Bungy (2 hours)
Take a 40-metre bungy jump from the Auckland Harbour Bridge, with the possibility of requesting an ocean touch when conditions permit. Eligible family members can combine the bungy with the included Bridge Climb while other participants continue with the climb or watch from the designated viewing area. Minimum age 10 years and minimum weight 35kg; maximum weight 150kg.

Cruise across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island for an exciting day above and beneath the native forest canopy. Following your zipline adventure, enjoy free time for lunch, a beach visit or exploring Oneroa before catching the ferry back to Auckland.

Included Experience – Return Waiheke Island Ferry
Travel between Downtown Auckland and Waiheke Island while enjoying views across the Waitematā Harbour and Hauraki Gulf. Your flexible return ferry tickets allow the family to spend additional time exploring the island after the scheduled ziplining experience.

Included Experience – Waiheke Island Ziplining & Forest Walk (3 hours)
Soar side by side across three scenic ziplines overlooking vineyards, native forest and the Hauraki Gulf before joining a guided walk through regenerating bush. The experience also includes island transfers and commentary introducing Waiheke’s scenery, communities and conservation work. Must weigh between 30kg and 125kg.

Alternatively, replace today’s Waiheke Island experiences with one of the following full-day tours:

Alternative Experience – Hobbiton Express with Party Marquee Lunch (9 hours)
Travel south from Auckland through the rolling green countryside of the Waikato to the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set. Today’s full-day adventure provides plenty of time to explore the Shire before returning to Auckland during the afternoon.

Join a guided journey through the Hobbiton Movie Set, seeing colourful Hobbit Holes, the Mill, the double-arched bridge, the Party Tree and the Green Dragon Inn. Step inside a fully themed Hobbit Hole before enjoying a generous buffet lunch in the Party Marquee and a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Minimum age 5 years.

Alternative Experience – Best of Both Worlds Tour (8.5 hours)
Combine Auckland’s city highlights with the natural beauty of the Waitākere Ranges on one comprehensive sightseeing tour. The morning introduces Auckland’s neighbourhoods, landmarks and volcanic scenery before an afternoon visit to the Arataki Visitor Centre, native rainforest and Piha’s dramatic black-sand beach.

Step into the imaginative world of film effects at Wētā Workshop Unleashed. Afterwards, explore central Auckland independently or select an optional creative, sporting or high-adrenaline experience.

Included Experience – Wētā Workshop Unleashed (90 minutes)
Journey through three extraordinary imaginary film projects devoted to horror, fantasy and science fiction while discovering how movie creatures, environments and practical effects are created. Interactive displays, larger-than-life sets and hands-on activities make this an entertaining experience for imaginative children and adults.

Optional Experience – Intro to Worldbuilding (Weekends only: 90 minutes)
Create a miniature cinematic landscape using recycled materials, paints and professional worldbuilding techniques under the guidance of Wētā Workshop’s creative crew. This hands-on workshop is an excellent addition for older children interested in art, model making, filmmaking or fantasy worlds. Minimum age 12 years.

Optional Experience – Intro to Scars and Scrapes (Weekends only: 60 minutes)
Learn introductory special-effects make-up techniques while creating realistic-looking scars, wounds and scrapes. The workshop offers older children and adults a fascinating introduction to the practical effects used in film and television. Minimum age 12 years.

Optional Experience – All Blacks Experience Guided Tour (1–1.5 hours)
Discover the stories, culture and achievements behind the All Blacks, Black Ferns and New Zealand’s other national rugby teams during an interactive guided experience. Stand face-to-face with an immersive haka before testing your kicking, passing, catching and agility skills in the hands-on activity zone.

Optional Experience – Auckland SkyWalk (90 minutes)
Walk around the outside of the Sky Tower on a narrow platform 192 metres above Auckland, secured by a full-body safety harness. Take in uninterrupted city and harbour views while completing confidence-building challenges led by experienced guides. Minimum age 10 years and minimum weight 30kg; maximum weight 127kg. The minimum weight may increase to 45kg during strong winds.

Optional Experience – Auckland SkyJump (45 minutes)
Step from the Sky Tower and descend 192 metres towards the city below on a controlled wire-assisted jump. This thrilling Auckland experience combines spectacular views with an unforgettable high-speed descent. Minimum age 10 years and minimum weight 35kg; maximum weight 150kg.

Enjoy a final breakfast and any available free time before checking out of your Auckland City accommodation. Your pre-booked transfer will collect you in time for your departing domestic or international flight.

Included Experience – Auckland Airport Departure Transfer
Travel comfortably from your Auckland City accommodation to Auckland Airport, with drop-off available at either the Domestic or International Terminal. The transfer completes your Auckland Family Escape with a convenient and stress-free journey to your flight.