Auckland tours

Things to do in Auckland

Auckland, a city where urban elegance meets natural splendour, buzzes with an energy felt on its lively streets and tranquil harbours. As dusk falls, the skyline lights up, reflecting a spectrum of hues in the waters below. Your local guide invites you to discover the essence of this city on bespoke Auckland tours. Feel the thrill atop the Sky Tower with its sweeping views or enjoy a food and wine tour that guides you through the city’s diverse culinary offerings. With private tours in Auckland, you bypass lines and immerse yourself in genuine Kiwi culture, uncovering local favourites and hearing tales only a true Aucklander can tell. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Auckland. Explore Auckland your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Auckland tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Auckland for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Hike in the Waitākere Ranges to Karekare Falls and Piha’s black‑sand beach, with stops at the Arataki Visitor Centre to learn about kauri and native birds. You can also visit Muriwai’s gannet colony or take the ferry to Rangitoto for a summit walk through lava fields and pōhutukawa forest. Layover tours: With a tight window, your guide can meet you at Auckland Airport, store your luggage, and run a timed route to Mount Eden’s crater, the Auckland Domain Wintergardens, and the waterfront. If you like quick bites, add a stop at the Auckland Fish Market or a flat white in Ponsonby before your on‑time drop‑off. Food and Drink tours: Spend a day on Waiheke Island tasting at cellar doors like Mudbrick and Cable Bay, pairing oysters with sea views. In the city, sample dumplings on Dominion Road, craft beer in the Wynyard Quarter, and gelato along the Viaduct Harbour on an evening food tour. The central city is walkable and buses, trains, and ferries connect many neighbourhoods, but key sights are spread out; for island wineries and west‑coast beaches, a vehicle helps. Ask your local guide about chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Auckland inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour to explore the vibrant city of Auckland and consider adding some popular neighborhoods to your itinerary with a local guide. There’s no better way to understand a neighborhood than having a local by your side. - Ponsonby: Known for its trendy boutiques and vibrant cafe scene, Ponsonby is perfect for cultural tourists and those seeking a lively atmosphere. Enjoy a mix of shopping and dining experiences in one of Auckland's most fashionable areas. - Devonport: A short ferry ride from the city, this historic seaside village is ideal for families and multi-generational groups. With its charming shops and scenic views, Devonport offers a relaxing escape from the city buzz. - Wynyard Quarter: A hub for foodies and those interested in modern urban development, this waterfront area is bustling with eateries and innovative architecture. It's a great spot for enjoying the city's culinary scene and harbor views. Day trip ideas from Auckland Base yourself in Auckland, then add easy day trips to nearby coasts, islands, and small towns, with your tour tuned to beaches, wine, or hikes. - Waiheke Island: ferry across for sandy coves, vineyard tastings, sculpture and gallery stops, plus coastal trails with big harbour views, perfect if you want a slow food day balanced with swims and short walks. - West Coast and Waitākere Ranges: Piha and Karekare deliver black-sand beaches, waterfalls, and bush tracks through kauri and nikau, a strong pick for surf photos, nature strolls, and viewpoints close to the city. - Matakana and Tāwharanui: pair a country market and farm-to-table stops with a peninsula of white sand, birdlife, and clear snorkelling, good for food lovers who also want light hiking and calm bays. - Rangitoto Island: hike the lava fields to a summit panorama over the Hauraki Gulf, poke into small lava caves, and link quiet coves on Motutapu, a simple plan for geology buffs and keen walkers. - Rotorua: make a long day for geothermal valleys, bubbling mud, forest boardwalks in the redwoods, and lakeside lookouts, fitting anyone curious about natural science, short hikes, and hot spring scenery. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Auckland most travellers miss.