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Description:
Nau mai haere mai ... Welcome to Auckland
On arrival in Auckland you will be met by your Indigenous Trails Guide to board your 'Auckland City Trail'. Your Guide will brief you of the days events before embarking on this trail.
Auckland is New Zealand's largest urban area with a population of just over a million people. It is not, however, the capital, although it was at one time, until the capital moved to Wellington. Auckland is the centre of commerce and industry, and is perhaps the most vibrant, 'bustling' and 'multicultural' city in New Zealand.
Auckland is the biggest 'Polynesian' city in the world, and this cultural influence is reflected in many different aspects of city life.
The city's landscape is dominated by 'volcanic hills', the 'twin harbours', 'bays', 'beaches' and 'islands'. Its nickname the 'City of Sails' is very apt. Auckland has more boats per capita than anywhere else in the world.
Dotted with volcanic hills, many of which were once the site of Maori pas, or fortified villages, and which currently afford great views of the city.
Auckland lies between the 'Waitemata' and 'Manukau' harbours, and its geography is such that glistening waters seem to beckon from every point. It is a water lover's paradise, with some of the best beaches, swimming, diving, fishing, sailing, windsurfing and watersports in the country.
Your excursion begins with a 'City Sights' tour of Auckland including a visit to Mt Eden before making your way to ‘Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World’. Experience the 'King Penguins' while taking a ride in the ‘Snowcat’, where you will have incredible views of these birds as they swim underwater. Step into the ‘Underwater World’ where a moving walkway will lead you through a transparent tunnel in which you are surrounded by ‘sharks’, ‘stingrays’ and other ‘sea creatures’.
On conclusion of this experience, lunch will be enjoyed before visiting the Auckland Museum. Overlooking the Waitemata harbour and occupying one of New Zealand's finest heritage buildings, the Auckland Museum War Memorial Museum is the cultural and spiritual touchstone for New Zealanders. The Museum is the first stop for anyone wishing to gain an insight into New Zealand and its people. Includes priceless Maori treasures, amazing natural history, and an ever-changing feast of local and international exhibitions.
We arrive back at the Port of Auckland in time to board your ship concluding this day’s excursion. |
