Visit Auckland: Soaring Kiwi Tours

I love "playing tourist" and going on bus tours!  It's such a great way to not only view popular sights, but also to learn so much about a city!  While in Auckland, our family went on the Soaring Kiwi Tours Hop On Hop Off Tour.

There are two different tours you can go on, both of which begin and end at the Sky Tower. Simply hop on an easily identifiable red double-decker bus after showing the driver your ticket, and you'll be on your way!

There is both live and recorded commentary (buses are equipped with audio stations with recordings in different languages; earphones are provided).   

The Central Tour takes you through eight stops, including Viaduct Harbor, Bastion Point, and Auckland Museum.

We had great views of the harbor from afar!

The Western Tour also takes you through eight stops, such as Auckland Zoo, Auckland Harbour Bridge, and Western Springs. However, the final stop, Wynyard Quarter, is in use only on select cruise ship days.

While on the Western tour, we decided to get off at Ponsonby to do a little exploring.

We walked to Tole Reserve, a nearby playground, and ate lunch at Tokyo Club.

Upon disembarking, the driver will tell you approximately what time the next bus will come, so you have an idea of what time to be back at the pick-up spot.

When we were ready to get back on the bus, we waited at the pick-up spot for just a few minutes before the bus arrived.

Fortunately for us, there was a cruise on the day we went on the tour, so we got off at Wynyard Quarter to get back to our rental. It was just a short ten-minute walk!

My favorite part about any tour is seeing all the different types of architecture styles. It's so fascinating to me!

On most of the tours I sat at the top, but it got really, really chilly. The last leg of the tour I sat at the bottom. At the top it is easier to get clear, unobstructed views for photos, but the clear, large windows on the bottom deck allows for good photos as well.

The guides were very knowledgeable and friendly, and I loved learning new facts about Auckland.

The Soaring Kiwi Tours Hop On Hop ff Tour is a great way to view Auckland's top sights, and it's a hassle-free way to visit the top attractions! There is no need to drive or find (or pay!) for parking. Simply use the Hop On Hop Off bus!

For more information and rates, click here.

Mahalo to the sponsor for our complimentary tickets!