Auckland Te Huia Train Adventure

We will pick you up Today, (not too early) and make our way over the Kaimai Ranges and through the rolling Waikato farmland to Frankton railway station. Here we board the Te Huia train and travel to Auckland Central.  Sit back and relax as we journey northwards in comfort.

Te Huia passenger service between Hamilton and Auckland commenced on 6 April 2021.  It is a five-year trial and has subsidies from NZTA and Waikato local authorities and can carry around 500 passengers.  It is operated by KiwiRail on behalf of Waikato Regional Council.  It is hoped that the train will help reduce the carbon footprint of New Zealand.

Once in Auckland, we will travel to our accommodation by taxi.  The next three nights we will be staying at Travelodge, located in the heart of the Wynyard Quarter. This is a 4-star rated hotel.

Overnight at TRAVELODGE – WYNYARD QUARTER  –  Marina View Room or similar. (D, B)

After breakfast, we will walk to the Ferry Terminal to board the Fullers360 ferry and enjoy a 40-minute journey across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island. The island consists of 92km of pristine beaches, coastal headlands, vineyards, seaside villages and much more.

On arrival on the Island, we will board the Explorer Bus at the Ferry Terminal.  You cna now travel around the island at yourown pace.  There are 17 stops – choose as many or as few as you like. Choose between vineyards, shops, galleries, beaches, and a restaurant/café for lunch (at your own expense). You may choose to stay on board the Explorer bus and complete the full loop tour of 1.5hours, before deciding which stop to ge toff at –  there is an on-board commentary to listen to along the way.

When you are tired from shopping, sightseeing  or wineing & dining,  just  hop back onto the bus  which takes your directly to the Ferry Terminal where you catch the ferry back to Downtown Auckland.  This is just a few paces away  from your  hotel.

This evening we will all get togther again – share our stories of the day – and enjoy  a sumptuous buffet dinner in the Fortuna Restaurant at Sky City.

Overnight at TRAVELODGE – WYNYARD QUARTER – (D, B)

Today is a free day –  no rushing about – sleep late – dine leisurely , then choose where or how you might like to spend the day.

The easiest option is to climb aboard the Hop on Hop off bus – that runs around the city.  A 60 min circuit gives you a great overview and you can hop on and off wherever you want to.

Or you might like to visit the Auckland Zoo first thing in the morning followed by Motat – Museum of Transport & technology – in the afternoon.

You will not be disappointed there is so much to see & do at both these attractions, and they both boast a lovely café on site.

Maybe you would like to catch the ferry to Devonport – just a 10min ferry ride across the harbour – disembark the ferry and climb aboard the Explorer bus or just enjoy wandering around this quaint little village.

Maybe Rangitoto island is more appealing – a 25 min ferry ride – to New Zealand’s – youngest volcano.  It’s a good 2hr trek to the summit so will need a good level of fitness to enjoy this.

Of course, there is always shopping downtown Auckland inner city at Commercial Bay or wander up and down Queen Street.

For those of you who love art – check out the Art Gallery and see what’s new.

There is more to do with your day than what time will allow.  Enjoying all that the city has to offer is not always easy unless you are staying right in the midst of it.

Late afternoon we will all meet to share our stories of what we got up to for the day whilst enjoying a cocktail / mocktail overlooking the Waitemata Harbour, followed by early dinner.

And for those who would like to attend the musical “Hamilton” – please let us know and we will reserve your seat.

(As this is not everybody’s style of music, we have made this an optional experience)

Additional Cost per seat is $250. Hosted at the Vector Arena.

This is a great way to end your mini getaway to our wonderful Auckland city.

Overnight at TRAVELODGE – WYNYARD QUARTER – (D, B)