Tourism experiences
Auckland Whale and Dolphin will be taking a short break during September for its annual maintenance on the Dolphin Explorer vessel, to ensure it is ship-shape for the summer season. They will be not operating trips from 11 September to 23 September. In summer Auckland Whale and Dolphin will run two trips daily, instead of one, 9am - 1.30pm and 2.30pm - 7pm. The extra sailings will run 1 December to 30 April. Learn more.
Waiheke Custom Wine Tours specialises in exclusive premium wine tasting tours and also sightseeing tours accommodating up to 6 people. There are a number of set tours available as well as private customised tours. Learn more.
Go SkyDive is a new skydiving tourism operator, and part of the Franklin Tourism Group. Experience breath taking views of the Coromandel, Auckland City, Hamilton City and both the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Learn more.
Superthriller Jetsprint provides a truly unique experience putting people in the driving seat of a 100hp jet boat. Set the water on fire as you and a navigator of your choice take on the clock to sprint around a course set out in a purpose-built lake at the newly created Colin Dale Motorsport Park located near Auckland Airport. At this venue, participants can enjoy combining their driving skill, mental agility & teamwork to create an exhilarating experience in a carefully controlled environment with equipment, procedures & facilities certified by Maritime NZ.
Fine Art Tours has recently launched a gourmet tasting tour showcasing some of Auckland’s best eateries and artisan food producers on a short and easy walking tour within the central city. Visit entertainment precincts filled with bars, restaurants and boutiques. The tour runs for 2.5 hours and can take up to 10 people. Learn more.
The Rees Hotel Queenstown has expanded into Auckland with the 84ft motor yacht MV Templar which is available for chartered and private cruises. Based in Viaduct Harbour, the MV Templar by The Rees is a fully furnished luxurious four cabin yacht, with cabin ensuite bathrooms, accommodating up to 44 people during the day and 9 overnight. Learn more.
Accommodation
Hurakia Lodge is an exclusive use lodge on Rakino Island. A luxuriously secluded escape, accessible only by helicopter or boat, the villa boasts spectacular 300 degree sea views and tranquil surroundings. There are five double bedrooms all with ensuites, spacious indoor and outdoor living areas including pool and spa. Personal Chef or self-catering options available. Learn more.
AccorHotels Group has rebranded its Mercure Auckland to Grand Mercure Auckland following a two-year redevelopment. The whole hotel facilities and its 207 rooms have been completely refurbished. Learn more.
Holiday Inn Auckland Airport Hotel has embarked on a $3 million full refurbishment of its public spaces, including the restaurant and bar, function rooms, hotel lobby, reception and swimming pool, to provide a more contemporary and tranquil environment for guests and visitors. The redevelopment is scheduled for completion in January 2018.
Ramada Suites Albany has recently opened on Auckland’s North Shore, and is conveniently linked by motorway to the central city and the rest of the Auckland region. The hotel has 66 serviced suites which all have kitchen and laundry facilities, plus double-glazing to keep out any traffic noise. An on-site cafe, gym and other restaurants and retail stores are conveniently located around the hotel. Ramada is part of the Wyndham group, the biggest hotel chain in the world. Learn more.
Metropolis AVANI Residences (The Metropolis Apartments) is currently undergoing refurbishment and rebranding to Metropolis Avani Residences under Minor Hotels Group. The 40-storey building currently consists of 56 apartments and is expecting to increase to 150 over the next 12 months. All rooms are self-contained with full kitchenette and laundry facilities and will be fully refurbished in a modern contemporary style. The rooms will also be positioned on floors 9-29, each with sweeping views of Auckland. Learn more.
Dining
Orbit 360 Dining restaurant at Auckland Sky Tower will be closed for refurbishment from the 4 September until 19 October. While this is happening, there are still plenty of dining options at the other SKYCITY restaurants onsite and in Federal Street, including the new sophisticated Chinese restaurant Huami.
Huami is a collaboration between renowned Kiwi chef, Nic Watt of MASU and SKYCITY, with esteemed Executive Chef, Jeff Tan, who has an impressive career running some of the finest restaurant kitchens in Asia and the Middle East. The new restaurant also offers an extensive range of whisky, wine and a specially curated cocktail list. Open daily for lunch 11.30am – 3.30pm and dinner 5.30pm – 10.30pm.
Kai Pasifika is a new restaurant offering a unique and vibrant dining experience that showcases Pacific Island cuisine in an authentic setting. Kai Pasifika is located in Mount Eden and it definitely serves up Auckland’s reputation as being the capital of Polynesian. Learn more.
Giraffe has opened in the Viaduct. Headed up by Simon Gault, Giraffe is an all-day eatery with an open kitchen allowing for a dining experience where home grown is front and centre showcasing local producers and growers. The new eatery offers shared plates, small dishes which capture the essence of ‘eat together’. Learn more.