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Excursions For a Half Day Hauraki Gulf Islands: The Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park (tel: (09) 379 6476; fax: (09) 379 3609; e-mail: aucklandvc@doc.govt.nz; website: www.doc.govt.nz) contains 47 islands, some just a few minutes’ sail away from Auckland. Not all can be visited, as some are nature reserves with no access to the general public, although others are devoted to human pleasures, with all the usual holiday facilities. The volcanic island of Rangitoto is one of the most popular islands and is the largest volcanic cone in Auckland. There are several ferries per day from Auckland’s ferry building and the trip takes 30 minutes. Details are available from Fullers Cruise Centre (tel: (09) 367 9111). For a Whole Day Auckland vineyards: New Zealand makes some of the best wine in the world, especially sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir. The best-known vineyards are further south, such as in Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough, although Auckland has several good vineyards to the west of the city, notably in the Henderson and Kumeu areas. Several tour companies organise day trips, which normally include visits to at least four vineyards and lunch at one of them. Cost is in the region of NZ$100 per half day, depending on the number of people – some tours require a minimum number of passengers. Companies include Auckland Adventures (tel: (09) 379 4545), Bush and Beach (tel: (09) 478 2882), Waitakere Scenic Tours (tel: (09) 817 4547) and, best of all, Fine Wine Tours (tel: (09)849 4519). |
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