Enjoy a cruise through Tikapa Moana, the Hauraki Gulf, and discover Rotoroa Island sanctuary. This pretty little island is perfect for a summer escape from the city for the day or longer.

Rotoroa Island has been predator free since 2014 and is now home to a number of native birds and wildlife free ranging across the island. With a unique history as a rehabilitation centre you will uncover the history of Rotoroa through the award-winning museum and exhibition. Enjoy quiet sandy beaches for picnics and swimming and take in the views from Waiheke to Coromandel. There really is something here for everyone.

Highlights:

• Enjoy an 75 minute cruise each way through Tikapa Moana, the Hauraki Gulf, to Rotoroa Island
• Discover the unique history of the island through the award-winning muesum exhibition and heritage buildings around the island
• Explore the island on foot via established walking tracks across open fields, native bush and sandy shorelines
• A 90 minute guided nature walk is available to book with one of the islands' knowledgeable and passionate rangers. Find out more here.
• Spot iconic native species free ranging across the island including kiwi, takahē and tīeke
• Enjoy the sheltered sandy bays and clear waters for relaxing, swimming and snorkelling.
• Facilities on the island include a gift shop (open 90 minutes prior to the ferry departing the island), freshwater drinking fountain, toilets and electric barbeques
• There is no café so please pack your own snacks and lunch to take with you or purchase from onboard
• Various holiday homes are available on the island for those who wish to stay a bit longer, these can booked at rotoroa.org.nz

Travel in comfort and style on a premium Hauraki Gulf cruise vessel direct to Man O' War Bay, Waiheke Island and experience this relaxed beachfront cellar door and restaurant.

Enjoy a glass of their exceptional wine in this spectacular location - from Bordeaux blends to their renowned Rose - and watch the waves lap the shore.

Man O' War offers private tastings for wine lovers and a unique dining experience at their Tasting Room restaurant. Bookings are advised to avoid disappointment.

For a more laid back outing you can grab a spot on their expansive lawn with a playground to entertain the kids and a beach to explore - walk ins are always welcome. A pop-up kitchen and bar will also operate on select dates over summer.

Man O' War also has a number of DJs playing select dates in summer months. Visit manowar.co.nz for full details.

Please note this experience includes return ferry travel only, please book all restaurant reservations and wine tastings direct with Man O' War 

Take the family and head out for a day in the Hauraki Gulf, exploring one of the area's most famous wildlife sanctuary islands, Tiritiri Matangi. After arriving via ferry from downtown Auckland, you'll head off on a self guided visit of the island. Choose to seek out the islands unique birdlife, native plants and rich history, or find a beautiful secluded spot to enjoy a relaxing day away from the city, the choice is all yours.

Enjoy the unique Auckland landscape from the water on this relaxed harbour sailing experience. Take in Auckland’s city highlights; sail under the Harbour Bridge, see volcanic peaks and the iconic city skyline from the best view in town.

Sit back and relax or get involved and help the friendly, knowledgeable crew sail a purpose built 50 foot yacht. Enjoy the afternoon on the water with your choice of fresh coffee, tea or a hot chocolate plus a delicious sweet treat.

Includes:

• 1.5 hour sailing experience on Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour
• Listen to an informative commentary from our knowledgeable crew about the harbour and its history
• View the iconic Auckland city skyline from the water and sail under the Harbour Bridge
• Take the opportunity to help our friendly, knowledgeable crew sail our purpose built 50 foot yachts
• Enjoy your choice of fresh coffee, tea or a hot chocolate served with a cookie

This is a new one – head on into Sweet Axe Auckland and try your hand at Axe Throwing!! The axe-perts will show you how it’s done before you learn how to throw for yourself & dive into a couple of fun games using your new found skills. Take your choice of Sweet-Axe T-Shirt home to remember the experience by!

This is basically what happens… A coach will take you through correct and safe throwing techniques one on one, to ensure you are ready. After a bit of practice you then  put your new skills to the test in a tournament. All very light hearted FUN.

Get ready to hit the waves on Auckland's beautiful West Coast at Muriwai Beach. This popular black sand beach is great place for surfing and after a group lesson your qualified professional instructor will have you surfing like a pro. You'll be in a fun and safe environment with the crew from Muriwai Surf School - perfect for the whole family.

All of the beginner surf lessons take 1.5 - 2 hours (talk to the crew if you have more experience) and include great quality equipment. They are taught by fully qualified, experienced surf instructors in a fun and safe learning environment. The Instructors will be in the water with you at all times.

Muriwai Surf School is located on Auckland's beautiful West Coast only 40 minutes drive from the central city. This unique coastline is famous for its amazing sunsets and rugged landscape. The beach gets consistent waves all year round with the best surf being through the summer months. 

Embark on a journey of discovery on Waiheke Island, just 35 minutes from downtown Auckland, with the 3-hour EcoZip Adventure. After being picked up at the ferry terminal you'll enjoy a fully commentated ‘Waiheke Highlights’ tour showcasing what Lonely Planet named ‘the playground of the gods’.

Once you arrive at EcoZip HQ, which is located high on a hill with spectacular sea views to Auckland City, you’ll take to the skies on their unique giant ziplines. With dual cables each over 200m long, fly side-by-side with a friend in an unforgettable shared experience. Across three separate lines, you’ll zip high above a working vineyard and lush, ancient forest canopies, soaking up incredible views back to the city and beyond.

Descending from the final landing deck, you’ll exchange your birds-eye forest view for the cool, sun-dappled forest floor – home to geckos and skinks, weta, eels and even glow-worms. The ancient trees are a treasure-trove of stories and legend. Your guides will share Maori myths, and explain how your visit helps EcoZip Adventures preserve and restore, not only this beautiful and important Site of Environmental Significance, but other extensive wetland restoration projects across Waiheke Island.

Please ensure you copy and paste the URL shown here to read the Risks Associated with Ziplining prior to completing your booking. https://www.ecozipadventures.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Risks-Associated-with-Ziplining-2023-Final.pdf’

Head across the waters to Waiheke Island and take the day to explore with an all day Explorer Bus Pass, the most flexible way to experience the island's top spots. The hop-on hop-off bus tour gives you the freedom to visit popular vineyards, beaches and seaside villages full of galleries, shops and cafes at your own pace.

• Your adventure starts as soon as you board your Fullers360 ferry to Waiheke Island from downtown Auckland, your return ferry ticket is included in the tour price.
• Your Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus will be waiting for you right outside Matiatia Ferry Terminal as you arrive on the island.
• Explore the island at your own pace, hop off at one of the 16 stops or stay on for a scenic 1.5 hour loop tour of the island.
• Stops include vineyards, restaurants, shops, art galleries, beaches and nature walks.
• Listen to commentary and local tips from your onboard host.

Enjoy a great family day out at one of Auckland's premier family entertainment venues with TWO electric kart races.

Get behind the wheel of an electric kart and experience first-hand the unrivaled torque and power! Game Over is Auckland's top go karting track. The 200m track challenges drivers of all levels; smooth steering, throttle, and brake control are essential for achieving a good lap time. Each race is 15 laps and you'll reach speeds of up to 65kph - it will really get you into the swing of things and confident as you take on the rest of the family.

Adults (13+) and juniors (7 - 12 years old) race separately. Juniors race up to 10 laps.

You might want to consider the other activities Game Over offers to enjoy a longer family excursion - Laser Tag and Miniputt.

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

Went we were seeking partners for Chuffed we were talking with the operators of Hampton Downs Racetrack. They offer a variety of track experiences including go karts and supercar racing. They actually suggested we look at Game Over as a softer indoor version for families, for those short of time, or those just wanting a softer introduction to a track experience than a full on outdoor racetrack experience. We took their advice, took a look and liked what we saw.

Unlock all attractions at Game over Auckland with the ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE PASS!

Start with a 15 lap race around the karting track, then strap on your phaser and step into the deepest of jungles for your laser tag missions! Then take your $30 of arcade credit & have a blast there, and finally, cap off the day with a round of Jurassic Mini Putt.

Bring the family & make a day of it - you'll have an absolute blast!

• Auckland's top go karting track
  Get behind the wheel of one of an electric kart and experience first-hand the unrivaled torque and power! The 200m track challenges drivers of all levels; smooth steering, throttle, and brake control are essential for achieving a good lap time.
• Action-packed laser battle
  Game Over Laser Tag is a live action packed, laser arena with the latest technology, lighting and sound. Watch out for the opposition players and the interactive targets hidden throughout the arena – zap them before they get you!
• The most popular games in town
  Game Over is absolutely packed with arcade games galore!
• Jurassic mini putt golf
  Take a trip back to the Jurassic period and see if you have the skills to avoid gigantic dinosaurs while you putt.