Travel and Leisure says: "Donna Thomas has explored many corners of North and South Islands in search of hidden gems. She can help birdwatchers see the endangered yellow-eyed penguin or send avid trekkers on guided hikes to secret waterfalls in Paparoa National Park."
You will be met at the cruise pier by your private driver/guide for your sightseeing day tour of Auckland. Drive up Queen Street, the main shopping street. You visit Mt Eden, one of 48 volcanic cones in the region, for spectacular views of Auckland and perfect place to see the city. Drive through the Auckland Domain, a beautiful manicured park that is home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The Museum is home to the world's largest collection of Maori taonga (treasures) and 'Scars on the Heart' - which tells a compelling and emotional story of New Zealand's unique story through the losses and suffering of war.
Leaving the museum we visit the quaint Parnell Village on Parnell Road, where you will be able to stroll and browse galleries, boutiques and gift stores before having lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants on offer. From Parnell we head out along the seafront on Tamaki Drive driving past Paritai Drive, one of Auckland's most exclusive streets with million dollar views. You will go through the eastern bays of Mission Bay, Kohimarama and St Heliers where we will stop for wonderful views of the city and harbour from Achilles Point.
On the return to the city we visit Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World to enjoy a fascinating look at life under the sea New Zealand style and an insight into Antarctica, the vast continent of ice to the south of New Zealand. Back in the city we visit Westhaven Marina to see why Auckland is affectionately known as 'The City of Sails' and the Viaduct Basin, once home to the America's Cup and now one of Auckland's liveliest areas with its bars and restaurants overlooking the marina.
A friend & I recently returned from a 2 wk holiday in NZ. Donna did an amazing job of capturing my wants/needs & implementing them into a wonderful itinerary. Without her guidance & expertise, I'm sure our trip would not have been such a fabulous experience. I would, without hesitation, recommend Donna & her team to anyone planning a holiday to NZ.
