Volcanoes, Coasts, and Secret Spots Afternoon Tour in Auckland
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Auckland, New Zealand
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Auckland’s North Shore suburbs of Devonport and Takapuna offer volcanic landscapes and secret coastal spots with Māori heritage, but it can be a hassle to get there on public transportation. On this afternoon minivan tour from Auckland, admire Pupuke explosion crater lake, explore North Head Volcano tunnels, and enjoy Auckland city skyline views. Hotel or port transfers are included for convenience.
- Learn about Auckland’s Māori history and culture from your guide
- Receive personalized attention on an intimate small-group tour
- The half-day tour leaves time in your schedule for other activities
- An easy way to get out of the busy CBD and explore more of Auckland
What's Included
- Local guide
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.2:30 pm
Itinerary
Meet your guide and small group at a centrally located meeting point or the port, then soak up the scenery as you cross over the Harbour Bridge on the drive out to Devonport.
The first stop of the afternoon is at Lake Pupuke, where you’ll have time to take photos of the glittering crater lake, and learn more about its mysterious Māori legends. Admire the dramatic coastal scenery and ancient forests, sculpted by a lava flow from Lake Pupuke. Keep your camera close to hand as you embark on a short walk through the forest, then along Takapuna Beach.
Next, marvel at the mighty North Head volcano before venturing underground to explore the network of artificial tunnels and gun emplacements running beneath the mountain. Learn how the tunnels were built in the 19th century and later used during WWI and WWII.
There’s time for one more stop to take in the views of Auckland City from the Cyril Bassett VC Lookout before heading back to the city.
The first stop of the afternoon is at Lake Pupuke, where you’ll have time to take photos of the glittering crater lake, and learn more about its mysterious Māori legends. Admire the dramatic coastal scenery and ancient forests, sculpted by a lava flow from Lake Pupuke. Keep your camera close to hand as you embark on a short walk through the forest, then along Takapuna Beach.
Next, marvel at the mighty North Head volcano before venturing underground to explore the network of artificial tunnels and gun emplacements running beneath the mountain. Learn how the tunnels were built in the 19th century and later used during WWI and WWII.
There’s time for one more stop to take in the views of Auckland City from the Cyril Bassett VC Lookout before heading back to the city.
1
Lake Pupuke
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Takapuna
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
North Head Historic Reserve
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Devonport (Pass By)
4
Cyril Bassett Lookout CV
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Auckland Harbour Bridge (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 51 reviews
Bill_G, May 2026
Fun way to see things outside the city center. Our guide, Jerome Corbett, was personable and informative. We made several stops to see lake, volcanic and sand beaches, hilltops of military remnants and great harbor views, beautiful coastal houses and city of Devonport. Our favorite stop was ice cream shop near park and beach! Best ice cream.
Carol_A, Mar 2026
Great to be picked up and dropped off at our hotel. Great tour with very knowledgable guide who didn’t rush anywhere on the numerous stops us as we are elderly.
Diane_B, Feb 2026
Enjoyed the volcano beach area the best. It was interesting seeing the black rocks. The WW I tunnel was unique with the huge cannon.
Kate_M, Feb 2026
It’s is a genuinely unique tour of Auckland!
Jerome was very knowledgeable about the city and its history, and brought us to places we wouldn’t have seen on our own or on a cruise tour. We were a large group of 8 with different physical abilities and Jerome ensured we were aware of the conditions of each place and accommodated those needs, and never rushed us. .
We all enjoyed the tour and agreed we would highly recommend it!!!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thanks heaps, Kate! I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review. I’m stoked to hear you guys enjoyed our hidden gems.
It was a pleasure having you all on the tour — hope the rest of your time cruising Aotearoa was just as memorable!
- Jerome
Mercedes_S, Feb 2026
It was a nice way to get around and see different parts of Auckland. However, the guide didn’t use a microphone and kept his window open most of the time so whatever he was saying couldn’t be heard.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thanks for your review. We hadn't had that feedback before and are sorry that was your experience. We will explore how to make sure the commentary is more audible in the future.
Cindy_m, Nov 2025
Great tour and very informative about the volcanoes in the area! Amazing and knowledgeable tour guide.
Angela_B, Oct 2025
Mike was friendly, engaging and extremely knowledgeable. I had a great afternoon and learnt a lot about Auckland's history.
Jorge_C, Apr 2025
A trip with very good information about the city and its history. Mike was a great professional, patient and kind, and answered our questions excellently. The tour was magnificent, and the guide was a 5-point master. I highly recommend it.
Kevin_M, Mar 2025
Our tour was very enjoyable. Our tour guide, Mike, picked us up at our hotel on time in a very comfortable van. We visited several different sites around Auckland which show the geology and history of the volcanoes which formed the landscape of the current city.
There was a fair amount of walking on this tour, but nothing too difficult. Anyone without mobility issues should be absolutely fine, and there was always the option to opt out of specific walks. Wearing suitable footwear is a must (no sandals - flip/flops). Every stop on the tour had bathrooms available and I think the longest time we spent in the van between stops was about 15-20 minutes.
At the end of the tour we were given the option to be driven back to our hotel or take the ferry from Devenport back to downtown Auckland (~10 minute ferry ride). Since the weather was nice, we chose to take the ferry, and Mike showed us how/where to get tickets, and where exactly to board the ferry (he even offered to pay).
We would recommend this tour to anyone who has any interest in geology and the formation of Auckland's landscape, or even someone who just would enjoy nice walks and beautiful scenery around the city.
Paula_M, Mar 2025
Guide was informative. Didn’t care for fact that he maneuvered everyone to take the ferry back after the tour at OUR expense so he didn’t have to take us back himself. Guilted us into taking ferry by saying we’d get back faster
Response from Host, Mar 2025
I'm so sorry you felt that way! I do encourage people to take the ferry, because I think it is a better experience ending the tour that way (rather than being stuck in traffic heading over the bridge with me). I did not intend to guilt you at all, I'm so sorry! I actually live next to the city, so it is no inconvenience at all to drive you back instead, if that's what's preferred. I think I will offer to include the ferry ticket in the price of the tour, to avoid future misunderstandings. I hope you were able to get back to your hotel from the ferry terminal without issues. Again, my sincerest apologies!
Jill_C, Mar 2025
We really enjoyed seeing all the volcanic rock and beautiful scenery around Devonport. Mike was great and had lots of interesting information and insights to share. 👍🏼👍🏼
Jean_E, Mar 2025
It was a nice tour. A lot of it we had heard on other tours but overall good. The tour guide really didn’t talk much in the van but knew a lot when walking us around.
ron_l, Mar 2025
Excellent tour and the guide was fantastic! Extremely knowledgeable and answered all our questions. Plenty of time for restrooms and we weren’t rushed.
Doug_M, Feb 2025
This tour offered a view of Devenport and the surrounding volcanoes that was quite unique. We got to visualize the history and see first hand the remains if the eruptions. Mike did a very good job of sharing a wealth of information and did it in a very personable way. I would highly recommend this tour as a different way of looking at the Auckland harbor area.
Thierry_R, Feb 2025
Interesting tour about volcanoes story of Auckland.
It is good to walk a lot.
We visited four volcanoes and a fortress.
Jasmine_S, Jan 2025
This is was absolutely amazing. Mike is very knowledgeable and gives an excellent tour! The one-on-one time really enhances the tour. He is very engaging. Heads up, wear hiking type shoes lol. Also, spend time on Devonport and take the ferry back to downtown if that is where you are staying.
lecia_r, Jan 2025
Get off the beaten path with this tour! Very informative, relaxing in some great outdoor spaces while getting your steps in for the day.
Brittney_F, Dec 2024
This was great, informative tour. The sights were beautiful, and Mike was super knowledgeable. I wouldn’t recommend this tour for anyone who has mobility issues since you’re definitely walking across uneven lava surfaces, but we would absolutely do this tour again.
Milton_J, Dec 2024
We went to many scenic areas. Our guide was very knowledgeable about volcanoes in New Zealand and told us many facts. We had a group of 3, so everyone got a lot of attention.
Meena_E, Nov 2024
The walk along the volcanic coast and the trip to the disappearing cannon. The guide is a great storyteller. Would have liked to have him on other trips around New Zealand too. We were in a comfortable car with two other visitors. It was drizzling off and on, but it did not get in our way.
lisa_f, Apr 2024
Visiting the beaches in Auckland and seeing and listening to a Tui bird whistling in the trees near the ocean. Going through the dark tunnels was an awesome experience reminded me of a few horror movies I've seen lol.. and Mike our tour guide he was so hospitable and had so much knowledge of Auckland and it's sights. Would highly recommend this tour with Mike. *****
Nicola_L, Mar 2024
Mike was amazing at telling us about the different volcanoes around Auckland and north shore. Very knowledgeable. I fell twice such a clumsy person. He was amazing and the group we had was nice too. Great afternoon thanks Mike
Irene_B, Mar 2024
We took the tour not really knowing what to expect. We never realized that Auckland had so much volcanic activity. Mike was able to share Auckland's history and understanding of its volcanoes through his commentary and stops throughout the north shore of Auckland. He was extremely knowledgeable and kind. He was more than willing to offer help if needed which came in handy as we attempted to walk around the lava beaches.
Our tour also included driving through Devonport and enjoying the heritage of this village and its architecture.
Mike uses his personal SUV for the tour which made the accommodations while riding around very comfortable.
Ernesto_R, Mar 2024
Our tour guide Michael was just out of this world. Excellent service and information from start to finish
Gary_P, Mar 2024
One of the best run tours of my trip. An engaging guide Mike made it well worth while and saw lots of historic areas not visited on other tours. Wonderful time, thanks!
Tammy_S, Mar 2024
Great tour, Mike was very knowledgeable. Learned a lot about the volcanic history of Auckland and saw so many beautiful sights.
Cyndi_M, Mar 2024
I felt like I really got an understanding of how the land has been shaped by volcanic activity. We drove from beaches to volcanoes in Mike's very comfortable car. It was one of the best tours I've had.
rayandvalborlase, Mar 2024
Mike was so helpful and gave a lot of useful information. He was helpful and concerned for the whole group. Would really recommend this tour
Thomas_G, Mar 2024
This is an excellent way to see Auckland from “the outside”! We really enjoyed the tour. A small group and good locations. Mike offers great commentary in an informal way. That’s what appealed to us: a small, informal tour with some great scenery. It was our first time in Auckland and we combined this tour with a couple of “inside the city tours”. A great way to get oriented. Wonderful day!
Marcia_W, Mar 2024
The views were spectacular. Our guide was prompt, professional and full of information. It was a perfect way to be introduced to Auckland after arriving in the morning. A half day tour was perfect!
From $115.94
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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