Auckland: Double Decker City Tour with Wine Tastings & Food

Imagine exploring Auckland’s highlights from a luxury London double-decker bus, sipping on New Zealand’s finest wines, and nibbling on delicious charcuterie boards — all in a single, engaging journey. For $166 per person, this tour offers a blend of sightseeing, local storytelling, and wine tasting, making it a memorable way to get to know this vibrant city on the North Island of New Zealand.

What we love most? First, the unique experience of tasting top NZ wines on a double-decker bus—something you won’t find every day. Second, the scenic stops with breathtaking views over the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland’s cityscape add a layer of visual delight. A possible consideration? If you’re not a wine drinker or have mobility issues, some parts might be less suitable. This tour suits travelers looking for a relaxed, culturally rich adventure that combines city sights with gourmet experiences.

Key Points

Unique experience: Taste New Zealand wines onboard a classic double-decker bus.
Scenic stops: Enjoy panoramic views of Hauraki Gulf and Auckland landmarks.
Expert guidance: An onboard sommelier shares insights into NZ’s wine industry.
Authentic flavors: Savor a charcuterie board that complements each wine stop.
Flexible and convenient: All major stops are included, with a relaxed pace.
Ideal for: Those who enjoy wine, scenic views, and a leisurely exploration of Auckland.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is This Tour All About?

This isn’t your average city sightseeing bus tour. Hosted by Waiheke Wine Tours Limited, it offers a delightful blend of Auckland’s highlights, local wines, and scenery—all aboard a VIP double-decker bus. For $166 per person, you’ll spend around 4 hours enjoying the city’s sights, tasting some of New Zealand’s best wines, and learning about Auckland’s vibrant wine industry from a knowledgeable sommelier.

We appreciated the well-curated route that includes both scenic drives and engaging commentary. The tour isn’t just about looking out the window; it’s about connecting the dots of Auckland’s geography, history, and culture through flavor and story.

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Why this tour stands out

Two standout elements made this experience memorable. First, the onboard wine tastings—where each glass is paired with a story, a fact, or a local anecdote. The second is the scenic stops, like the Savage Memorial over the Hauraki Gulf and Takapuna Beach, which offer stunning vistas perfect for photos.

Potential drawback

If your main goal is to visit Auckland’s museums or historic sites, this might not be your best choice, since the focus is on scenery, wine, and light sightseeing. Also, this tour is not suitable for children under 18 or wheelchair users, so plan accordingly.

Who is this for?

This experience works best for adults who appreciate fine wine, enjoy scenic drives, and want a relaxed, social way to explore Auckland. It’s a great choice for couples, groups of friends, or anyone eager to combine gourmet tasting with sightseeing in a comfortable setting.

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Key Highlights of the Tour

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Scenic Views and Stops

The tour’s route takes you through Auckland’s vibrant CBD, past iconic landmarks like the Holy Trinity Cathedral and Auckland War Memorial Museum. The Savage Memorial, perched on a hill, offers striking views of Hauraki Gulf, a highlight for photo lovers. The Wintergardens stop allows a quick walk in a lush, glasshouse-filled oasis—perfect for a breather and some fresh air. Crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge provides a classic photo opportunity with panoramic harbor views.

Wine Tastings and Food

Every stop is an opportunity to sample New Zealand wines, guided by a sommelier who shares insights into the local wine industry. The first glass of sparkling wine on Waiheke Island sets a festive tone, while subsequent tastings include Chardonnay, Rosé, Syrah, and Montepulciano—each accompanied by a charcuterie board that enhances the tasting experience. The delicious food and local stories make each sip more meaningful.

Unique Transportation

Traveling on a luxury London Double Decker bus adds a touch of nostalgia and style. The comfortable seating and panoramic upper deck make sightseeing and wine tasting easy and enjoyable. Plus, the guided commentary from the onboard sommelier enriches your understanding of both Auckland’s sights and New Zealand’s wine culture.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting Point and First Stop: Waiheke Island

The tour kicks off with a welcome glass of sparkling wine on arrival, setting a celebratory tone. Waiheke Island, renowned for its vineyards and scenic charm, is the perfect place to start. While only a short stop, it offers a chance to appreciate NZ’s wine reputation early on and enjoy a picturesque view before heading into the city.

Exploring Auckland CBD

The bus then meanders through Auckland’s downtown, passing landmarks like the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Auckland War Memorial Museum, which gives a glimpse of the city’s cultural and historical backbone. The narration from the guide provides context and stories, making the sights come alive.

Savage Memorial and Hauraki Gulf Views

The Savage Memorial provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the gulf and city skyline—an ideal spot for photos and enjoying the fresh air. It’s one of the tour’s visual highlights.

Scenic Drive through Mission Bay and Rose Gardens

Travelling along the waterfront, you’ll pass Mission Bay, a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, with its vibrant atmosphere. The Rose Gardens and Holy Trinity Cathedral add charming glimpses of Auckland’s floral and architectural beauty.

Wintergardens Stop

A brief 20-minute stop at the Wintergardens allows you to walk through lush greenhouses and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It’s an excellent chance to stretch your legs before continuing the journey.

Crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge

A highlight for many, the Harbour Bridge crossing offers spectacular views of the harbor and city skyline, perfect for photos. It’s a quintessential Auckland experience and provides a sense of connection between the city’s different parts.

Takapuna Beach Cafe

The tour includes a stop at Takapuna, renowned for its beautiful beach and charming cafe where you can grab a coffee or ice cream. It’s a relaxing pause amid scenic surroundings.

Final Wine Tasting and Return

Back on the bus, you’ll enjoy a final glass of Syrah, followed by a delightful drive along the harbor front. As the journey concludes in Auckland CBD, you’ll have experienced a well-rounded day of sightseeing, tasting, and storytelling.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

Included

All wine tastings guided by a knowledgeable sommelier
A charcuterie board to complement each wine
A guided tour of Auckland’s key highlights
Coffee or ice cream at Takapuna Cafe
All scheduled stops in the itinerary

Not Included

Any extra drinks purchased on the bus
Food or drinks bought outside the tour (other than the provided charcuterie and coffee/ice cream)
Tips or gratuities (if you feel inclined)

Practical Details and Tips

Meeting Point and Timing

Meet the tour outside the Movenpick Hotel at 10 am for the morning tour or 1:30 pm for the afternoon. The activity ends back at the same spot, making it easy to plan your day.

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially if you want to explore the stops more thoroughly. Bring a camera for photos, and carry water to stay hydrated—though water is available on the bus.

Accessibility and Restrictions

This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or children under 18. Vaping or smoking are prohibited on the bus, and food allergies may be a concern given the charcuterie boards.

Booking and Cancellation

You can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering flexibility. Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Why We Think This Tour Delivers Value

This experience isn’t just about ticking sights off a list; it’s about savoring Auckland’s scenery and flavors in a relaxed, social setting. The combination of scenic stops, engaging commentary, and wine tastings ensures that you leave with a richer understanding of the city and its local products.

While the price might seem high at first glance, it covers a full afternoon of guided sightseeing, wine tastings, and food, which would cost more if booked separately. The premium transportation on a double-decker bus adds a layer of comfort and style that enhances the overall experience.

For those who appreciate good wine, scenic views, and local stories, this tour offers a well-balanced, enjoyable introduction to Auckland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the main focus is on wine tastings, non-drinkers can still enjoy the sightseeing, scenery, and food. However, the tour is primarily designed as a wine and scenic experience.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, including stops for sightseeing, wine tastings, and breaks.

Can I buy additional drinks on the bus?
Yes, but extra drinks are not included in the ticket price. Be aware that there are no details on specific offerings, so you might want to bring your own or purchase at stops.

Is the tour family-friendly?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18, as wine tastings are involved and alcohol is served.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since there’s some walking involved at stops. Dress appropriately for the weather, as some parts are outdoors.

Are the stops accessible?
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and some stops, like the Wintergardens and scenic viewpoints, may involve walking.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

This Auckland Double Decker City Tour with Wine Tastings & Food offers a delightful way to experience the city’s sights and flavors in a relaxed, fun setting. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views, learn about New Zealand’s vibrant wine industry, and indulge in delicious local fare—all aboard a stylish, comfortable bus. It’s especially suited for those who love sampling wine, appreciate scenic drives, and enjoy storytelling that adds context to their journey.

If you’re visiting Auckland and want a tasty, scenic, and social experience, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It balances sightseeing with a refined tasting experience, making your visit not just a checklist but a memorable story to tell.

Note: Always check current availability and specific tour details before booking, as offerings can change.