For the city of Auckland, I have also put together a carefully selected excursion program. 

Day 1 

From the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, you can comfortably discover the harbour area. Walk along the promenade, enjoy the view, maybe book a sailing trip or a boat tour. Afterwards, you should treat yourself to a meal at the fantastic Oyster & Chop restaurant (open every day from 11:30am) with a view of the harbour. www.oysterandchop.co.nz 

The name says it all: the friendly and competent staff will serve you tasty oysters with a glass of sparkling pleasure or juicy steaks with the right red wine. Of course, the menu offers other delicacies. 

If you’re still in the mood, take a stroll through the city center and just let yourself drift. The motto in New Zealand is the same as in Australia: easy-going. 

Day 2 

900 meters from the Sofitel is the Sky Tower. This observation and television tower is the highest in the southern hemisphere at 328 meters. The Sky Deck is 220 meters high and offers you a view of the harbour, the city and, in bright sunshine, the far reaches of New Zealand. At 192 meters, you can walk around the outside of the tower on the legendary Sky Walk, a 1.2 meter-wide path, and even jump into the depths if you sign up for the Sky Jump. The difference with a classic bungee jump is that you won’t be jumping headfirst, but gliding down at about 85 kilometers per hour in an upright position. We didn’t dare! But if you gather the courage, send me your photos or write to me about your experience! 

My insider tip: From the viewpoint in the residential area Mount Eden, which is dominated by a volcanic cone, you have a breathtaking view of the most important port city of New Zealand. However, you will need a cab to take you there. Or you can book a driver in advance. My recommendation is Rob Calder’s agency (experinztours). 

Day 3 

For all Hobbit fans, today your private driver will take you from Auckland to the Hobbiton Movie Set. This is located outside Matamata and is almost a 2-hour drive from Auckland. Since the pictures speak for themselves, I will only reveal: When the film scouts were searching for the perfect backdrop and found the Alexander family’s impressive 1,250-acre sheep and cattle farm, their decision was made. This exemplary farm in this idyllic setting had to become the backdrop for Sir Peter Jackson’s adaptation of the classic works of J.R.R. Tolkien.