Contact: Athol Parks at City Walks, by texting 027 356 9132, athol@citywalks.co.nz or check out citywalks.co.nz
White-water adventures
Vector Wero Whitewater Park is tempting those with a sense of adventure to get in the water these school holidays. A winter special 20 per cent discount applies to all park activities until August 31, ranging from white-water rafting and kayaking to more gentle lake activities. Located at 77 Great South Rd in Wiri, the park is New Zealand's first facility to offer an artificial river and water course for recreation, sports, and emergency services training, school programmes and youth development. Its patron is Olympic kayaker and multi-medallist Ian Ferguson MBE.
Contact: Vector Wero, (09) 976 7777 or book online atwero.org.nz and enter the promo code WINTER20 to apply the discount.
Sebel special for two in Auckland
Two people booking a two-night stay or longer at The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour can enjoy a Marina Deluxe View one-bedroom suite, where a bottle of wine and New Zealand cheese will be waiting for them. Priced from $255 per night for two people, this deal is valid for stays taken by January 31 next year, but excludes New Year's Eve. Book by September 30.
Contact: The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, (09) 978 4000 or type Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour into the search panel on all.accor.com.
Matakana: Gorge on gourmet produce
Indulge in boutique wines, award-winning gourmet chocolate and oysters — once you've tried your hand at shucking them. These gastronomic delights are all part of a full-day tour on the Matakana Coast, which includes a cruise on the Mahurangi Harbour aboard an original flat-bottomed oyster boat, named Shuckle ferry. The tour's operators will even collect you from central Auckland and return you there at day's end. (Accommodations in the Matakana and Warkworth area are also on the pick-up list). Discounted by $76pp, the all-inclusive price for this tour is currently $169pp and includes a hearty antipasto lunch platter. Book and travel by August 31.
Contact:Kiwiness Tours director and guide, Ness Wards, 021 100 3275, ness@kiwinesstours.co.nz or check out kiwinesstours.co.nz