Comparison

Shakespear Explorer vs Iceland Guide

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Shakespear Explorer

Discover the treasures of Shakespear Open Sanctuary with this free app. Explore two self-guided trails using GPS technology, featuring nature conservation stories and interactive panoramas. A special trail is designed for children with a fun quiz.

Highlights
  • Two self-guided trails
  • GPS technology for alerts
  • Interactive 360-degree panorama
  • Kaitiaki Trail with nature stories
  • Tamariki Trail for children
  • Hidden quiz signs for kids
Features
Read full description

Shakespear Explorer Explore and discover the taonga (treasures) of Shakespear Open Sanctuary, Hibiscus Coast, Auckland. Created by SOSSI volunteers (Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society) and supported by Auckland Council, this free app features 2 self-guided trails to download and use any time you visit. The trails use GPS technology so simply turn on notifications to receive alerts when you reach each stop. The Kaitiaki Trail takes you through the stunning Waterfall Gully bushwalk, out onto farmland with breathtaking views. It brings to life the nature conservation stories of the Sanctuary and includes an interactive 360-degree panorama from the lookout. The Tamariki Trail is aimed at children ages 5+. Featuring your guide Kare the Kiwi, it also includes hidden quiz signs to be discovered in a fun adventure around some of the Sanctuary’s main highlights. Shakespear is the only Auckland Regional Park with its own app, so we’d love to hear your feedback and ideas for themed trails to be added in the future. Promotional video by topVIEW Photography can be viewed at www.sossi.org.nz Sponsored by Gulf Harbour Country Club. Graphic design by Snapper Graphics. Videography by iseeVideo.

About

Iceland Guide

Explore Iceland's Golden Circle at your own pace with this self-guided audio tour. Discover waterfalls, geothermal areas, and Viking history with automatic audio narration that works offline. Your perfect companion for an unforgettable Iceland road trip.

Highlights
  • Self-guided GPS audio tours
  • Automatic audio narration
  • Offline functionality
  • Covers Golden Circle attractions
  • Viking history and folklore
  • Geothermal wonders
Currently charting
Read full description

Set out on an extraordinary journey through Iceland’s Golden Circle with this self-guided tour. From stunning waterfalls to geothermal marvels and Viking history, experience the region’s iconic wonders with the freedom to explore at your own pace—your perfect Iceland road trip companion. Key Attractions on the Golden Circle Tour: ▶ Thingvellir National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. ▶ Geysir Geothermal Area: Witness the powerful eruptions of Strokkur geyser every few minutes. ▶ Gullfoss Waterfall: Iceland’s famous "Golden Falls," offering stunning views of the rugged landscape. Why Choose This Self-Guided Tour: Freedom to Explore at Your Own Pace: No crowded buses or strict schedules—this self-guided tour gives you complete flexibility to explore Iceland at your leisure. Automatic Audio Guides: As you approach each destination, fascinating audio stories play automatically, providing insights into Viking legends, local folklore, and natural wonders. Works Offline: Download the tour in advance and use it offline, perfect for remote areas where cell service is limited. Ideal for a seamless Iceland road trip experience. Expert Narration: Learn about Icelandic culture, Viking mythology, and the natural beauty of the Golden Circle with engaging, expert-led narration. Comprehensive Tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle Includes: ▶ Reykjavik Pier ▶ Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) ▶ Gullfoss Waterfall ▶ Strokkur Geyser and Geysir Geothermal Area ▶ Silfra Dive Site ▶ Aurora Borealis Viewing ▶ Game of Thrones Locations ▶ Elves, Trolls, and Hidden People: Uncover the mystical creatures of Icelandic folklore. ▶ Geothermal Baths and natural hot springs ▶ Viking Sagas and historical insights ▶ Secret Lagoon ▶ Kerid Crater ▶ Halldor Laxness Museum ▶ Friðheimar Greenhouse ▶ Icelandic Horses ▶ And much more What Users Are Saying: ■ "This app made our Iceland road trip so much easier! It worked perfectly offline, and the stories were a fantastic addition to the experience. Highly recommended!" ■ "The best way to explore the Golden Circle! The automatic audio is filled with fascinating facts about Viking history and local legends." ■ "This self-guided tour allowed us to travel at our own pace. The flexibility, especially with the offline feature, was exactly what we needed!" Additional Features: Norse Mythology: Discover legends of Odin, Thor, and Loki as you explore Viking heritage sites. Icelandic Horses: Experience the beauty of the iconic Icelandic horse, known for its unique gait and resilience. Geological Wonders: Explore the unique geology of Thingvellir, the mid-Atlantic ridge, and the dramatic volcanic landscape of the Golden Circle. Icelandic Culture: Enjoy traditional Icelandic music, stories, and folklore, including the legendary Vikivaki Dances. Geothermal Wonders: Relax in Iceland’s famous geothermal baths, and learn about the country’s cutting-edge use of geothermal energy. Quick Tips for Your Journey: Stay Charged: Make sure your phone is fully charged, or bring an external battery pack to ensure GPS and audio features work smoothly throughout your trip. Best Time to Visit: Plan your trip in summer for endless daylight or in winter for a chance to witness the magical Northern Lights. Flexible Travel: This self-guided tour is perfect for travelers looking to explore Iceland at their own pace, without the rush of guided tours. This self-guided driving tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle offers the ultimate flexibility and in-depth experience for discovering Iceland’s natural beauty, Viking history, and popular Game of Thrones filming locations. Whether you’re fascinated by Norse mythology, awe-inspiring waterfalls, or geothermal energy, this tour is a must-have for your Iceland road trip. T&C - https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ - https://oklw68al3pldroiirvmmba-on.drv.tw/privacy/policy.html

Screenshots

Shakespear Explorer4 screens
Iceland Guide4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shakespear Explorer at none against Iceland Guide's 18. Iceland Guide's advantage is review sentiment (67% vs 50%) and chart position (#193 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Iceland Guide sells 18 in-app purchases, starting at $99.99 per year. Shakespear Explorer asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Shakespear Explorer ships an update every 6 months, Iceland Guide every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
Shakespear Explorer versus Iceland Guide: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShakespear ExplorerIceland Guide
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.6 (128 ratings) — better
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews66.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings—128 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 monthsEvery 5 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank—#193 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.115.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size133 MB177 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperShakespear Open Sanctuary SocietyHawaii Audio Tours LLC

Customer experience

Shakespear Explorer

Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

Iceland Guide

All ratings126 ratings
Positive93.7%
Neutral3.2%
Negative3.2%
Written reviews15 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral6.7%
Negative26.7%

In-app purchases

None

Shakespear Explorer

No in-app purchases

18 purchases

Iceland Guide

Subscriptions1
  • Action +$99.991 Year
One-time17
  • Upgrade$4.99
  • Reykjavik Walking Tour$9.99
  • Boston Tour Bundle$14.99
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  • Cancun Bundle Tours$14.99
  • Florida Bundle Tours$14.99
  • Newport Bundle Tours$14.99
  • Upgrade$14.99
  • Hawaii Bundle Tour$19.99
  • New York Bundle$19.99
  • Gettysburg Bundle Tours$24.99
  • Upgrade$24.99
  • Reykjanes Peninsula Tour$29.99
  • Upgrade$34.99
  • Massachusetts Bundle$39.99
  • Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour$39.99
  • Iceland Tour Guide$49.99
  • Scenic Iceland Bundle$64.99

Questions

Is Shakespear Explorer free?
Shakespear Explorer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Iceland Guide free?
Iceland Guide is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Shakespear Explorer or Iceland Guide have ads?
Neither Shakespear Explorer nor Iceland Guide shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Shakespear Explorer or Iceland Guide?
Shakespear Explorer ships an update every 6 months, and Iceland Guide every 5 months. Most recently, Shakespear Explorer was updated on October 12, 2026 and Iceland Guide on October 30, 2026.

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