Top Auckland Hiking Tours

Visit two of New Zealand's must-see attractions on this combo tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Peek into Hobbit holes, frolic in the Shire, and get a drink at the Green Dragon Inn on a guided tour of Middle-earth, followed by a café lunch. In the afternoon, explore Māori myths and history on an underground boat ride at Waitomo, surrounded by thousands of glowworms.

The Tawharanui Regional Park is a fantastic spot to take in the North Island’s diverse wildlife and dramatic scenery, but most tours focus on navigating the area by daylight. On this half-day small-group tour, spy some of the region’s nocturnal birds, insects, and reptiles — including the North Island brown kiwi — as you explore the park under an ink-black sky dotted with stars.

Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day tour from Auckland that explores New Zealand's "Middle-earth," where "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films came to life. Travel through a landscape of lush farms, then take a guided tour of the 12-acre (4.8-ha) Hobbiton Movie Set, from hobbit holes to gardens and the Green Dragon Inn. With free time to shop and explore, this tour includes transportation from selected locations in Auckland for your convenience.

Enjoy a cruise through Tikapa Moana, the Hauraki Gulf, and discover the Rotoroa Island sanctuary. This pretty little island is a perfect escape from the city for the day or longer. Explore the island on foot via established walking tracks across open fields, native bush and sandy shorelines. Take your chance at spotting iconic native species free ranging across the island including kiwi, takahē and tīeke. Rotoroa Island has been predator free since 2014 and is now home to a number of native birds and wildlife free ranging across the island. Discover the unique history of the island through the award-winning museum exhibition and heritage buildings or enjoy the sheltered sandy bays and clear waters for relaxing, swimming and snorkeling. Facilities on the island include a gift shop, freshwater drinking fountain, toilets and electric barbeques.

Explore the Waitakere Ranges and Auckland’s rugged west coast, including Piha Beach, during an afternoon tour with a guide knowledgeable about New Zealand flora and fauna. From the Arataki Centre, admire sweeping views of the ocean and distant city. Learn about Māori history, stroll on the black-sand beach, and take a nature walk through a lush rainforest while you experience one of Auckland's largest regional parks.

The fictional, yet globally famous, village of Hobbiton™ and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves rank among New Zealand’s top attractions. Visit both sites in one day on a small-group tour that includes hotel pickup, a delicious lunch, and personal attention from your guide. Avoid the hassle of self-driving from Auckland and admire scenic views en route. A must-do tour for nature and movie lovers short on time in the North Island.

Head out to the Auckland landmark of Rangitoto Island on this evening kayaking tour. After crossing the Waitemata Harbour to Rangitoto, embark on a leisurely walk to the summit to catch the sunset over Auckland and the Waitakere Ranges. You’ll then paddle back in the dark with the help of your guide, taking in the city lights along the way.

Discover Rangitoto Island, Auckland's youngest volcano, on a guided walk that showcases its spectacular volcanic landscapes, unique ecology, and rich history. This 6-hour adventure includes return ferry travel from Auckland, a hike across ancient lava fields, and a journey through the world's largest pōhutukawa forest. Climb to the summit for panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf as your knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories about the island's volcanic formation, Māori heritage, and European history. If time allows, you'll also venture into one of Rangitoto's remarkable lava caves, exploring by head torch for a memorable glimpse beneath the island's rugged volcanic surface. Perfect for families, independent travellers, and educational groups, this experience combines geology, ecology, history, and adventure into an unforgettable day.

Leave the planning and driving to a train conductor while you travel on the Northern Explorer, a long-distance scenic train service running from Auckland to Wellington. Experience the beauty and variety of New Zealand—from the farmlands of Waikato to the volcanic peaks of the Central Plateau and the sparkling Kapiti Coast—while riding a comfortable train. A great way to trade the grind of vacation travel for a bit of romance.

From cruising ice-carved fiords to summiting volcanoes, this is the full Aotearoa New Zealand experience. Journey from north to south in a small group, with expert Kiwi guides who bring the land, its culture and history to life. Hike a mix of day walks and short trails through New Zealand’s most beautiful wilderness — choose a challenging alpine crossing or an easy beach stroll to suit you. Wander glow worm caves, golden-sand beaches and limestone canyons, take in the peaks and lakes of the Southern Alps, and cruise beneath Milford Sound’s sheer cliffs. Each night, settle into handpicked hotels and lodges and enjoy wonderful meals of fresh local flavours. Perfect for those who love hiking and their creature comforts.

Visit the “Lord of the Rings” movie set on this small-group Hobbiton tour from Auckland. At the Hobbiton Movie Set, visit the home of Bilbo Baggins and peer inside other hobbit holes of the Shire—filming site of “The Hobbit” and the “The Lord of the Rings” trilogies, with a break for an included lunch in the Green Dragon Marquee.

See the untamed beauty of New Zealand’s west coast on this North Island day trip from Auckland, which saves you from having to navigate rugged roads on your own. Travel with a guide to the Waitakere Ranges, with a stop at the Arataki Visitor Centre overlook for views of the Tasman Sea out to the Pacific Ocean. Admire Maori carvings before a guided rainforest walk, then visit giant kauri trees and one of the area’s magnificent black sand beaches. A moderate fitness level is required for this active tour.

There’s more to Auckland than the busy center but it can be stressful to rent a car. Simplify a day out on a private tour to Muriwai Beach, known for its black sand and gannet colony. Walk along the beach to see the birds, then enjoy wine tasting at one of the area's oldest wineries. The tour includes lunch and bottled water, to keep you energized for sightseeing.

Mystery Picnic, Matakana is a self-guided food and adventure experience with a difference. Each destination has been thoughtfully selected to showcase the unique food, places and attractions of the region. Not only do you find out more about your travelling companion but also what the area has to offer. Solving clues and puzzles along the way and ending at a beautiful picnic spot.