Top New Zealand Eco Tours

Immerse yourself in the natural landscape of the Otago Peninsula on this small-group tour. Don't worry about navigating your way on unfamiliar roads, with your guide driving you there. Enjoy taking in the local wildlife and the chance to see native blue penguins. Ideal for nature-lovers and those looking to take a break from the city.

Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban eco-sanctuary and home to some of New Zealand’s most extraordinary wildlife. This 2-hour guided walking tour will introduce you to native birds such as kakariki, tui, and bellbirds; rare species like takahē; and unique reptiles including green gecko and tuatara. Entrance fees are included.

A visit to New Zealand is your best chance to see the yellow-eyed penguin, an endangered species native to the country. On this small-group tour, head to the Otago Peninsula to see yellow-eyed penguins, or hoiho penguins, in their natural habitat before exploring a nearby rehabilitation center to see some penguins up close while learning about local conservation efforts.

Enjoy getting out of Dunedin for half a day and traveling to the wildlife-filled Otago Peninsula without the stress of renting a car. Travel out to a conservation area and secluded beach on a headland, where you will look out for yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, albatross, sea lions, and more. The small-group setting means you can ask questions and go at a gentle pace.

Enjoy one of New Zealand’s original tourist attractions: a tour of the magnificent Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Your guide—who may be descended from the Māori chief who first discovered the caves—leads you underground and tells you about the cultural significance of this site. Hop into a boat and glide on an underground river, enjoying the light show put on by millions of tiny bioluminescent insects hanging above.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must-visit North Island attraction, and while many day tours depart from Auckland, this handy tour is ideal for independent travelers who can make their own way to the caves. The Ruakuri Cave is the longest, with impressive rock formations, subterranean rivers, and thousands of glittering glowworms. Explore the magnificent cave on a guided walking tour and learn more about Māori culture as you go.

Discover Rotorua from a different angle on a fun “duck” tour. This sightseeing adventure takes you aboard an authentic World War II-era amphibious vehicle, able to travel on land and water. Start with a city tour before splashing down into a couple of Rotorua’s many scenic lakes. Listen to live commentary about Rotorua’s history and local landmarks along the way. A family-friendly tour that everyone will enjoy.

Discover the fascinating world of Antarctica on this immersive two-hour guided tour led by expert Antarctic Guides. Gain insights into the history, science, and human spirit of Antarctic exploration. From the thrill of a Hägglunds ride to the chilling experience of the Storm Room, this tour offers unique opportunities to connect with the icy continent. Encounter captivating stories about research stations and penguin conservation while enjoying full access to the Antarctic Centre. - Two-hour fully guided experience with expert insights - Thrilling Hägglunds ride and Storm Room experience - Exclusive talks about Little Blue Penguins and Antarctic research - Full General Admission access included with the ticket - Please note this experience is not suitable for children under 16 years of age.

On this Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tour and hike, land atop the glacier and explore ice caves and pinnacles with a small group. Soar above New Zealand’s Southern Alps during a scenic flight, then grab your crampons and make your way through dramatic ice formations during a moderately difficult hike. Numbers are limited to 11 to ensure personalized attention from your expert guide.

Search for rare seabirds and several species of marine mammals, such as Hector's, bottlenose and dusky dolphins along with New Zealand fur seals, during a half-day sightseeing cruise in the Marlborough Sounds. Cruise to Queen Charlotte Sound and take a nature walk on Motuara Island, where a predator-free landscape allows for plentiful birdlife. Listen to commentary from enthusiastic marine biologists, and treat yourself to tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies.

Discover one of the jewels in the crown of New Zealand's spectacular South Island on this full day Milford Sound hiking tour with cruise. Travel along the Milford Road from Te Anau and enjoy panoramic views over the beautiful countryside. Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise through the fjord and out to the Tasman Sea, and gaze over soaring clifftops and plummeting waterfalls. Afterwards, enjoy short guided walks and explore Fiordland's spectacular natural scenery with a local nature guide.

After a catamaran cruise across Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island—which sits in the middle of the lake—spot rare native birds that are extinct on mainland New Zealand. Thanks to successful conservation efforts, the island is a rare haven for birdlife. Enjoy a guided hike with an expert guide to a lake at the top of the island, an experience that’s rated one of the best must-do activities in Wanaka.

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.

Discover New Zealand’s iconic Piha Beach on our West Coast Discovery tour! Starting with a pick-up from the 4 hotels listed in Auckland CBD, enjoy a 30-minute scenic drive through the Waitakere Ranges. Our first stop is the Arataki Visitor Centre, where you’ll learn about New Zealand’s native trees and enjoy sweeping views over the ranges—an ideal start to exploring the west coast. Next, we take a 20-minute drive to Karekare Waterfalls, where a short, easy walk leads you to this stunning natural site, perfect for photos. Then, we head to the famous Piha Surf Beach, known for its black iron-sand and thrilling waves from the Tasman Sea, where you can go for a swim or just relax and enjoy the stunning views. Be sure to visit Lion Rock, located at the heart of the beach, for breathtaking views and unforgettable photo opportunities. After that, we head back to Auckland CBD.

Enjoy a comfortable cruise on our 28 seat super taxi Moutimu and a knowledgeable Kiwi skipper to answer your questions along the way. Cruise through outstanding mountain scenery to the remote Mou Waho Island nature reserve. We are contracted to the Department of Conservation and every guest contributes to funding the conservation work on Mou Waho Island ensuring that it is a predator-free conservation area for our unique native birds and other fauna. Here you can see first-hand results of conservation efforts including the rare flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920), the Mountain Stone Weta and many other native birds. A two hour self-guided nature walk is included and this will take you up to the natural glacial lake right on top of the island and magnificent mountain and lake scenery in every direction. This is rated as one of the top activities by visitors to Wanaka and rated among the best Wanaka walks and hikes.

A serene 30-minute punt ride awaits you on the iconic Avon River, nestled in the heart of Christchurch. Glide through the lush scenery of the Botanic Gardens guided by a knowledgeable punter dressed in classic attire. This eco-friendly experience offers a unique perspective of local wildlife and flora, making it perfect for families and nature lovers alike. Enjoy a relaxing escape as you learn about the sights along the way—an ideal way to unwind while soaking in the beauty of Christchurch’s waterways.

See the glowworm caves of Te Anau on an underground adventure sure to charm visitors of all ages. An informative guide joins you on the tour, which starts with a cruise across Lake Te Anau. Then marvel at the shimmering illumination of thousands of glowworms as you glide through the quiet darkness of this magical underground world.

Embark on a cruise of Fiordland’s Doubtful Sound, starting from an easy-to-find location in Te Anau village. Travel by coach to Manapouri Lake for a short boat ride, followed by a bus trip over Wilmot Pass. En route, stop for alpine views of Fiordland National Park, park of a UNESCO-listed landscape, before taking in the dramatic landscapes, soaring peaks, and wildlife of Doubtful Sound on a cruise.

Ideal for thrill seekers, this experience lets you take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River canyons. Experience adrenaline-fueled fun as the jet boat skims the water’s surface at high speed and fishtails into 360-degree spins. Hold on tight as the captain maneuvers the jet boat over rapids and through narrow canyons during one heart-pounding adventure you won’t soon forget.

Discover the stunning Botanic Gardens from the comfort of an eco-friendly electric shuttle on this guided tour. Over 50 minutes, enjoy live commentary as you explore this expansive 21-hectare haven, showcasing seasonal highlights that cater to garden lovers and those with limited time or mobility. - 50-minute guided tour of the Botanic Gardens on an electric shuttle - Live commentary detailing seasonal highlights during your journey - Departures are available daily in summer, with winter departures on Thursdays to Sundays - Our electric shuttles use clear plastic sides to keep our guests dry on rainy days. - A small stepstool is available for guests who need assistance boarding. -Please note we are unable to accommodate wheelchairs on the tour at this time.

Discover New Zealand’s geothermal hotspots on a day trip from Rotorua to Lake Taupo, stopping to explore one of two remarkable destinations. Select Orakei Korako to see terraced pools of steaming water, or opt for Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland’s otherworldly colors. Limited to 11 people for more personal service, this day trip includes pickup and drop-off at centrally-located hotels, as well as entrance fees at the geothermal site.

This guided stargazing tour combines the grandeur of Mt. Cook with a fascinating journey through the night sky. Using powerful telescopes, you’ll observe planets, star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies, all while learning from expert guides who will share the myths and science behind these cosmic phenomena. Your guides will take photos of you beneath the beauty of the Milky way galaxy- the perfect memento of your night under the stars. The Mt. Cook area provides an extraordinary setting, with the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps framing the sky, making this a stargazing experience unlike any other. A must-do in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized site.

Waiheke Island is a great destination for travelers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. On this full-day private tour, customize your trip to suit your tastes. Take in the island’s serene countryside with a peaceful forest walking tour or coastal trail, relax on one of Waiheke’s sandy beaches, visit one of the many local wineries, and much more.