Top New Zealand Eco Tours - page 3

This Akaroa shore excursion takes you sightseeing in Christchurch via a scenic drive through the Banks Peninsula. See the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Cathedral Square, and other city highlights before visiting the International Antarctic Centre, where you can learn more about the frozen continent. See penguins, feel the chill of Antarctic winds, and finish with a thrilling ride on an amphibious Hagglund vehicle.

The waters off the coast of Kaikoura play host to some of nature’s most majestic giants: sperm whales. Take in a stunning seascape while keeping an eye out for sperm, blue, and humpback whales; dolphins; orcas; and several other varieties of aquatic mammals on this small-group whale-watching flight over the shimmering waters.

Admire the natural wonder that is Milford Sound on a nature cruise that lets you soak up the scenery from the water. Glide past granite walls, glacier-fed waterfalls, and stunning Mitre Peak on a spacious catamaran to avoid the crowds. Enjoy great photo ops of this famous South Island attraction situated within Fiordland National Park, and be on the lookout for Fiordland crested penguins and bottlenose dolphins.

Get the cameras ready for one of the best glacier experiences in New Zealand. Climb up the Franz Josef Glacier, crossing the main divide at Centennial Hut to land on New Zealand’s longest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. Take in breath-taking views of Mount Tasman and Aoraki Mount Cook, rich with uninterrupted scenery you have to see to believe. Then hop back onboard, cross back over Climber Col Pass and enjoy the spectacular views of Franz Josef Glacier before arriving back at Franz Josef Heliport.

Journey from Auckland City to the dramatic West Coast, where rugged landscapes and spectacular coastal scenery await. Visit Muriwai Beach, famous for its striking black sands, powerful ocean views, and impressive clifftop landscapes. Walk to the viewing areas overlooking the Gannet Colony and Motutara Island, where thousands of seabirds gather during the nesting season. Enjoy a relaxing lunch before returning to Auckland to uncover some of the city’s most scenic coastal landmarks. Stop at Bastion Point for panoramic views across the Waitematā Harbour and Auckland skyline, then travel through the vibrant seaside suburb of Mission Bay. Continue along the waterfront to Achilles Point for sweeping views of the Hauraki Gulf and surrounding islands. Complete your journey with a visit to the beautiful Auckland Domain Wintergardens, home to impressive glasshouses, colourful seasonal displays, and peaceful gardens. A memorable blend of nature, wildlife, and city highlights.

Get out of your comfort zone on this challenging bush safari outside Rotorua. This self-drive experience by 4-passenger 4WD vehicle takes you over steep climbs and descents, with guided instruction via 2-way radio as you navigate waterfalls, lunges, and tunnels. Safety briefing and equipment are provided so you can tackle the off-road trails confidently. This is a fun, family-friendly activity.

This tour is a unique option if you are looking to make the most of your time while visisting Port Chalmers by cruise ship. It offers a combination of scenic ferry transport to Otago Peninsula, The popular OPERA Eco Sanctuary and Yellow Eyed Penguin rehabilitation centre, Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens and Dunedin City sights and drop off. Its a tour that covers it all and saves on travel time by combining ferry and coach.

Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Whakatipu, Walter Peak High Country Farm is the perfect place to spend a relaxing few hours. Immerse yourself in nature and learn about conservation throughout New Zealand. Begin your trip with a 45 minute cruise aboard the Vintage TSS Earnslaw, an integral part of Queenstown’s pioneering history and to this day a Queenstown icon. You will be greeted by our rural host, who will give you a tour of the stunning Restaurant Garden and showcase the beautiful native plants. Sample fresh produce straight from the veggie beds and orchard! Next savour a delicious garden platters made with with ingredients just harvested during your visit. This is the perfect adventure for those who want to give back to the environment while immersing themselves in New Zealand’s native scenery. You will then have the opportunity to have a hands on role in Walter Peaks land restoration project by planting a native tree or shrub from our nursery.

Swap the cruise port for the Otago countryside on a half-day shore excursion that covers Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. Your sightseeing tour covers city-center highlights, such as the Dunedin Railway Station, then travels to the wildlife-filled peninsula, stopping en route at scenic lookouts and for a beachside view of basking sea lions. Enjoy personalized attention from your guide on this small-group shore excursion with port transfers.

Experience the best of New Zealand’s natural and cultural highlights in one unforgettable day. Explore Hell’s Gate, the country’s most active geothermal park, with steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, erupting waters, and colorful mineral terraces, while learning about Māori traditions and the historical use of geothermal energy. Then, relax at Putāruru Blue Springs, famous for its crystal-clear, vivid blue water and tranquil native bush walks, perfect for photos and quiet reflection. Finish with a visit to Tirau, a quirky rural town known for its corrugated iron sheep and dog buildings, creative architecture, and charming cafés. This journey offers an ideal mix of adventure, culture, stunning scenery, and unique New Zealand experiences that leave lasting memories.

Discover the Puketi Kauri Forest on an enriching guided tour, where ancient kauri trees and vibrant wildlife await. Traverse this subtropical rainforest with DOC-licensed guides who provide insights into the forest's ecology and the Māori culture closely tied to this land. Each tour option—day, or night—offers a unique perspective of the lush surroundings. Engage with the rich biodiversity and historical significance of the forest while contributing to its conservation efforts. - Explore the ancient kauri trees, some over a thousand years old - Choose from day, twilight, or night walking tours - Learn about the forest's ecology and Māori heritage from expert guides - Enjoy opportunities to spot native birds and rare plants along protected boardwalks

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.

Experience the unique and special natural beauty of Rotorua, the geothermal hot spot of New Zealand, just 1 hour's drive from Tauranga. Learn about the geothermal features and its use by the Maori people, the first to settle in New Zealand over 800 years ago. Entry is not included to the private geothermal reserves, but we do see boiling mud pools, crystal clear bubbling hot springs and volcanic lakes. Relax at the foot bathing pools in Kuirau Park, (towels provided) after a short walk to see the bubbling mud and steaming lakes. Whakarewarewa Village is our stop for a snack lunch, here you can take a peek at the village (entry not incl.) before our final stop, the Redwoods Forrest. Here we take a short, guided tour through a purpose-built Glow Worm Cave, then a walk among the treetops on a network of easy-to-use rope swing bridges, with access by a gentle spiral ramp, no steps are needed. The tour start time will be confirmed when your booking is accepted by us.

Visit two of the North Island’s most popular attractions on this full-day tour. First, head to Middle-earth and take a guided tour around the otherworldly Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Then, make your way to Rotorua to the incredible Geothermal Valley. See the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, bubbling mud pools, native kiwi birds, and learn about the Māori people. Hotel transfers from central Auckland are included for added convenience.

Photograph New Zealand's spectacular scenery both inside and outside of the caves on a private photography tour with your own photographer-guide. Visit a pristine glow worm cave in the Waitomo district, and take your time to capture great shots of the glow worms and other sights. You can use larger cameras and equipment like small tripods on this photography tour, with the freedom to take more time for your photography than on standard tours. Includes guide, use of wet weather gear, and snacks.

Walk among towering kauri trees in the Puketi Rainforest on a half-day, full-day or nighttime guided hike, starting from Okaihau in the Bay of Islands. A knowledgeable guide points out rare bird and plant species while you trek past thundering waterfalls on a moderately strenuous footpath though the subtropical rainforest — suitable for strong hikers. Numbers are limited to a maximum of six people to ensure a small-group experience. Morning or afternoon tea with optional lunch are included, depending on tour selected.

New Zealand's only guided DAILY tour of the Sun! Discover the Sun like never before. Located just a 90-minute scenic drive from Christchurch, this unique daytime experience offers a safe, fascinating look at our nearest star, perfect for all ages and Akaroa day trips. You will observe sunspots, solar flares, and intricate surface activity in stunning detail through our specialized solar telescope. Our expert astronomer will guide you, sharing captivating facts and making this a hands-on, exciting introduction to astronomy. We use our cutting-edge ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope to capture high-resolution images of the Sun live. These incredible digital photos are then shared with you instantly! Plus, easily snap your own stunning visuals directly through the telescope with our smartphone adapter. Leave with unique, Insta-worthy visuals you won't find anywhere else. This short, educational, and high-tech tour is ideal for all ages. Book your spot now for an unforgettable experience!

Hike around Lake Matheson while learning more about the area’s ecology on a private nature walk. With a guide in the lead, you can focus on the scenery and on learning about the area's flora, fauna, and unique ecosystem. Admire the reflections of Mt. Tasman and Mt. Cook in the glassy surface of the lake. Evening departures give the best chance of calm conditions for the best reflections.

See the highlights of Rotorua on a full-day shore excursion from Tauranga. Travel to one of New Zealand’s most famous places, Rotorua. Spend the day exploring the otherworldly geothermal landscapes, visiting the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa, towering redwood trees, and the beautifully manicured Government Gardens. Also receive a traditional welcome at a Māori cultural village, and more. Guaranteed return to your ship at the end of the day.

The experience starts with tips on advanced snorkel techniques. We share the history of the Leigh Coast, Goat Island Maine Reserve and the Matheson Bay Rewilding Project. We will also introduce you to the marine life you are likely to meet. In the Advanced group you will also learn some additional skills, learn to duck down or freedive to get a closer look at the fish. Under the supervision of your dive professional, you'll be off snorkeling in the Goat Island Marine Reserve. Your guide will ensure that you stay safe and comfortable at all times, whatever experience level you have. You will be part of a natural aquarium, teeming with colourful fish and marine life including blue maomao, huge snapper, eagle and stingrays, blue cod, octopus, kahawai and crayfish. Sometimes Dolphins or orca visit the reserve and will often play with the snorkelers, this might be your day!

Whether it’s your first time in Wellington or you just want to see as much as possible during your time in port, this half-day sightseeing tour offers a great introduction to the city and a diverse range of sights. Visit the iconic special-effects Wētā Cave and the historic Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, ride the Wellington Cable Car to the top of the city, and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Victoria.

This tour visits many of the natural "foodie" delights of The Coastal Bay of Plenty, including the superfoods, kiwifruit & avocados. During the day you also see & walk in a variety of natural environments & scenic areas in the region as well as tasting product & hearing about how those products are produced. This is a small group tour that avoids the anonymity of larger tours.

Explore one of New Zealand’s finest forest trails on this 7-hour hiking tour in the Whirinaki Forest from Rotorua. Travel from your accommodation in Rotorua into the Whirinaki Forest, widely considered among the world’s greatest rainforests. Follow your guide along hiking trails beneath the leafy canopy and marvel at mighty native trees such as ‘kahikatea’, ‘matai’, ‘miro’, ‘rimu’ and ‘totara’. Along the way, discover rich flora and fauna for which the forest is famous, and hear birdsong from the many different species of birds flying among the branches above.

Discover Auckland's coastal hidden gems on our North Shore tour! Explore scenic Shakespear Regional Park, relax on vast Long Bay beach, enjoy a brief stop in charming Browns Bay, and experience vibrant Takapuna with its famous Rangitoto views. See beautiful local favourites beyond the city buzz – book your North Shore adventure today!