Top New Zealand Nature Walks - page 7

Take a break from Auckland on a private day trip to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves in the Waikato countryside. Hotel pickup, door-to-door transport, and lunch are included, so you can relax. Admire views of the central North Island’s rural landscape along the way. Take guided tours at each destination, plus stop at scenic Lake Karapiro on the mighty Waikato River.

Experience a Milford Sound cruise and Milford Track hike in one incredible day with return coach transfers from Te Anau included. Cruise the fiord getting close to thundering waterfalls while spotting seals and dolphins, and our expert crew share stories about this geological wonder. After your cruise, transfer to the water taxi for a 10-minute boat ride to the Milford Track. Explore the track at your own pace (approx. 11km return), listening for native birds and walking in ancient beech forest before arriving at Giant Gates Falls. Our multi-lingual app provides information as you walk. All transfers are coordinated so you can experience two of New Zealand's most famous attractions in one day, plus enjoy the spectacle of the Milford road without having to drive yourself.

Experience life on a real working farm at Woodstone with this 90-minute hosted tour. Get up close with friendly animals and enjoy a relaxed, hands-on visit guided by a local farmer. Feed and interact with the animals, then watch live demonstrations including sheep shearing and working dog mustering, while learning how the farm runs day to day. Take a break with while soaking in the surroundings of vineyards, lavender fields, and seasonal blooms. At select times of year, your visit can also include access to the maize or sunflower maze, adding something extra to your day. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting an authentic Kiwi farm experience!

Even with just one day to spare, you can still experience the North Island’s northernmost attractions on a Bay of Islands day trip from Auckland. Soak up the views and let a driver handle the road as you travel through the green, hilly countryside and some of the world's oldest rain forest en route to the historic settlement of Russell (Kororareka). After lunch and a lesson in local Maori and European history, cruise through the bay’s many islands to Cape Brett’s legendary 'Hole in the Rock' cavern.

Our family has farmed this land since 1928 and we love sharing our home and lifestyle with visitors from all over the world. Lake Tekapo Petting Zoo is located on the original grounds of the historic Mt John Homestead and Farm Yard, a 5-10 minute walk from the village center. If you're looking for a hands-on animal experience then come and say hello to our farmyard favorites. Pet and feed our Merino Sheep, Kune Kune Pigs, Lambs, Alpacas, Calf and rabbits. Learn their names and personalities and let our friendly staff teach you about the habits of each animal and explain how we care for them. The admission price include a complimentary bag of animal feed and additional feed can be purchased for $10 per bag.

Discover Devonport on a guided walking tour through one of Auckland’s oldest seaside suburbs. Starting at the historic Devonport Ferry Terminal, this 60–75 minute, 3km journey explores volcanic cones like Mount Victoria (Takarunga), Māori heritage, and Victorian architecture. Highlights include the Michael King Writers Centre, The Vic cinema, Holy Trinity Church, and Devonport Library—near the site of New Zealand women’s first votes in 1893. Walk past heritage sites like Old Albert tree, naval relics, and the Devonport Yacht Club, and learn about the town’s role in the nuclear-free movement. This tour blends history, culture, and panoramic harbour views in a charming, village setting.

The 12 mile (19 kilometer) Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered among the best day hikes in the world. Get the most out of it with a private guided hike. Your guide will know how to avoid the most crowded parts of the trail, and can cater to a range of fitness levels. The weather is changeable on the mountain, and your guide will constantly check conditions to keep you safe.

Join our knowledgeable guide on a captivating journey along the unique Shorebird Coast. We will peer into the often-overlooked ecosystem within an estuary and gaze across the geology that has created this sanctuary. Let us introduce you to the world of the manu/shorebirds that live in these areas, their incredible migrations and the challenges they face. Whether you're a bird enthusiast, nature lover, or someone passionate about conservation, this tour promises a memorable and educational experience in the heart of one of New Zealand's coastal ecosystems. - Use a telescope to see thousands of shorebirds in their natural habitat - Explore an internationally significant wetland - Learn about the incredible migration of the kuaka - Support an organisation committed to conservation - Comfortable accommodation available for overnight stays to enhance your experience

Discover the charm of Oasis Cottage, a private 5-acre country garden nestled near the foothills of the Southern Alps. This exclusive tour offers an intimate glimpse into a historic property, complete with seasonal blooms, formal gardens, and lush natural landscapes. Wander through the enchanting Blue Garden, explore the vegetable allée and orchard, and enjoy the tranquil duck pond with rural views and abundant birdlife. What sets this tour apart is the unique opportunity to visit the Oasis Cottage floral studio and greenhouse. Learn about the art of growing and arranging cut flowers for stunning European-inspired bouquets. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or a lover of floral artistry, this personalised experience is designed to delight and inspire. With breathtaking vistas of Mount Oxford as your backdrop and peaceful pathways to explore, this private tour provides an unforgettable retreat into nature. Book now to experience the beauty and creativity of Oasis Cottage.

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!

Explore the captivating sights of Dunedin on this comprehensive full-day tour, departing from Port Chalmers. Visit iconic locations like the Octagon, Baldwin Street (the world's steepest street) and enjoy a guided walk through the stunning botanical gardens featuring aviaries with exotic and native birds. The full-day tour includes scenic views from Signal Hill and a stop at St Clair Esplanade. Knowledgeable drivers provide insightful commentary, ensuring you gain a deeper understanding of the region's rich history and culture. Perfect for cruise ship passengers, with flexible pick-up times and options for lunch breaks. - Includes entry to Larnach Castle for self guided tour. - Scenic stops include Baldwin Street and Signal Hill lookout. - Experience a guided walk through botanical gardens. - Knowledgeable local driver/guide.

The first stop on this private half-day tour is at the Sign of Takahe (a Historic stone building), where you can enjoy scenic views and capture some memorable photos. Next, you'll head to the Sign of the Bellbird Scenic Reserve and take in breathtaking views of the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour. Afterwards, you'll visit the Governors Bay Jetty, allowing you to explore the serene surroundings of the seaside settlement. Following the coastal road, the journey continues to Cass Bay, where there is time to relax over morning or afternoon tea In Lyttelton Township, you'll have some time to explore the quaint shops and appreciate the town's historic charm. The tour then takes you to the Evans Pass lookout, where you can learn about the operations of Lyttelton Port and its links to Antarctic exploration. The final stop is Sumner Beach, where you can wander through the charming village. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation or in the city centre.

See the Southern Lakes region through your camera on this half-day tour to some of the most picturesque highlights – and best-kept secrets – of the Queenstown area. Start your day high above Queenstown, with picturesque views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu, then choose where you go next. Explore the region on your own terms, all while learning from your guide, a professional photographer, how to get the most out of your camera when you’re recording these memories.

Download a vibrantly-narrated mp3 audio guide combined with a map detailing the area of your tour. Enjoy the action packed city of Taupo on this self-guided audio tour of the city. You will see how the stunning lake city of Taupo has gently transformed by taking you on a journey which will highlight its geothermal history and the massive lake on which it sits where water based and adrenaline activities keep many tourists busy.

Enjoy a half-day guided walk on Banks Peninsula, a spectacular extinct volcano only 30 minutes from Christchurch. Experience world-class views and see some of New Zealand's most stunning coastlines with an experienced local guide. Godley Head is a beautiful coastal track with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and also Lyttelton Harbour. It includes historic landmarks from WW2, an Antarctic cabin, and quaint little beaches to boot. The walk is 4 km and takes around 2 hours to walk, plus plenty of time to stop and enjoy the scenery. The track can be adapted by the guide on the day. With your own guide, you can set the pace. Both morning and afternoon walks are available, see the highlights and be back in Christchurch in time for lunch or dinner.

Experience the best of Auckland in a single day with this relaxed full-day combo tour. Begin your morning with a short hike up to the iconic Mt Eden volcano, with epic views over Auckland city. Continue to the wild West Coast, exploring black-sand beaches, rainforest lookouts, and a short scenic walk to a waterfall that showcases the rugged beauty of the region. After wine tasting and optional lunch at a local winery, continue your adventure in the charming seaside village of Devonport. Explore North Head, a British fortress built inside an extinct volcano, and enjoy multiple viewpoints over the harbour. This tour is perfect for travellers who want to see more without rushing—combining nature, history, and iconic scenery in one easy, comfortable experience, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide.

Explore the enchanting landscapes of Middle-earth on a private half-day tour from Queenstown. This immersive journey takes you through iconic filming locations of The Lord of the Rings, revealing the breathtaking alpine valleys and remote backcountry that brought the cinematic magic to life. With a private guide, delve into behind-the-scenes stories, capture memorable photos at scenic spots, and enjoy flexible time for short walks amidst stunning backdrops. Perfect for film enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, this tour offers a unique blend of film history and natural beauty. - Private half-day tour exploring The Lord of the Rings filming locations - Discover the Glenorchy and Paradise regions, rich in cinematic history - Enjoy behind-the-scenes stories and insights from a knowledgeable guide - Flexible itinerary allows for exploration and photo opportunities

Experience the twin headlands of Matiatia and Church Bay on Waiheke Island, walking with your private group and an expert local guide. This walk consists of two parts, with lunch in between. Sometimes we do the northern route first, and sometimes the southern. Why is that? Well, we often need to work around the tides! Northern route (approx 2 hours): We’ll walk around the Matiatia headland and past Owhanake Bay, enjoying beautiful views of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula. You’ll spot sea birds, native plants and, if you’re lucky, orcas or dolphins. We’ll stop for lunch at Oneroa Village. You can eat in one of the local cafes or have a picnic on the beach with food you’ve purchased or brought with you. Southern route (approx 2 hours): We’ll walk through Pio Rehutai Reserve and around the Church Bay headland through a sculpture park and a stunning bush reserve. We’ll pass hidden coves and amazing homes, as we enjoy view of the city and sea.

Travelers without the time (or desire) to hike through the Abel Tasman National Park can experience its beautiful coastal and mountain landscapes from a scenic helicopter flight from Nelson. Enjoy around 50 minutes of flying time, communicating with your pilot via two-way headsets throughout the flight. Stop at Awaroa Lodge, within the park, where you can buy lunch if you like.

Experience the highlights of both of New Zealand’s main islands during this 5-day trip from Auckland to Christchurch, or vice versa, without having to self-drive or plan complicated logistics. Admire glowworms at the Waitomo Caves, see the geothermal wonderland at Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa, take the ferry from Wellington to the South Island, then ride the Coastal Pacific train to Kaikoura, where you spot whales. Includes accommodation in Rotorua, Wellington, and Kaikoura.

Enjoy this spectacular private walk with your friends, and you'll experience a little bit of everything – bush, beaches, headlands and vineyards. We start with a walk through restored and regenerating bush up to the headland for some breathtaking views of the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. We continue through lush, established bush tracks and rolling hills, where you’ll enjoy lovely views of valleys, vineyards and the sea. There’s time for wine tasting and/or lunch at two of Waiheke’s best-loved vineyards – Mudbrick Vineyard, Jurassic Ridge or Cable Bay Vineyards – with tasting options to suit all budgets.

In this exclusive luxury tour you will visit Internationally renowned Hamilton Gardens as well as one of the largest pest proof wildlife sanctuaries in the world

Visit the world-renowned Hamilton Gardens and the Hobbiton Movie Set, all in one day. This private tour from Auckland ensures you’ll have the exclusive attention of your guide, with admission included to both North Island attractions. With a stop at the Waikato River and Lake Karapiro, it’s a great way to spend time outside the bustling harbor city.

This private tour, starting and finishing in Christchurch, is a genuinely scenic experience. Visit some of the small settlements around Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbours. Learn about fascinating local history, how an enormous extinct volcano shaped this rugged landscape, and how the landscape continues to shape the people who live here. In Akaroa, you’ll visit the whimsical Giant’s House—filled with vibrant mosaic sculptures. You can also upgrade your booking and enjoy a harbour nature cruise where you may spot Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, and seabirds. (Please note: The harbour cruise option is subject to availability.) In town, there are opportunities to try the local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or admire the local artworks. Whether you prefer an active day filled with exploration or a more relaxed pace, this trip offers something for everyone.