Top North Island Bird Watching

Embark on a thrilling Blackwater Rafting adventure in Ruakuri Cave. Choose between two exhilarating tours: the original Black Labyrinth, where you'll float under glowworms and jump off waterfalls, or the longer Black Abyss, which includes abseiling, ziplining, and cave exploration. Both experiences offer unforgettable encounters with the natural beauty of the cave and take you to places impossible to reach on your own.

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.

Step into Peter Jackson's Middle-earth with this guided group tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set from 'The Lord of the Rings' film trilogy. Learn more about the movies than you ever would by exploring by yourself with the help of your local guide. And with a shuttle service at your disposal, you enjoy a truly seamless Matamata experience.

Cruise Auckland's Hauraki Gulf Marine Park on a 4.5-hour eco safari to spot whales, dolphins, seals, and rare seabirds. Enjoy expert commentary and close encounters with diverse marine wildlife in stunning island scenery, departing from downtown Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.

Go deep into Whirinaki Forest on a bird-watching tour that explores birding sites around the Bay of Plenty, including forests, wetlands, and shore sites. Using the provided binoculars and a spotting scope will maximize your odds of spotting some of New Zealand’s rare birds in their natural habitat, and with help from a conservationist guide, you'll have the chance to identify everything from miromiro (tomtits) to yellow-crowned kakariki (parakeets).

Experience one of the wonders of New Zealand’s natural world on this glowworm caving adventure in Waitomo. Pull on your boots and helmet before heading through the private farmland and native forest to the Mangarongapu Cave system with a local guide and small group. With your headlamp to light the way, hike around huge boulders and through shallow streams, and marvel at the millions of bright green glowworms illuminating the rocky limestone.

The Kiwi is one of New Zealand's national icons. The two kiwi on this tour are part of the NZ North Island Brown Kiwi Breeding Recovery Program. The kiwi are in their own private natural habitat, away from the public. They share this with two ruru (morepork or brown owl). This kiwi tour is an incredibly intimate experience, in groups of up to 10 people. The experience offers you an up-close viewing advantage of the ever-elusive kiwi in its natural habitat. Private tours also available. For bigger groups we do waves of 10 people at a time.

Embark on a memorable four-hour adventure to Tiritiri Matangi Island, where snorkeling and island exploration combine to create an immersive experience. This tour is perfect for adventure seekers and families with children who want to dive into the island’s crystal-clear waters and explore its rich marine life. You'll also discover a wildlife sanctuary home to rare and endangered bird species as you wander through native forests and enjoy breathtaking coastal views. With insider knowledge from expert guides, you'll gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand's natural wonders and cultural heritage, making this tour an unforgettable journey for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Note: Ferry bookings and fees not included. *your guide will meet you on the Island at the Wharf, please ensure you have booked your ferry tickets prior to the day of the tour*

Explore Paihia’s wild side on this family-owned and operated sightseeing cruise to (hopefully) spot some marine life. Just sit back, relax, and let your captain do the work of taking you to some of the best spots on the water. A portion of every ticket goes straight to marine mammal conservation and a local children’s marine education program.

Active travelers wanting to experience Rotorua’s unique landscapes will love this private kayaking tour. Walk through Waimangu Volcanic Valley, one of the world’s youngest geothermal systems, to Lake Rotomahana. Paddle along its shores and admire the steaming cliffs, colorful geothermal features, and dramatic geysers, learning about Māori culture along the way. This is a fun way to get some exercise and explore some of Rotorua’s less-visited attractions.

This accommodation option is inside the nature reserve, meaning you have unlimited access to the reserve during your stay and the whole place to yourself after hours. It is a self-contained wooden lodge with one bedroom and two single beds, and a double pull out couch. It hosts a kitchette, washing machine and dryer, and private bathroom.