Top North Island Car Tours

This is the best way to experience the highlights of Auckland’s West Coast. Enjoy a private tour with no need to rush — the itinerary is always tailored to your pace and interests. We will visit Arataki Visitor center, Karekare Falls, Mercer bay loop and Piha beach We are happy to add destinations or adjust the schedule based on what you’d like to see. Minimum required for this tour is 2 people

First-time visitors to Wellington who want to see some of the capital’s must-visit attractions alongside its less-frequented spots will love this small-group half-day tour. There’s no need to get tired walking around, or get lost self-driving. Head up to the Mt. Victoria Lookout for panoramic views, learn about “The Lord of the Rings” at the Weta Workshop Studios, take a drive around the scenic Miramar Peninsula, and more.

Experience the thrill of New Zealand’s volcanic landscapes on a self-guided tour of the Orakei Korako geothermal area. Follow the 1.5-mile (2.5km) boardwalk around the park and stop to admire startling silica terraces, peer into bubbling mud pools and watch hissing geysers. Be sure not to miss the Ruatapu Cave, one of only two geothermal caves in the world and home to a mesmerizing thermal mirror pool.

Experience the best of New Zealand on full-day tour that combines two incredible destinations in one comprehensive tour. From Auckland, enjoy a scenic drive to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Once arrived, hop aboard one of the official Hobbiton buses and immerse yourself in the magic of Middle-earth. Embark on a behind-the-scenes tour of the movie set, with fascinating insights and little-known facts provided by your guide. Explore the charming Hobbit Holes, admire The Mill and The Double Arched Bridge, and enjoy a complimentary drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) at the Green Dragon Inn. Next up, journey to Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Embark on a guided tour inside the Famous Waitomo Grotto—including a boat ride along the underground Waitomo River.

As the largest and most populated city in New Zealand, Auckland has so much for tourists to see and do. After convenient pickup from your hotel, cruise ship, or CBD location, head out into the city to explore sights such as the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Mount Eden, and the Westhaven Marina on this half-day small-group tour.

Journey from Auckland to the enchanting Hobbiton™ Movie Set on a full-day tour. Enjoy a scenic drive with photo stops before immersing yourself in the world of Middle-earth. Explore the famous hobbit holes on a guided tour, then unwind with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. With hotel pickup, Hobbiton guide, and all entry fees included, this tour offers a seamless experience for film lovers and adventurers alike.

Discover the rural beauty and Art Deco architecture of Hawke’s Bay on a half-day shore excursion from Napier. Travel through orchards, vineyards, and farming areas, visit the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre for honey tasting, and enjoy panoramic views from Te Mata Peak. All transport is by climate-controlled vehicle, making this tour a perfect introduction to the region’s landscapes and history.

An hour or so north of Wellington, Martinborough is fast making a name for itself as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading wine regions. Each weekend, Wellingtonians make the trek over the Remutakas to escape to this European-style wine village. This small group tour is a convenient way to visit Martinborough. There’s no need to stress about driving on country backroads, and no need to plan the day’s itinerary - leaving you to focus on the wine and the iconic scenery.

Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand's premier wine regions—experience the best of it during a stress-free guided tour to four premium wineries, including Mission Estate and Trinity Hill. Taste a wide range of local wines, learn about winemaking, and visit New Zealand's oldest winery. This small-group tour includes all tastings and pizza for lunch, with hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience.

Enjoy a magical 6-6.5 hour tour to the Hobbiton Movie set, used for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film series, which has made NZ famous. Leaving the port, we first travel past the stunning beaches of Mount Maunganui, a top NZ holiday destination, across the harbor bridge and into the country, over the Kaimai mountain ranges, into the lush farming district of the Waikato, the location of Hobbiton. At Hobbiton you can visit the Shires Rest Cafe, browse the souvenir shop or just take in the stunning views before joining the 2.5 hour guided tour, explore inside a Hobbit home and finish at The Green Dragon Pub with a complimentary Ale. As Cruise ship arrival times varies so much, we adjust the start time to suit, which we confirm to you when your booking is accepted, always having you back at the ship in good time for its departure. Please see the Additional Info section for details of our cancellation policy should the ship cancel its port of call within 24 hours of arrival.

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.

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 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.

Wellington, long-celebrated for its bohemian liberal arts and cafe culture, is fast-becoming renowned as New Zealand’s capitol of craft beer. Visit four Wellington and Hutt Valley breweries, tasting a range of tasty local beers at each establishment on this small group day tour designed for lovers of ales, stouts, lagers and everything hoppy in-between.

Combine Napier’s Art Deco architecture with Hawke's Bay wine on a small-group shore excursion that includes wine and honey tastings. Fit a lot into just half a day on land. Start by exploring an Art Deco suburb, then visit two wine estates for tastings with stops at Bluff Hill and Napier Reef Garden in between. This is a great way to explore the area without the struggle of navigating.

While in Rotorua, the North Island’s heartland of traditional culture, attend an evening event at Te Pā Tū featuring a Māori cultural performance and a 3-course seasonal fusion feast. Learn about Māori customs tied to the lunar calendar while enjoying song, drama, and tradition in a forest village setting. Hotel pickup and return transfers from Rotorua are included for convenience.

A Small Group Half-day tour that satisfies all visitors to Auckland. Recommended for travelers short on time and those eager to see the city’s top attractions. Includes convenient round-trip transportation with pick-up service from cruise ships and hotels around the CBD. Discover Auckland as a first-time visitor. Interact with your guide on a private, small-group tour. Select a half-day tour, allowing for additional activities to be enjoyed. The maximum number of travelers is 1 to 11 people.

Why Choose This Tour? As a private tour, the experience is relaxed, flexible, and tailored to your interests. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, you'll enjoy a more personal and authentic experience while discovering some of Auckland's most beautiful locations.

Tour Highlights: Begin and end your journey - iSite Rotorua tourists visitor center, 1167, Fenton Street, Rotorua. Explore the bubbling Wai-O-Tapu Mud Pool the head to Lady Knox Geyser and watch its thrilling eruption at 10:15am Next, stroll through the Wai-o-Tapu geothermal wonderland Known for its vibrant, otherworldly landscapes, it features bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and colorful hot springs such as the iconic Champagne Pool. Kindly finish the walk on or before 12:30pm, and return to the pickup point.

Movie fans will love this easy day tour from Auckland to Hobbiton, in Matamata. Avoid the hassle of self-driving and enjoy the views during the two-hour journey. You’ll arrive at Hobbiton early to beat the crowds and have more space. Learn all about the filming of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings movies, including fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, on an in-depth two-hour guided tour.

Take a break from the city and spend the day in Martinborough, one of the finest food and drink destinations in the North Island. Enjoy the views as you leave Wellington and cross the Remutaka Ranges into the Wairarapa region. Visit a cheese factory, a chocolatier, and a winery, tasting some of the finest local produce as you go. Spend some free time in Martinborough at the end, sampling more food if you wish.

West Coast Wonders – 4 Hours Scenic Tour from Auckland CBD - Piha Beach - Kitekite Falls Leave the city behind and immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Auckland’s west coast. This half-day exploratory tour takes you through lush rainforests, iconic black-sand beaches, and hidden waterfalls. Begin your journey to the gateway to the Waitākere Ranges. Enjoy sweeping views of the ocean and native forest. Visit Piha Beach, famous for its dramatic coastline, powerful surf, and the towering Lion Rock. Stroll and self explore the black sands and take in the rugged charm of New Zealand’s original surf haven. Then, take a short bushwalk to the stunning Kitekite Falls, a serene, multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by native forest. Enjoy a peaceful moment or a refreshing dip in the natural pool.

Go on an adrenaline-filled rafting excursion down the Kaituna River on a half-day adventure tour from Rotorua. The river tumbles past a subtropical rainforest lining a deep canyon. Raft over Tutea Falls—a thrilling experience for first-time or experienced rafters. The tour operates in all seasons and there are several departure times daily so you can choose one that suits your schedule.