Top North Island Day Trips - page 2

Visit two of the North Island’s most popular attractions in one day on this small-group tour from Auckland. First, hear behind-the-scenes stories from the making of "The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” films on a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. In the afternoon, continue to Rotorua to explore the city and visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland where highlights include geysers, volcanic mud pools, and geothermal craters.

Enjoy this full-day tour visiting the best of the Far North on board our purpose built coach. Let our drivers immerse you in the culture and history of the Far North while taking in the amazing scenery of places like Te Oneroa-a-Tohe (90 Mile Beach). Cape Reinga with its cultural significance. Te Paki Sand Dunes and the unique scenery that makes up the Far North. Look out for wild horses on your travel and be prepared to sand surf the sand dunes when we stop for sand boarding likely on 90 mile beach (Conditions permitting).

Visit the “Lord of the Rings” movie set on this small-group Hobbiton tour from Auckland. At the Hobbiton Movie Set, visit the home of Bilbo Baggins and peer inside other hobbit holes of the Shire—filming site of “The Hobbit” and the “The Lord of the Rings” trilogies, with a break for an included lunch in the Green Dragon Marquee.

Join Prinsy’s for a relaxed half-day trip through beautiful scenery when touring the Hawke’s Bay’s wineries when you join our tour with hotel pickup. Sample wines at up to four internationally recognised wineries, enjoy a complimentary cheeseboard, and learn to translate winemaking jargon into plain English. This half-day tour offers a personal experience with a small group of travelers, leaving you free to enjoy the region’s celebrated wines without planning hassles.

The Hobbiton movie set and the Waitomo glow-worm caves are two of the most popular attractions on New Zealand’s North Island. Visit both in one day and enjoy a more personalized experience on this small-group tour. Discover behind-the-scenes of the legendary LOTR films during a guided tour of Hobbiton, then cruise the underground river of the Waitomo Caves, beneath a glittering canopy of glow worms.

Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing through Tongariro National Park on a full-day guided trek that explores a spectacular volcanic landscape. Cover several miles of trail past volcanic craters, mountain springs, and vivid alpine lakes, with views of active volcanoes. Traveling with a guide means you are fully prepared and equipped for the challenging terrain of Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's gorgeous in summer or winter.

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.

Auckland’s 1076-foot (328-meter) Sky Tower is one of the city’s most popular attractions, especially for first-time visitors. Save money and time by pre-booking your general Sky Tower admission ticket, which allows you to visit the observation decks. Get quickly orientated and spot key landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge, Mount Eden, and Waiheke Island. Souvenir photos are available to purchase.

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.

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.

Make the most of your day in Napier - hop on one of our E-bikes and start exploring! Discover the beauty of Hawke’s Bay on a comfortable step-through E-bike—easy to ride all day long. The region’s cycle trails are renowned for their relaxed, scenic routes that link award-winning wineries and top local eateries. Along the way, take in stunning coastal views, peaceful wetlands, Māori heritage sites, lush vineyards and orchards, the historic Ahuriri village, and iconic Art Deco architecture. Our friendly team will set you up with your e-bike and all the info you need for a memorable adventure. Start your Hawke’s Bay journey with Napier City Bike Hire & Tours! Cruise ship passengers info: All passengers are transported on free shuttle buses from Napier Port to the Napier iSite Visitor Information Centre. Our store is located directly across the street from the Visitors Centre. We open outside our normal hours to match your ship's docking time - so you can make most of your visit!

Discover the best of urban and rural Auckland on this full-day city and west coast tour. Travel through attractive districts including Devonport and Titirangi, and admire colonial-era homes in Parnell. Check out views over the Waitakere Ranges and explore black-sand beaches and dense rainforests, where native pohutukawa trees thrive. Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, which includes lunch and snacks to keep you energized.

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.

Enjoy an afternoon wine tour through some of Hawkes Bay's vineyards, including New Zealand's oldest winery, Mission Estate. Visit four top wineries for tastings paired with complimentary wine, cheese, and biscuits, and stop at a local chocolatier. Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off included for a relaxed experience. The small-group size of the tour means you get personalized attention and the chance to ask questions.

Indulge in the succulent tastes of Waiheke Island on a half-day food and wine tour. A guide picks you up from the wharf and takes you to boutique wineries. Taste wine accompanied by locally produced specialties such as olive oil, oysters, and artisan cheese. Then settle in for a platter lunch at a vineyard restaurant. Linger on Waiheke and take the ferry back to Auckland whenever you like.

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.

Explore pretty Waiheke Island's beaches, vineyards, and rolling scenery on a small-group day tour that includes tastings at three boutique vineyards. You'll get an overview and orientation of the island, stopping for great views and sandy beaches, and learn about local wine production as you sip Waiheke vintages. Group size is limited to six people to ensure personal service, with pickup and drop-off at Waiheke Island’s wharf.

Take an in-depth tour of the wine-growing region on Waiheke Island with a guide on this excursion. You'll learn about what makes the vineyards so successful and the characteristics of the local wine through guided commentary and visits to three top vineyards. With round-trip transportation from Waiheke’s ferry terminal provided, you can take full advantage of the tastings without worrying about who will drive.

While many travelers come to Cathedral Cove to relax on the beach, this is a marine reserve so there’s so much to see beneath the surface of the ocean. Take a look on a glass bottomed boat ride, and jump in with a snorkel if you want to get up close to the fish. Learn all about the history of this important area while relaxing and enjoying the views of the rock formations and pinnacles.

Ideal for fans of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” this tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves starts with a scenic drive through the Waikato countryside. Take an underground boat ride on the Waitomo River, then learn about movie-making history at Hobbiton. A picnic lunch and a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn are included for your convenience.

The Bay of Islands is made up of 144 islands, and the best way to explore them is by boat. On this island-hopping day cruise, you can relax on board a comfortable catamaran while admiring the beautiful views of the sea, islands, and maybe even some dolphins. Snorkel, swim, or paddle board, and stop on land to visit a wildlife sanctuary. This is the easy way to see the bay, as it’s difficult to travel here independently without a boat.

Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand’s best-kept nature sanctuaries and a predator-free haven for native birds. On this private day trip to the island, take a ferry from Paraparaumu Beach and spend your day walking the island, identifying kākā, kōkako, kererū and other native species with the help of your nature guide. Enjoy a chef-prepared lunch on the island before you head back to the mainland.

The Waitomo Caves and Rotorua rank among New Zealand’s top attractions, offering natural beauty, geothermal features, and Māori culture in equal measure. Ideal for travelers short on time, this adventurous small-group tour takes in both places in the same day, with entry fees plus round-trip transport and hotel pickup from Auckland included. Discover subterranean stalagmites and glowworms at Waitomo Caves and hit top Rotorua’s attractions, including Te Puia Geothermal Park.

Take time to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, considered one of the best day hikes in New Zealand, with the convenience of round-trip transfers from Turangi. Plan to spend between five to eight hours on this self-guided hike, depending on your fitness level and pace. Your driver provides commentary during the transfers, and the package includes use of walking poles, a Māori cultural experience, and a cold drink.