Top North Island Likely To Sell Out - page 9

Soak in the thermal spring-fed pools of Lake Rotoiti and paddle into a glowworm cave on a morning kayak tour from Rotorua. With an expert guide, explore the tranquil waters of the lake as you take in the scenery. Paddle to caverns and hot springs that are accessible only by water. Kayaking equipment, hot spring entrance, and snacks are included.

This tour combines two of New Zealand’s most iconic highlights in one unforgettable day. Depart from Auckland and enjoy a scenic drive through the Waikato countryside as your guide sets the scene for the experiences ahead. Visit Te Puia in Rotorua — where nature, culture, and tradition come together. Discover the mighty Pōhutu Geyser, bubbling mud pools, and Māori carving and weaving demonstrations. See New Zealand’s national bird at the Kiwi Conservation Centre, and enjoy a powerful Māori cultural performance showcasing the songs, dances, and stories of Aotearoa. Continue to the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you’ll venture underground to marvel at limestone formations and take a serene boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto — illuminated by thousands of tiny lights that sparkle like a starry night. Together, Te Puia and Waitomo capture the best of New Zealand’s natural wonders and cultural heritage in one inspiring day.

Immerse yourself in the living traditions, stories and landscapes of Māori culture on Waiheke Island. Travel with our Māori ambassador, Paora, who shares his whakapapa (genealogy), personal stories and deep connection to the island. Visit sacred sites and a local village, hear powerful tales of land wars, resilience and present-day Māori life, and see how ancient customs sit alongside modern New Zealand. Along the way, you’ll step inside a contemporary art studio to see how local artists respond to the land and culture through their work. Between stories and art, you’ll enjoy a relaxed day of kai (food), wine and waiata (song). Taste boutique Waiheke wines, and sit down to a seafront lunch with beautiful island views. This small-group experience is welcoming, conversational and respectful, giving you space to ask questions, connect with the people behind the culture and leave with a richer understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Discover Wellington in your hiking shoes! On our Wellington hiking tour, we will take in sweeping rural, city, and coastal vistas, with views stretching as far as the Kaikōura Ranges, Marlborough Sounds, Wellington City and Harbour, and the Tararua and Orongorongo Ranges as you journey from south to north in the Wellington region. From start to finish, we make your experience seamless. Your local guide will handle all the logistics, lunch, water, sunscreen and a post walk ice cream – while sharing stories of New Zealand’s history, culture, and everyday life in Aotearoa. All you need to do is walk, explore, and enjoy. ©WellingtonNZ

Discover the charm of Waiheke Island on a private tour crafted just for you. With a local guide who has 20 years of experience, explore the island’s stunning beaches, renowned wineries, and vibrant art scene at your own pace. Tailor your itinerary to include your favorite highlights, whether it's indulging in local cuisine or enjoying breathtaking views. Accompanied by a curated jazz soundtrack including Briar's own 4 Jazz Cds that are on Spotify, this exclusive experience offers a unique and personal insight into the island's culture and beauty. Ideal for small groups of 2 to 4 people, this tour ensures a relaxed and intimate adventure. - Private, tailored tours for 2–4 people with a local guide - Choose your own highlights: wineries, Mudbrick, Man O War, Tantalus, beaches, and food - Enjoy a personal touch with the sounds of Briars jazz albums. Briar might even sing for you if you ask. Singing along welcome. - Experience Waiheke Island at your own pace with insider knowledge

Come for an exclusive experience inside the Heretaunga Studio at award-winning Smith & Sheth. This beautifully curated wine journey invites you to experience wine through all your senses in a thoughtful, intimate environment. Every detail is intentional, every pour personal. Imagine fine wine, beautiful design, with immersive storytelling. Plus, we get to taste wine straight from the barrels. After Smith & Sheth, we'll visit a second Urban Winery where creativity, craft, and bold winemaking come to life in unexpected ways... The Urban Wine Tour is not your average wine tour. It's a fresh alternative to the traditional Wine tastings, taking you beyond the vines and into exciting urban spaces. This is wine tasting reimagined — stylish, intimate, and full of surprises. This is Hawke's Bay Wine Country with a twist. - Small Group Tour. * To request Alternative start times or tour customisations - Book on our Mates Travel website.

Auckland is known as the City of Sails, but some think it should be called the City of Volcanoes! Gain insight into Auckland's unique volcanic geology and explore its rich Maori history on this half-day tour from Auckland. Explore the summits and craters of Auckland's youngest volcanoes, Mt. Wellington, Mangere Mountain, One Tree Hill, and Mt Eden, with a guide. Along the way, keep watch for native New Zealand wildlife and admire panoramic views over the city. At the end of the tour, we can drop you off anywhere in the city, at the museum or zoo, or Mission Bay beach. Please note, volcanoes visited are inactive.

We offer smaller group tours. Our vehicles all have one less row of seats than factory standard and extra wide seats in the back row to give every passenger more space and leg room than in most vans.

The tour will begin at any location between Wellington and Palmerston North, taking you and your camera around the Kapiti Coast and Manawatu Beaches, where you will capture the majestic Te Horo Beach, Waitarere Beach, Foxton Beach and more. On a one-day scenery photography tour, there is an opportunity to observe wildlife, practice macros and long exposure shots, and capture captivating coastal sunsets while exploring the panoramic beaches of Kapiti Coast and the Foxton area. The tour offers a distinctive experience, providing an opportunity to access isolated places and reveal the native wild landscapes to the camera. The tour can be booked as a private tour. The official tour page is https://bit.ly/kapititour/.

Fasten your seatbelts for a thrilling 35-minute Auckland Adventure Jetboat ride. Experience Auckland's premier and only jetboat ride with views that rival other cities. Leaving the Southern hemispheres largest marina it's not hard to see why Auckland is called the city of sails. Once outside the marina we start opening up the throttle unleashing 900hp and speeds of nearly 100kmh drifting and spinning while soaking up the stunning skyline views & highlights. This is a family friendly low impact jetboat ride giving everyone the thrill while actually showing you the best views of Auckland's Waitamata harbour.

Embark on a full-day sightseeing luxury tour on our premium luxury vehicle from Auckland to see New Zealand's most famous attraction. Grab a great value Hobbiton Movie Set tour including a Buffet Lunch at the Party Marquee, the award-winning attraction made famous by the popular Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies where you'll see the intricately created 'Hobbit!

Enjoy one of New Zealand’s very best one-day walks in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park. Meet your guide in either Rotorua or Taupō and then head straight to Tongariro where you will begin your walk. See Taranaki Falls, amazing views of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe, and then either the Tama Lakes or Lake Rotopounamu, depending on group fitness levels.

Thrills, geothermal wonder, and Māori culture — experience the essence of Aotearoa in one extraordinary day.

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.

Begin your journey with private transport from Auckland, heading through the lush Waikato region. Enjoy the scenic countryside and feel as though you’ve entered the magical realm of Middle-earth. At Hobbiton, join a 2.5-hour guided group tour of the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, nestled within a 1,250-acre sheep farm. Stroll through charming Hobbit Holes, lush gardens, and landmarks from *The Lord of the Rings* and *The Hobbit* films, with breathtaking views of the Kaimai Ranges. Capture photos at Bilbo’s Bag End and toast at the Green Dragon Inn with a refreshing beverage. Your guide will share behind-the-scenes stories and fascinating insights about the films and the stunning landscapes that brought Middle-earth to life. After the tour, visit the enchanting Gift Shop to explore unique memorabilia and take home a piece of the magic. Finally, return to Auckland in the comfort of your private transport, cherishing memories of an unforgettable day at Hobbiton.

Embark on a private full-day tour from Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula, with Cathedral Cove as one of the highlights of your journey. Travel through the lush Waikato farmlands before reaching the Coromandel, a region celebrated for its dramatic coastlines, golden beaches, and native forests. Unwind at Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own natural spa in the warm sand by the ocean, and enjoy the seaside charm of Hahei with its crystal-clear waters. After a quick lunch breal continue to the iconic Cathedral Cove, a stunning beach framed by a soaring natural archway and featured in The Chronicles of Narnia. With scenic drives, hidden gems, and private hotel pick-up and drop-off, this exclusive experience blends relaxation and adventure, creating unforgettable memories of New Zealand’s coastal paradise.

This exclusive private tour combines three of New Zealand’s most memorable destinations in one day, designed for comfort, flexibility, and personal service. From the moment your guide greets you in Auckland, every detail is arranged so you can enjoy the journey without the rush of a large group. Travel through Waikato’s rolling hills to Hobbiton, where you join a guided group tour to explore hobbit holes, gardens, and film sites, finishing with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Pause for lunch before continuing to Wai O Tapu, world famous for surreal geothermal features. On a self guided walk, see the Champagne Pool and vivid green Devil’s Bath. A scenic drive through Rotorua adds Lake Rotorua, Government Gardens, and Rachel Spring, with flexible stops and stories from your guide ensuring a personal experience, with the option to finish in Auckland or be dropped off in Rotorua. Note: Private transport with your guide. Hobbiton is a guided group tour, and Wai O Tapu is self guided.

Cruise through the beautiful Waitemata Harbour to the historic Riverhead Tavern, one of New Zealand's oldest riverside taverns. This 5.5-hour journey includes a 1.5-hour round-trip ferry ride from Westhaven Marina, with stunning views of Auckland's landmarks. Enjoy 2.5 hours at the tavern for dining, where you can indulge in a diverse menu featuring local wines and hearty meals. The cruise also offers informative commentary, making it a perfect escape for families or groups looking to experience Auckland's rich maritime history and enjoy a delightful meal by the water. - 5.5-hour cruise with 1.5 hours of stunning views each way - Enjoy 2.5 hours of dining at the historic Riverhead Tavern - Onboard bar service with a range of snacks and beverages - Commentary provided throughout for an engaging experience

Embark on an unforgettable journey through New Zealand's cinematic and natural treasures. Begin with a private pickup from Auckland and a scenic drive through Waikato, showcasing rolling hills and majestic mountains. Your first stop is the stunning Waitomo Caves. Go underground on a guided tour to admire breathtaking limestone formations, ending with a serene boat ride under a glowworm canopy, shimmering like stars. Next, visit the Alexander Family Sheep Farm, the gateway to Hobbiton. Board the green bus for a 2.5-hour guided tour of the iconic movie set. Explore 44 hobbit holes, stroll through vibrant gardens, and discover behind-the-scenes stories from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Finish with a refreshing drink at the Green Dragon Inn. This tour blends adventure, stunning landscapes, and cinematic magic for an exceptional private experience.

Travel over New Zealand's largest privately owned wildlife sanctuary, learn about a working farm, local history, legends and the geology of the area. Stop at lookout point with spectacular views. Be within a few feet of the remarkable gannet birds with stunning golden crowns where 20,000 gannets nest - its the largest accessible mainland colony in the world.

Experience the ultimate underground adventure as you journey from Auckland in a luxurious private vehicle to the spectacular Waitomo region. Dive into the thrilling world of black water rafting in the stunning Ruakuri Cave, where you'll float through an underground river, leap over cascading waterfalls, and marvel at thousands of glowworms illuminating the cave walls. This adventure offers just the right balance of excitement and accessibility, making it perfect for those seeking adrenaline without intense challenges. After the adventure, enjoy a delicious café-style, reflecting on an unforgettable day of exploration.

Embark on a voyage of discovery on this unique luxurious private experience from Auckland to enjoy the beauty, discover the scenery, captivating wildlife, and rich history on the Bay of Islands cruise. Get up close to the cliffs at Cape Brett and travel through the iconic Hole in the Rock. Spot dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife, and enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop to swim and walk. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to must-dos in the Bay of Islands!

Unwind on a relaxing 2-hour sailing cruise through the stunning Bay of Islands. Departing from Paihia Wharf, this small-group experience offers the perfect way to enjoy Northland’s spectacular coastline, fresh sea air, and beautiful island scenery without committing to a full-day tour. Step aboard our spacious catamaran and sail through sheltered bays and scenic island landscapes while enjoying plenty of space to relax and take in the views. With a maximum of just 19 guests onboard, you'll enjoy a more personal and peaceful experience than larger cruise vessels. Your local skipper will share insights about the Bay of Islands as you cruise past historic shorelines, secluded bays, and native wildlife habitats. Keep an eye out for seabirds, dolphins, and other marine life that are often seen in the area.

Skip the ordinary and see Auckland through fresh eyes! Begin your adventure with sweeping harbour views as you cross the Harbour Bridge, then climb Mt Eden for a skyline panorama and a peek into its volcanic crater. Wander through the lively streets of Ponsonby and eclectic K Road, where cafes, street art, and hidden corners reveal the city’s personality. Stroll along Mission Bay, feel the sea breeze, and pause at scenic lookouts where the city meets the ocean. Discover the calm of Auckland Domain, including the elegant Winter Garden and colorful Parnell Rose Gardens, before cruising past waterfront gems and iconic city landmarks. Along the way, your guide shares stories, secrets, and quirky facts about Auckland’s history, culture, and local life. Perfect for cruise ship passengers, small groups, or curious travelers seeking more than just a checklist of sights, this half-day tour blends views, culture, and local stories into an engaging, memorable adventure.