Top North Island Private and Luxury - page 3

Explore the Waitakere Ranges and Auckland’s rugged west coast, including Piha Beach, during an afternoon tour with a guide knowledgeable about New Zealand flora and fauna. From the Arataki Centre, admire sweeping views of the ocean and distant city. Learn about Māori history, stroll on the black-sand beach, and take a nature walk through a lush rainforest while you experience one of Auckland's largest regional parks.

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.

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 an America’s Cup sailing experience aboard an authentic racing yacht on Auckland's scenic Waitemata Harbour. Feel the exhilaration of yachting as you take the helm and participate with the professional crew, or just sit back and soak up the harbor views. No sailing experience is necessary and this is a fun activity for keen sailors and complete beginners alike. Wet-weather jackets and sunscreen keep you comfortable.

Skip the taxi line or car rentals on arrival at Auckland Airport with a handy shared arrival transfer to your Auckland hotel by comfortable minivan. Simply book your transport, look out for the meeting spot outside the arrivals hall, and begin your hassle-free vacation with a professional and courteous driver. Airport transfers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so are ready whenever you land.

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.

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.

Gain entry to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute at Te Puia on a guided tour of this geothermal hot spot. Take a walking path up to steaming vents, boiling mud pools and erupting Pohutu Geyser at Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley; observe the emblematic kiwi bird; and discover Maori traditions at the cultural center. Upgrade to include a cultural performance of Maori song and dance, including the warlike ‘haka.’ Showtimes are available several times a day during admittance.

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.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must-visit North Island attraction, and while many day tours depart from Auckland, this handy tour is ideal for independent travelers who can make their own way to the caves. The Ruakuri Cave is the longest, with impressive rock formations, subterranean rivers, and thousands of glittering glowworms. Explore the magnificent cave on a guided walking tour and learn more about Māori culture as you go.

After a long flight, waiting in line for a taxi or squeezing into shared shuttles that drop everyone off before you are not ideal. Start your Auckland visit with a private transfer from the international airport to the central city. Your driver tracks your flight and meets you inside the terminal, escorting you to a comfortable vehicle. Enjoy door-to-door service and relax during the journey as someone else drives.

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.

Whether you’re on a shore excursion or just want to get away from the crowds at the most famous attractions in the Bay of Islands, this half-day tour is ideal. You’ll visit the Kawiti Glowworm Caves with a local Maori guide, take a leisurely walk along boardwalks in Opua Forest, and make a comfort (and photo) stop at Kawakawa’s quirky Hundertwasser Toilets. Admission fees are included in the price.

Experience an evening of authentic Maori food, movement, and music paired with the raw power of the Pōhutu geyser on this cultural experience. Watch an energetic performance inside a carved Maori meeting house, followed by a delicious ‘hangi’ feast prepared in a traditional pit oven. Later, venture into the geothermal valley to sip hot chocolate under the stars and watch the eruption of the Southern Hemisphere's largest active geyser.

When your ship docks at Waitangi Wharf, explore the beautiful Bay of Islands and see the best of Northland. Travel through the Bay of Islands with your guide and take in top attractions including the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, roaring Haruru Falls, and Manginangina Kauri Walk, where you can stroll among ancient trees. Also sample local sweet treats at the Makana Chocolate Factory.

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.

Make the most of the journey from Auckland to Rotorua by visiting one of New Zealand’s most popular attractions along the way—the Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Relive memorable moments from “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” films on a guided tour of Hobbiton, enjoy free time for lunch (own expense), then continue to Rotorua. Take an introductory tour of Rotorua before being dropped at your hotel or central location.

Visit the authentic Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village in the geothermal region of Rotorua on our full-day excursion which includes a guided tour, cultural concert and a light lunch. A Maori villager will guide you through the village, explaining how they make use of the harsh geothermal environment to their advantage. The famous Pohutu geyser can also be viewed from a safe distance as it erupts naturally during the day. Walk among the natural geothermal springs and steaming lakes, to see how your lunch is cooked in the traditional Hangi method. You will also enjoy a 30-minute Maori cultural performance of singing, dancing and warrior demonstrations, including the famous Haka. You tour also includes visits to Rotorua Government Gardens and other highlights of Rotorua, passing by 2 beautiful lakes, forests, kiwifruit orchards and the stunning coastline and beaches of Mount Maunganui. Please note that the tour start time will be confirmed when your booking is accepted.

Whether it’s your first time in Wellington or you just want to see as much as possible during your time in port, this half-day sightseeing tour offers a great introduction to the city and a diverse range of sights. Visit the iconic special-effects Wētā Cave and the historic Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, ride the Wellington Cable Car to the top of the city, and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Victoria.

Set out on a day of adventure and exploration, admiring the beauty of nature on this small-group full-day tour. Wander through the Ruakuri Caves, navigating by the toothlike limestone formations and keeping an eye out for glowworms adorning the walls before visiting the Otorohanga Kiwi House where you’ll have the chance to see New Zealand’s iconic national bird.

See and experience Napier’s highlights on this half-day shore excursion designed for travelers with limited time. Explore Art Deco Napier and Hastings, learning about the events behind this artistic style. Continue up Te Mata Peak by road for sweeping views of Hawkes Bay. The tour also includes a visit to Hastings, awarded NZ's best town, with drives through orchards and vineyards explaining the fruit industry.

Combine three popular nature experiences into just one trip with this full-day tour from Auckland. Gaze up at the towering tree canopy at the Redwood Forest, watch the Lady Knox Geyser shoot into the sky at the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, marvel at the vibrant crystal-clear waters of Blue Spring, and much more.

See the awe-inspiring Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland on a half-day tour, led by a knowledgeable guide. Follow a well-marked path alongside bubbling hot springs and volcanic craters at Rotorua’s most comprehensive geothermal site. Be amazed by the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser, then take a tour around Waimangu Volcanic Valley, a young geothermal ecosystem.

Book a shared departure transfer from your Auckland hotel to the airport for a hassle-free end to your vacation. Skip the stress of hiring a taxi or waiting for public transportation. Instead, let a professional and courteous driver pick you up curbside and transfer you to the domestic or international terminal by comfortable minivan. Transfers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.