Top North Island Nature Walks

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.

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.

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.

Learn more about local Maori culture and the geothermal science of Rotorua on a family-friendly combo tour to the Whaka Living Maori Village and the Pohutu Geyser. Discover how local people have been harnessing the power of the hot springs and mud pools for centuries, and enjoy eating a corn cob cooked in the thermal waters. Take great photos of bubbling mud, spurting geysers, and cultural attractions.

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.

Explore the geothermal valley in its entirety with the full Waimangu Experience. Discover New Zealand’s geothermal landscapes at your own pace on this independent Waimangu walking & hiking tour. Follow gentle graded track or rugged hiking trails through the geothermal valley, and take in top natural attractions like Frying Pan Lake, the World's largest hot spring, and the stunning blue Inferno Crater Lake. The trails head down to Lake Rotomahana, where you'll board your geothermal boat cruise. Learn about the history of the lake and the famous Pink and White Terraces, and see geothermal lakeside features like spouting geysers and steaming cliffs and fumeroles. The valley is serviced by a free shuttle bus service, so you can walk as much or as little as you want, and return up to the visitor centre by bus after your cruise.

Explore the geothermal landscape of Rotorua at your own pace on this self-guided Waimangu hiking tour. Follow winding hiking trails through Waimangu — the world’s youngest geothermal system — and marvel at the scenery you find. Admire unique geothermal features including Frying Pan Lake, Inferno Crater Lake and Lake Rotomahana, and enjoy breathtaking views over hot springs and steam vents throughout the forest and grasslands. Along the way, gain insight into the geothermal activity from your guide sheet and watch for the native plant and animal life for which Waimangu is famous. Enjoy a much needed rest and take advantage of the shuttle bus to return you to the start at the end of your hike.

Night sky presentation highlighting stars, constellations, and planets Laser-guided stargazing experience (weather dependent) Family-friendly atmosphere with small group sizes Group discounts and special rates available for schools and private bookings

Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban eco-sanctuary and home to some of New Zealand’s most extraordinary wildlife. This 2-hour guided walking tour will introduce you to native birds such as kakariki, tui, and bellbirds; rare species like takahē; and unique reptiles including green gecko and tuatara. Entrance fees are included.

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.

Experience the highlights of Auckland on a city sightseeing tour in the morning, combined with an afternoon wilderness experience in Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Learn how Aucklanders live and play as you explore the City of Sails with an informative guide. Then discover native flora and fauna on a beach stroll and forest walk, with a stop for afternoon tea.

This convenient day trip visits two of the North Island’s most popular attractions from Auckland in a single day, which would be difficult if traveling independently. The small-group, fully guided mini-bus tour takes you to several natural wonders, such as rivers, natural geothermal pools, and glow-worm caves. Your guide will tell you all about the natural and cultural history, to help you better understand what you’re seeing.

Download a vibrantly-narrated mp3 audio guide combined with a map detailing the area of your tour. Enjoy the action packed city of Taupo on this self-guided audio tour of the city. You will see how the stunning lake city of Taupo has gently transformed by taking you on a journey which will highlight its geothermal history and the massive lake on which it sits where water based and adrenaline activities keep many tourists busy.

Join our Dark Sky Stargazing Tour in Auckland for a celestial adventure. Your expert guide reveals southern sky wonders using a laser pointer, Maori legends, star navigation, and star birth insights. Discover that 80% can't see the Milky Way due to light pollution; 79% have never seen a starry night. Explore celestial mythology with deities like Ranginui, Rehua, Whiro, and Hinenuitepō. Learn about captivating star patterns called asterisms ⁂. Stargazing nurtures awe, tranquility, and relaxation, reducing stress and fostering curiosity about the universe. It promotes a sense of connectedness and inclusivity. Embrace the cosmos, gain knowledge, and enjoy communal stargazing. Step outside, look up, and embark on a journey of discovery and wonder with us. If you would like to add glamping accomodation, food and drinks or photograpy please let us know!

A sunset tour of Stonehenge Aotearoa offers a unique and enchanting experience. Here are some of the standout features: Guided Tour: You'll be taken on a guided tour that begins about an hour before sunset. The guide will share fascinating stories about ancient stone circles, celestial navigation, and the cultural significance of the site1. Cultural Insights: Learn about Māori starlore and Polynesian navigation, and how ancient civilizations used the sun, moon, and stars for timekeeping, religion, and navigation. Scenic Views: Enjoy the stunning views of the Wairarapa region and the Tararua ranges as the sun sets. Interactive Experience: You can experiment with the acoustics of the stone circle and get a hands-on understanding of how the ancient structures were used. Relaxing Atmosphere: The serene environment of rural Wairarapa provides a perfect backdrop for a peaceful and reflective experience. Maximum group size 50

Visit two of New Zealand's must-see attractions on this combo tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Peek into Hobbit holes, frolic in the Shire, and get a drink at the Green Dragon Inn on a guided tour of Middle-earth, followed by a café lunch. In the afternoon, explore Māori myths and history on an underground boat ride at Waitomo, surrounded by thousands of glowworms.

Explore the captivating Bay of Islands on a comprehensive 4-hour Nature Adventure tour. Beginning in Paihia, the journey leads to Haruru Waterfalls for an up-close experience, followed by a visit to the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves. Accompanied by local guides, enjoy a scenic walk among the twinkling glow worms. We then take you for a walk with ancient Kauri trees, some over 800 years old through beautiful scenic nature walk. We also finish off at Waitangi Lookout, showcasing the beautiful Bay of Islands. The itinerary also includes a visit to the artistic Hundertwasser Toilets, ensuring a unique blend of nature and culture. This tour guarantees a timely return to the ship or Paihia for shopping. - 4-hour guided tour starting from Paihia Town - Visit Haruru Waterfalls, Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, and Kauri Forest, Waitangi Lookout & Hundtertwasser Artistic Toilets. - For bigger groups get in touch, we can accommodate with several vans. *Note bring a warm jacket for the Glow worm caves*

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand’s best day walks, but not everyone has the time or ability to complete the full walk. Ideal for travellers short on time, this morning half-day guided walk gives you a taste of some of the park’s most impressive features without the full physical challenge. Hike to the Soda Springs waterfall and admire the stark volcanic landscape along the way.

Gain entry to Zealandia at night and take a guided tour of Zealandia: The Exhibition, which showcases New Zealand’s natural history. Interact with a life-size model moa and Haast’s eagle — both extinct — and learn about the country’s conservation efforts to preserve other native species. Located just minutes from central Wellington, Zealandia includes a night tour of Sanctuary Valley, a fenced eco-sanctuary and safe haven for endemic animal and bird species such as the nocturnal little spotted kiwi.

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.

The best way to experience the Aquarium, this guided tour focuses on our wonderful native icons including the Kiwi and Tuatara. Your chance to view Kiwi in our wonderful nocturnal house where day turns into night. Take a close look at Kiwi Egg, and learn about their quirky habits, favourite meal, and more from our knowledgeable guide. Tuatara can be tricky to spot - our guide will uncover the mysteries of New Zealand's 'living fossil' and then introduce you to our famous rescued Little Penguins along with some of our other residents.

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 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.