Top North Island Nature Walks - page 3

Take a small-group guided walk on Waiheke Island so you don’t get lost exploring the beaches and forests on your own. Your guide will point out native wildlife and birds, and tell you all about the island’s unique plant life. This is an ideal day out for active travelers who enjoy being outdoors, plus you can go swimming or relax afterwards, as the tour ends near a beach.

See the untamed beauty of New Zealand’s west coast on this North Island day trip from Auckland, which saves you from having to navigate rugged roads on your own. Travel with a guide to the Waitakere Ranges, with a stop at the Arataki Visitor Centre overlook for views of the Tasman Sea out to the Pacific Ocean. Admire Maori carvings before a guided rainforest walk, then visit giant kauri trees and one of the area’s magnificent black sand beaches. A moderate fitness level is required for this active tour.

Experience Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and cultural treasures on a fully guided small-group day tour from Auckland that saves you needing to drive. Explore the geothermal and cultural attractions at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Te Puia, enjoy Rotorua city highlights, and travel through the scenic Waikato countryside with live commentary. Includes entrance fees, water, snacks, and hotel pickup and drop-off so you can just sit back and enjoy your day.

Enjoy this spectacular private walk with your friends, and you'll experience a little bit of everything – bush, beaches, headlands and vineyards. We start with a walk through restored and regenerating bush up to the headland for some breathtaking views of the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. We continue through lush, established bush tracks and rolling hills, where you’ll enjoy lovely views of valleys, vineyards and the sea. There’s time for wine tasting and/or lunch at two of Waiheke’s best-loved vineyards – Mudbrick Vineyard, Jurassic Ridge or Cable Bay Vineyards – with tasting options to suit all budgets.

Set off on an invigorating two-day journey from Napier to Mangatainoka Springs, where you'll be enchanted by the breathtaking landscapes of Hawke's Bay. Traverse the scenic Te Puia Track, luxuriate in the soothing natural hot springs, and spend a peaceful night at Te Puia Lodge, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the wilderness. This adventure offers a harmonious blend of outdoor exploration and rejuvenating relaxation amidst nature's embrace.

Escape the crowds and get off the beaten track on this exclusive glowworm cave tour based out of a family farm. This private tour is tailored to your group and lets you move at your own pace through the caves. See the mesmerizing glowworm displays and traverse the caves with your knowledgeable guide, with equipment provided. Don’t forget your camera on this intimate tour through this stunning natural wonder.

Experience Auckland's wild side on this half-day private tour from Auckland. Visit the iconic Mt Eden volcano before travelling to Piha Beach. Walk on the black sand, then take a short guided hike through the rain forest to picturesque Karekare Falls. Stop to pick up lunch at a local bakery (at your own expense), and visit a winery for a free tasting of five boutique wines. At the end of the tour, we can drop you off anywhere in the city, at the zoo or museum, or Mission Bay beach.

In this exclusive luxury tour you will visit Internationally renowned Hamilton Gardens as well as one of the largest pest proof wildlife sanctuaries in the world

Hike through the dramatic volcanic landscape of the central North Island without the risk of getting lost when you join a guided day hike to Mount Ruapehu’s crater lake. Learn more about the cultural significance of this geothermally active area from your guide. The track up the mountain is uneven so is best suited to active travelers with hiking experience. Admire the incredible mountain and lake views from the top.

Experience “Volcanic Extremes” flying over the active crater of “Whakaari” White Island before landing on the now dormant but extremely spectacular summit of Mount Tarawera. Both of these volcanoes are of significance, Whakaari more recently for the devastating 2019 eruption and Mount Tarawera for the much larger 1886 eruption considered to be the largest in New Zealand’s living memory. Different in the extreme, Whakaari is an active marine volcano and changes its activity on a daily basis while far inland Mount Tarawera stands impressively above its central North Island landscape. The mountains now dormant but no less impressive craters and domes are evidence of the massive eruption that shaped this area. Views from the Mountains summit are breathtaking, not only for the volcanoes deep craters but also for commanding vistas of the surrounding region.

Explore one of New Zealand’s finest forest trails on this 7-hour hiking tour in the Whirinaki Forest from Rotorua. Travel from your accommodation in Rotorua into the Whirinaki Forest, widely considered among the world’s greatest rainforests. Follow your guide along hiking trails beneath the leafy canopy and marvel at mighty native trees such as ‘kahikatea’, ‘matai’, ‘miro’, ‘rimu’ and ‘totara’. Along the way, discover rich flora and fauna for which the forest is famous, and hear birdsong from the many different species of birds flying among the branches above.

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.

Get a bird’s-eye view of Rotorua’s Mt. Tarawera on a thrilling helicopter tour. After catching sight of the dramatic crater lakes, Tarawera Falls, and Rotorua’s geothermal reserves, land on the mountain and enjoy a short guided walk for a close-up look. Personal headsets allow you to hear your pilot–guide clearly. This short tour leaves plenty of time in your schedule for other sightseeing activities in Rotorua.

Active travelers can enjoy a guided hike amid the beautiful nature of Waiheke Island without getting lost. The small-group tour ensures that hikes are personalized to your needs and interests. Your expert guide will meet you at the ferry terminal, brief you on the day, and tell you all about the nature and history of the island en route. Have a leisurely, scenic lunch at Oneroa village.

Waiheke Island is a great destination for travelers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. On this full-day private tour, customize your trip to suit your tastes. Take in the island’s serene countryside with a peaceful forest walking tour or coastal trail, relax on one of Waiheke’s sandy beaches, visit one of the many local wineries, and much more.

Journey by coach, ferry and railway from the North Island to the South Island of New Zealand during this 5-day trip from Auckland to Christchurch, or vice versa. Ride a boat into the Waitomo Glowworm Caves; see the geothermal wonderland at Whakarewarewa in Rotorua; take the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait from Wellington; and hop on a Coastal Pacific train from Picton to Kaikoura, where you’ll watch giant sperm whales at play. Enjoy overnight accommodation in Rotorua, Wellington and Kaikoura

Walk among towering kauri trees in the Puketi Rainforest on a half-day, full-day or nighttime guided hike, starting from Okaihau in the Bay of Islands. A knowledgeable guide points out rare bird and plant species while you trek past thundering waterfalls on a moderately strenuous footpath though the subtropical rainforest — suitable for strong hikers. Numbers are limited to a maximum of six people to ensure a small-group experience. Morning or afternoon tea with optional lunch are included, depending on tour selected.

Experience an unforgettable journey through culture, nature, and creativity across Rotorua and the Waikato. Begin at Whakarewarewa – the Living Māori Village, an authentic community where the Maori people live, work, and share their traditions. Witness their daily life amidst steaming geothermal vents, bubbling mud pools, and natural hot springs that have been used for generations. Enjoy powerful cultural performances, including the iconic haka, poi dances, and traditional songs. Continue to the serene Blue Springs of Putāruru, where crystal-clear, turquoise water emerges from underground aquifers, creating one of NZ’s most pristine and photogenic natural wonders. Conclude in Hamilton via Tirau, a quaint rural town famous for its corrugated-iron dog and sheep buildings, and cafés, perfect for a relaxed stop, coffee, and memorable photos. This journey blends immersive culture, stunning landscapes, and small-town charm for an authentic experience.

Experience the Ultimate Day of Adventure and Relaxation on Great Barrier Island! Kick off your day with a flight from Auckland to Great Barrier Island! Feel the thrill as you soar above the azure waters of the Hauraki Gulf, anticipating the excitement that awaits in paradise. Touch down on Great Barrier Island and dive into a world of natural wonders. Start your day with lunch at a local eatery. Set out on a thrilling trek through the island's untamed wilderness to reach the legendary Kaitoke Hot Springs. Blissful Soak Amidst Nature's Embrace Arrive at the secluded oasis of Kaitoke Hot Springs and plunge into the rejuvenating thermal waters. Feel your worries melt away as you soak in the healing embrace of nature, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest. Serenity and Homeward Bound After your epic adventure, board your return flight to Auckland, carrying with you memories of a day filled with excitement, relaxation, and the beauty of Great Barrier Island.

This easy overnight small-group tour from Auckland to the Bay of Islands and Hokianga Harbour includes stops at natural and cultural highlights such as Tane Mahuta in the Waipoua Forest and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Enjoy a scenic cruise to the Hole in the Rock and explore the islands that give the bay its name. Accommodation in Paihia can be included, with a single occupancy surcharge for solo travelers.

Join us on a magical day at the West Coast, discovering stunning waterfalls, mystique rainforest and then finding a cave after a short 30 min hilly, but easy walk. After a short climb you will be rewarded with stunning views over the Tasman Sea and Lion Rock. This tour will absolutely rejuvenate you while experiencing how the locals live. We would love to share this beautiful part of the world with you. Famed for its natural beauty, Karekare is a star of movies and television. It's a treasured part of Te Wao nui a Tiriwa, the Waitakere Ranges. Leaving the crowds behind us, we will leave Auckland on our 50-60 minute drive to the wild West Coast. Enjoy the wonderful nature on a walk through mystic rainforest, dip your toe in the waterfall "pool" and be fascinated by the beauty and ruggedness of the Wild West Coast. Experience the Bay of the Boisterous Seas where untamed beauty meets adventure. Your exclusive private tour awaits.

Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day tour from Auckland that explores New Zealand's "Middle-earth," where "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films came to life. Travel through a landscape of lush farms, then take a guided tour of the 12-acre (4.8-ha) Hobbiton Movie Set, from hobbit holes to gardens and the Green Dragon Inn. With free time to shop and explore, this tour includes transportation from selected locations in Auckland for your convenience.

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

Explore Waiheke Island on foot and gain insight into the region’s rich Maori heritage on a walking tour. Hike along winding trails and enjoy sweeping views over the beaches and Hauraki Gulf from the soaring coastal headlands. Along the way, listen as your Maori guide sheds light on the region’s deep roots and shares stories about the island’s past. Stop at a local vineyard and learn of the diverse grape varietals thriving in the fertile soils, then finish with a wine tasting.