Top North Island Nature Walks - page 4

An unforgettable adventure from start to finish! This guided Māori cultural walking tour through a stunning Jurassic podocarp rainforest was truly one-of-a-kind. The journey began with a comfortable and fun bus ride from Rotorua, where we met our friendly Māori guides. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a traditional Mihi Whakatau and Karakia, which set a deeply meaningful tone for the day. The rainforest itself is breathtaking—towering 1,000-year-old Totara trees, lush native plants, and the chance to spot rare birds in their natural habitat. The guides shared fascinating stories about the forest’s history, Māori traditions, and the medicinal plants known as Rakau Rongoa. We even got to experience 'Forest Bathing,' a peaceful moment of connection with nature, accompanied by beautiful Māori chants and music. The packed picnic lunch, infused with traditional flavors, was delicious, and hot Kawakawa tea was the perfect ending. A must-do for anyone visiting Rotorua!

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.

The 12 mile (19 kilometer) Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered among the best day hikes in the world. Get the most out of it with a private guided hike. Your guide will know how to avoid the most crowded parts of the trail, and can cater to a range of fitness levels. The weather is changeable on the mountain, and your guide will constantly check conditions to keep you safe.

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.

Indulge in the succulent tastes of Waiheke Island on a 5.5-hour food and wine tour. An informative 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.

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.

Discover the essence of Rotorua on this full-day adventure that showcases New Zealand's stunning natural landscapes and rich Māori culture. Begin your journey in a magical glowworm cave*, where tiny lights create an enchanting atmosphere. Stroll through the serene Redwoods Forest, surrounded by towering redwood trees, and enjoy the refreshing air. In the afternoon, delve into Māori culture at Te Puia, where you can see master artisans at work, meet the iconic Kiwi bird, and witness the powerful Pōhutu Geyser in action. This tour is a harmonious blend of nature and culture, offering an unforgettable glimpse into Aotearoa. - Full-day tour exploring Rotorua’s natural beauty and cultural heritage - Visit a glowworm cave and experience its enchanting atmosphere - Walk through the tranquil Redwoods Forest surrounded by giant trees - Experience Māori culture at Te Puia, including the Pōhutu Geyser eruption *Please be advised that this tour does not feature a boat ride.

The fictional, yet globally famous, Hobbiton™ Movie Set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves rank among New Zealand’s top attractions. Visit both sites in one day on an intimate small-group tour, including hotel pickup, lunch, guided tours, and an underground cruise. Avoid the hassle of self-driving from Auckland and admire scenic views en route. Fans of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” will love the whimsical Hobbiton.

Combine a morning sightseeing tour of central Auckland with afternoon wine tasting on this full-day excursion that includes a winery lunch. Travel by minivan past significant landmarks, appreciating the views over Auckland Harbour, and enjoy a beach stroll. Then savor wine at three award-winning North Island wineries in the West Auckland Kumeu wine region, as well as lunch. Take an afternoon walk at the Muriwai gannet colony, too.

Home to rugged peaks, deep crater lakes, and beautiful volcanic landscapes, the Tongariro National Park ranks among the North Island’s top natural attractions. On this evening tour, follow your guide along hiking trails to Taranaki Falls on Mt. Ruapehu and learn about Tongariro’s rich geology. As the sun sinks beneath the horizon, sip a refreshing drink and soak up spectacular views over the rugged volcanic scenery.

Photograph New Zealand's spectacular scenery both inside and outside of the caves on a private photography tour with your own photographer-guide. Visit a pristine glow worm cave in the Waitomo district, and take your time to capture great shots of the glow worms and other sights. You can use larger cameras and equipment like small tripods on this photography tour, with the freedom to take more time for your photography than on standard tours. Includes guide, use of wet weather gear, and snacks.

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.

Join our knowledgeable guide on a captivating journey along the unique Shorebird Coast. We will peer into the often-overlooked ecosystem within an estuary and gaze across the geology that has created this sanctuary. Let us introduce you to the world of the manu/shorebirds that live in these areas, their incredible migrations and the challenges they face. Whether you're a bird enthusiast, nature lover, or someone passionate about conservation, this tour promises a memorable and educational experience in the heart of one of New Zealand's coastal ecosystems. - Use a telescope to see thousands of shorebirds in their natural habitat - Explore an internationally significant wetland - Learn about the incredible migration of the kuaka - Support an organisation committed to conservation - Comfortable accommodation available for overnight stays to enhance your experience