Top North Island Nature and Wildlife Tours - page 5

Certain waters near Auckland offer a hidden attraction to delight unsuspecting travelers. On this guided kayak tour, paddle out off the shore of Auckland at night and watch as the waves start to light up as you glide through the waters, lit up by bioluminescent plankton which swirl with blue light when disturbed. This easy, 2-hour tour is not recommended for travelers with back or heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

After exploring Rotorua’s volcanic attractions, hover above Mt. Tarawera for a different perspective on a helicopter tour. Soar above the Northern Lakes district as you take off from Rotorua. View the geothermal landscape of crater lakes and domes from the air and learn about geologic history from your guide. Land for a short, guided exploration of the volcanic terrain on foot.

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*

Begin your tour with a scenic ride from Auckland to Rotorua, where you'll visit the incredible Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village. Be welcomed by the warmth of the local Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people and the beauty of a geothermal landscape unlike any other. Enjoy a guided tour through the village, learning how the community lives in harmony with the geothermal forces beneath their feet. Stroll along trails past bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and spouting geysers—each steeped in Māori history and mythology. Experience a powerful haka and cultural performance, then savour a traditional hāngī meal cooked with natural steam, followed by dessert. Visit the towering Redwoods Forest and enjoy a leisurely walk beneath its magnificent Californian redwoods, one of Rotorua's most iconic natural attractions. Then enjoy a guided drive past Government Gardens, Lake Rotorua, Sulphur Point, and the Rotorua Museum before relaxing on your return to Auckland.

Explore the Rotorua lakes district and learn about its history on a 2-hour tour duck boat cruise from Rotorua. Travel on land and by water in the amphibious World War II vehicle, visiting four lakes including Lake Tarawera, located at the foot of Mt Tarawera. Hear about the devastating 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera and other aspects of local history on this family-friendly tour.

Head out of Auckland to take in two of the region’s most popular tourist attractions on this full-day coach tour. First, head to the Hobbiton Movie Set for a detailed exploration of the permanent set rebuilt for the Hobbit movies. Then, head to the Waitomo Caves to catch glimpses of the glowworms that light up the caverns in bioluminescent light.

On this half-day small-group hiking tour, discover natural hidden gems that most tourists never get to experience. Wander through the Bay of Plenty’s native forests, hiking through dense woodland and along serene lakes. Visit McLaren Falls Park, Te Puna, Puketoki Reserve, and much more, keeping an eye out for local wildlife as you walk.

Make the most of your day in Napier - hop on one of our E-bikes and start exploring! Discover the beauty of Hawke’s Bay on a comfortable step-through E-bike—easy to ride all day long. The region’s cycle trails are renowned for their relaxed, scenic routes that link award-winning wineries and top local eateries. Along the way, take in stunning coastal views, peaceful wetlands, Māori heritage sites, lush vineyards and orchards, the historic Ahuriri village, and iconic Art Deco architecture. Our friendly team will set you up with your e-bike and all the info you need for a memorable adventure. Start your Hawke’s Bay journey with Napier City Bike Hire & Tours! Cruise ship passengers info: All passengers are transported on free shuttle buses from Napier Port to the Napier iSite Visitor Information Centre. Our store is located directly across the street from the Visitors Centre. We open outside our normal hours to match your ship's docking time - so you can make most of your visit!

The Tawharanui Regional Park is a fantastic spot to take in the North Island’s diverse wildlife and dramatic scenery, but most tours focus on navigating the area by daylight. On this half-day small-group tour, spy some of the region’s nocturnal birds, insects, and reptiles — including the North Island brown kiwi — as you explore the park under an ink-black sky dotted with stars.

Looking for a unique Auckland adventure? This tour blends nature, education, and convenience, all in the heart of the city. Convenient & Accessible: Skip long bus rides and explore Auckland’s oldest park, without the hassle of long travel times or expensive fees. Intimate Glowworm Experience: See glowworms up close in their natural habitat—without crowds or long trips to remote caves. Ancient Volcanic Landscape: Walk through a 100,000-year-old Pleistocene volcano, surrounded by waterfalls, lush Nikau palms, and rich history. Educational & Fascinating: Learn about glowworms from your guide, including their bioluminescence, life cycle, and role in nature. Photography-Friendly: Capture stunning photos of the glowworms. Eco-Friendly: Enjoy an experience that supports responsible tourism and connects you to nature. This tour offers a personal, enriching experience that’s both convenient and unforgettable. Don’t miss the chance to discover Auckland’s glowworms in a unique way!

With several caves in the Waitomo area, it can be hard to know which experience offers something truly different. This guided walking tour of Aranui Cave reveals a lesser-known side of the region, combining striking natural features with rich Māori history. Follow your guide through beautifully lit chambers to see intricate rock formations up close. Along the way, learn how the cave was formed and why it holds cultural importance, making this a rewarding alternative to more crowded cave experiences.

Auckland is well-situated for visiting some of the North Island’s top attractions, so make the most of your time in the city by visiting three in one day. On this small-group combination tour, experience the cobalt waters of the Blue Spring, see the thundering beauty of Taupo’s Huka Falls, and walk in awe among the towering redwoods in Rotorua’s Redwood Forest. Avoid the stress of self-driving with round-trip transportation including hotel pickup.

Visiting Rotorua is a highlight of a trip to New Zealand’s North Island, but driving yourself there in a day from Auckland can be stressful. Simplify your trip on a full-day tour. Visit Whakarewarewa Village to learn about traditional Māori culture and customs before exploring Rotorua at your own pace with optional add-ons. Choose to relax at the Polynesian Spa, explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, or walk the Redwoods Treewalk.

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.

Guided day tour of the magical 12-acre Hobbiton Movie Set & Alexander Sheep Farm, famous from the Lord of the Rings movies. Highlights: • Hobbiton & Bagshot Row • Alexander Family Sheep Farm • Green Dragon Inn • Waikato Farming Region • Surprise Stops While the destination you will be visiting is truly spectacular, we believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey, and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complimentary refreshments, and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. This tour is led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Explore Auckland’s volcanic history on this eco-friendly, two-hour private tour in a 100% electric van. Visit three iconic volcanic sites—Auckland Domain, Mount Eden, and Mount Albert—while enjoying guided commentary, heritage images, and scenic walks. With small group sizes of up to six, this intimate tour offers a sustainable and insightful way to experience the “City of Sails.

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.

Go deep into Whirinaki Forest on a bird-watching tour that explores birding sites around the Bay of Plenty, including forests, wetlands, and shore sites. Using the provided binoculars and a spotting scope will maximize your odds of spotting some of New Zealand’s rare birds in their natural habitat, and with help from a conservationist guide, you'll have the chance to identify everything from miromiro (tomtits) to yellow-crowned kakariki (parakeets).

Experience Hawke's Bay on this scenic 28km (17 mile) cycle ride. The route follows beautiful coastal bike trail. Visit Atea A Rangi Star Compass and enjoy wildlife in the estuary wetlands. The trail turns inland along Tukituki River valley vineyards. You can visit up to 4 wineries. Enjoy local cuisine, wine tasting or a glass of wine before our shuttle comes to take you back to Napier. This is a self-guided bike ride, you'll be provided map with directions and highlights. The route is 28km (17 mile) long and almost all cycle trail. Hospitality venues: Askerne Wines- open Mon-Sun Craggy Range - open Mon-Sun (requires 5km detour, booking essential) Te Mata Estate - open Mon-Sun Black Barn - open Mon-Sun Return shuttle departs Black Barn at 4pm. Booking wine tasting and lunch is recommended, especially on weekends.

See Wellington with ease, thanks to this private half-day adventure. Set off in a luxurious yet eco-friendly vehicle—an electric Tesla SUV, so you can cruise around the city in style. To make the day as hassle-free as possible, the tour includes lunch as well as admission to the sights visited along the way.

In your unique clearyak, marvel at the teeming marine life and striking underwater habitats of Goat Island Marine Reserve without leaving the comfort of your kayak. Look through your kayak floor as you paddle to see the residents of this reserve—everything from snapper to stingrays are swimming around beneath you. With this private hire package, enjoy an intimate ocean adventure without having to keep up with strangers.

Rotorua’s volcanic history has created a landscape of lakes, hot springs, and waterfalls. See some of the most spectacular on this half-day tour, traveling in a small group with a knowledgeable guide. Exercise your legs with a bushwalk, watch springs bubble, and learn about the natural processes that have shaped this land of fire and water.

Get out of your comfort zone on this challenging bush safari outside Rotorua. This self-drive experience by 4-passenger 4WD vehicle takes you over steep climbs and descents, with guided instruction via 2-way radio as you navigate waterfalls, lunges, and tunnels. Safety briefing and equipment are provided so you can tackle the off-road trails confidently. This is a fun, family-friendly activity.

It can be tough knowing how to learn about authentic Maori life when you’re planning a trip by yourself. Instead, join this full-day small-group tour and head to the Rotorua Maori Village from Auckland. Discover ancient traditions and learn about Maori life, coupling your adventure with a visit to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves to bask in the natural wonders.