Top North Island Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises - page 6

Travelers short on time in Auckland can still visit many of the city’s highlights on a comprehensive private tour. The itinerary is customizable to suit your needs but many travelers like to visit One Tree Hill, Mt. Eden, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Parnell, and more. This five-hour tour is a handy way to orient yourself in the city if you’re at the start of a longer visit, too.

Discover New Zealand’s geothermal hotspots on a day trip from Rotorua to Lake Taupo, stopping to explore one of two remarkable destinations. Select Orakei Korako to see terraced pools of steaming water, or opt for Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland’s otherworldly colors. Limited to 11 people for more personal service, this day trip includes pickup and drop-off at centrally-located hotels, as well as entrance fees at the geothermal site.

This small-group day trip from Auckland features the highlights of Rotorua. Visit the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute of Te Puia and tour the city with a knowledgeable guide. Opt for free time to explore on your own or upgrade with several options, including spa time, a Māori concert, geothermal wonders, or a walk among the redwood trees. A buffet lunch at Te Puia is included.

Get up close to wild dolphins in their natural habitat during a half-day dolphin cruise from Tauranga. You can watch from the boat or interact with these playful marine mammals as you swim and snorkel alongside them in the water. Hear informative live commentary and enjoy hot drinks on board. The tour operates during the summer months from November to May.

After making your own way to Waiheke Island—or perhaps staying here—begin your tour at the easy-to-find Matiatia Ferry Terminal. Admire the views of the Hauraki Gulf as someone else drives you to your first wine tasting and lunch in a vineyard. Continue to other island settlements and wineries throughout the afternoon, before ending at an ocean-facing vineyard. Opt to stay for dinner (own expense) or be returned to the wharf.

Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand’s best-kept nature sanctuaries and a predator-free haven for native birds. On this private day trip to the island, take a ferry from Paraparaumu Beach and spend your day walking the island, identifying kākā, kōkako, kererū and other native species with the help of your nature guide. Enjoy a chef-prepared lunch on the island before you head back to the mainland.

This is the best way to experience the highlights of Auckland’s West Coast. Enjoy a private tour with no need to rush — the itinerary is always tailored to your pace and interests. We will visit Arataki Visitor center, Karekare Falls, Mercer bay loop and Piha beach We are happy to add destinations or adjust the schedule based on what you’d like to see. Minimum required for this tour is 2 people

Sample local wine and produce on a Waiheke Island wineries tour. Ferry tickets are included for easy access from downtown Auckland. Visit three vineyards to taste artisan wines and enjoy a 2-course lunch at one winery restaurant. Stop at an olive grove for local olive-oil tastings. This tour offers a relaxed pace on Waiheke Island's renowned wine route.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at several “The Lord of the Rings” locations around Wellington that will delight fans of the movies or books. See where scenes were filmed, take a forest walk through Tolkien’s Rivendell, and step into Weta Workshop for a movie production tour of digital special effects. Your guide shares insider gossip on how the movies were made and takes you to lunch.

Travel along scenic railway lines in a self-drive rail car, offering a unique perspective of Rotorua’s breathtaking landscapes, 1000 year old virgin native forests, rolling farmland and views over Lake Rotorua. With space for up to four passengers, these petrol-electric rail cars provide comfortable seating and clear views through waterproof sides, allowing you to savor the sights as you cruise at a leisurely 20km/h. Listen to the audio tour and delve into the rich history of New Zealand’s railways while enjoying stunning views of Lake Rotorua and Mount Tarawera. This innovative experience is perfect for families and adventurers alike, making it a must-do when in Rotorua.

Explore the Bay of Islands from the seat of a 350 Chev Trike for a fun-filled and memorable experience. You can choose from three different routes that include some of the area’s must-see sights, or combine them all for a longer trip. Your driver keeps you safe and gives you local insights into the Paihia area. This tour is wheelchair accessible, so anyone can join.

Discover a mix of cinematic and natural wonders with this exciting small-group adventure from Auckland. Rather than spending hours planning your itinerary, everything is sorted for you—with a lineup of exciting stops, such as the Waitomo Caves, and the Hobbiton Movie Set—where you can hear behind-the-scenes stories about the filming of “The Lord of the Rings”.

Travelers with limited time in Wellington can enjoy a half-day Lord of the Rings tour with hotel pickup and skip-the-line access. Visit Hobbiton Woods filming locations on Mt. Victoria, explore Weta Workshop's special effects exhibits, and see the theater that hosted the films' world premieres. This tour offers a convenient way to experience key filming sites and behind-the-scenes insights in the capital.

Volcanic beaches, native rainforest, and vineyards abound on this full-day small-group tour of West Auckland. Journey through the Waitakere Ranges to the black sand and pounding surf of Piha Beach and the powerful Karekare Falls. Then, head to a couple of the region’s top wineries in Kumeu and Waimauku to sample local West Auckland wines and relax over a lunch.

Discover New Zealand’s iconic Piha Beach on our West Coast Discovery tour! Starting with a pick-up from the 4 hotels listed in Auckland CBD, enjoy a 30-minute scenic drive through the Waitakere Ranges. Our first stop is the Arataki Visitor Centre, where you’ll learn about New Zealand’s native trees and enjoy sweeping views over the ranges—an ideal start to exploring the west coast. Next, we take a 20-minute drive to Karekare Waterfalls, where a short, easy walk leads you to this stunning natural site, perfect for photos. Then, we head to the famous Piha Surf Beach, known for its black iron-sand and thrilling waves from the Tasman Sea, where you can go for a swim or just relax and enjoy the stunning views. Be sure to visit Lion Rock, located at the heart of the beach, for breathtaking views and unforgettable photo opportunities. After that, we head back to Auckland CBD.

Experience the magic of the Bay of Plenty on this evening glow-worm kayak tour of Tauranga’s Lake McLaren. Avoid getting lost as day turns to night by kayaking with a guide. Marvel at the bright green glow worms clinging to the towering cliffs and gain insight into the life cycle of these fascinating creatures.

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.

Make the most of a short time on land with this half-day tour of Napier’s highlights, especially designed for cruise-ship passengers. Tour the Art Deco city in an Art Deco bus with large windows and a rear viewing deck for taking great photos. Hear live commentary as you visit the Celestial Star Compass Māori monument, Silky Oak Chocolate Company, and the Art Deco National Tobacco building photo stop.

Join Prinsy’s for a relaxed half-day trip through beautiful scenery when touring the Hawke’s Bay’s wineries when you join our tour with hotel pickup. Sample wines at up to four internationally recognised wineries, enjoy a complimentary cheeseboard, and learn to translate winemaking jargon into plain English. This half-day tour offers a personal experience with a small group of travelers, leaving you free to enjoy the region’s celebrated wines without planning hassles.

There’s no need to travel far out of Auckland to see glowworms as there are great places to see them right in the city. On this small group tour, you’re taken to a hidden glowworm dell in a bush reserve. The walk is easy, once your eyes adjust to the dark. Learn more about the cool little creatures on a short evening tour that leaves time for other activities.

Experience two of the North Island’s highlights on a small-group day tour from Auckland with hotel pickup. Visit the Hobbiton™ Movie Set for a guided tour of filming locations, ideal for fans of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies. Then head to the Waitomo Caves and go underground to observe the resident glowworms. Enjoy a relaxed pace without the stress of self-driving from Auckland.

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.

Taste local wines at several Napier-area wineries and enjoy a gourmet chef’s platter for lunch with a glass of wine on this small-group day tour. Learn about a range of varietals, produced in the North Island’s premier wine-making region, and enjoy several tastings without having to worry about driving. A souvenir wine glass and round-trip hotel transfers are also included.

Triple Deal tour is unique as it blends New Zealand’s geothermal wonders, natural beauty, and quirky landmarks in one unforgettable day. Witness the eruption of Lady Knox Geyser and explore the colorful pools of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Walk beneath the towering Redwoods of Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest and marvel at the crystal-clear Blue Spring, source of much of New Zealand’s bottled water. Along the way, enjoy a fun stop at Tirau’s famous corrugated iron Dog and Sheep buildings. Unlike standard tours, this itinerary combines Rotorua’s geothermal marvels with the serenity of Putaruru’s Blue Spring and the character of rural towns, making it a perfect mix of nature, culture, and local flavor in a single journey from Auckland