All North Island Tours & Excursions in 2026

Head out to the Auckland landmark of Rangitoto Island on this evening kayaking tour. After crossing the Waitemata Harbour to Rangitoto, embark on a leisurely walk to the summit to catch the sunset over Auckland and the Waitakere Ranges. You’ll then paddle back in the dark with the help of your guide, taking in the city lights along the way.

Art, craft, and culture-loving travelers will enjoy this guided tour of a New Zealand jade (pounamu) carving studio. Learn about the cultural significance of jade to the local Maori people, and about traditional and contemporary designs. Get the chance to meet jewelry artists and to see them at work. Choose a piece of jade to string and keep as a memento.

Spend a magical evening kayaking on Lake Rotoiti, where you visit glowworm caves and have plenty of time to soak in natural hot springs before a barbecue picnic dinner. Paddle with an expert guide into lakeside caves only accessed by boat to see glowworms and crayfish, then revel in the sunset reflected on the tranquil waters. Instruction, equipment, and round-trip hotel transport from Rotorua are all included.

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.

Located just five minutes from downtown Rotorua, the Whakarewarewa Forest features 100 miles (160 km) of twisting mountain bike trails. Book your bike hire for a half-day ride through this redwood terrain, considered one of the region’s top trail networks. You’ll find a variety of paths for all abilities on this self-guided bike tour.

Standard tour times 10:00am - 4:00pm (we will confirm with you prior). Sculptured out of volcanic activity and thousands of years in the making, Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland is considered to be New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction. You are introduced to a uniquely different natural landscape – the key to what you see lies below the surface – one of the most extensive geothermal systems in New Zealand, extending over 18-sq. km. TIME PERMITTING WE WILL MAKE VARIOUS OTHER STOPS AT LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS

The 6-hour tour overviews the region, highlighting art deco, orchids, vineyards, sheep farming, cattle farming, deer farming, and so much more. Spectacular rural drive and views. The history of the area, including the 1931 earthquake, is illustrated with the aid of a photo book.  You will start your day learning what art deco actually is, so you know what to look out for in terms of the unique art deco found here in Napier and Hastings cities. You will visit a lovely "off-track" scenic lookout that looks out over the city of Napier, Hawkes Bay, Cape Kidnappers, and Te Mata Peak. Next, it is off through the area you have just seen along the coast, a hidden valley, and to Te Mata Peak. You will then also visit the largest honey producer in the Southern Hemisphere. You will have time for a short lunch at a cafe in the Hastings area, then back to Napier for a wine tasting before finishing back in Napier by driving through a lovingly kept art deco housing suburb.

Guarantee your spot at 3Mirage, a multi-sensory experience in Rotorua, when you book in advance. Explore seven different art-filled realms that have been brought to life using 360-degree visuals along with sound, motion, and immersive storytelling elements to create a dreamy sensory experience that’s suitable for guests of all ages.

The Kiwi Night Encounter offers one of the best chances in New Zealand to see kiwi up close, an experience many describe as a must-do in New Zealand. Your evening begins in the visitor centre, where experienced guides introduce you to kiwi and the conservation work behind their protection. You’ll then be guided to a purpose-built habitat designed to support natural kiwi behaviour while allowing for quiet, respectful observation. As darkness falls, a resident pair of North Island brown kiwi emerge to forage — probing the ground, moving through the undergrowth, and displaying their natural nocturnal behaviours. Small group sizes ensure a calm, low-impact environment throughout the experience. While kiwi are the focus, Ruru (morepork) are often seen and heard overhead and may be observed flying through the habitat as they feed — offering a glimpse into the wider nocturnal ecosystem. Ngā Manu is a working conservation reserve, and all encounters are shaped around the wellbeing of animals.

Te Papa Museum of New Zealand is unique for its innovative, interactive exhibits that engage visitors through cutting-edge technology, its deep respect and authentic representation of Māori culture and heritage, its comprehensive displays of New Zealand's diverse natural history and cultural narratives, and its commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, making it a dynamic and inclusive cultural hub.

More than mini-golf—it's a magical Rotorua experience! Friendly Giant Rabbits: Pat and feed our free-roaming bunnies (like Cinnabon!) as you play. Home of RotovegasNightGolf: Experience the course illuminated under thousands of fairy lights and vibrant night displays every evening in summer and winter. Unique Course Features: Walk through an 80-year-old kiwifruit vine tunnel, hunt for hidden fairy doors, and dodge overhead bubbles. Atmospheric Vibe: Set in lush native gardens with feel-good music and a warm, memorable welcome from start to finish.

Snorkeling at Goat Island is more than just a swim — it’s stepping into a living, underwater world that’s unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. As the country’s very first marine reserve, Goat Island is teeming with life: from shimmering schools of Blue Maomao to giant Snapper, Eagle Rays, and even the occasional dolphin or orca passing by! The Guided Snorkel Tour is tailored for beginners and non-swimmers, with expert instructors, flotation equipment, and plenty of support so anyone can feel safe and confident in the ocean. You’ll learn, laugh, and explore in shallow, clear waters before venturing further to experience the magic up close. With all gear included — and yours to use for the rest of the day — this is the perfect way to fall in love with the ocean, discover New Zealand’s top snorkel spot, and tick off one of Auckland’s top 10 must-do adventures.

Experience Auckland after dark on a relaxing 2-hour Night Lights Harbour Cruise across the sparkling Waitematā Harbour. Departing from Z Pier at Westhaven Marina, cruise beneath the illuminated Auckland Harbour Bridge and enjoy spectacular views of the Sky Tower, Viaduct Harbour and the city’s glittering waterfront. Your experience includes a complimentary welcome drink and delicious canapés as you unwind with carefully selected background music in a relaxed atmosphere. With spacious indoor and outdoor seating plus a fully licensed onboard bar, it’s the perfect evening for couples, friends, families and visitors looking to experience Auckland from the water. Capture unforgettable photos of the city lights reflecting across the harbour and discover why Auckland is known as the “City of Sails” on this unique nighttime cruise.

Dine like Bilbo Baggins with a private guided tour through the Hobbiton™ Movie Set at dusk. Enjoy a traditional Hobbit feast with a complimentary beverage at the Green Dragon Inn, followed by a lantern-lit walk through the movie set. Private luxury transport from Auckland and nearby locations is included for a seamless experience.

There’s no need to choose between a tour of the magical Hobbiton Movie Set and the natural majesty of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves with this full-day private tour. Discover behind-the-scenes facts and stories from the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies, and combine the experience with a trip to marvel at thousands of bioluminescent worms lighting up dark cave walls.

Scenic Cruise among 144 sub-tropical islands and discover the Bay of Islands on a small group tour. Visit the landing site of Captain James Cook, and stopover on Roberton island for a short walk to the lookout point over the Twin Lagoons. Keep an eye out for wildlife in the Marine Mammal sanctuary, and listen to live commentary and information provided by your local crew on board. Cruising along the Cape Brett Peninsula and to the famous HOLE IN THE ROCK, Cathedral Cave and Cape Brett Lighthouse Stopover on a second island for a chance to explore the nature trails, take a swim, snorkel, relax and enjoy a beachside picnic lunch before cruising back through the outer islands to finish in Paihia/Russell

Honey Tasting and Education: Visit the Honey Centre to learn about beekeeping and sample a variety of local honeys, offering a sweet and educational addition to your tour. Hands-on Farm Experiences: Get up close with New Zealand’s rural life at Sheep World, including sheep-shearing demonstrations, sheepdog displays, and opportunities to interact with friendly farm animals. Scenic City Highlights: Explore Auckland’s top sights, from panoramic city views at Mt Eden to the stunning coastline of Mission Bay, with plenty of photo stops along the way. Small Group Setting: Enjoy a more personal and immersive experience with a knowledgeable guide in a small group. Diverse and Comprehensive: This tour combines the best of New Zealand’s countryside charm, natural wonders, and urban attractions—all in one unforgettable day.

Skip the crowded group tours to Hobbiton, which often include extra stops along the way, and do it your way instead. With this private round-trip transfer, you have the freedom to curate your perfect Hobbiton experience without having to rent a car or drive yourself. Book your own Hobbiton tickets at a time that suits you or upgrade to include extra wait time for extended Hobbiton tours and dining experiences.

See more of New Zealand on this full-day small-group trip from Auckland to Rotorua to see the Wai-O-Tapu thermal gardens and the Polynesian Spa. Explore Wai-O-Tapu’s colorful hot springs, bubbling geysers, and primordial pools shaped by geothermal energies. Then, relax in the Polynesian Spa’s soothing, mineral-rich waters, in pools overlooking Lake Rotorua.

Once you’re done exploring the Bay of Plenty on foot, discover it from a different perspective with this tandem skydive from 15,000 feet (4,570 meters). Savor aerial views of Tauranga, Mt. Maunganui, White Island, and more—you can even see all the way to Mt. Taranaki on a good day. Experience the thrill of free-falling safely with an instructor in charge of your parachute.

Experience two of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions on this full-day tour combining the magical Hobbiton Movie Set and the spectacular Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Travel through the scenic countryside and enjoy a journey into both fantasy and natural wonder. Your adventure begins at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you can explore the famous Shire from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Walk through the beautifully preserved village, see the hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and enjoy the stunning rolling green landscapes that brought Middle-earth to life. Continue to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you will experience a magical underground world. Glide silently on a boat through glowworm-lit caves and witness thousands of tiny glowworms illuminating the cavern ceiling like a star-filled sky. Learn about the caves’ natural history and unique limestone formations along the way.

See the best sites and experience an adrenaline-filled private ride around Paihia and surrounds with this unique V8 tricycle tour. Meet your local guide at the I-site (local information center) and then be whisked away to beautiful Haruru Falls and then onto Waitangi for the perfect photo opportunity. This is an exciting and unique way to get to know the local area, especially if you are short on time.

If you’re hoping to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take in some nature, but don’t know where to start, join this private half-day guided tour. Walk through the black sands of Piha Beach, listen to the cascading waters of Kitekite Falls, learn about Maori heritage at the Arataki Visitor Centre, and much more.

Explore Auckland and its surroundings with your own private guide for a personalized look at this beautiful part of New Zealand’s North Island. Tour the city center and see Waitemata Harbour from MJ Memorial Park. Check out Auckland Domain and take a walk on Mt. Eden. You'll go to rainforest, volcanic sand beaches, and waterfalls, and hear informative commentary from your guide throughout the tour.