All North Island Tours & Excursions in 2026

Take a break from Auckland on a private day trip to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves in the Waikato countryside. Hotel pickup, door-to-door transport, and lunch are included, so you can relax. Admire views of the central North Island’s rural landscape along the way. Take guided tours at each destination, plus stop at scenic Lake Karapiro on the mighty Waikato River.

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; note that maintenance and restoration work from June to September 2025 will cause construction noise and alternate routes. Then head to the Waitomo Caves to observe resident glowworms underground. Enjoy a relaxed pace without the stress of self-driving from Auckland.

Visiting Wellington's sights on foot can be challenging as the city is so hilly, and attractions are spread out. This half-day small-group guided van tour, led by local guides supporting a family-owned business, takes you to top attractions including Lyall Bay, the Weta Cave, and the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Enjoy a ride on the Wellington Cable Car for panoramic city views, with hotel pickup included for a seamless experience.

Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand's premier wine regions—experience the best of it during a stress-free guided tour to four premium wineries, including Mission Estate and Trinity Hill. Taste a wide range of local wines, learn about winemaking, and visit New Zealand's oldest winery. This small-group tour includes all tastings and pizza for lunch, with hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience.

Experience the best of the Waitomo Caves with this combined tour of the Glowworm and Ruakuri Caves. Learn about the caves' remarkable geology while taking a boat tour and two walking tours through underground caverns. Be amazed by thousands of sparkling glowworms, jagged stalactites and stalagmites, the acoustics in the vast Cathedral Cave, and underground rivers. This full-day tour includes transfers from central Auckland for convenience.

Soar through the treetops of Waiheke Island on a zipline tour featuring dual cables that let you fly side-by-side with a friend. After a quick ferry from Auckland (own expense), your half-day tour includes a brief island overview by minivan and an interpretive bushland walk. Numbers are limited to 12 participants for a personalized small-group experience. Weight limits apply: minimum 66lbs (30kg), maximum 275lbs (125kg).

Take this scenic drive through Tukituki Valley which will take you to the peak of Te Mata by stylin Supertrike. This is a small group tour, so you’ll keep costs down by sharing your ride. But since there are only 4 to a group, you’ll still have an intimate experience. You’ll ride through Napier, along the coast, and end up with some gorgeous views and a drink at the peak.

Treat yourself to a therapeutic mud bath and sulfur spa package at Hells Gate Geothermal Park. Located in one of Rotorua’s most active geothermal zones, Hells Gate features mud bath treatments that leave your body rejuvenated and skin smooth. You also have the option to cool off with a dip in waterfall pools after your treatment.

Cruise ship passengers who want an active adventure while on land will love this white-water rafting expedition from Napier. The rapids are an easy class II, so even first-timers and older kids can join in. Admire the views of the native bush, listen to birdsong, and even go for a swim in the gentle river if you like. Photos of your trip will be provided after.

Instead of trying to fit in as many sights as possible into a single day, relax and enjoy some of the North Island’s most popular attractions at a leisurely pace on this 2-day small-group tour. Discover how the Lord of the Rings movies were made at the Hobbiton Movie Set, gaze up at the mystical bioluminescent worms in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, witness geothermal wonders near Rotorua, and much more.

Experience the best views of Auckland from a different angle that most travelers miss when you go tandem skydiving from as high as 18,000 feet (5,486 meters). Freefall for 75 seconds at speeds of over 125 miles (200 kilometers) per hour before your instructor pulls the ripcord. Soak up stunning coastal views of rainforests and beaches from above. Free pickup is available from Auckland City, subject to availability.

The award-winning wineries on Waiheke Island near Auckland craft some of the best wines in the country. Sample a selection of wines at three different vineyards on this winery tour, discovering the island’s lush green scenery while learning about its history as you travel between venues in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.

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.

Carved in the 1970s by a master Māori carver, the Mine Bay rock carvings are a striking Taupō attraction. They’re also impossible to access on foot. Hop aboard a replica steamboat and sail out to the carvings. Learn all about the history and the myths behind the carvings from your crew, and enjoy pristine views of Lake Taupō and beyond, including the nearby volcanoes Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe.

This special tour allows you to enjoy the magic of Hobbiton, nestled in New Zealand’s stunning countryside, for a whole day. Fans of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" can experience the filming set, strolling through charming Hobbit homes and gardens. Starting December 2023, you can experience the new "Beyond the Door" feature, which lets you step inside the Hobbit homes for a glimpse of their cozy interiors. To cap off the day, relax with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Perfect for movie fans and nature lovers alike, this tour promises a day filled with wonder and unforgettable experiences. **If you are arriving by cruise ship, please make sure to mention about it when sending booking request.** ＊＊The departure time is subject to change depending on the booking time of Hobbiton on that day. Please make sure to check message from us about Pick up time and reply.

Leave the planning and driving to a train conductor while you travel on the Northern Explorer, a long-distance scenic train service running from Auckland to Wellington. Experience the beauty and variety of New Zealand—from the farmlands of Waikato to the volcanic peaks of the Central Plateau and the sparkling Kapiti Coast—while riding a comfortable train. A great way to trade the grind of vacation travel for a bit of romance.

Explore Auckland’s mighty volcanoes and learn about New Zealand’s rich geology on this morning tour to places you might otherwise miss. Hike on Mt. Wellington, Mangere Mountain, One Tree Hill, and Mt. Eden with a guide. Admire panoramic views of the city and sea from high up. Look out for native animals and plants while you get some exercise in the city.

Discover the rural beauty and Art Deco architecture of Hawke’s Bay on a half-day shore excursion from Napier. Travel through orchards, vineyards, and farming areas, visit the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre for honey tasting, and enjoy panoramic views from Te Mata Peak. All transport is by climate-controlled vehicle, making this tour a perfect introduction to the region’s landscapes and history.

Spend the morning or afternoon visiting Middle-earth on this half-day “The Lord of the Rings” tour from Wellington. A guide with insider knowledge entertains Frodo fans on a journey into the scenic New Zealand countryside. Get a behind-the-scenes look at LOTR movie production on a tour of the Weta Workshop and discover why director Peter Jackson selected this region to film the renowned trilogy, along with “The Hobbit” movies.

We put less seats in our vehicles than factory standard and only 3 seats in the back row. Pay a little more to be comfortable. This tour involves a lot of driving and is more enjoyable if you are comfortable and not crushed up against other people on the vehicle. We keep the groups small with no more than 12 people on our vehicle, meaning our drivers can and will give you, personal service. Check out our reviews to see what customers say about us, our vehicles and our team of experienced and enthusiastic drivers. We have No minimum numbers for this tour. All meals provided on the tour are prepared in a professional kitchen and are normally served in a restaurant or café. Very occasionally Meals may be served picnic style

Our most popular evening experience encompasses all we have to offer - a guided tour, hāngī buffet dinner and a cultural performance. Guided valley tour – Explore geysers, mud pools, native bush, the Kiwi Conservation Centre, and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, while learning about Māori culture from a knowledgeable guide. Hāngī buffet dinner – Enjoy a feast of traditional food at Pātaka Kai Restaurant, overlooking the geothermal valley. Cultural performance – Experience pōhiri, waiata, mōteatea, poi and haka in our carved meeting house.

Movie fans will love this easy day tour from Auckland to Hobbiton, in Matamata. Avoid the hassle of self-driving and enjoy the views during the two-hour journey. You’ll arrive at Hobbiton early to beat the crowds and have more space. Learn all about the filming of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings movies, including fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, on an in-depth two-hour guided tour.

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.

Simplify your day hike on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with a handy one-way shuttle service. If you have your own vehicle, leave it at the end point of the hike, then be driven back to the starting point. There’s no need for a shuttle at the end of the day as you can just hop into your own car. This is a cost-effective alternative to a two-way transfer.