Top North Island Wildlife Watching

Step into Peter Jackson's Middle-earth with this guided group tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set from 'The Lord of the Rings' film trilogy. Learn more about the movies than you ever would by exploring by yourself with the help of your local guide. And with a shuttle service at your disposal, you enjoy a truly seamless Matamata experience.

Soar through the trees and experience New Zealand’s ancient native forest like never before on an incredible must-do adventure. You'll soar along several ziplines, experience New Zealand’s one-and-only volcanic cliff walk above the forest floor, incredible swing bridges, controlled descent, and an impressive tandem zipline so you can share the experience with a friend or partner.

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!

Visit two of New Zealand's must-see attractions on this combo tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Peek into Hobbit holes, frolic in the Shire, and get a drink at the Green Dragon Inn on a guided tour of Middle-earth, followed by a café lunch. In the afternoon, explore Māori myths and history on an underground boat ride at Waitomo, surrounded by thousands of glowworms.

Cruise Auckland's Hauraki Gulf Marine Park on a 4.5-hour eco safari to spot whales, dolphins, seals, and rare seabirds. Enjoy expert commentary and close encounters with diverse marine wildlife in stunning island scenery, departing from downtown Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.

Discover the enchanting Pūkaha forest on a 1-hour guided tour led by knowledgeable rangers. This immersive experience unveils the hidden stories of local flora and fauna while allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you. Participants will have the opportunity to visit the visitor center and gain insights from experts who are passionate about the forest's ecosystem. - 1-hour guided tour through the Pūkaha forest with expert rangers - Learn about unique birds and plants, enriching your understanding of the ecosystem - Family-friendly with a maximum of 10 participants, ideal for family outings - Daily departures at 10:00am and 2:00pm, advance booking required 24 hours ahead

Get up close to New Zealand’s natural beauty on this scenic Lake McLaren tour by kayak or canoe. Discover wildlife native to the region and gain insight into the ecosystem from your guide—something you'd miss on your own. Gaze up at sheer cliff faces towering overhead and enjoy panoramic views over the dense, sun-dappled bush. Paddle along the lakeshore and through Mangapapa Canyon. Hotel transfers are included for added convenience.

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.

Enjoy a cruise through Tikapa Moana, the Hauraki Gulf, and discover the Rotoroa Island sanctuary. This pretty little island is a perfect escape from the city for the day or longer. Explore the island on foot via established walking tracks across open fields, native bush and sandy shorelines. Take your chance at spotting iconic native species free ranging across the island including kiwi, takahē and tīeke. Rotoroa Island has been predator free since 2014 and is now home to a number of native birds and wildlife free ranging across the island. Discover the unique history of the island through the award-winning museum exhibition and heritage buildings or enjoy the sheltered sandy bays and clear waters for relaxing, swimming and snorkeling. Facilities on the island include a gift shop, freshwater drinking fountain, toilets and electric barbeques.

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.

Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day tour from Auckland that explores New Zealand's "Middle-earth," where "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films came to life. Travel through a landscape of lush farms, then take a guided tour of the 12-acre (4.8-ha) Hobbiton Movie Set, from hobbit holes to gardens and the Green Dragon Inn. With free time to shop and explore, this tour includes transportation from selected locations in Auckland for your convenience.

Set out across the Hauraki Gulf on an evening sea kayak journey to Tiritiri Matangi Island — a living sanctuary where wildlife thrives and the ocean meets the stars. Paddle through calm summer waters as the sun begins its slow descent, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson. Upon arrival, enjoy a luxury sunset grazing platter in a secluded coastal setting, complete with sweeping views of the Gulf. As twilight deepens, witness little blue penguins waddling home from the sea. The adventure continues with a guided nocturnal walk, revealing rare creatures like Tuatara and Kiwi. End your night paddling back with bioluminescent plankton shimmering beneath you and the Milky Way above.

This accommodation option is inside the nature reserve, meaning you have unlimited access to the reserve during your stay and the whole place to yourself after hours. It is a self-contained wooden lodge with one bedroom and two single beds, and a double pull out couch. It hosts a kitchette, washing machine and dryer, and private bathroom.

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 Glowworms in Auckland, 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. 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!

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.

This tour takes in all that Waiheke has to offer while also getting you off the beaten tourist trail. To truly understand our land is to understand it through the eyes of us, the indigenous people. You will be greeted by your local guide at the wharf upon your arrival. First is an orientation around Waiheke taking in stunning sea views of the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland City and the Pacific Ocean. You will visit pristine white sand beaches and hear the history and stories of the places you visit and see. You will visit the focal point of the Māori community on Waiheke, learn about the significance and importance of carving and traditional tattooing, the revitalization of Māori language and the impact of colonization on Māori people.