All North Island Tours & Excursions in 2026

Fans of “The Lord of the Rings” movies will love being immersed in the mythical universe for a day in the Wellington region. You’ll visit a number of places that appeared in the films, including rivers, forests, and a quarry. Spend time at Wētā Workshop, where the special effects for these films, and many others, were created and brought to life. This is a must-do tour for Tolkien enthusiasts.

Swap Auckland for an exciting day trip showcasing the best of Rotorua. With stops at Wai-O-Tapu and Te Puia included, you can skip ticket lines and explore the area’s famous geothermal wonders with ease—including geysers, hot springs, and vivid landscapes. To help you get more out of your day, cultural performances are also part of the experience. Hotel pickup from Auckland CBD is included for added convenience.

Enjoy a magical 6-6.5 hour tour to the Hobbiton Movie set, used for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film series, which has made NZ famous. Leaving the port, we first travel past the stunning beaches of Mount Maunganui, a top NZ holiday destination, across the harbor bridge and into the country, over the Kaimai mountain ranges, into the lush farming district of the Waikato, the location of Hobbiton. At Hobbiton you can visit the Shires Rest Cafe, browse the souvenir shop or just take in the stunning views before joining the 2.5 hour guided tour, explore inside a Hobbit home and finish at The Green Dragon Pub with a complimentary Ale. As Cruise ship arrival times varies so much, we adjust the start time to suit, which we confirm to you when your booking is accepted, always having you back at the ship in good time for its departure. Please see the Additional Info section for details of our cancellation policy should the ship cancel its port of call within 24 hours of arrival.

See the awe-inspiring Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland on a half-day tour, led by a knowledgeable guide. Follow a well-marked path alongside bubbling hot springs and volcanic craters at Rotorua’s most comprehensive geothermal site. Be amazed by the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser, then take a tour around Waimangu Volcanic Valley, a young geothermal ecosystem.

Embark on a thrilling Blackwater Rafting adventure in Ruakuri Cave. Choose between two exhilarating tours: the original Black Labyrinth, where you'll float under glowworms and jump off waterfalls, or the longer Black Abyss, which includes abseiling, ziplining, and cave exploration. Both experiences offer unforgettable encounters with the natural beauty of the cave and take you to places impossible to reach on your own.

Let seafaring experts show you the best of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands by land and by water on this adventure cruise. With 144 different isles, it can be hard to know where to start, but your captain and crew know all the best spots to swim, snorkel, and spot marine life. Hop off at two hand-picked islands for a hike to panoramic lookout points and see the famous Hole in the Rock.

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.

Auckland’s Waiheke Island is famous for its wineries, but they’re spread out so it’s not easy to get between them on foot or by bicycle, and it’s not safe to drive if you’re drinking. Simplify your day with a wine-tasting and food tour. Visit three of the Waiheke’s premier wineries for tastings, and settle down to a relaxed lunch at one winery restaurant with great views overlooking Onetangi Beach.

As New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington has a long history filled with stories of both Maori peoples and Western settlers. Explore the city on this half-day tour, riding the steep cable car to the summit to take in stunning views, discovering hidden gems around the city, and passing by some of Wellington’s most popular tourist attractions.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the night on a kayaking tour into hidden glow worm caves on a lake near Rotorua. Feel safe and secure paddling a kayak with a guide leading the way. Marvel at the constellations of glowing bugs lighting up the rock formations, and the starry skies outside if the weather’s clear.

Spin and speed your way to Huka Falls during a thrilling jet boat ride on the Waikato River. Hold on tight as you zip over the crystal-clear waters, past rugged cliffs and native bush on New Zealand's longest river. Feel the power of the thundering waterfall up close as it blasts into the turbulent pool.

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.

Sample several of Waiheke Island’s award-winning wines at vineyards across the island before stopping for a gourmet meal at a beachfront restaurant on this half-day tour of the island. Gaze out over the Hauraki Gulf while you dine and then continue your tour, setting off to taste yet more wine.

Explore the well-marked paths of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland with this admission ticket that grants you all-day access to one of New Zealand’s most popular geothermal parks, just outside Rotorua. Stroll past gurgling mud pools, volcanic craters, and steaming lakes at your own pace. Consult your complimentary map to learn about the area’s volcanic activity, and view informative displays along the trails and at the visitor center.

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.

The fictional, yet globally famous, village of Hobbiton™ and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves rank among New Zealand’s top attractions. Visit both sites in one day on a small-group tour that includes hotel pickup, a delicious lunch, and personal attention from your guide. Avoid the hassle of self-driving from Auckland and admire scenic views en route. A must-do tour for nature and movie lovers short on time in the North Island.

Board the InterIslander ferry for a 3.5-hour cruise across the Cook Strait, which links New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, in the North Island to the Marlborough Sounds in the South Island. The Wellington to Picton ferry offers a daily 1-way service, with incredible views through the Marlborough Sounds, which are among the world’s most scenic waterways.

In the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, thousands of glowworms light up the cave walls with their bioluminescent light. Set out on a journey from Auckland to Waitomo on this full-day small-group tour, navigating craggy stalactites and stalagmites while marveling at the worms’ natural display and learning about the ecological significance of the caves, and the wildlife that calls them home.

Discover the wines and scenery of Waiheke Island on a half-day wine tour from Auckland. Hop the morning ferry (own expense) to join your guide and hear insightful commentary about the island and winemakers as you travel to different vineyards for included tastings. You have the option to purchase lunch at one of the stops, and you can either remain on the island at the end of the tour or return to Auckland by ferry.

This half-day shore excursion from Tauranga offers a relaxed tour of the Bay of Plenty’s highlights, including fresh kiwifruit and manuka honey tastings. Travel through scenic farmland and native rainforest in McLaren Falls Park, visit historic sites such as Gate Pa Memorial Reserve, and enjoy hokey pokey-flavored ice cream. The tour includes round-trip port transfers and a stop at a cottage cafe for a freshly baked muffin and coffee.

Wētā Workshop Unleashed is an immersive, guided experience at Auckland's SkyCity, created by five-time Academy Award-winning Wētā Workshop. On this interactive tour, you'll go behind the scenes of practical filmmaking and see how props, creatures and special effects are made. The experience takes you through three original film worlds - fantasy, science fiction and horror. Led by entertaining hosts, you'll explore detailed movie sets, get hands-on with practical effects, and come face-to-face with creatures, robots and larger-than-life characters built by the Wētā Workshop crew. Photography and video are welcome throughout, so you can capture and share your visit. Suitable for film fans, families and creative minds, Wētā Workshop Unleashed is a hands-on alternative to a traditional museum and a unique thing to do in Auckland. Your ticket includes a complimentary souvenir video.

Set out on a day of adventure and exploration, admiring the beauty of nature on this small-group full-day tour. Wander through the Ruakuri Caves, navigating by the toothlike limestone formations and keeping an eye out for glowworms adorning the walls before visiting the Otorohanga Kiwi House where you’ll have the chance to see New Zealand’s iconic national bird.

Enjoy one of New Zealand’s original tourist attractions: a tour of the magnificent Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Your guide—who may be descended from the Māori chief who first discovered the caves—leads you underground and tells you about the cultural significance of this site. Hop into a boat and glide on an underground river, enjoying the light show put on by millions of tiny bioluminescent insects hanging above.