Top North Island How to Get Around - page 6

See the untamed beauty of New Zealand’s west coast on this North Island day trip from Auckland, which saves you from having to navigate rugged roads on your own. Travel with a guide to the Waitakere Ranges, with a stop at the Arataki Visitor Centre overlook for views of the Tasman Sea out to the Pacific Ocean. Admire Maori carvings before a guided rainforest walk, then visit giant kauri trees and one of the area’s magnificent black sand beaches. A moderate fitness level is required for this active tour.

Experience one of the wonders of New Zealand’s natural world on this glowworm caving adventure in Waitomo. Pull on your boots and helmet before heading through the private farmland and native forest to the Mangarongapu Cave system with a local guide and small group. With your headlamp to light the way, hike around huge boulders and through shallow streams, and marvel at the millions of bright green glowworms illuminating the rocky limestone.

For fans of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films, visiting the official Hobbiton Movie Set is a truly unforgettable experience. On this tour, enjoy comfortable round-trip transport from Auckland without having to organize a rental vehicle. On arrival, enjoy the opportunity to explore the famous film set, have a drink at The Green Dragon Inn, and see Hobbit Holes, and the Double Arched bridge up close.

Combine Māori traditions and natural wonders on a full-day small-group tour of steaming geysers, colorful hot springs, and local culture in Rotorua. Enjoy hotel pickup and travel in a climate-controlled vehicle between top sites including Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and Te Puia, maximizing your time to explore volcanic landscapes and Māori arts and customs.

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.

Set sail onto Lake Taupo aboard a 53ft luxury catamaran. Dive into the deep-blue crystal waters, making use of the complimentary snorkeling equipment, before hopping back on board to investigate the stunning Māori rock carvings on the cliff faces that circle the lake, only viewable from the water. Then enjoy a drink while snuggling into the onboard beanbags before heading back to shore.

Indulge in the succulent tastes of Waiheke Island on a half-day food and wine tour. A guide picks you up from the wharf and takes you to boutique wineries. Taste wine accompanied by locally produced specialties such as olive oil, oysters, and artisan cheese. Then settle in for a platter lunch at a vineyard restaurant. Linger on Waiheke and take the ferry back to Auckland whenever you like.

Rotorua’s world-class guided experience and cultural performance. This exhilarating combo extends on from our Te Rā experience by adding a captivating cultural performance in our beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It will include a pōhiri (traditional Māori welcome), waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant), poi and haka. The Te Rā guided experience features a 90-minute tour through our geothermal valley, where you’ll visit the Pōhutu Geyser, the Kiwi Conservation Centre, and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. Along the way, our knowledgeable kaiārahi (guides) will share their Māori traditions, heritage, and ancestral stories, offering unique insights into our rich culture.

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.

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 to avoid the risk of getting lost. 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.

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.

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.

Make the most of your time on land in Tauranga with a full-day tour to Rotorua, stopping at scenic points of interest en route. In Rotorua, see geothermal hot pools and the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, and enjoy a Māori cultural performance. Sample New Zealand kiwifruit and visit highlights including Lake Rotorua, Mt. Tarawera, and Government Gardens throughout the day.

Discover the dramatic volcanic history and breathtaking geothermal landscapes of Rotorua on this unforgettable full-day journey through one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary natural environments.

The hills around Wellington offer a spectacular backdrop for a cycling tour, but pedaling uphill is tiring. Take the effort out by joining an e-bike tour and focus on enjoying the sights and views. This half-day tour will take you past many of the capital’s highlights, including Te Papa, the Wellington Waterfront, and the Maupuia Walkway. Morning or afternoon departures are available.

Explore the enchanting Kawiti Glow Worm Caves on this captivating tour from Paihia. Begin your journey with a scenic 30-minute drive, enriched by local insights from your guide. Once at the caves, embark on a 45-minute easy walk led by knowledgeable local guides, marveling at the mesmerizing glow worms illuminating the cavern. Continue the adventure at Haruru Waterfalls, where the impressive roar of cascading water awaits. Conclude your tour back in Paihia, where charming shops and eateries beckon for exploration. - Scenic drive from Paihia with local history and fun facts - 45-minute guided walk through the stunning Kawiti Glow Worm Caves - Visit Haruru Waterfalls and experience its thunderous roar - Pick up from Tender wharf for 9am tours for Cruiseship passengers. - Get in touch if you have a bigger group, we can accommodate over several vans. - Would recommend bringing a warm jacket, as caves can get cold.

Across the water from bustling Auckland lies the tranquil village of Devonport, topped by the volcanic cone of Mt. Victoria. It’s the perfect place to learn to master a Segway, and glide on two wheels to the peak of the hill. With a maximum of six people per guide, explore back streets, parks, and Victorian villas, then scale the summit, soak up 360-degree views, and discover the mysterious “mushroom” patch.

The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy was filmed all over New Zealand, so it can be tough to know how best to explore the sights local to where you’re staying. On this full-day small-group tour, head to filming locations seen in the movies, explore the Weta Cave mini museum, visit the movie theatre that premiered Return of the King, and much more.

There’s no better way to discover the Bay of Islands than from the water, and this half-day cruise from either Paihia or Russell lets you experience island life in depth, with a long stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. You’ll get the chance to look for dolphins, learn about history, ecology, and wildlife from your skipper, and see signature sights including the Hole in the Rock.

Whether you’re a fan of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, or you’re just interested in exploring one of the world’s most detailed permanent movie sets, The Hobbiton Movie Set nestled in the Waikato countryside has something to offer. On this full-day small-group tour, set out from Auckland on a journey through rolling green countryside, before arriving at Hobbiton for a thorough exploration of the set.

Travelers short on time will love this easy overnight small-group tour of the Bay of Islands from Auckland. Sit back and enjoy the journey north to Paihia, stopping en route at scenic Whangarei Falls. This tour includes natural and cultural attractions including the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and a cruise to the Hole in the Rock, where you can admire the islands that give the bay its name.

Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban eco-sanctuary and home to some of New Zealand’s most extraordinary wildlife. This 2-hour guided walking tour will introduce you to native birds such as kakariki, tui, and bellbirds; rare species like takahē; and unique reptiles including green gecko and tuatara. Entrance fees are included.

A Small Group Half-day tour that satisfies all visitors to Auckland. Recommended for travelers short on time and those eager to see the city’s top attractions. Includes convenient round-trip transportation with pick-up service from cruise ships and hotels around the CBD. Discover Auckland as a first-time visitor. Interact with your guide on a private, small-group tour. Select a half-day tour, allowing for additional activities to be enjoyed. The maximum number of travelers is 1 to 11 people.

Tour Highlights: Begin and end your journey - iSite Rotorua tourists visitor center, 1167, Fenton Street, Rotorua. Explore the bubbling Wai-O-Tapu Mud Pool the head to Lady Knox Geyser and watch its thrilling eruption at 10:15am Next, stroll through the Wai-o-Tapu geothermal wonderland Known for its vibrant, otherworldly landscapes, it features bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and colorful hot springs such as the iconic Champagne Pool. Kindly finish the walk on or before 12:30pm, and return to the pickup point.