All North Island Tours & Excursions in 2026

Take in the highlights of New Zealand’s largest city on this half-day tour of Auckland and benefit from your guide’s commentary. Admire views of Auckland Harbour and drive over the Harbour Bridge; gaze out over the city from the top of Mt. Eden; and see spectacular views of the Mission Bay beaches—all in just half a day, with plenty of photo stops along the way.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Get an authentic introduction to Māori culture the way few tourists do, with an evening at the Mitai Māori Village in Rotorua. See men in traditional dress paddle down the river in a waka (canoe) and be captivated by the displays of weaponry. Watch a haka war dance and poi performance, and spot glowworms in their natural habitat. This evening experience includes round-trip hotel transport and a traditional buffet hangi feast, so you don't have to worry about a thing.

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.

See Auckland’s major sights and attractions with a hop-on hop-off city bus tour featuring informative audio commentary. Perfect for first-time visitors, it’s a great way to explore the city. The bus tour takes about an hour to complete. Enjoy the flexibility of a 1-day or 2-day pass, hop off at key points including Parnell Village, the Auckland Museum, or the Sky Tower, and stay connected with Wi-Fi on board.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Journey out to Wellington’s south coast, looking out over the Cook Strait, and visit the region’s only fur seal colony. Journey out to Karori Rock’s "leaning lighthouse" to meet this thriving community of once-endangered critters. Tea, coffee, and snacks are provided so you can relax and watch the seals in this isolated area that even many Wellingtonians don't know about.

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 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.

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.

Waiheke Island is known for its wineries, but self-driving between them is risky—and it’s a hassle to bring your car over from Auckland. Join a half-day guided tour to visit some of the island’s top cellar doors and enjoy many tastings along the way. Stop for sit-down tastings at four different venues, and pause to purchase lunch at one (own expense).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Visit the authentic Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village in the geothermal region of Rotorua on our full-day excursion which includes a guided tour, cultural concert and a light lunch. A Maori villager will guide you through the village, explaining how they make use of the harsh geothermal environment to their advantage. The famous Pohutu geyser can also be viewed from a safe distance as it erupts naturally during the day. Walk among the natural geothermal springs and steaming lakes, to see how your lunch is cooked in the traditional Hangi method. You will also enjoy a 30-minute Maori cultural performance of singing, dancing and warrior demonstrations, including the famous Haka. You tour also includes visits to Rotorua Government Gardens and other highlights of Rotorua, passing by 2 beautiful lakes, forests, kiwifruit orchards and the stunning coastline and beaches of Mount Maunganui. Please note that the tour start time will be confirmed when your booking is accepted.