Day Trips in North Island

Visit a pair of New Zealand's must-see attractions with 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 Kiwi-style lunch at the "Shire's Rest". In the afternoon, explore Maori myths and history on a boat ride through mesmerizing caves lit by thousands of glowworms, and finish with a drive through some of the North Island's most majestic scenery.

Visit one or two beautiful west coast beaches on a 6-hour small-group tour from Auckland. Beaches that you may visit include Piha, Muriwai, Te Henga (Bethells Beach), or Whatipu. Many of these beaches offer huge stretches of sand with few other visitors. You might see caves, seabird colonies, or sand dunes, depending on the day's itinerary, which your guide customizes to the day's conditions and group.

The Bay of Islands is one of the highlights of New Zealand's North Island and a cruise is the ideal way to soak up the scenery. On this full-day tour from Auckland, set sail on a dolphin-watching cruise from Paihia, see the Cape Brett Lighthouse, and glide beneath the Hole in the Rock.

This full-day itinerary combines two North Island destinations: Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Rotorua. Marvel at the tiny lights of thousands of glowworms on a boat ride through the tranquil caverns. Then choose from several Rotorua attractions, including an Agrodome farm tour, Skyline Gondola ride or Polynesian Spa experience. In the afternoon, visit Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute at Te Puia. Picnic lunch and round-trip hotel transport are included from Auckland.

Step into the world of hobbits and wizards on a full-day tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton Movie Set with lunch at The Shire's Rest Caf e. You'll see gorgeous rural scenery on the trip to Hobbiton, learn the inside stories behind the The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and sip a Middle Earth-themed drink at the Green Dragon Inn. This full-day Hobbiton Tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, complimentary drink at The Green Dragon, and it's limited to 11 people for a fun, personal experience.

This one-way coach tour travels from Auckland to Rotorua, making stops at some of the North Island's natural wonders and historic sites, including the popular Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Drive by the Maori battle site of Rangiriri, then explore Waitomo's Cathedral Chamber before a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto. Your guide drives by the Karapiro Dam and through Fitzgerald Glade before arriving at your destination.

Visit 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga in New Zealand's Far North District. This day trip from Paihia takes you aboard a Dune Rider vehicle, ideal for traversing the gorgeous coastal landscape. Stop at Cape Reinga Lighthouse and the Ancient Kauri Kingdom. Try sandboarding at the Te Paki Stream sand dunes and enjoy a buffet lunch at Waitiki Landing.

Ride a custom-built Waverider coach over the rugged and sandy coastline of Ninety Mile Beach on this full-day guided tour to Cape Reinga. Departing Paihia's Bay of Islands for the top end of New Zealand's North Island, you'll walk under ancient trees in the Puketi Kauri Forest and go sandboarding down a quicksand stream at Te Paki Sand Dunes. Includes lunch and round-trip all-terrain transport from centrally located hotels.

Explore Piha, the West Coast, and the Waitakere Ranges on a tour that includes a surf lesson at a famous New Zealand surf destination. Only 30 minutes drive from Auckland, discover subtropical wilderness, tall waterfalls, panoramic views of the city and Waitakere Ranges, and Maori culture at the Arataki Visitor Centre, and then learn to surf at Piha beach with an expert instructor.

Complete your trip to Rotorua with a visit to the Agrodome. If there's one thing people associate with New Zealand, it's sheep, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to interact with the gentle creatures at the Agrodome Sheep Show, Farm Tour or both. This educational and family-friendly experience lets you join in on farming activities as you meet the farmers and their sheep.

Watch for whales, seals and dolphins on a full-day wildlife tour of Kaikoura from Christchurch. Enjoy views of surf breaks and vineyards as you cross the Canterbury Plains to Kaikoura Township, then visit a thriving colony of fur seals before browsing downtown shops. Explore the coast by catamaran on a whale watching tour, and try to spot giant sperm whales, endangered albatross and dusky dolphins. See the sun slip behind the mountains on the return trip to Christchurch for the conclusion of your tour.

Escape the bustle of Auckland for a day on this convenient day trip to the Coromandel Peninsula. A variety of activities are included, to make the most of your time in this naturally beautiful area: hike to Cathedral Cove, swim in the crystal waters, climb Mount Paku, and dig your own spa bath at Hot Water Beach. All on a handy organized day trip.

Explore Cathedral Cove and the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve on this full-day tour of the Coromandel Peninsula from Auckland. Round-trip transportation eliminates the need to rent a car, and lets you focus on the scenery instead of driving directions. Take guided hikes through the wilderness, a dip in beachside hot springs, and other highlights including Mt. Paku and Hot Water Beach.

This small-group day trip from Auckland features the highlights and hospitality of Rotorua. Visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute of Te Puia, witness the thermal activity of the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley and tour the city with a knowledgeable guide. Opt for additional free time to explore on your own, or upgrade for a 2-hour private soak at the Polynesian Spa or a visit to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. You have the flexibility to return to Auckland or end with drop-off in Rotorua.

Escape the concrete jungle of Auckland for a natural adventure along the North Island's west coast during this 6-hour trip to Piha and Waitakere. Explore this eco-region's wealth of rugged sea cliffs, black-sand beaches, towering 'Kauri' trees and gushing waterfalls, learning about local Maori traditions and native wildlife along the way.

Photograph your way around Auckland's rugged West Coast during this full-day tour. With a professional photographer guide, visit the coastline's black sand beaches, like Karekare and Piha. Trek through rainforests filled with 1000-year-old Kauri trees. Get as much photographic advice as you like, and listen to commentary about the area's ecology, culture and history. Lunch and round-trip transportation from Auckland are included.

Step into the magical world of Middle Earth on this full-day tour of Hobbiton from Auckland. Benefit from a more personalized experience on a small-group visit, enjoy a guided tour of the famous film set including lunch at the Shire's Rest Caf e, and hear all about the filming of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies.

Discover the pristine beaches, lush rainforest and clear waters of the Coromandel Peninsular on a full-day tour from Auckland. Drive from the city to Hahei, then switch to a zodiac boat that takes you to islands and beaches throughout the marine reserve, including Cathedral Cove. Your tour includes lunch and snacks, and round-trip transport from your Auckland hotel.

This full-day Albatross Encounter tour in Kaikoura takes you on a narrated boat ride from the rugged coastline. Kaikoura may be famous for its whale and dolphin sightings, but it's also one of the world's most abundant regions for oceangoing birds like the southern royal albatross. The Kaikoura Peninsula offers spectators a look at petrels, shearwaters, terns, shags and gulls as well as a fur seal colony. Round-trip coach transport from Christchurch hotels is included.

Beat the crowds with early access to the Hobbiton Movie Set, where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies were filmed. A guide gives you a behind-the-scenes peek at places normally only visited by the film crews. This small group includes round-trip coach transport from your Auckland hotel and breakfast at the Green Dragon Inn.