Top Auckland Nature and Wildlife

Cruise the waters of Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of whales, dolphins and penguins on a half-day tour from Auckland. You’ll board a spacious catamaran at Viaduct Harbour and hear expert guides share informative commentary about New Zealand’s natural wonders. During the whale and dolphin safari, keep an eye out for six types of whales that frequent these waters, as well as seabirds such as Australasian gannets, petrels and terns.

See the untamed beauty of New Zealand’s west coast on this North Island day trip from Auckland. 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. Picnic lunch and light refreshments are included.

Immerse yourself in the nature and ecosystem of New Zealand—and lookout for the islands' national bird, the kiwi—on this full-day ecotour from Auckland. In the company of a guide, walk through the Tawharanui forests with a small group of just seven people or fewer, taking in sights of local flora and fauna and listening to engaging commentary from your guide. Stop for a picnic dinner to cap off your day before returning to Auckland. Please note: A reasonable level of fitness is required by participants.

Explore the Waitakere Ranges rain forest and Auckland’s rugged west coast, including Piha Beach, during an afternoon tour with a guide who is knowledgeable about New Zealand flora and fauna. From the Arataki Centre, admire sweeping views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Learn about Maori history, stroll the beach, and take a nature walk through a lush rain forest while you experience Auckland's largest regional park.

Gain admission to Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE Aquarium at the Auckland waterfront. Discover the underwater magic of the Southern Ocean at more than 30 exhibits and nine themed zones. You can get up close to playful king and gentoo penguins at the Antarctic Encounter, see displays of jellyfish and stingrays, and stroll through the shark tunnel. Upgrade to go shark diving — with or without a cage!

Follow an indigenous Maori guide around Auckland (Tamaki Makaurau) and the west coast of New Zealand on this full-day tour. Learn about Maori culture, myths, legends, and history. Lunch and round-trip transportation from your Auckland hotel included.

Secure a limited ticket to Tiritiri Matangi island, a protected sanctuary for rare and endangered bird species of New Zealand. A 75-minute ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf brings you to the island preserve, where you have the day to stroll the trails and enjoy the coastline after a ranger orientation. Gain a deeper understanding of Tiritiri Matangi’s role in preserving birdlife with an optional 1.5-hour guided hike.

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. 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 the ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie set on this small-group Hobbiton tour from Auckland. At the Hobbiton Movie Set, visit the home of Bilbo Baggins and peer inside other hobbit holes of the Shire—filming site of ‘The Hobbit’ and the ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogies. Your knowledgeable guide points out the Party Tree and the Mill. Enjoy cider, ale, or ginger beer at the Green Dragon Inn, and recharge with lunch at Party Marquee—both included.

Experience the highlights of Auckland on a city sightseeing tour in the morning combined with an afternoon wilderness experience in Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Learn how Aucklanders live and play as you explore the City of Sails with an informative guide. Then discover native flora and fauna on a beach stroll and forest walk, including a glimpse of the North Island’s giant kauri trees.

Film fans won’t want to miss out on this full-day Hobbiton adventure from Auckland. Experience life at the Shire and receive an in-depth guided tour of this renowned 12-acre set. Get up close to hobbit holes, stunning green pastures and drink like a local at The Green Dragon Inn. The journey doesn’t end there: you can select an additional stop on return at either the Auckland Botanic Gardens or the dormant volcano of Mt Eden Summit.

See New Zealand’s coastal rainforest and black-sand beaches on a full-day shore excursion from the Auckland port. Visit Waitakere Ranges Regional Park for a guided bush walk and marvel at traditional Maori carvings and thousand-year-old kauri trees. Enjoy views over the Tasman Sea and savor a Kiwi-style picnic lunch on this small-group tour, with personalized attention from your professional guide.

Experience some of Auckland's best and most beautiful attractions in an unforgettable way. ​Your guide will let you in on some history, some stories, some recommendations, and some must do's. Beginning in Westhaven Marina, we weave our way through the city, past the America's Cup Village, Super Yacht Marina, and the Waitemata Harbour waterfront. Leaving the busyness behind, we find ourselves surrounded by greenery and bird life within the beautiful Auckland Domain. Then, a quick ascent to the summit of a Volcano! We stop for a break whilst enjoying 360 degree views of the greater Auckland region. Slowly we make our way back down to earth, through some seriously cute historic streets, before stopping at the amazing Pink Cycle Way. Grab a quick photo, then it's back to the start/finish line. A content rich experience, touching on the many attractions the city offers, so you can see and feel what more you wish to see during your time here.

Volcanic beaches, native rain forest, and vineyards abound on this full-day tour of West Auckland. Begin with a wine tasting in Henderson Valley, then continue to the Waitakere Ranges, where more than 40,000 acres (16,000 hectares) of coastline and forest await you. Get elevated views of the reserve from the Arataki visitor center, explore the black-sand beaches of Piha and Karekare, and get close to the Karekare waterfalls. Then, enjoy an included lunch before finishing your tour with more wine tastings.

Combine three of New Zealand’s most popular attractions on this 2-day tour from Auckland. Step into Middle Earth on a tour of the Hobbiton movie set from 'Lord of the Rings,' explore the geothermal landscapes of Rotorua, and cruise through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. This great-value tour includes hotel pickup, some meals, and overnight accommodation in Rotorua.

Even with just one day to spare, you can still experience the North Island’s northernmost attractions on a Bay of Islands day trip from Auckland. Soak up the views and let a driver handle the road as you travel through the green, hilly countryside and some of the world's oldest rain forest en route to the historic settlement of Russell (Kororareka). After lunch and a lesson in local Maori and European history, cruise through the bay’s many islands to Cape Brett’s legendary 'Hole in the Rock' cavern.

This Milford Sound cruise in UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park stops at the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory, accessible only by boat. Your midday cruise on a smaller boat travels outside of peak hours, offering prime viewing and more time on the water than other tours. Hear informative commentary from naturalist guides on board, and enjoy a provided picnic lunch. Upgrade to include a kayak excursion and paddle Harrison Cove in a small-group limited to 12 people.

Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of West Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges. Explore the crystalline black sand of Piha beach, the wild isolation of Karekare beach and the cascading Karekare waterfall. Travel in our luxurious SUVs through ancient native forests and be among the beautiful west Auckland scenery. With a maximum of four travellers (private tours can accommodate up to six travellers*) experience one of the best natural tours showcasing the hidden western gems Auckland has to offer. Alongside your Tour Bro. travel less than one hour from downtown Auckland to the beautiful wicked west.

Journey by coach, ferry and railway from the North Island to the South Island of New Zealand during this 5-day trip from Auckland to Christchurch, or vice versa. Ride a boat into the Waitomo Glowworm Caves; see the geothermal wonderland at Te Pua and the Agrodome Sheep Show in Rotorua; take the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait from Wellington; and hop on a Coastal Pacific train from Picton to Kaikoura, where you’ll watch giant sperm whales at play. Enjoy overnight accommodation in Rotorua, Wellington and Kaikoura.

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.

Take the plunge and come face-to-face with one of nature’s most effective killing machines. Go beneath the waters of Auckland’s Gulf Harbour in Kelly Tarlton’s “predator tank”, snorkelling safely inside an enclosed mesh-walled cage. Joined by experienced instructors, enjoy an adrenaline-pumping close encounter with several formidable shark species, including tiger sharks, school sharks, Wobbegong sharks and more.

Enjoy an intimate atmosphere and plenty of chance to ask questions on this small-group tour of Coromandel from Auckland. With round-trip transportation, you'll have time to focus on the landscape during the scenic drive instead of directions and navigation. Listen to commentary from your guide as you visit highlights such as Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, and others. Take some bush walks, relax on the beach, and try local food; this comprehensive tour lets you really get to know Coromandel.

Experience the North Island's top destinations in one day on a full-day tour to Wai-O-Tapu and Rotorua from Auckland. Have time to walk at your own pace around Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park, then take in the sights of Rotorua on a coach tour with stops along the way. Includes entrance fees, bottled water and snacks, live commentary from the driver-guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Explore the Shire and Middle-Earth on this full-day Hobbiton and Rotorua tour from Auckland. Travel through Waikato with a guide and admire panoramic views over the Hauraki Plains. Enjoy a guided tour of Hobbiton — made famous in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ movies. Learn how the set was created, and discover sites you love including the Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn and the Mill. After lunch in Te Puia, head into the geothermal Te Whakarewarewa Valley where shooting geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming hot springs await.