Top Auckland Outdoor Activities

Go tandem skydiving in New Zealand and jump from as high as 20,000 feet (6,096 meters)—the highest elevation available in New Zealand! Freefall for more than a minute before your tandem instructor pulls the ripcord. Alternatively, opt for a skydive package from 13,000 feet (3,962 meters) or go from 9,000 feet (2,743 meters). Once you’ve caught your breath, soak up the stunning coastal views of rain forests and beaches from above. Round-trip hotel transport is available to the launch point in Parakai.

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.

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!

Experience the thrill of black-water rafting and caving in a safe yet challenging environment. Choose among several exhilarating underground adventures at Waitomo Caves. Accompanied by an expert guide, you can go cave tubing among glowworms, rappel down into the labyrinth, or do both. Prepare for a one-of-a-kind tour with an option to suit any adventurous spirit. Travel round-trip from either Auckland or Rotorua, with hotel pickup available.

Join an America’s Cup sailing experience aboard an authentic racing yacht on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour. Feel the exhilaration of yachting as you take the helm and participate with the professional crew, or just sit back and soak up the harbor views. No experience necessary.

Pedal along Auckland's scenic waterfront during this bike tour, with your choice of morning or afternoon departure. Leave Auckland's bustling city center and head for the quaint seaside village of Mission Bay, riding on cycle paths past golden sandy beaches en route. Relax on the beach while taking in the salty air and sunshine before following your cycling guide back the way you came. Use of bicycle and helmet is included on this small-group tour of 10 guests.

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.

Kayak across the sparkling waters of Waitemata Harbor and reach Rangitoto Island - Auckland’s youngest and largest volcano. A leisurely walk to the bush-clad island’s summit across offers panoramic views of the Auckland city skyline and its many surrounding beaches and bays. Enjoy a healthy and hearty barbecue lunch on the shore of Rangitoto before paddling back across the water to Saint Heliers Bay.

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.

Enjoy cycling around Auckland without all the effort in the hilly city, on an electric bike tour. Travelers with varying levels of fitness and cycling experience can ride together, making this a great family trip. You will be fitted with a headset so you can listen to your guide’s commentary as you cycle around the city and learn something new.

Escape the tourist trail and zip around Auckland’s atmospheric neighborhoods on this electric bike tour. Follow the scenic Grafton Gully cycle way, soak up the atmosphere along Karangahape Road (‘K Road’), explore the Ponsonby district and Wynyard Quarter, and admire views of Auckland Harbour as you glide across Te Wero Bridge.

Take a break from sightseeing in Auckland to try and break out of an escape room. With your private party of friends and family (up to five people), you'll enjoy working together to break the code and solve the puzzle. Escape room themes include a New Zealand rugby-themed room, getting lost in the Milford Sound, and a shipwreck in the Auckland Islands. Buy tickets ahead to ensure your pick of times and rooms.

Enjoy two dives in Goat Island Marine Reserve on this scuba diving tour from Warkworth. In the protected waters around Goat Island and Tawharanui, you'll have the chance to spot marine life such as stingrays, snapper, crays, and maybe even dolphins or a shark. This area does not have a strong current and is suitable for all levels of diver, but please note that if you are a beginner diver who has logged fewer than 10 dives, you must pay for a dive guide (own expense) in order to participate in this charter.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy time aboard a sailing yacht on Waitemata Harbour. Your Auckland cruise sets sail from Viaduct Harbour, passing the Auckland Bridge, Westhaven Marina, and Devonport while you listen to informative commentary on the sights. Relax as you take in the views or help the crew sail the vessel—it’s up to you.

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.

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 the Waitakere Ranges on an easy day trip from Auckland, including a guided forest walk among New Zealand’s ancient kauri trees to a hidden waterfall and cliffs, black sand beaches, and native sub-tropical rainforest. The vast stretch of rocky outcrops and western coastline belonging to the Waitakere Ranges Regional Parkland lies minutes outside the city. See views of Manukau Harbour and amble along the shoreline of a black-sand beach overlooking the Tasman Sea, then refuel with a picnic lunch.

Travellers with limited time will enjoy this action packed day of visiting three attractions in a private day tour from Auckland. You will enjoy your visit to the sets of ‘Lord of The Rings’ and Hobbit movies, discover how a 12 acre sheep farm was turned into a movie set, getting a glimpse of behind the scenes secrets of how the movies were made, then enjoy the countryside of scenic hills and valleys to the wonderland of Rotorua. The sight, sound and colours of the volcanic areas are amazing. The Pohutu geyser is stunning when it erupts. Waitimo Glowworm Caves is mesmerising with its thousands of Glowworms unique only to New Zealand. Your journey through the countryside of New Zealand takes in the lush greenery of rolling hillsides and scenic mountains and valleys with its different animals following New Zealand’s longest river ‘Waikato River’ to Auckland City and your Hotels.

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.

Capital of New Zealand’s North Island, Auckland boasts beautiful coastal scenery, vibrant arts scene, and rich history. On this morning or afternoon tour, hop into the saddle and explore Auckland with ease by bicycle with your guide—and upgrade to an electric bike to make pedalling easier. Follow the Magenta Light Path to the stylish Wynyard Quarter, discover hidden parks and historic suburbs, and enjoy sweeping views over Waitemata Harbour.