Top North Island Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

Beat the crowds with early access to the Hobbiton Movie Set, where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies were filmed. Your 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.

Zip through the towering rocks walls of Tutukau Gorge on a Waikato River jet-boat ride. You’ll make a stop at the Orakei Korako geothermal reserve for a walk on a raised boardwalk past boiling mud pools and New Zealand's largest geyser. Then it’s back on the jet boat for another thrilling high-speed ride as your driver maneuvers 360-degree spins and fishtails through the water.

Visit the home of Bilbo Baggins on a small-group shore excursion to Hobbiton, a New Zealand farm-turned-filming site for ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies. While your cruise ship is docked in Auckland, embark on a Hobbiton Movie Set tour of the Mill, the party tree and the Green Dragon Inn. Crouch next to hobbit holes and enjoy lunch at the Green Dragon Inn on this must-do tour.

When your cruise ship arrives in the Bay of Islands, escape the crowds with a small-group half-day tour to two gorgeous islands. Go snorkeling at pristine island reefs, try stand-up paddle boarding, take a short hike to viewpoints, and look for New Zealand wildlife. You’ll ride on a small motorboat that can access places that large ships cannot go, and hear live commentary from your guide about the region.

Discover the beauty of the Waitangi River estuary and experience Maori traditions during a 3-hour cruise in a traditional canoe (waka) with a local Maori guide. Learn traditional paddling techniques in the calm waters of the estuary and make your way to Haruru Falls. Your guide shares informative commentary about Ngapuhi customs and history, and points out wildlife as you glide along. Disembark to visit a Ngapuhi meeting house and perhaps meet people from this Maori community. You'll also learn the moves of a 'haka' — an ancient Maori war dance.

Go white-water rafting on the Tongariro River on a 2-hour rafting trip that’s ideal for families and first-time rafters. Paddle through a series of small, easy-going rapids with an experienced river guide to show you the ropes, then warm up with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Enjoy an exhilarating white water rafting trip in New Zealand with this half-day excursion on the Tongariro River. Your expert guide takes you on a roller coaster-like series of class three rapids that offer views of pristine wilderness that can only be accessed from the river. Your tour includes lunch, rafting instruction, and use of all necessary gear, making it suitable for all levels of experience.

Our entry level bespoke tour, your chauffeur will show you the beauty of Napier's Art Deco buildings and then you have the option of visiting a local winery, sampling some local chocolate or take the chance to see the Hooters Showroom, a must-see for all vintage car lovers. You can let us know your preference in advance otherwise your chauffeur will discuss the options to see what you fancy on the day. Please note that this tour does not include wine tasting fees which will need to be paid directly to the winery on the day. On busy cruise ship days as many as half of the Hooters vintage vehicles will be out on tour so there will be a few empty spaces in the showroom, but still plenty of automobilia to see and stories to hear.

Instead of crowding into a tour bus, explore the Hawke’s Bay in a perfectly-preserved 1930s vintage car on this stylish half-day tour of the region. Choose between one of three tours – sample what’s unique local wines with a Winery Tour; see Napier’s art deco landmarks on the Scenic Tour; or visit popular attractions on the Best of the Bay Tour. Choose your destinations or avoid the stress of choosing: your guide can put together the perfect day.

An enjoyable light-hearted introduction to Art Deco Napier. This one hour tour is a great chance to experience the splendour of travelling in a beautifully restored vintage car. Sit back and imagine you are being driven through Napier in its heyday of the 1930's, with it's immaculately maintained buildings and your chauffeur dressed in their Art Deco finery. Learn about Napier's remarkable history of devastation and rebirth; the earthquake that shaped the city we live in today and the stories of the people who make it such an interesting little city to visit. Our guides are passionate about what they do and have free rein to design their own tours so that you get the very best of them. There is also limited flexibility, meaning that if you wish to visit a certain area or wish to stop somewhere to take photos then you simply ask your chauffeur. The time is yours, and should you wish to extend then that can usually be arranged.

You don’t have to stay in Tauranga during your shore excursion – this tour package takes you inland to experience the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Discover more of New Zealand’s culture and see more of its natural highlights than you could on the coast: visit Te Puia, home to the significant Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and the volatile Pohutu Geyser. See the rare brown kiwi bird in a purpose-built habitat, enjoy a traditional Māori kapa haka performance and feast on a meal cooked traditionally in the nearby hot pools.

Discover Wellington's beautiful Eastern Bays and beyond, when you hire an electric bike (eBike) from Wildfinder Pencarrow! Wildfinder Pencarrow is conveniently located right next to the start of the Pencarrow coastal trail, and is easily accessed by public transport or car from Wellington or The Hutt Valley. Duration: 8 hour bike hire from Wildfinder Pencarrow, Eastbourne, Lower Hutt, Greater Wellington, North Island.

Cruise around the scenic bays of Lake Taupo and admire the Maori Rock Carvings during this boat tour. Aboard the boat, listen to informative commentary about the ecology, volcanology, and cultural history of the area. Admire the impressive views of the snowy mountain tops of the UNESCO-listed Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo's picturesque shores. See the Maori Rock Carvings depicting the legends of the local Tuwharetoa tribe. Choose from morning departure (includes tea) or afternoon departure (includes a fishing demonstration).

Experience with us and help protect our wild dolphins! Surrounded by deep blue waters, vivid green islands and diverse wildlife, sailing on Carino NZ our 50ft catamaran is the best way to experience the stunning bay of islands. We are a small, local family owned and operated wildlife cruise. Join us on our marine wildlife conservation vessel. On board help to set sails or sit back and relax.Time to take a deep breath and unwind. Watch for wild dolphins in their ocean habitat. We are only yacht licensed to view wild dolphins in the Bay. Viewing wild dolphins in their natural habitat is an amazing and wonderful experience. A portion of every fare contributes directly to marine mammal conservation – Protect the future While we are sailing, watch for our local little blue penguins and our crazy diving gannets. An island stop is included, where you get to explore a historic scenic island walks, snorkeling at the beach. Bbq lunch aboard Carino NZ, a cash bar available.

Rotorua’s volcanic history has created a landscape of lakes. See some of the most spectacular ones on this half day tour, traveling in a small group with a knowledgeable guide. Exercise your legs with a bushwalk, watch springs bubble, and learn about the natural processes which have shaped this land of fire and water.

Even on the cloudiest night, the New Zealand glowworm lights up the darkness in a lucky few spots across the country. This short evening bush-walk departing from Rotorua involves a short drive, a walk through picturesque native bush and the chance to see these increasingly rare creatures. Tack this tour onto the end of a thrilling day in Rotorua instead of hiring a car for an almost two-hour drive west to visit the exceedingly popular Waitomo Caves. This is one of the easiest ways to experience Aotearoa’s unique glowworm habitats.

This full-day Bay of Islands tour with wine tasting is designed for cruise ship passengers who want to make the most of a short stay in the area. You’ll travel with a private guide, so you have the freedom to adjust the itinerary, go at your own pace, and ask questions. Visit several must-see sights around the Bay and some of New Zealand’s best vineyards at Kerikeri, all on an easy day trip.

This full-day Bay of Islands tour has been especially designed for cruise ship passengers, so you can get the most out of your short time in the area. You can choose to see natural spots like waterfalls and glowworm caves, or sites of historical importance, like the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi. The choice is yours, as this is a private tour just for you and your party.

The Bay of Islands is one of the most visited destinations of New Zealand’s North Island, but it has the traffic to match. Escape the crowds on this private 6-hour tour and enjoy a personalized itinerary, taking in attractions such as Wharepuke Falls, Rewa’s Village, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and Rainbow Falls.

Enjoy a private half-day sightseeing tour of the Bay of Islands region led by a knowledgeable guide. Personalize the itinerary with options including historical sites like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, The Stone Store and Kemp House in Kerikeri, and Russell — where Europeans first settled in New Zealand. See St Paul's Anglican Church in Paihia, learn about Maori culture at Rewa‘s Village, and admire natural attractions including marine wildlife, Haruru Falls and Rainbow Falls. Or check out wineries and gourmet shops with handmade treats, fine wine and fresh seafood.

The Bay of Islands encompasses 140 small, mostly undeveloped islands surrounding North Island. Explore a few highlights on this half-day tour with a local guide. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the site of the first treaty between British settlers and the indigenous Maori people. You’ll also visit Haruru Falls, Kemp House, Rainbow Falls, Rewa‘s Village, the Stone Store, St. James’ Anglican Church, and more.

We specialise in personalised small group tour up to 14 people., much more affordable the the Ships own Tours. Most of our Guides are local and some were born here . Discover this diverse from Beautiful Beaches, Million dollar homes , Kiwifruit farm, to the lakes and geothermal area in the comport of our air conditioned vans. Maximise your time while in Port and we Guarantee you back to your ship on time !

Visit the ever-popular Waitomo Glowworm Caves when your ship pulls into the Port of Tauranga. You'll travel in the private comfort of a luxury Mercedes vehicle on a full-day shore excursion. You'll ride a boat into the glowworm caves, amble through native New Zealand bush to reach Aranui Cave, and visit the Kiwi House. Entrance fees to the caves are not included.

When your cruise ship docks in Tauranga, head out for a full-day tour of Mt. Maunganui and Rotorua. In Rotorua, learn about Maori culture, and see geothermal hot pools and the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa—The Living Maori Village. Sample New Zealand specialties such as manuka honey and kiwi fruit, and spend time checking out highlights including Lake Rotorua and Government Gardens.