Top North Island Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

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.

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.

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.

Experience a mystical journey through the sacred forests of New Zealand’s Maori people during this 4-hour evening forest walk in Waipoua with an indigenous guide. Walk beneath the giant Kauri trees of this forest sanctuary, including the majestic ‘Te Matua Ngahere’ tree, absorbing the site’s spiritual energy as you learn about the site’s significance to Maori beliefs.

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.

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.

The Bay of Islands is one of the most visited attractions of New Zealand’s North Island, and this private 6-hour tour from Paihia combines all its highlights with wine tasting in the Kerikeri wine region. Along the way, discover New Zealand’s colonial history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, marvel at natural wonders such as Haruru Falls and Wharepuke Falls, and immerse yourself in Maori culture at Rewa‘s Village.

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.

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.

Easily explore the area outside the Port of Tauranga during this guided tour that includes port pickup and drop-off. First visit a New Zealand kiwi orchard, and get the chance to taste the native fruit yourself. Catch sight of natural wonders such as Okere Falls, Blue Lake, and Whakarewarewa Forest before going to taste New Zealand honey at a local farm (time permitting).

Discover many of New Zealand’s top attractions in one day on this 6-hour private shore excursion to Rotorua from Tauranga Port. Sample kiwifruit and local wines at the Kiwi 360 Center, and admire the sandy beaches of Mt Maunganui with your guide. Travel past dense forests, shimmering lakes and rolling farmland to Okere Falls. Immerse yourself in Maori culture in Rotorua, and marvel at mighty geothermal activity at Whakarewarewa or Te Puia. See famous sites such as the Government Gardens, Blue Baths and Rotorua Museum before returning to your ship.

Go deep into Whirinaki Forest on a bird-watching tour that explores birding sites around the Bay of Plenty. Using the provided binoculars and a spotting scope will maximize your odds of spotting some of New Zealand’s rare birds in their natural habitat, and with help from a conservationist guide, you'll have the chance to identify everything from miromiro to yellow-crowned karkariri.

Explore one of New Zealand’s finest forest trails on this 7-hour hiking tour in the Whirinaki Forest from Rotorua. Travel from your accommodation in Rotorua into the Whirinaki Forest, widely considered among the world’s greatest rainforests. Follow your guide along hiking trails beneath the leafy canopy and marvel at mighty native trees such as ‘kahikatea’, ‘matai’, ‘miro’, ‘rimu’ and ‘totara’. Along the way, discover rich flora and fauna for which the forest is famous, and hear birdsong from the many different species of birds flying among the branches above.

Instead of hopping on a crowded bus for a scripted and impersonal introduction to the City of Sails, learn about its hidden gems and exciting subcultures from your own local tour guide. On this fully customizable walking tour, explore Auckland with a private guide and get their take on the city. Whether you’re curious about sports or theaters, nature or art, discover things to do and places to see that are tailored to your interests.