Top North Island Outdoor Activities - page 7

If you want to see Auckland's nature and gardens, this is a must-buy. We take you not only to Auckland's representative attractions, but also to the hidden gem-like places of Auckland.

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.

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.

Sail the Bay of Islands on a working tall ship aboard the famed ‘R. Tucker Thompson,’ built in the tradition of a 100-year-old Northland schooner. Ply the waters of the pristine bay, where you can help hoist the sails, climb the rigging or simply relax on board, then swim while anchored in a sheltered bay in the maritime park. Enjoy morning tea and a barbecue lunch, with an optional complimentary ferry ride from Paihia to Russell, where your vessel departs.

Active, adventure-seeking travelers will love this forest obstacle course south of Auckland. Don the provided safety gear and launch yourself into the course, which includes a series of obstacles including barrels and a flying fox, some as high as 100 feet (30 meters) in the air. You can even hire a camera to attach to your helmet to capture your adventure.

Immerse yourself in the timeless tranquillity of peaceful Paihia. With gorgeous sunset backdrops, our cruise makes for a perfect romantic evening or an escape from busy lives. Sit back and relax while your captain takes you to the best anchorages around the bay. Feel the wind in your hair on this true sailing experience.

See and do exactly what you want on a private full-day tour of the Kapiti Coast. Choose your own sights and activities from several suggestions, so every member of your group is satisfied. Spend time on the beaches at Plimmerton and Paraparaumu, enjoy the views from the Paekakariki Hill Road Lookout, and sample sweet treats at the Kapiti Chocolate Factory, among other options. All entry fees are included.

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.

The aim of this tour is to promote health and wellbeing through a fun experience exploring nature. After breaking the ice before we board the Barefoot Tours bus, enjoy scenic transport through the Waitakere ranges native forest. Snacks and warm up stretches on arrival to Piha. This adventure consists of four different walks in different areas of Piha ranging from 20 minutes to 1.5 hours to really get you familiar with the best spots you'd miss otherwise. Explore the many lookouts, caves, cliffs tunnels, native forest, rivers, hidden tracks, and waterfalls over the 7 hours. Discover incredible birdlife and landscape all day! Professionally guided by your passionate, qualified and safety conscious tour guide. Full transport between all locations, Healthy snacks, fresh fruit and cold water are included. Up to 10km total walking split up throughout the day. Some of which is Barefoot optional. The black sand can be hot during summer! Bring beach shoes if you have them.

Cruising is the best way to see the sub-tropical Bay of Islands. Do this in style aboard the Phantom, a live-aboard private yacht. Your hosts are an enthusiastic sailing family who have traveled the world in their yacht. Sit back and relax on board the Phantom while enjoying views of the islands and bay, with possible dolphin sightings and the chance to snorkel.

Discover the Remutaka Ranges' rich rail history & natural beauty on a morning cycle adventure, before heading to Martinborough for an indulgent afternoon of vineyard cruising and wine-tasting. 18km of easy/moderate riding.

Spend a magical evening kayaking on Lake Rotoiti, where you visit glowworm caves and have plenty of time to soak in natural hot springs before a barbecue picnic dinner. Paddle with an expert guide into lakeside caves only accessed by boat to see glowworms and crayfish, then revel in the sunset reflected on the tranquil waters. Instruction, equipment and round-trip hotel transport from Rotorua are all included.

Escape the crowds and get off the beaten track on this exclusive glow worm cave tour based out of a family farm. This private Glowing Adventures tour is tailored to your group and lets you move at your own pace through the sublime natural Waitomo Caves. See the mesmerizing glow worm displays and traverse the caves with your knowledgeable guide, with equipment provided. Don’t forget your camera on this intimate tour through this stunning natural wonder.

Walk among towering kauri trees in the Puketi Rainforest on a half-day, full-day or nighttime guided hike, starting from Okaihau in the Bay of Islands. A knowledgeable guide points out rare bird and plant species while you trek past thundering waterfalls on a moderately strenuous footpath though the subtropical rainforest — suitable for strong hikers. Numbers are limited to a maximum of six people to ensure a small-group experience. Morning or afternoon tea with optional lunch are included, depending on tour selected.

Get out of Wellington for the day and explore scenic wine-making country in South Wairarapa on a private tour. One benefit of going with a guide and driver is you can sample local wines without worrying about driving home. Visit two wineries, scenic Cape Palliser Lighthouse, and a seal colony, and relax over lunch at a top restaurant in Martinborough.

Take the family for a scenic float down Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River. The river section is a fun and beginner-friendly introduction to whitewater rafting with gentle rapids, easy swimming sections, and rock jumps for more adventurous kids! The river is flow dependent, so catching the trips after rain makes it a more exciting river tour. Staff at Wellington Rafting are full of life and live to share the fun-loving culture of the river with you.

Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing through Tongariro National Park on a full-day guided trek that explores a spectacular volcanic landscape. Cover several miles of trail as you pass volcanic craters, mountain springs, and vivid alpine lakes, with views across a range of active volcanoes. Traveling with a guide means you are fully prepared and equipped for the rugged terrain of Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's gorgeous under winter snows or summer wildflowers.

Race around native bush and back-country on the Northland coast at Waitangi Mountain Bike Park, located a short drive north of Waitangi and Paihia. Hire a top-of-the-line mountain bike and ride like the wind around some of the Park’s trails. Choose from over 20 trails – some suitable for beginners, others ready for more experienced riders.

Puketapu to Ahuriri Pub & Winery Ride - 4 wineries & 3 pubs 26km - shuttle leaves at 12pm every day. AFTERNOON TOUR we drop you to Puketapu Pub & you have till 6pm to cycle your way back to our base in Ahuriri experiencing some Hawke’s Bay hospitality icons along the way. Visit up to 4 wineries & 3 pubs - a great way to spend an afternoon with friends. Including ebike to make it easy. Meet us at our shop in Ahuriri, Napier 12pm. Jump in our shuttle to travel to Puketapu for the start of your cycling adventure. You will cycle the Puketapu river trails to Taradale to visit Church Road and Mission Estate wineries and then connect with the Ahuriri Estuary water trails to get back to our base in Ahuriri - a very enjoyable ride with diverse scenery and great stops. If you want extra riding then add in a diversion to Bayview on the inland lagoon farm trails and back to Ahuriri via the Westshore coastal cycleway - another 15km of gorgeous riding and one more winery to visit, Crab Farm.

Western Bay Scenic 2 Day Mountain Biking Tour Ride the Great Lake Trail on this 2-day Grade 3 mountain biking tour, a perfect way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Great Lake Taupo region. You will be biking the 19.5 km Kawakawa section (Orakau & K2K) on Day 1 and the 21km W2K section on Day 2. The Great Lake Trail is one of the most popular trails of the New Zealand Cycle Trail network. You will be riding along undulating pumice trails through native forest and wetlands, where the landscape unfolds to reveal stunning views across the water to the majestic volcanic mountains of the Tongariro National Park. Dramatic scenery combines with serene lake views, powerful waterfalls, native bird song and incredible trail quality to deliver an unforgettable experience.

If you’ve always wanted to surf, Omaha Beach is a great place to do it. It’s not far from central Auckland, so makes a great day trip for visitors to the city. Small groups (max. 12) mean instructors can tailor the lesson to your needs. Start with beach-based activities before taking your board into the ocean. Learn a range of essential skills, including safety, board use, and paddling techniques.

Auckland’s waterfront is an ideal destination for cycling, as it’s mostly flat and very scenic. Cover a lot of ground, learn about what you’re seeing, and avoid getting lost on this easy cycle tour. You don’t have to be super athletic as electric bikes make cycling easy, meaning you can focus on checking out the sights. Admire the views of Mission Bay, the Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Harbour Bridge, and more. This is an ideal tour for travelers who haven’t ridden in a while, or for mixed-ability groups.

Biking is a great way to visit wineries and explore Hawke’s Bay. With this tour, explore more than 10 miles (16 kilometers) of scenic, bike-friendly paths at your own pace, stopping at some of the region’s finest wine producers along the way. Opt for an available wine purchase pick-up service, so you won’t have to lug bottles around on a bicycle.

Located just five minutes from downtown Rotorua, the Whakarewarewa Forest features 100 miles (160 km) of twisting mountain bike trails. Book your bike hire for a half-day ride through this redwood terrain, considered one of the region’s top trail networks. You’ll find a variety of paths for all abilities on this self-guided bike tour.