Top North Island Sightseeing Tours

See Auckland’s major sights and attractions with a hop-on hop-off city bus tour. Perfect for first-time visitors to Auckland, it’s a great way to explore the city. Complete with English audio commentary, the bus tour takes about an hour to complete. Enjoy the flexibility of a 1-day or 2-day pass, and hop off at key points, such as Parnell Village, Auckland Museum or the Sky Tower, at your leisure.

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.

Take in the highlights of New Zealand’s largest city on this half-day tour of Auckland and benefit from an expert guide and small group size. Admire views of Auckland Harbour and drive over the Harbour Bridge; gaze out over the city from the top of Mt Eden; visit K Road, the Auckland Domain, and the Mission Bay beaches; and explore atmospheric neighborhoods such as Parnell, Ponsonby, and Northcote Point.

Carved in the 1970s by one of Aotearoa’s master Māori carvers, the Mine Bay rock carvings are a striking Taupō attraction. They’re also impossible to access on foot, so hop on board a charming replica steamboat and take a scenic cruise out to the carvings instead. Learn all about the history and the myths behind the carvings from your steamboat crew, and along the way enjoy pristine views of Lake Taupō and beyond, including the nearby volcanoes Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe.

Whether it’s your first time in Wellington or you just want to see as much as possible during your time in port, this half-day sightseeing tour offers a great introduction to the city and a diverse range of sights. Visit the iconic Weta Cave and the historic Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, ride the Wellington cable car to the top of the city, and enjoy panoramic views from the top of Mount Victoria.

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.

Cover plenty of ground in one day by combining several North Island highlights: Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton, and Rotorua. Ride a boat through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves to see these radiant lights. Take a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you find the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill and the home of Bilbo Baggins from ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ Enjoy lunch at Te Puia, home to Pohutu Geyser. You can start and finish your tour in either Auckland or Rotorua, traveling one-way or round-trip.

The fictional, yet globally famous, village of Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves rank among the most popular sites of interest in New Zealand. On this tour, visit both sites in one day—see the home of Bilbo Baggins and explore Waitomo’s subterranean caverns—and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this limited to 15 people.

Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day tour from Auckland that explores New Zealand's 'Middle-earth,' where 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' came to life on film. Travel through a landscape of lush farms, then take a guided tour of the 12-acre (4.8-ha.) Hobbiton Movie Set, from hobbit holes to gardens and the Green Dragon Inn. With free time to shop and explore, this tour includes transport from selected locations in Auckland, and it's limited to 16 travelers to ensure personalized service.

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.

This small-group day trip from Auckland features the highlights and hospitality of Rotorua. Visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute of Te Puia, witness the thermal activity of the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, and tour the city with a knowledgeable guide. Opt for additional free time to explore on your own, or upgrade for a private soak at the Polynesian Spa, a visit to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, or a Maori concert. You have the flexibility to return to Auckland or end with drop-off in Rotorua.

With limited time to explore Auckland, this morning discovery tour takes in all the highlights. Visit sights including The Domain, Waitemata Harbour, and Queen Street; cross the Harbour Bridge to the beaches of the North Shore, explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Devonport and Ponsonby, and take in the views from Mount Victoria.

For fans of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, visiting the official Hobbiton Movie Set is a truly unforgettable experience. On this tour, enjoy comfortable round-trip transport from Auckland and extra attention from your guide thanks to the small group size. On arrival, explore the famous film set on a guided tour, hear behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the movies, and see the Hobbit Holes, The Mill, and the Double Arched bridge. There will also be free time to shop for souvenirs or purchase lunch at the Shire’s Rest Café.

Experience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the unequivocal beauty of the land with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made. You will be fully-guided around the 12-acre set: past Hobbit Holes™, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn where you will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth™ adventure.

With this shared arrival transfer from the Auckland airport to your Auckland hotel by comfortable minivan, you can skip the taxi line. Simply book your transport then start a hassle-free vacation with easy pickup outside the arrivals hall by your professional and courteous driver. Airport transfers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Waitomo Caves and Rotorua rank among New Zealand’s top attractions, offering natural beauty, geothermal features, and native culture in equal measure. Ideal for travelers short on time, this adventurous tour takes in both sites in the same day, with entry fees plus round-trip transport from Auckland included. Discover subterranean stalagmites at the famous Waitomo Caves and hit top Rotorua attractions including the Government Gardens and Lake Rotorua.

Book a shared departure transfer from your Auckland hotel to the airport for a hassle-free end to to your vacation. Skip the stress of hiring a taxi or waiting for public transportation. Instead, let a professional and courteous driver pick you up curbside and transfer you to the domestic or international terminal by comfortable minivan. Transfers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Explore the Island Paradise, and sample some of the most divine wines that Waiheke has to offer. All while having your own private Guide, knowledgeable about local history, hidden gems, and of course wine! 12 Wine Tastings on 3 Top Vineyards included You will spend 4 hours in style – with privacy and attention unmatched by traditional group tours.

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.

Visit two of the North Island’s most popular attractions in one day on this small-group tour from Auckland. First, hear behind-the-scenes stories from the making of the 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' films on a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. In the afternoon, continue to Rotorua to explore the city and visit the Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, where highlights include geysers, volcanic mud pools, sulphur springs, and geothermal craters.

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).

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.

See the sights of Auckland on a 3-hour small-group shore excursion in the ‘City of Sails.’ A knowledgeable guide takes you by mini-coach across the Harbour Bridge to tour the city center. You’ll drive along Queen Street and the suburb of Ponsonby, take a stroll at Devonport’s Narrow Neck Beach, visit the Auckland Fish Market and see the city spread out before you from the summit of Mt Victoria. Numbers are limited to 18 people to ensure personalized attention.

Auckland’s Sky Tower has stood 1076 feet tall (328 meters) over the city since 1994, and is one of its most popular attractions, especially for first-time visitors. Save money and time by pre-booking your general Sky Tower admission ticket, which allows you to spend one to two hours at three observation levels. Get quickly orientated and spot key landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge, Mount Eden, and Waiheke Island.