Top North Island On the Ground

Soar through the treetops of Waiheke Island on a zipline tour with aerial views of the Hauraki Gulf. After a quick ferry from Auckland, your half-day tour of Waiheke Island starts with a brief overview of the idyllic island by minivan and ends with an interpretive bushland walk. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 12 participants to ensure a more personalized experience in a small group.

Enjoy a dose of adrenaline and take in amazing views of native forest with this zip lining experience. For approximately 2.5 hours, fly through the air on ziplines, traverse swing bridges and wander along boardwalks as you get closer to the environment. This operation exists in partnership with a local Māori tribe, Ngāti Hinerangi. As part of their conservation efforts, plant a tree in your name on departure.

Experience the majesty of Mt Tarawera and gain insight into New Zealand’s rich geology on this 4-hour hike from Rotorua. Travel by off-road 4x4 vehicle into the North Island wilderness with a guide. Follow winding hiking trails from the base of Mt Tarawera up to the crater’s edge, and learn all about the mighty volcano’s 1886 eruption. From your vantage point near the crater, admire panoramic views over the geothermal valley of Waimangu. This exciting hiking tour is suited to adventurers of all ages.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Come visit a New Zealand attraction that’s sure to have you ‘glowing’ during this 45-minute small-group guided boat ride through the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Glide by boat through this underground complex, enjoying a light show put on by the millions of tiny bioluminescent insects hanging above. As an added bonus, many of the trip guides are of Maori descent, adding unique historical context to your visit.

While in Rotorua, see a cultural performance and take part in a 3-course seasonal fusion feast at Te Pā Tū, featuring lesser-known delicacies. A local guide escorts you by coach to the “marae” (Māori village) for an immersive evening that begins with a welcome ceremony by New Zealand's Indigenous people. Learn about local customs based on the Māori lunar calendar and watch a powerful display of song and dance.

Go Waitomo black-water rafting (cave tubing) for a memorable adventure in the Waitomo Caves. Choose a 3-hour Labyrinth experience that takes you floating underground on an inner tube, including a small waterfall jump. Or upgrade to the 5-hour Black Abyss for an exhilarating abseil (rappel) down limestone walls; instruction and equipment included. The resident glowworms, stalactites and stalagmites will amaze you! Finish with a hot shower, soup and bagel.

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.

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.

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.

Sail away on a harbor cruise in Auckland and enjoy a 3-course dinner during a memorable tour of Waitemata Harbour highlights, including the Sky Tower and Auckland Harbour Bridge. Set out aboard a sailing yacht from Viaduct Harbour, then enjoy service in the dining room while at anchor in Westhaven Marina. As evening falls, your expert captain shares informative facts about Auckland and its iconic sights.

Trek across stark volcanic terrain on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. This independent day hike takes you past Mt Tongariro with an optional side trip to the summit of Mt Ngauruhoe, located within the World Heritage area of Tongariro National Park. You’re provided with a round-trip transfer, map and information sheet to prepare you for the 6- to 10-hour trek.

The hills around Wellington offer a spectacular backdrop for a cycling tour, but you don’t need to worry about biking uphill. This 3-4 hour electric bike tour takes all the effort out of cycling, so you can concentrate on admiring the sights and enjoying the views.

Soar through the trees and experience New Zealand’s ancient native forest like never before on this incredible must-do adventure – Voted TripAdvisor’s #11 Adventure Experience in the world! You'll soar across 1200m of ziplines, experience New Zealand’s one and only cliff walk 50m above the forest floor, incredible swing bridges, controlled descent and an impressive 400m long tandem zipline so you can share the experience of our longest zipline together!

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.

Every member of your group can enjoy cycling around Wellington with e-bike rental that makes it quick and easy to get around. You’ll be provided with a quality e-bike, instructions, a helmet, a lock, and a cycle map of the city. Follow the map’s recommendations or create your own itinerary as this is a self-guided tour. Cycle with ease along the waterfront or up to some of Wellington’s hilly neighborhoods.