Top Auckland Nature and Wildlife Tours

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.

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.

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.

See the untamed beauty of New Zealand’s west coast on this North Island day trip from Auckland. Travel with a guide to the Waitakere Ranges, with a stop at the Arataki Visitor Centre overlook for views of the Tasman Sea out to the Pacific Ocean. Admire Maori carvings before a guided rainforest walk, then visit giant kauri trees and one of the area’s magnificent black sand beaches. Picnic lunch and light refreshments are included.

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.

Make the most of your time in Auckland and discover one of the top attractions in the ‘City of Sails’ with this Auckland Museum general entry ticket. Visit Auckland Museum, housed inside one of the city’s beautiful heritage buildings. Wander through the three floors at your leisure, and explore New Zealand’s diverse culture and rich heritage. Learn of the Polynesian voyagers who first populated these isolated islands many centuries ago and gain insight into the indigenous Maoris’ struggles against oppressive colonial rule.

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.

Enjoy time aboard a sailing yacht on Waitemata Harbour. Your Auckland cruise sets sail from Viaduct Harbour, passing the Auckland Bridge, Westhaven Marina, and Devonport while you listen to informative commentary on the sights. Relax as you take in the views or help the crew sail the vessel—it’s up to you.

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.

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.

Join an America’s Cup sailing experience aboard an authentic racing yacht on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour. Feel the exhilaration of yachting as you take the helm and participate with the professional crew, or just sit back and soak up the harbor views. No experience necessary.

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.

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.

Visit the Coromandel Peninsula renowned for its idyllic beaches, rugged terrain, and pristine rainforest—on this day trip from Auckland. Ride a narrow-gauge railway through native kauri forest to a viewing platform where you’re rewarded with views over the Hauraki Gulf. Your professional guide takes you to Cathedral Cove and to soak in a thermal pool at Hot Water Beach. A cafe lunch plus round-trip hotel transport are included on this small-group tour, limited to nine people.

Gain admission to Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE Aquarium at the Auckland waterfront. Discover the underwater magic of the Southern Ocean at more than 30 exhibits and nine themed zones. You can get up close to playful king and gentoo penguins at the Antarctic Encounter, see displays of jellyfish and stingrays, and stroll through the shark tunnel. Upgrade to go shark diving — with or without a cage!

Head out to the Auckland landmark of Rangitoto Island on this evening kayaking tour. After crossing the Waitemata Harbour to Rangitoto, embark on a leisurely walk to the summit to catch the sunset over Auckland and the Waitakere Ranges. You’ll then paddle back in the dark with the help of your guide, taking in the city lights along the way.

The Hobbiton movie set and the Waitomo glow-worm caves are two of the most popular attractions on New Zealand’s North Island. Visit both in one day and enjoy a more personalized experience on this small-group tour. Discover behind-the-scenes of the legendary LOTR films during a guided tour of Hobbiton, then cruise the underground river of the Waitomo Caves, beneath a glittering canopy of glow worms.

Combine a morning sightseeing tour of Auckland with afternoon wine tasting on this full-day excursion, including a winery lunch. Travel by minivan with a professional guide past significant landmarks, appreciate the views over Auckland Harbour, and enjoy a beach stroll. Then savor wine at three award-winning North Island wineries in the Kumeu wine region. Numbers are limited to 18 people to ensure a memorable experience with like-minded wine lovers. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Experience the North Island's top destinations in one day on a full-day tour to Wai-O-Tapu and Rotorua from Auckland. Have time to walk at your own pace around Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park, then take in the sights of Rotorua on a coach tour with stops along the way. Includes entrance fees, bottled water and snacks, live commentary from the driver-guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Volcanic beaches, native rain forest, and vineyards abound on this full-day tour of West Auckland. Begin with a wine tasting in Henderson Valley, then continue to the Waitakere Ranges, where more than 40,000 acres (16,000 hectares) of coastline and forest await you. Get elevated views of the reserve from the Arataki visitor center, explore the black-sand beaches of Piha and Karekare, and get close to the Karekare waterfalls. Then, enjoy an included lunch before finishing your tour with more wine tastings.

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.

See New Zealand’s coastal rainforest and black-sand beaches on a full-day shore excursion from the Auckland port. Visit Waitakere Ranges Regional Park for a guided bush walk and marvel at traditional Maori carvings and thousand-year-old kauri trees. Enjoy views over the Tasman Sea and savor a Kiwi-style picnic lunch on this small-group tour, with personalized attention from your professional guide.

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.