Top North Island Nature and Wildlife Tours

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.

We offer personalised tours with local guides who understand and appreciate the history and ecology of this beautiful natural harbour. We share stories of the land and sea and offer you the opportunity to participate in pest species control to help protect New Zealand's natural flora and fauna. Photographs are taken by our guides and supplied to you by email, free of charge.

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.

Beach riding is not readily available in lots of places in NZ. All levels of ability catered for with horses to suit riding level.

Spend the afternoon traversing the rolling hills and forested valleys of the central North Island on this horse riding adventure with a unique twist. Using natural horsemanship techniques, spend some time before you ride getting to know your horse and building a trusting relationship, with guides on hand to help you build that relationship and, if you’re new to riding, how to ride. After that, head out into the open fields and ride alongside the Rangitikei River, enjoying grand views stretching out to the horizon.

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.

Join a Bay of Islands sightseeing tour from the Waitangi Port. See some of the best locations that this region has to offer while your ship is berthed in the harbour, including a guided tour of Kawiti Glowworm Caves, a stop at the picturesque Kerikeri, with tastings at Makana Confections, and a visit to the beautiful Haruru Falls and lookout point over Waitangi and the Bay of Islands.

We offer an authentic, hands-on New Zealand Farm experience. Fun for all ages, the farm offers a truly unique and unforgettable day out. Follow the farm's walking tracks and get up close to our many rare-breed farm animals. All are friendly and can be handfed. - Sheepshed Museum - Native Bird Reserve - Early NZ Milking Shed Museum - Fantastic Kids' Play Areas Named one of the AA's ""101 Must Dos for Kiwis"", voted one of the Coromandel's best visitor attractions, and a Pride of New Zealand Award winner for our conservation work, Bullswool Farm & Nature Park is a Southern Coromandel icon, and an unmissable Kiwi rural adventure!

Being immersed in friendly farm animals. Up close and personal interactions with many animals, such as goats, sheep, pig, horses, ponies and miniature ponies, dog, chickens and any others that we have at the time. Creating memorable animal experiences. Horse riding and pony available dependent upon weight of rider. Can only cater for up to 60kg unless plenty of warning is provided and I have a larger horse I can use :)

With over 30 Grade 2 (easy) rapids, amazing scenery and a riverside lunch, the 13 km section of the Rangitikei River downstream from River Valley Lodge is perfect for all ages.   On the way down the river, immense cliffs cradle the river canyon. It is in one of these sections that we stop and have a picnic lunch. From there it is a relaxing float out to the take out, followed by a scenic drive back to River Valley Lodge. For those wanting more of an adventure, we can run this trip with inflatable kayaks. Or, for those who are less active we can take oared rafts. This is a full day trip, departing from River Valley Lodge at 9.30am.  You will be spending approximately 4 hours on the river, plus a stop for your picnic lunch along the way.

Leave civilization behind for a day and trek through the subtropical rainforest of New Zealand’s Northland region. An experienced guide introduces you to this North Island wilderness near Kaitaia. Choose from a variety of outdoor activities including birdwatching, orchid hunting and spotting ancient kauri trees in their natural environment. Learn about the native flora and fauna while you soak up the tranquil atmosphere.

Northland Outdoor Adventures (NOA) offer so much more than just a paddling trip. Whether you are a salty sea dog from way back looking for adventure or a complete beginner wanting to experience the ocean environment in the unique way only a sea kayak can offer, we have trips to suit. All our kayak trips, short and long, are fully catered making carefree easy tours for our lucky guests. Northland Outdoor Adventures will show you a side of N.Z. you will struggle to find elsewhere, our quality and experience is second to none.

Enjoy on a morning guided tour of Hamilton Gardens, a 133-acre (54-hectare) site located along the Waikato River. Stroll among 21 themed gardens that exemplify botanical history and style. You’ll explore museum-style exhibitions of garden collections that represent civilizations throughout the world, from a Chinese dynasty to the Italian Renaissance. Learn from your docent how the garden was transformed from a garbage dump to this international treasure and popular attraction.

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.

With only three tours a week and a handful of spots on each tour, make sure to book in advance for this small-group gourmet experience on the Coromandel coast. Spend the morning on a tranquil bush walk from Homunga Bay to the Waihi Beach, then stop on the beach for a picnic lunch full of locally-sourced produce. Afterward, enjoy the complex tastes of a ‘garden-to-plate’ dining experience at a local bistro, and pick your own complimentary gelato at a nearby creamery for dessert.

Explore the Waikato region on this all-day guided tour. First, hike to the top of the tallest waterfall in the North Island then take a short walk along the banks of the Te Waihou stream before sitting down for a gourmet picnic lunch at the Blue Spring. Since the region is known for its dairy farming, visit a local cheesemaker to sample some wares before heading to Vilagrads, a family-owned winery where you can sample a selection of wines and ports.

We are passionate about the Coromandel and, as this is our playground, our local guides are able to showcase what the peninsula has to offer better than anyone and give you an insight into the local life. We design the tour according to low tide times on Hot Water Beach and make sure you make the most of the experience by providing shovels and a guide to help you find the perfect spot for you beach bath.

Our experienced guides have a wealth of information about the local flora, fauna, history and culture of the northern Coromandel. This is the rugged remote wild side of the Coromandel peninsula that many of the visitors miss out on as the gravel roads up north get hard to travel on. We keep our group sizes relatively small and use a 4WD to access the tricky roads up north.

We will host you and share this amazing park with you. Your expert guide will point out the unique geology, flora and fauna and cultural history that makes Tongariro special. The full day option involves; - Pick up/meet in Rotorua 8.00am / Taupo 9.00am (One-hour travel time from Taupo or 1 hour 45 minutes from Rotorua) - Start the day with the Taranaki Falls walk (2 hours), take in stunning views of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe, continue on to the Tama Lakes if fitness allows (4 hours) or add Lake Rotopounamu if group is less fit). Lunch will be on route as day allows - Return to Taupo / Rotorua

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.

This action-packed Rotorua tour will give you access to incredible outdoor beauty, teach you about Maori culture, and allow you to taste a delicious Hangi feast too. By going on a guided 4WD tour—you’ll be able to visit remote places you wouldn’t discover alone and spot native wildlife. Conveniently, all entrance tickets are included, and you’ll enjoy Maori performances at Maori Village. When you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll be treated to a delicious Hangi feast served from a buffet.

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.

Immerse yourself in the nature and ecosystem of New Zealand—and lookout for the islands' national bird, the kiwi—on this full-day ecotour from Auckland. In the company of a guide, walk through the Tawharanui forests with a small group of just seven people or fewer, taking in sights of local flora and fauna and listening to engaging commentary from your guide. Stop for a picnic dinner to cap off your day before returning to Auckland. Please note: A reasonable level of fitness is required by participants.