Top Auckland Nature Parks

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. *please note areas visited will differ depending on weather & fitness levels of the clients on the day. MODERATE LEVEL OF FITNESS REQUIRED. This tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues. The walks involve stairs and gradient changes.

Leave the planning and driving to a train conductor while you travel on the Northern Explorer, a long-distance scenic train service running from Auckland to Wellington. Experience the beauty and variety of New Zealand—from the farmlands of Waikato to the volcanic peaks of the Central Plateau and the sparkling Kapiti Coast—while riding a comfortable train. A great way to trade the grind of vacation travel for a bit of romance.

Go on a Hobbiton tour from Auckland and see the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, starting with a scenic drive through New Zealand’s North Island aboard a luxury coach. You’ll be enthralled by the illuminated Glowworm Grotto during an underground boat ride on the Waitomo River. Then pose for photos in front of hobbit holes at the Hobbiton Movie Set, home to Bilbo Baggins from ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogies. Picnic lunch included.

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. No worries about bringing a packed lunch with you as a buffet lunch and a drink at the Green Dragon Inn is included.

Art and garden enthusiasts won’t want to miss visiting the beautiful Sculptureum sculpture garden and art gallery in rural Matakana. Secure your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment as this is a popular attraction. Conveniently located north of Auckland, you can easily visit for a day or half-day from the big city. After admiring the art, relax with a coffee, meal, or local wine at the restaurant.

Save time and money by pre-booking admission to the Odyssey Sensory Maze. This admission ticket makes enjoying the sensory maze a bit more of a breeze. Skip past lines, let a rep give you a safety briefing and store your belongings in a locker, and experience the challenging spaces, illusions, scents, and sound effects of the mysterious maze. You’ll also receive a souvenir photo and discount on merchandise.

Pickup usually 0600hrs. Exit Auckland via motorway thru suburbia then follow Waikato River through Dairy/beef and sheep farming country to Waitomo Caves . This is a tour through limestone Caves to Gloworm Cave where you travel by water barge to see the gloworms, a magnificent sight. Then to lunch in nearby town of Otorohanga. On to Rotorua and Tour of Te Puia. See large boiling mud pools the magnificent Pohutu Geyser as well as modern Kiwi House for viewing of those natural fauna. Back to Auckland . See a lot of upper New Zealand in one day. Travel is by Mercedes SL350 Sedans or Viano/sprinter. Travel Time. This is significant in this tour, up to 9/10 hours in the Vehicle. Throughout you see rural New Zealand and country towns and rivers not usually seen by travellers. Usually leave Auckland 0600hrs return approx 2000hrs