Top Auckland Water 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.

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.

Make the most of your time in Auckland with a small-group tour that crams all the city’s best bits into just one day. Snap photos of Auckland Harbour Bridge, the Sky Tower and One Tree Hill; take in the views from Tamaki Drive and Mission Bay; explore vibrant neighborhoods like Ponsonby; and visit off-the-beaten-track attractions like Muriwai Beach, the Auckland Domain and Parnell.

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.

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.

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 Westhaven Marina and see the city spread out before you from the summit of Mt Victoria. Numbers are limited to 18 people to ensure personalized attention.

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 and learn about Auckland and its iconic sights from your captain. As evening falls, dinner is served onboard while you sail.

Get out of Auckland city for the night, away from the rowdy crowds and harsh neon lights, and experience a natural light party all your own on this intimate kayaking adventure. Paddle along Mairangi Bay, a short distance north of central Auckland, and have a close encounter with the bioluminescent plankton that live on the coast. Watch as they light up the beach at night, with only the sounds of the Hauraki Gulf and the native birds living nearby in the background.

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.

In your unique clearyak, marvel at the teeming marine life and striking underwater habitats of Goat Island Marine Reserve without leaving the comfort of your kayak. Look through your kayak floor as you paddle to see the residents of this historic reserve, everything from snapper to stingrays, swimming around beneath you. With this private hire package, enjoy an intimate ocean adventure without being surrounded by a group full of strangers.

This convenient day trip visits two of the North Island’s most popular attractions from Auckland in a single day, which would be difficult if traveling independently. The small-group, fully guided mini-bus tour takes you to several natural wonders, such as rivers, natural geothermal pools, and glow-worm caves. Your guide will tell you all about the natural and cultural history, to help you better understand what you’re seeing.

Bioluminescence is like Pandora of “Avatar” and scenes in “Life of Pi” Escape with us to the most pure and otherworldly experience that natural New Zealand has to offer. See the plankton glow in the dark from your first paddle stroke on the bioluminescent kayak tour. As the night grows dark, step into your very comfortable kayak and get ready for a personal encounter with this remarkable phenomenon. Our professional guide will lead you to the best spots where the glowing algae accumulates. You will be enchanted by how every stroke of your paddles leaves behind a glowing swirl of bluish light, and fish light up their path like shooting stars in the water.

Discover Browns Island's rich history near Auckland. Horses were swum across the harbor by early settlers, while Māori thrived with farming and fishing centuries ago, leaving behind remnants of pā sites. Even more intriguingly, remnants of the Sydney mud cockle were found within volcanic shell beds. In 1909, New Zealand's aviation history took flight as Alex and Claude Barnard launched a homemade flying machine from the island's peak, marking the nation's first aeroplane trials. Browns Island is a volcanic cone from an eruption 25,000 years ago, part of the active Auckland Volcanic Field. Now uninhabited, it's a recreational reserve turned wildlife sanctuary, home to native birds like tūī, pūkeko, silvereye, as well as unique wildlife such as skinks and geckos. For students and researchers, Browns Island offers educational opportunities in volcanology, geology, and environmental conservation, making it an ideal field study destination.

Journey by coach, ferry and railway from the North Island to the South Island of New Zealand during this 5-day trip from Auckland to Christchurch, or vice versa. Ride a boat into the Waitomo Glowworm Caves; see the geothermal wonderland at Te Pua and the Agrodome Sheep Show in Rotorua; take the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait from Wellington; and hop on a Coastal Pacific train from Picton to Kaikoura, where you’ll watch giant sperm whales at play. Enjoy overnight accommodation in Rotorua, Wellington and Kaikoura.

Explore the Riverhead Tavern Kayak Tour! Nestled by the tranquil Waitemata River, this historic gem is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and water adventurers. Paddle through serene waters, enjoy expert-led kayak tours, and embark on riverside picnics. Delight in waterfront dining, attend water-centric events, or stay in waterfront accommodations. The tavern promotes sustainable practices, preserving the river's beauty. Experience New Zealand's history and nature, crafting enduring memories along the Waitemata River's scenic beauty.

Travelers short on time will love this easy full-day group tour of the Bay of Islands from Auckland. Sit back and enjoy the journey north to Paihia, stopping en route at scenic Whangarei Falls. This tour includes a range of natural and cultural attractions, including a cruise to the Hole in the Rock, from which you can admire the islands that give the bay its name.

We’ll visit all the highlights: secluded beaches, glacier-fed lakes, Māori villages, mountainous ranges, lush rainforests and more adventure activities than you can imagine! The North Island is filled with surprising contrasts: from the idyllic Coromandel' golden beaches, to the geothermal wonderland of geysers, through the Middle Earth-esque countryside, have underground adventures in caves lit by glow worms, and admire lush rainforests and even a volcanic desert. But wait! There’s still the South Island to explore! Sailing between islands, you’ll get a grand entrance into this magnificent part of the world where you’ll get to enjoy marine wildlife, visit the home of bungy, traverse mountain passes, explore glacier country and then forge golden memories in the Abel Tasman. You’ll see a massive range of optional activities available to add, from bungy jumping and dolphin encounter to jet boating and scenic flights. None of these are compulsory; just add the ones you want.

Swap your morning routine for a spectacular 'Sunrise Sea Kayaking Tour'. Experience the magic as we meet one hour before sunrise during dawn's nautical stages and journey through civil twilight. The "golden hour" awaits, capturing nature's finest moments. Embark on a sea kayaking adventure from Auckland CBD to Browns Island (Motukorea) and savor the beauty of the sunrise. Ideal for beginners, this expedition offers stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour. Keep an eye out for marine life, birds, and the possibility of encountering dolphins and whales while basking in the morning light. Sunrises offer renewal and inspiration, symbolizing fresh starts and the potential for growth. They invite inner calm and mindfulness, fostering tranquility, reflection, and gratitude. Sunrise experiences highlight nature's beauty, connecting you with the world and fostering appreciation. They infuse energy and vitality, awakening the senses and boosting mood. Embrace the sunrise!

You’re probably wondering what makes this tour a little fancier than some of our others with similar itineraries? Well, it’s pretty simple – along with a number of extra-special itinerary inclusions, the biggest difference is you'll stay in comfortable twin-share hotel accommodation. That’s right: say au revoir to busy budget dorm rooms – you get a twin-share room to lay your head down each night. Haka Plus Tours are great for couples or friends who are travelling together. If you’re travelling alone, we’ll match you with someone for an instant road trip pal! Or if you’d prefer a room to yourself, that’s no trouble at all. You have the option to upgrade to a private room as well. We kick off in Auckland and 20 days later we wave goodbye in Christchurch. Along the way you’ll get to see some of the most breathtaking scenery New Zealand has to offer. This includes national parks, rainforests, hidden pools, UNESCO World Heritage Areas, and probably more beaches than you have toes.

Our Eco Tour provides a fantastic 3.5 hours exploring the natural wonders of the Long Bay Okura Marine Reserve and surrounding native forests on foot and from a kayak. See and learn about some of the world’s most endangered shorebirds including the New Zealand Dotterel, Variable Oystercatchers, Caspian Terns, Royal Spoonbills, Bar-Tailed Godwits, and more. Hear about the amazing history of the area and see how early inhabitants used to live. Your local guide will pass on many stories and even teach you how to make bush scones and a cuppa. You'll kayak the amazingly diverse coast seeing open beaches, reefs, and estuarine habitats along with the wildlife that populates these areas. You will stroll through the beautiful forest and along the Coast looking at a range of natural wonders. For lunch, enjoy a cheese platter along with tea and scones at the historic Dacre Cottage. Canoe & Kayak was established in 1994, we have 30 years of local knowledge and stories waiting to be shared.

Experience the magic of a sunset tour as the day ends. We gather an hour before sunset, progressing through twilight phases, witnessing the "golden hour," ideal for introspection, pause to appreciate the day's events and contemplate your journey. Embark on Sunset Paddleboarding adventure in the Waitemata Harbour starting from Point Chevalier Beach. Enjoy the scenery as the sun kisses the water as it decends down from the sky. Explore beaches and rocky outcrops as we paddle along the coastal landscapes with the setting sun. Breathtaking beauty awakens your creativity and imagination. Express gratitude for life's simple joys and feel unity with the world. Sunset experiences offer serenity, reflection, and beauty. Embrace the Sunset!

Experience Waiheke Island through a leisurely, eco-friendly sea kayaking adventure. Discover its stunning beaches, clear waters, and diverse marine life, including dolphins and orcas. Try ocean fishing and spot native birds along the coast. Explore Whakanewha Regional Park's Nikau forest and native vegetation, offering shade in summer and shelter from rain. Encounter a variety of flora and birdlife on well-maintained paths. Relax at Batch Winery with vineyards dating back to 1998, known for Chardonnay, Syrah, and Pinot Gris. Enjoy a three-course meal with stunning views of Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City. Poukaraka Flats campground offers glamping, providing all you need for a comfortable stay in well-ventilated tents. Discover Waiheke's slower island life through sea kayaking, fishing, delicious food, and sun-soaked relaxation.

Explore the underwater world of the Goat Island Marine Reserve without getting wet when you join a glass-bottomed boat tour. Learn more about New Zealand’s first marine reserve and the wonderful biodiversity around the island. Sail into dramatic caves and admire views of other offshore islands, such as Little Barrier Island. The Goat Island and Matakana areas are an easy half-day trip north of Auckland city.