Top North Island Nature Walks - page 2

Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing through Tongariro National Park on a full-day guided trek that explores a spectacular volcanic landscape. Cover several miles of trail past volcanic craters, mountain springs, and vivid alpine lakes, with views of active volcanoes. Traveling with a guide means you are fully prepared and equipped for the challenging terrain of Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's gorgeous in summer or winter.

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.

Enjoy an intimate atmosphere and plenty of chance to ask questions on this small-group tour of Coromandel from Auckland. With round-trip transportation, you'll have time to focus on the landscape during the scenic drive instead of directions and navigation. Listen to commentary from your guide as you visit highlights such as Hot Water Beach, the Coromandel Peninsula, and others. Take some bush walks, relax on the beach, and try local food; this comprehensive tour lets you really get to know Coromandel.

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.

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.

Explore the mysterious geothermal landscape of Rotorua with this self-guided tour. After gaining access to the geothermal site, follow the well-marked trails to see colorful steaming lakes, thermal pools, geysers and more. As you wander, enjoy being immersed in native forest, with the chance to also see edible plants. This is a wonderful way to explore the fascinating geothermal world of Rotorua.

Frequently referred to as one of New Zealand's most spectacular destinations, Omanawa Falls is situated in the stunning Kaimai ranges. At its heart featuring a breathtaking 35m waterfall cascading into a pristine pool surrounded by lush New Zealand native rainforest. Kaitiaki Adventures will lead you on an unparalleled, culturally integral, and historic guided walk that immerses you in the rich cultural history of the Ngati Hangarau people. A regenerative tourism experience in the unique cultural space of Omanawa Falls. Following the Omanawa journey our guides will transport you to both McLaren Falls and Bay of Plenty's best view point of Minden Lookout before heading back to the port via Mt Maunganui's Main Beach.

Discover New Zealand’s geothermal hotspots on a day trip from Rotorua to Lake Taupo, stopping to explore one of two remarkable destinations. Select Orakei Korako to see terraced pools of steaming water, or opt for Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland’s otherworldly colors. Limited to 11 people for more personal service, this day trip includes pickup and drop-off at centrally-located hotels, as well as entrance fees at the geothermal site.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are among the most visited attractions of New Zealand’s North Island and Aranui Cave is renowned for its fascinating Maori history. Explore the magnificent cave on this 1-hour guided walking tour and marvel at its unique rock formations, colony of cave wetas, and natural setting at the heart of the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve.

Hover above Mt Tarawera on a helicopter tour with a landing that includes a short, guided exploration of the volcanic terrain on foot. View the geothermal landscape of crater lakes and domes from the air, then get up close to the volcanic scenery as you learn about its geologic history from your guide. Soar above the Northern Lakes district as you take off from Rotorua.

Take a guided walk through the beautiful nature of Waiheke Island so you don’t get lost exploring the beaches and forests on your own. Your guide will point out native wildlife and birds, and tell you all about the unique plant life of New Zealand and the island. This is an ideal day out for active travelers who enjoy being outdoors, plus you can go swimming or relax afterwards, as the tour ends at a beach.

Experience the wildlife of New Zealand in the early evening with a guided 2,5-hour tour of Zealandia, a wildlife sanctuary located on the outskirts of Wellington. This after-hours tour takes place during the most active period for many resident animals, when they transition from daytime to nighttime activity. You may observe birds returning to their nests, hear nocturnal birds waking up, and learn how the sanctuary restores native habitat.

This is an introduction to Wellington, fun and informative, you will discover the real Wellington. Leaving from the grand Neo-classical train station, a quick walk to the Parliament grounds will provide insight into New Zealand and Wellington politics. From here we'll take a walk atop the major fault line to the botanic gardens, these gardens marry the exotic with the native beautifully, and we shall garner an understanding of New Zealand's unique flora and fauna as we walk through some dense New Zealand bush. Reaching the top of the gardens, at the top of the cable car, we'll take in the beautiful view, point out some landmarks and generally orientate ourselves. From here we will walk through suburbs and places 90 percent of tourists never see, winding up on Cuba st, the heart of the city, for a quick refreshment. We will finish at the national Museum on the waterfront. Guests are guaranteed to come away from this tour with a better understanding of Wellington and New Zealand.

Escape the crowds and get off the beaten track on this exclusive glow worm cave tour based out of a family farm. This private Glowing Adventures tour is tailored to your group and lets you move at your own pace through the sublime natural Waitomo Caves. See the mesmerizing glow worm displays and traverse the caves with your knowledgeable guide, with equipment provided. Don’t forget your camera on this intimate tour through this stunning natural wonder.

Waiheke Island is an artsy and creative place, and on this tour you’ll discover the best of its arts scene with the help of a local guide. Visit sculpture parks, artists’ studios, and galleries while learning about the creative history of the island—and without the risk of getting lost on the trails! The walk is leisurely so is suitable for a variety of fitness levels.

Rotorua’s volcanic history has created a landscape of lakes. See some of the most spectacular ones on this half day tour, traveling in a small group with a knowledgeable guide. Exercise your legs with a bushwalk, watch springs bubble, and learn about the natural processes which have shaped this land of fire and water.

Explore Waiheke Island on foot and gain insight into the region’s rich Maori heritage on a walking tour. Hike along winding trails and enjoy sweeping views over the beaches and Hauraki Gulf from the soaring coastal headlands. Along the way, listen as your Maori guide sheds light on the region’s deep roots and shares stories about the island’s past. Stop at a local vineyard and learn of the diverse grape varietals thriving in the fertile soils, then finish with a wine tasting.

Admire amazing views of the Central North Island of New Zealand with this scenic helicopter flight and short walking tour. Take in spectacular aerial views of the Tarawera Falls, bubbling geothermal reserves, crater lakes and much more. After landing in the hidden valley of Orakei Korako, explore a local geothermal wonderland, including hot springs and magnificent geysers, before your return flight to Rotorua.

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.

Nature lovers won’t want to miss this day trip from Auckland that combines two attractions: Sanctuary Mountain and Waitomo. A picnic lunch is included at Mt. Maungatautari, one of New Zealand’s largest pest-proof wildlife sanctuaries. With this private tour you’ll have the exclusive attention of your guide while joining a small group at the Footwhistle Glowworm Cave.

Active travelers can enjoy a guided hike amid the beautiful nature of Waiheke Island without getting lost. The small-group tour ensures that hikes are personalized to your needs and interests. Your expert guide will meet you direct from the ferry terminal, brief you on the day, and tell you all about the nature and history of the island en route. Have a leisurely and scenic lunch at Oneroa Village.

Hike across Waiheke Island, stopping at vineyards on the way, without the risk of getting lost on this half-day guided walk. Your guide will help you spot native wildlife—which is notoriously shy in New Zealand—and lead you to the best lookout points on the island. Sample some of Waiheke Island’s famous wines and have lunch at a vineyard.

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.