Top North Island Nature Walks - page 3

Home to serene lakes and powerful rivers cutting through the volcanic landscapes, New Zealand’s Tongariro National Park is widely considered the jewel in the North Island’s crown. Ideal for travellers short on time, this morning or afternoon half-day tour takes in some of the park’s most impressive features. Visit top natural attractions such as Taranaki Falls or the Whakapapanui River, and discover sites made famous in the Lord of the Rings movies.

Hike through the dramatic volcanic landscape of the central North Island without the risk of getting lost when you join a guided day hike to Mount Ruapehu’s crater lake. Learn more about the cultural significance of this geothermally active area from your guide. The track up the mountain is uneven so is best suited to active travelers with hiking experience. Admire the incredible mountain and lake views from the top.

Home to rugged peaks, deep crater lakes, and beautiful volcanic landscapes, the Tongariro National Park ranks among the North Island’s top natural attractions. On this evening tour, follow your guide along hiking trails to Mt. Ruapehu or the Taranaki Falls, and learn of Tongariro’s rich geology. As the sun sinks on the horizon, sip a glass of New Zealand wine and soak up spectacular views over the rugged scenery.

Get a bird’s-eye view of Rotorua’s Mount Tarawera on a thrilling helicopter tour. After catching sight of the dramatic crater lakes, Tarawera Falls, and Rotorua’s geothermal reserves, land on the mountain and enjoy a short guided walk for a close-up look. Personal headsets will allow you to hear your pilot-guide clearly.

Let the gardens speak to you as you take an immersive, narrated journey through the ages and across continents, from Ancient Egypt and Renaissance Italy to the modern day. Full of entertaining stories, insights and observations that will enhance and deepen your experience. Multiple stopping points in every garden, give you control over where to linger and which gardens you want to explore in depth. Listen to them all, or just the ones that most pique your interest, either way, our brand new audio tour will bring the gardens to life. Perfect for first-time visitors or those looking to delve into the deeper stories of the gardens, our audio tour is sure to provide unique insights into these iconic gardens.

Geothermal Walking Tour - we will meet at the Information Centre, Fenton Street Rotorua. The walking tour will include an informative guided walk, highlighting the natural geothermal wonders that has attracted tourists to our city for over 100 years. The tour will take approximately two hours. This is a small group tour, restricted to ten guests, giving you individulised attention

For private groups of 2-12, we offer a range of specialist walking options. We’ll provide a tailor-made itinerary and confirm all arrangements on your behalf. Small, personal and private walking tours with an experienced local guide A wide range of options including walking tours all over Waiheke Island, coastal tracks, art walks or guided wellbeing walks Itinerary and pace to suit your interests and requirements If you would prefer a shorter walk, please contact us for special arrangements If you are interested in visiting artist studios, please refer to our Private Art Walk

Worthy of a place on anyone’s bucket list. The volcanic crater of Mt Ruapehu and its milky blue waters are an impressive sight, making this a hike to remember. The lake changes colour from an amazing deep green to pale blue to solid dark grey depending on the craters temperature. Run exclusively for you and your family or friends, private tours are more flexible and can accommodate different fitness levels and avoid weather-exposed sections. We guide all year, summer and winter, with snow up until the end of December. This is a fantastic snow experience using crampons and ice axes. Please note this is not a track and is less stable walking than on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

The 12 mile (19 kilometer) Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered among the best day hikes in the world. Get the most out of it with a private guided hike. Your guide will know how to avoid the most crowded parts of the trail, and can cater to a range of fitness and experience levels. The weather is changeable on the mountain, and your guide will constantly check the conditions to keep you safe.

Download a vibrantly-narrated mp3 audio guide combined with a map detailing the area of your tour. Enjoy the action packed city of Taupo on this self-guided audio tour of the city. You will see how the stunning lake city of Taupo has gently transformed by taking you on a journey which will highlight its geothermal history and the massive lake on which it sits where water based and adrenaline activities keep many tourists busy.

We offer tours of the galaxy from the comfort of Earth. Part I: Hot Cocoa Ceremony (15 minutes) Part II: Pop Up Planetarium (45 minutes) Part III: Guided Telescope Viewing* (30 minutes) We aim to directly observe the craters of our Moon, star clusters, and nebulas in maximum resolution. You will be taught the basic celestial navigation used by our ancestors. We identify & explore the origins of the major European and Māori legends and ponder how these shaped the world we experience today. You will learn the difference between a star and a planet, a satellite and a UFO, a cloud and a galaxy. We will also gaze for long enough to see the sky slowly shift on it’s axis towards the horizon. Experiencing this phenomenon is the first step in conceptualising Earth’s position in the Universe.

Nestled on New Zealand's North Island, Duder Regional Park spans 148 hectares, inviting nature enthusiasts. Its diverse landscapes, from rugged cliffs to native forests, offer enriching walking tours, connecting visitors with nature and history. This guided walking tour will take you on a journey through different landscapes and secluded bays. Learn about the rich history and visit historical sites as you take in the breathtaking views, connecting visitors with nature and history Duder Coastal Clifftop Trail: This coastal trek boasts awe-inspiring Hauraki Gulf views. Guides share geological insights and conservation efforts. The Forest Adventure at Duder: Venture into the native forest, where towering pohutukawa and taraire trees thrive. Discover the Duder Te Ara Hura Trail: Unveil unique geological and cultural heritage through coastal, forest, and grassland sections. Sunrise and Sunset Walks: Witness the park's ethereal beauty at dawn or dusk.

Experience “Volcanic Extremes” flying over the active crater of “Whakaari” White Island before landing on the now dormant but extremely spectacular summit of Mount Tarawera. Both of these volcanoes are of significance, Whakaari more recently for the devastating 2019 eruption and Mount Tarawera for the much larger 1886 eruption considered to be the largest in New Zealand’s living memory. Different in the extreme, Whakaari is an active marine volcano and changes its activity on a daily basis while far inland Mount Tarawera stands impressively above its central North Island landscape. The mountains now dormant but no less impressive craters and domes are evidence of the massive eruption that shaped this area. Views from the Mountains summit are breathtaking, not only for the volcanoes deep craters but also for commanding vistas of the surrounding region.

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.

Hamilton Gardens is the Waikato’s most popular attraction, and completely unique in the world. It is a living museum that tells a story of cultures and civilisation through a collection of beautiful, inspiring, and iconic gardens. Book a private guided tour to travel across continents, slide through centuries, and stroll through history as never before. From the Ancient Egyptian Garden of 2000 BCE to the contemporary concept Garden of today, each beautiful garden is a window into a different time and place, celebrating the ideas and beliefs of its age. Your friendly and knowledgeable guide will take you to a selection of our most popular gardens, on a journey of hidden stories, secrets symbols and insights.

Enjoy this spectacular private walk with your friends, and you'll experience a little bit of everything – bush, beaches, headlands and vineyards. We start with a walk through restored and regenerating bush up to the headland for some breathtaking views of the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. We continue through lush, established bush tracks and rolling hills, where you’ll enjoy lovely views of valleys, vineyards and the sea. There’s time for wine tasting and/or lunch at two of Waiheke’s best-loved vineyards – Mudbrick Vineyard, Jurassic Ridge or Cable Bay Vineyards – with tasting options to suit all budgets.

The best way to experience the Aquarium, this guided tour focuses on our wonderful native icons including the Kiwi and Tuatara. Your chance to view Kiwi in our wonderful nocturnal house where day turns into night. Take a close look at Kiwi Egg, and learn about their quirky habits, favourite meal, and more from our knowledgeable guide. Tuatara can be tricky to spot - our guide will uncover the mysteries of New Zealand's 'living fossil' and then introduce you to our famous rescued Little Penguins along with some of our other residents.

For private groups of 2-12, we offer a range of specialist touring options (including driving and walking components). We’ll provide a tailor-made itinerary and confirm all arrangements on your behalf. Waiheke offers lots to see and do, including walking tours, coastal tracks, art walks and guided wellbeing walks. The itinerary and pace will be designed to suit your interests and requirements. If you would prefer a shorter walk, please contact us for special arrangements. If you are interested in visiting artist studios, please refer to our Private Art Walk.

Experience the twin headlands of Matiatia and Church Bay on Waiheke Island, walking with your private group and an expert local guide. This walk consists of two parts, with lunch in between. Sometimes we do the northern route first, and sometimes the southern. Why is that? Well, we often need to work around the tides! Northern route (approx 2 hours): We’ll walk around the Matiatia headland and past Owhanake Bay, enjoying beautiful views of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula. You’ll spot sea birds, native plants and, if you’re lucky, orcas or dolphins. We’ll stop for lunch at Oneroa Village. You can eat in one of the local cafes or have a picnic on the beach with food you’ve purchased or brought with you. Southern route (approx 2 hours): We’ll walk through Pio Rehutai Reserve and around the Church Bay headland through a sculpture park and a stunning bush reserve. We’ll pass hidden coves and amazing homes, as we enjoy view of the city and sea.

This 5-hour private group walk combines the best of Waiheke Island bush and beaches. Fabulous coastal views, seabird nesting grounds and lush forest trails will make this an adventure to remember! Experience some of the most majestic forest reserves on the island, including the magnificent Pohutukawa trees and Nikau Palms of the Whakanewha Regional Park, Glenbrook Reserve and Te Whau Peninsula. Enjoy fabulous views of Waiheke Island and back to Auckland. Learn about island life in the Rocky Bay area. Finish in time for a swim or packed lunch at the beach.

Join our Dark Sky Stargazing Tour in Auckland for a celestial adventure. Your expert guide reveals southern sky wonders using a laser pointer, Maori legends, star navigation, and star birth insights. Discover that 80% can't see the Milky Way due to light pollution; 79% have never seen a starry night. Explore celestial mythology with deities like Ranginui, Rehua, Whiro, and Hinenuitepō. Learn about captivating star patterns called asterisms ⁂. Stargazing nurtures awe, tranquility, and relaxation, reducing stress and fostering curiosity about the universe. It promotes a sense of connectedness and inclusivity. Embrace the cosmos, gain knowledge, and enjoy communal stargazing. Step outside, look up, and embark on a journey of discovery and wonder with us. If you would like to add glamping accomodation, food and drinks or photograpy please let us know!

Experience the Ultimate Day of Adventure and Relaxation on Great Barrier Island! Kick off your day with a flight from Auckland to Great Barrier Island! Feel the thrill as you soar above the azure waters of the Hauraki Gulf, anticipating the excitement that awaits in paradise. Touch down on Great Barrier Island and dive into a world of natural wonders. Start your day with lunch at a local eatery. Set out on a thrilling trek through the island's untamed wilderness to reach the legendary Kaitoke Hot Springs. Blissful Soak Amidst Nature's Embrace Arrive at the secluded oasis of Kaitoke Hot Springs and plunge into the rejuvenating thermal waters. Feel your worries melt away as you soak in the healing embrace of nature, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest. Serenity and Homeward Bound After your epic adventure, board your return flight to Auckland, carrying with you memories of a day filled with excitement, relaxation, and the beauty of Great Barrier Island.

Set off on an invigorating two-day journey from Napier to Mangatainoka Springs, where you'll be enchanted by the breathtaking landscapes of Hawke's Bay. Traverse the scenic Te Puia Track, luxuriate in the soothing natural hot springs, and spend a peaceful night at Te Puia Lodge, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the wilderness. This adventure offers a harmonious blend of outdoor exploration and rejuvenating relaxation amidst nature's embrace.