Top North Island Shore Excursions

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.

Let seafaring experts show you the best of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands by land and by water on this adventure cruise. With 144 different isles, it can be hard to know where to start, but your captain and crew know all the best spots to swim, snorkel, stand-up paddleboard, and spot marine life. Hop off at two hand-picked islands for a hike to panoramic lookout points and beachside tea with biscuits.

Discover the wines and scenery of Waiheke on a half-day wine tour from Auckland. Hop the morning ferry to Matiatia to join your guide, and hear insightful commentary as you travel by minivan to three wineries for tastings. You have the option to purchase lunch at the second winery, and you can either remain on the island at the end of the tour, or return to Auckland by ferry.

When your ship docks in Waitangi Wharf, explore the beautiful Bay of Islands and see the best of New Zealand’s spectacular North Island. Travel through the Bay of Islands with your guide and take in top attractions including Kawakawa and the Kawiti glowworm caves. Explore the Puketi Forest’s rich ecological diversity, sample New Zealand sweet treats at the Makana Chocolate Factory, and gaze out over the Haruru Falls and the Waitangi River.

Travelers short on time in Auckland will enjoy this small-group half-day tour that includes the city’s must-see highlights. Learn more about the City of Sails and enjoy the views as you visit the Auckland Harbour Bridge, the North Head Historic Reserve, Mount Eden, and other attractions. Handy round-trip transfers are included from hotels in the CBD or Princes and Queens Wharfs.

On this full-day shore excursion, take a journey deep into Middle Earth without the stress and strict scheduling of a large group tour. Drive from Tauranga into the heart of the Waikato with a small group and guide, also spend some time in the secluded New Zealand bush at McLaren Falls Park and see the striking titular waterfall.

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

Whether it’s your first time in Wellington or you just want to see as much as possible during your time in port, this half-day sightseeing tour offers a great introduction to the city and a diverse range of sights. Visit the iconic Weta Cave and the historic Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, ride the Wellington cable car to the top of the city, and enjoy panoramic views from the top of Mount Victoria.

See the highlights of Rotorua on a full-day shore excursion from Tauranga. You’ll travel to one of New Zealand’s famed regions in the North Island, observing otherworldly landscapes and Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa’s thermal springs. Visit Okere Falls at the Bay of Plenty; receive a traditional welcome at an authentic Maori village where you’ll watch a 'haka' (war dance); and view the Government Gardens, a historic bath house and more in Rotorua.

Spend the morning or afternoon visiting Middle-earth on this half-day 'The Lord of the Rings' tour from Wellington. A guide with insider knowledge entertains Frodo fans on a journey into the scenic New Zealand countryside. Get a behind-the-scenes look at LOTR movie production on a tour of Weta Studios and discover why director Peter Jackson selected this region to film the renowned trilogy along with ‘The Hobbit’ movies.

Discover the flavours of Waiheke Island, a stunning Island of wine, on a vineyard tour with lunch included at an award-winning restaurant directly across from the beach; you don't get to eat right across the beach every day! So Enjoy along the way the stunning views of the island's beaches, villages, and homes while learning about the local culture, people, history, geography, Maori Culture, and Waiheke produce. Try Waiheke wines from Rose, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, sparkling wine, and Syrah and Bordeaux blends. Enjoy a gourmet lunch at an award-winning restaurant on the white-sand beach in Onetangi, on the north coast of Waiheke Island with incredible views out toward the Hauraki Gulf with a glass of wine to compliment your meal. After lunch, we will continue to Onetangi Valley where we will stop and taste more award-winning wines. These tours are shared with other guests and are a great way to meet new friends from all over the world. See less

This half-day shore excursion from New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty highlights the rural riches of the Tauranga region. Enjoy samplings of manuka honey in this tranquil corner of the North Island where rolling farmlands dot the landscape. Head into the Kaimai mountains and follow your guide on an easy walk to the waterfall at McLaren Falls Park. A maximum of 19 participants ensures a small-group experience.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at nine ‘The Lord of the Rings’ locations around Wellington and learn about the filming of movies based on the popular books. On a tour of the New Zealand countryside, see re-created scenes of Middle-earth including the Hutt Valley and the Greenbelt, take a forest walk through Tolkien’s Rivendell, and step into Weta Studios for a movie production tour of digital special effects. Your guide shares insider gossip on how the movies were made and takes you to a themed lunch.

See Auckland's wild side on this half-day tour from Auckland. Visit the iconic Mt Eden volcano before travelling to Piha Beach. Walk on the black sand, then take a short hike through the forest to Karekare Falls. Visit a winery or brewery for lunch and tastings before being returned to Auckland. Please note the brewery is closed on Mondays.

An hour or so north of Wellington, Martinborough is fast making a name for itself as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading wine regions. Each weekend, Wellingtonians make the trek over the Remutakas to escape to this European-style wine village. This small group tour is a convenient way to visit Martinborough. There’s no need to stress about driving on country backroads, and no need to plan the day’s itinerary - leaving you to focus on the wine and the iconic scenery.

Black sands, native wildlife, and award-winning wine awaits you on this tour of Auckland’s wild west coast. Following pickup from your central hotel, you’ll travel to Muriwai, a coastal enclave whose windswept beach and waves draw surfers and visitors from miles around. Stroll the beach and visit the cliff-top gannet colony, then continue to a nearby wine estate, where you’ll taste a selection of local varietals and blends.

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.

Make the most of your time at shore and explore the beautiful Tauranga Harbour during this half-day tour. Visit beautiful beaches, orchards, historical landmarks and more as you listen to engaging commentary from your guide about the history and culture of the region. You even get to sample local produce such as Manuka honey, kiwifruit, and avocado.

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.

This day experience takes visitors to the famous geothermal sites of New Zealand, departing from Mount Maunganui and travelling to Rotorua, before returning to the former when the tour is over. Pass by Tauranga and the Harbour Bridge before stopping at the Pohutu Geyser and Okere Falls in Rotorua.

When your cruise ship docks in Tauranga, gain insight into New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage on a shore excursion to Rotorua. At the Te Puia Maori cultural center, discover boiling mud pools and Pohutu Geyser on a walk through the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley; learn about Maori customs at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute; and spot the elusive kiwi bird.

Hop on a complimentary shuttle from the cruise terminal when your ship pulls into port, and meet your guide at Napier for a 3-hour sightseeing tour of the CBD and surroundings. This guided shore excursion includes highlights such as the sailing yachts at Ahuriri Marina, the orchards of the scenic Esk Valley, and panoramic views of Hawke’s Bay. Vsit my colorful garden and enjoy complimentary wine cheese and crackers out amongst the vines

Discover the history, scenery and delicious food produce of Tauranga on this guided tour. Take in stunning views of the area’s natural beauty, from Mount Maunganui to the sandy beaches. Visit important historical sites and discover the area’s rich local industries including kiwifruit and avocado produce. Taste delicious, locally grown fruit and meet the people behind these world-renowned industries.