Top North Island Sporting Events

The gannets at Cape Kidnappers are well known to conservationists and Hawkes Bay locals but, because their colony is situated on a private station, it can be difficult to get up close to say hello. With permits to cross the land, this tour offers an experience of the bay that most visitors to Napier miss out on. Cross Cape Kidnappers Station's riverbeds, gullies and pasture in comfort and style; your journey is operated using rugged, air-conditioned vehicles.

Journey out to Wellington’s south coast, looking out over the Cook Strait, and visit the region’s only fur seal colony. Journey out to Karori Rock’s ‘leaning lighthouse’ to meet this thriving community of once-endangered critters. Tea, coffee, and snacks are provided so you can relax and watch the seals in this isolated area that even many Wellingtonians don't know about.

Tick off the top attractions of the Windy City on this private full-day tour of Wellington. Experience the myriad delights of New Zealand’s capital as you take in the views from Mt Victoria, spot seals at Red Rocks, then go behind-the-scenes with a short tour of the Weta Cave, where the special effects for Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were created. After a scrumptious lunch at the Chocolate Fish Café (included), ride the cable car over Wellington and visit landmarks like the Botanical Gardens, the Parliament Buildings and the Beehive.

Ride along dirt tracks and trails on a 30-minute or 1-hour 4WD adventure in Rotorua, and experience New Zealand off-roading. You’ll explore rolling farmland and scenic native forests with an professional guide who will drive you to a viewpoint overlooking Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island. This small-group 4WD tour is limited to five participants per buggy.

Enjoy a private half-day sightseeing tour of the Bay of Islands region led by a knowledgeable guide. Personalize the itinerary with options including historical sites like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, The Stone Store and Kemp House in Kerikeri, and Russell — where Europeans first settled in New Zealand. See St Paul's Anglican Church in Paihia, learn about Maori culture at Rewa‘s Village, and admire natural attractions including marine wildlife, Haruru Falls and Rainbow Falls. Or check out wineries and gourmet shops with handmade treats, fine wine and fresh seafood.

Get out of your comfort zone on this challenging Bush Safari from Rotorua. This self-drive experience by 4-passenger 4WD vehicle takes you over steep climbs and descents, with guided instruction via two-way radio as you navigate waterfalls, lunges and tunnels. Upgrade to include a 4x4 Monster Thrill Ride or Raceline Karting, or do all three. Safety briefing and equipment are provided.

Get a true adrenaline rush with this Rotorua karting and monster 4x4 experience. Based at New Zealand’s newest and longest kart sport circuit, take the wheel of a go-kart and race around the track, reaching speeds of nearly 100km per hour. Next, jump in a monster 4x4 as your professional driver takes you on an exhilarating journey through native forest.

During this tour you will experience an encounter with mighty prehistoric giants that only a couple of centuries ago dominated the vast forests of the North Island of New Zealand. You will see amazing Kauri – our bewitching giants... ... and tiny and defenseless glow warms which bring to the darkness of the underground caves a mysterious bluish glow of an endless starry sky…

See and do exactly what you want on a private full-day tour of the Kapiti Coast. Choose your own sights and activities from several suggestions, so every member of your group is satisfied. Spend time on the beaches at Plimmerton and Paraparaumu, enjoy the views from the Paekakariki Hill Road Lookout, and sample sweet treats at the Kapiti Chocolate Factory, among other options. All entry fees are included.

Get away from the tourist crowds and explore the Bay of Plenty in a variety of ways with this combo ticket. Drive a four-wheel-drive buggy through dense native bush, ride a horse through the sprawling countryside, and shoot a few clay pigeons – all in an action-packed morning or afternoon. Ride down centuries-old forestry trails to isolated, hard-to-access locations with spectacular views of Lake Rotorua, Mokoia Island and the rest of the region.

This private tour ensures visitors their own dedicated driver/guide for the entirety of the experience. This tour captures the best of Wellington, including scenic drives of the bays; a visit to the famous Weta Cave and Workshop; a variety of memorials and monuments; the Parliament buildings; and Old St. Paul’s Cathedral. This tour is filled with history and culture.

Get out of Wellington city for the day and enjoy the rural atmosphere of Martinborough and the South Wairarapa wine country on this full-day wineries tour. Over the day you’ll visit four wineries and enjoy tastings at each, plus a delicious lunch at one. The tour is private and customizable so you can request in advance any specific wineries you may want to visit.

Experience the Rotorua Monster 4x4 Thrill Ride, an adventure inside an all-terrain vehicle, purpose-built with a roll cage. With an expert driver at the wheel, you’ll climb and descend nearly vertical slopes and tilt over to an angle guaranteed to get your heart racing. Upgrade to include a 4WD Bush Safari or Raceline Karting, or do all three. Safety briefing and gear are provided.

Enjoy a 7-hour private tour from Wellington to the South Wairarapa and Martinborough. Visit a chocolate factory, olive oil press and honey factory. Savor a platter lunch at one of the wineries we visit and local cheese and craft beer tastings. On the way back to Wellington, take in views from the Remutaka ranges.

Western Bay Scenic 2 Day Mountain Biking Tour Ride the Great Lake Trail on this 2-day Grade 3 mountain biking tour, a perfect way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Great Lake Taupo region. You will be biking the 19.5 km Kawakawa section (Orakau & K2K) on Day 1 and the 21km W2K section on Day 2. The Great Lake Trail is one of the most popular trails of the New Zealand Cycle Trail network. You will be riding along undulating pumice trails through native forest and wetlands, where the landscape unfolds to reveal stunning views across the water to the majestic volcanic mountains of the Tongariro National Park. Dramatic scenery combines with serene lake views, powerful waterfalls, native bird song and incredible trail quality to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Sip your way around Martinborough — a once sleepy colonial town that’s now a prominent wine village at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail — on this private day trip from Wellington. Following hotel or port pickup and a scenic drive through the Wairarapa, you’ll visit three of Martinborough’s renowned wineries. Enjoy a guided wine tasting at each and a lunch platter with wine at Poppies Martinborough. Then, choose to continue hopping around Martinborough’s wineries or travel to nearby Greytown, whose pretty streets are thronged with cafes and antique stores.

Escape from Wellington for the day on this private fully-day tour of the beautiful Kapiti Coast. Enjoy a variety of sights and attractions to suit your needs and interests, including the views from Paekakariki Hill, the Nga Manu Wildlife Centre, and the Tuatara Brewery. This is an ideal tour for travelers short on time in the Wellington region who want to explore beyond the city.

Enjoy the thrill of driving a 4-wheel drive through rugged New Zealand terrain with this experience. With a professional guide at your side, take the wheel and head though unique and challenging forest routes. Following this, get an adrenaline rush from riding in a massive monster 4x4, this time with your guide in the drivers’ seat.

The Bay of Islands encompasses 140 small, mostly undeveloped islands surrounding North Island. Explore a few highlights on this half-day tour with a local guide. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the site of the first treaty between British settlers and the indigenous Maori people. You’ll also visit Haruru Falls, Kemp House, Rainbow Falls, Rewa‘s Village, the Stone Store, St. James’ Anglican Church, and more.

Take a private two-seater buggy to one of the highest lookouts in the Rotorua region on this short forest adventure. Instead of hiking up the hills and working up a sweat, enjoy a wild ride to the top behind the wheel of a four-wheel-drive buggy. Your certified guide will drive you half the way there, but you can drive the rest of the way, navigating rugged, hundred-year-old forestry tracks cut into the dense Bay of Plenty forest.

Learn about vibrant Māori culture on this half day experience in Mourea, Ngāti Pikiao. Discover the heart of Aotearoa, admire stunning views and travel in a luxury 4WD on this guided tour. Start at the Rotorua Museum to gain historic context on the region. Travel to a local whenua. Learn the stories of whānau and immerse yourself in the spiritual essence of this land, home to Māori for generations.

Get out of Wellington for the day and explore scenic wine-making country in South Wairarapa on a private tour. One benefit of going with a guide and driver is you can sample local wines without worrying about driving home. Visit two wineries, scenic Cape Palliser Lighthouse, and a seal colony, and relax over lunch at a top restaurant in Martinborough.

Choose this day-tour for a personal and comfortable visit to a number of craft beer breweries in Wellington.  With beverages and lunch included, you’re all set to have a low-stress, informal day away from the hustle and bustle of your cruise ship. This is a great way to understand, from beer to beer, why the city is the craft beer capital of New Zealand.  Make the most of Wellington’s array of craft beer and its friendly, knowledgeable residents!