Things to do in North Island
The unmissables
Most booked
Rotorua: Native Forest Zipline Tour & Wildlife Encounters★ 4.97 (4,675) · 2h 30m
Top rated
Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip from Auckland with Lunch★ 4.94 (3,123) · 11h
Best value
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour: Lord of the Rings & Hobbit Holes★ 4.83 (4,009) · 2h 30m
Recommended (7)
Rotorua: 6 Ziplines & 400m Tandem with Cliff Walk★ 4.99 (2,610) · 3hNZ$ 269View ›
Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Rafting & Free Sauna★ 4.98 (2,147) · 2h 30mNZ$ 135View ›
Auckland Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise: 4.5-hour eco-safari★ 4.59 (1,911) · 4h 30mNZ$ 219View ›
Māori Cultural Experience & Feast at Te Pā Tū★ 4.76 (1,694) · 3hNZ$ 280View ›
Skydive Auckland: 75-second freefall from 18,000ft★ 4.96 (1,661) · 3hNZ$ 345View ›
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Auckland: Small Group & Lunch★ 4.89 (1,637) · 9hNZ$ 315View ›
Taupo: Waikato River Jet Boat & Nga Awa Purua Rapids★ 4.93 (1,471) · 35mNZ$ 155View ›Top rated (10)
Tauranga: Wairoa River Grade 5 Rafting & Cliff JumpYou’ll dive straight into wild Grade 5 whitewater on the Wairoa River near Tauranga, guided by locals who know every rapid by name. Expect technical drops, laughter in unexpected places, and a final cliff jump if you’re up for it—all gear included, plus easy pickup from Rotorua if needed.
Glow-worm tour Rotorua: Night walk in native bushA nocturnal glow-worm tour in Rotorua takes you on a 2-kilometer walk through native New Zealand bush to witness glow-worms in abundance, guided by an experienced guide who teaches you about their life cycle. The small group (maximum 8 people) departs by minivan, includes light refreshments, and lasts 2.5 to 3 hours. Depart times vary by season, and the tour operates in most weather conditions.Is it for me?The guide speaks English and leads the commentary throughout, so you follow comfortably without language barriers. A moderate level of fitness and supportive footwear are needed for the 2-kilometer walk on uneven terrain, but children from age 6 can join when accompanied by an adult who can manage the pace.
Rotorua Redwoods: High Ropes Adventure & Forest BridgesYou’ll feel your heart race as you cross swaying bridges high above Rotorua’s Redwoods with a local guide leading the way. Hear stories about Whakarewarewa Forest, spot native birds, and test your nerves on zip lines and an optional descent — all safely geared up for two hours among giants. That moment when you look down is something you’ll remember.
Tauranga: 15,000ft Tandem Skydive & Scenic Flight Bay of PlentyYou’ll feel your pulse race from the moment you board the plane above Tauranga for this 15,000ft tandem skydive. Soak up wild Bay of Plenty views during a long scenic flight before leaping into freefall at 200km/h—with an instructor guiding every step. There’s even a chance to steer the parachute as you drift back down, heart pounding all the way.
Cathedral Cove: Small Cave Boat Tour & Marine ReserveYou’ll ride fast along volcanic cliffs, slip into sea caves only small boats can reach, and hear music echoing off ancient stone inside Orua Cave. Spot marine life from above or jump in for a quick snorkel if you’re keen—mask and snorkel are ready for you. Expect local stories from your skipper and views you won’t get from land—plus a few surprises if the weather plays nice.
Auckland Walking Tour with Tastings: Queen Street to Hidden LanesA small-group walking tour of central Auckland with a local guide, covering Queen Street, Albert Park, the Town Hall and Art Gallery, plus a tasting and refreshments. The group stays under 10 people, and the tour departs from Queens Arcade on Queen Street, a 10-minute walk from the cruise ship port. Children from age 5 are welcome; the route is 3–4 km with some steps and a short uphill section.Is it for me?The tour departs from Queen Street itself, a 10-minute walk from the cruise ship port, so you don't need a car or a separate transfer to join—just walk from the waterfront and meet your guide. If you're staying elsewhere in the city without transport, the starting point is central and easy to reach.
Te Mata Peak trike tour from Napier: 360-degree viewsA scenic trike tour from Napier that climbs Te Mata Peak, a 400-metre ascent through orchards and vineyards to panoramic views of Hawkes Bay and, on clear days, the volcanic Ruapehu. The tour departs from the National Aquarium, includes a certified guide, and spends roughly 30 minutes at the summit. Children are welcome from age 8; cruise passengers should contact the operator before booking, as the tour departs from the city rather than the port.Is it for me?Book this if you want the thrill of a mountain climb without driving yourself — the trike handles the almost 400-metre ascent to Te Mata Peak, and you spend the time taking in the views instead of concentrating on the road.
Bay of Islands Catamaran Sailing & Island Stop from PaihiaYou board at Paihia Wharf and sail the Bay of Islands for six hours on a catamaran with a maximum of 19 guests. You get a two-hour island stop where you can snorkel, paddleboard, swim or walk ashore—or simply sit and rest. Lunch is served onboard with dietary options available, and the crew handles the commentary on local wildlife and history while you watch for dolphins and penguins. The whole thing is designed so you don't have to arrange transport, equipment or timing yourself.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see the Bay of Islands without driving yourself or coordinating separate activities—the boat, the gear, the lunch and the timing are all arranged, and the small group size means you're not herded through the day.
Wellington: Private Full Day Tour with Cable Car & Local TreatsYou’ll ride Wellington’s iconic cable car without queues, breathe in wild coastal air at Owhiro Bay, snack on local treats with your guide Jo or Suzee, and wander centuries-old gardens buzzing with life. This private full day tour is all about real conversations and seeing Wellington through local eyes—expect laughter and maybe a bit of windblown hair.
Kaituna River Rafting: 7-Meter Waterfall DropYou paddle down 11 rapids and three waterfalls on the Kaituna River, including a 7-meter drop that's the highest rafted waterfall in the world. The guides are the owners themselves — Pete and Blue — both handpicked professionals from extreme whitewater backgrounds. All gear, wetsuits, and safety equipment are included. The whole experience takes 50 minutes on the water, with the base at Okere Falls near Tauranga. You need to be under 120kg, a comfortable swimmer, and reasonably fit.Is it for me?Right for fit swimmers aged 13–65 who want serious Grade 5 whitewater and don't mind the intensity — the 50 minutes are non-stop action, which is exactly what makes the three waterfalls and the 7-meter drop possible in one trip. Not suitable if you're over 120kg, uncomfortable in water, or have spinal or cardiovascular concerns.
Lowest price (10)
Auckland Walking Tour: Māori History & Waterfront LandmarksYou walk Auckland's central business district at your own pace, learning about women's suffrage, Māori volcanic mythology, and the city's European history through an offline app that guides you past nine key landmarks including Viaduct Harbour, Sky Tower, and Princes Wharf. The tour takes 90 minutes of walking time, includes lifetime access and works on Android and iOS, so you can start whenever you arrive and pause whenever you want.Is it for me?Right for anyone who wants to learn Auckland's history without being herded through a group — you move at your own speed, pause when something interests you, and keep the tour on your phone to revisit later.
Whangarei: Hundertwasser Art Tour & Māori Gallery AccessYou’ll walk through rooms bursting with Hundertwasser’s color, climb onto his award-winning afforested roof for 360° views over Whangarei, and step inside the world’s first dedicated Māori public art gallery — all with all-day access included. Whether you self-guide or join an interactive tour, expect sensory surprises and stories that linger after you leave.
Napier: Morning Art Deco Walking Tour & Earthquake StoryYou’ll join a small group in Napier’s city center for a guided Art Deco walking tour with a local guide. Watch rare earthquake footage before strolling past colorful facades and hearing real stories from residents. Expect sensory details—old film reels, cool morning air—and time to notice what makes Napier unique.
Art Deco Walking Tour Napier: 2pm Guided WalkA guided Art Deco walking tour in Napier that starts with a 20-minute film introduction at the Art Deco Centre, then moves into a 1.5-hour walk through the city's Art Deco precinct with a local guide. You'll wear individual headsets so the guide's commentary reaches you clearly even in open air. The tour runs at 2pm during summer and winter seasons, and children from age 5 are welcome.Is it for me?Start with the audiovisual introduction at the Art Deco Centre, then walk the precinct with a local guide and personal headsets—the context and clear commentary make every building's design details click into place.
Wellington: Te Papa Museum Entry for International VisitorsYou’ll step straight into Te Papa Museum on Wellington’s waterfront—skip the queue with your ticket and explore Māori treasures, natural wonders, and art collections at your own pace. Feel textures, hear local voices, maybe even taste Wellington coffee after wandering through stories old and new. It lingers with you.
Wellington Airport Transfer: Hotel Pickup & Fixed FaresYou book your hotel-to-airport shuttle online, receive instant confirmation with a voucher, and a driver picks you up from your Wellington city accommodation and takes you to the airport on a fixed fare with no meter. The shared minivan keeps costs down while the 24/7 schedule works around any flight time. Pre-booking is required at least 24 hours in advance.Is it for me?Book this if you're staying in Wellington's city centre and want to skip the taxi queue and meter anxiety—the fixed fare locks in before you leave your hotel, and the 24/7 schedule means you don't have to time your departure around limited shuttle windows.
Auckland Harbour Cruise: Rangitoto & Sky Tower from WaterYou board a wooden vessel at Auckland's waterfront and cruise under the Harbour Bridge, past the working ports and the Maritime Museum, with Rangitoto Island and the Sky Tower as your constant landmarks. The 1.5-hour route includes live crew commentary, indoor and outdoor seating, and a licensed bar; you're not narrated to death, and you can move around freely. It's the kind of tour that works whether you're visiting the city for the first time or you live there and want to see it from a different angle.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see Auckland's landmarks and working harbour from the water without arranging your own boat or spending a full day on a longer excursion — the fixed 1.5-hour route covers the main sights and gets you back to the city in time for the rest of your day.
Auckland City Centre to Airport: Shared Departure TransferYou book your pickup time and hotel location, then hand off the logistics to a professional driver who collects you from your Auckland city centre hotel and takes you straight to the airport terminal. The transfer includes luggage assistance, a comfortable minivan, and a fixed price that doesn't change based on demand or time of day. No waiting for a taxi, no arranging your own transport — just a straightforward ride that gets you there on time.Is it for me?Book this if you want to skip the taxi queue and arrive at the airport without arranging your own transport — the fixed price and 24/7 availability mean you're covered whether you're leaving at dawn or late at night, and the driver handles your luggage so you don't have to.
Auckland Airport to City Centre: Shared Arrival TransferYou get picked up at Auckland Airport arrivals, skip the taxi negotiation, and ride straight to your city centre hotel in a comfortable shared minivan with a professional driver handling your luggage. The price is fixed before you land, the service runs 24/7, and you arrive knowing exactly what you've paid and where you're going.Is it for me?Book this if you want to avoid the taxi queue and the uncertainty of negotiating a fare when you're tired—the driver is waiting, the price is locked in, and you're in your hotel without the friction of arranging transport on arrival.
Auckland Sunset Harbour Cruise: Harbour Bridge & Sky TowerYou board at Westhaven Marina and cruise beneath the Auckland Harbour Bridge as the sun drops, passing the Sky Tower, Devonport's seaside village, and the working Ports of Auckland. The crew gives live commentary while you move between indoor and outdoor decks, with access to an onboard bar for drinks and snacks. As darkness falls, the city lights come up across Viaduct Harbour, and you return to the marina after two hours with the light show complete.Is it for me?Book this if you want Auckland's main harbour views and the golden-hour light show without arranging your own boat or timing the sunset yourself — the fixed departure and two-hour route handle both, leaving you free to just watch.
Just added (3)
Waiheke Island Zipline Adventure from Auckland: Three Dual LinesA private tour from Auckland combining a 45-minute ferry crossing, three dual ziplines exceeding 200 meters each at EcoZip Adventures, and a guided afternoon visiting two wineries of your choice on Waiheke Island. The tour runs about five hours total, with a personal driver-guide leading the day and all transport and zipline admission included; wine tastings and meals are at your own cost.Is it for me?Your guide speaks English throughout the day, so you'll get the full story about Waiheke's history, landscape and wines as you move between stops. If you're comfortable on a zipline and want the commentary woven in rather than a silent ride, this setup keeps you in the loop.
Kayaking Motuora Island: Kiwi spotting at nightThis private sea kayaking adventure from Auckland combines a sunset paddle across the Hauraki Gulf to Motuora Island with a guided night walk through a predator-free wildlife sanctuary. You kayak from Sullivans Bay, explore the island on foot, then search for New Zealand's iconic kiwi using red-light torches while learning about the island's conservation story and Māori heritage. The 6.5-hour experience includes an experienced guide, all kayak equipment, kiwi spotting gear, and a hot drink with snack; pickup from Auckland is available as an option.Is it for me?Choose the private booking with pickup if you're arriving in Auckland without a car or prefer not to drive to Sullivans Bay; choose the no-transport option if you have your own way there. Either way, the small group size and private guide mean the pace and stops are yours alone, so the experience doesn't rush past the moments when kiwi calls carry through the dark.
Hamilton to Auckland Airport: Private Transfer & Fixed PriceYou provide your Hamilton pickup address and flight details online; a licensed driver collects you, handles your luggage, and drives you directly to Auckland Airport with timing built around your flight. The fixed price and professional route planning remove the usual friction of airport transfers — no negotiating fares, no shared stops, no guessing if you'll make it on time.Is it for me?Book this if you're leaving Hamilton for the airport and want the fare, timing and route decided before you step into the car — the fixed price and direct route mean you skip the usual airport transfer friction and arrive calm instead of rushed.
