Tours and Trips in New Zealand

Watch for whales, seals and dolphins on a full-day wildlife tour of Kaikoura from Christchurch. Enjoy views of surf breaks and vineyards as you cross the Canterbury Plains to Kaikoura Township, then visit a thriving colony of fur seals before browsing downtown shops. Explore the coast by catamaran on a whale watching tour, and try to spot giant sperm whales, endangered albatross and dusky dolphins. See the sun slip behind the mountains on the return trip to Christchurch for the conclusion of your tour.

Experience the mythical world of Middle Earth on a half-day tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set from Tauranga. Explore the magnificent film set and admire original props from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies on a guided tour; see iconic sites such as Gandalf's cutting, Bag End, and the Green Dragon Inn; and enjoy a Hobbit-themed lunch (own expense) at the Shires Rest Caf e.

Learn about Auckland from an unusual perspective - through its many volcanoes. Pack a lot of sightseeing and discovery into an easy day trip with lots of walking, lots of views, and lots of fascinating geological, cultural, and historical information from your expert guide. Visit many volcanic sites, such as islands in the harbor, craters, and the lava-strewn coastline, for a different take on Auckland.

The Bay of Islands is one of the highlights of New Zealand's North Island and a cruise is the ideal way to soak up the scenery. On this full-day tour from Auckland, set sail on a dolphin-watching cruise from Paihia, see the Cape Brett Lighthouse, and glide beneath the Hole in the Rock.

Combine some of Marlborough's classic activities on this full-day tour: cruising on Queen Charlotte Sound and tasting some of the area's world-renowned wines. Spend the morning out cruising aboard a catamaran, then go ashore to a winery for lunch and wine tasting. Continue the afternoon with more winery visits and tastings.

Explore Piha, the West Coast, and the Waitakere Ranges on a tour that includes a surf lesson at a famous New Zealand surf destination. Only 30 minutes drive from Auckland, discover subtropical wilderness, tall waterfalls, panoramic views of the city and Waitakere Ranges, and Maori culture at the Arataki Visitor Centre, and then learn to surf at Piha beach with an expert instructor.

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.

Head to the Pacific coast west of Auckland on a day tour that introduces you to some of the natural beauty of New Zealand's North Island, from the beach to the bush. Explore waterfalls, lakes, and caves, and visit a winery for wine tasting. A barbecue lunch is also included.

Take a cruise on Milford Sound, arguably the most scenic destination on New Zealand's South Island, during this day trip from Te Anau. En route, you'll tour the features of Fiordland National Park, home to untouched alpine forest, pristine waterways, glaciers and soaring peaks. Experience sightseeing stops and bush walks before a 1.5-hour boat excursion, including a buffet lunch and narration by a well-versed guide. Numbers are limited to 15 people for a small-group experience.

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.

Spend your day sea kayaking around Queen Charlotte Sound on a guided excursion from Picton. Paddle across the harbor and stop for morning tea at a remote beach, then continue into the Grove Arm of the sound and enjoy lunch in a tranquil bay. Keep an eye out for cormorants and other wildlife as you listen to expert commentary about the Marlborough Sounds from the guide.

Escape the concrete jungle of Auckland for a natural adventure along the North Island's west coast during this 6-hour trip to Piha and Waitakere. Explore this eco-region's wealth of rugged sea cliffs, black-sand beaches, towering 'Kauri' trees and gushing waterfalls, learning about local Maori traditions and native wildlife along the way.

Take in the highlights of the Marlborough wine region on this full-day small-group tour from Blenheim or Picton. See Peter Jackson's collection of WWI aircraft on display at the Omaka Heritage Aviation Centre, enjoy wine tasting at two Wairau Valley wineries, and sample delicious gourmet cuisine at a local restaurant (own expense).

Short on time? Experience Auckland's best bits in just one day with this action-packed tour of New Zealand's biggest city. Start by taking in the views from the summit of Mt Eden, then experience nature in the heart of the city with visits to the Auckland Domain, the Wintergarden and Cornwall Park. After driving across the Harbour Bridge, follow the famous Tamaki Drive along the coast to explore lively Devonport Village and snap photos of Mt Victoria and Waitamata Harbour. This small-group tour includes hotel pick-up and lunch.

Experience the Milford Sound on foot, by air, and by water on this full-day tour from Queenstown. Soak in the sights of New Zealand as you fly to Milford Sound to meet your guide. Ride the ferry to the Milford Sound track, then hike for two hours to reach the Giant Gate Waterfall. Afterwards, relax on board a scenic Milford Sound boat cruise before returning to Queenstown by air. Includes lunch, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Combine sea kayaking and self-guided hiking on this full-day outdoor adventure in the Marlborough Sounds. Paddle from the Picton waterfront to the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound and search the azure waters for marine life such as eagle rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals and dolphins. Encounter secluded beaches along the shoreline before an independent hike on the Queen Charlotte Track, from Anakiwa to Mistletoe Bay. Lunch and return transfer by water taxi are included.

Discover one of the jewels in the crown of New Zealand's spectacular South Island on this full day Milford Sound hiking tour with cruise. Travel along the Milford Road from Te Anau and enjoy panoramic views over the beautiful countryside. Enjoy a 2.5-hour boat cruise through the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea, and gaze over soaring clifftops and plummeting waterfalls. Afterward, choose from a series of guided walks in the area or a 2.5-hour unguided hike of the Routeburn Great Walk to Key Summit.

See the exquisite Marlborough Sounds from the water during a full-day adventure by sea kayak. Depart from the Picton waterfront and prepare to be wowed as you paddle past secluded coves along the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound. Your knowledgeable guide points out marine life such as eagles rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals and more. Stop at a sheltered beach for a delicious lunch with locally sourced ingredients. Numbers are limited to ensure a small-group experience.

Explore Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula on a full-day shore excursion that includes Larnach Castle & Gardens and Speight's Brewery, two of the region's top destinations. With an experienced guide to lead the way, you'll discover the fascinating city of Dunedin, step back in time at New Zealand's only castle, then visit a historic working brewery with deep southern roots. This 6.5-hour tour includes all entrance fees and guided tours, as well as pickup and drop-off at Port Chalmers.

Gain access to a gentle hiking and cycle trail on private land that was hand-hewn with a pick and shovel. Hiking (or cycling, if you prefer) with a knowledgeable guide will prevent you from getting lost, plus you'll learn about the history and ecology of the region. The trail is about 17 miles (27 kilometers) and takes several hours, but is not steep, so is suitable for active (though not necessarily super-athletic) travelers.