Tours and Trips in New Zealand

Located just five minutes from downtown Rotorua, the Whakarewarewa Forest features 100 miles (160 km) of twisting mountain bike trails. Book your bike hire for a half-day ride through this redwood terrain, considered one of the region's top trail networks. You'll find a variety of paths for all abilities on this self-guided bike tour.

This self-guided cycling tour is a great introduction to Hawke's Bay - New Zealand's surf-heavy, wine-friendly western North Island coast. It's a 25-mile (40-kilometer) loop trail that starts at the historic port area of Ahuriri and passes Napier's Art Deco buildings, inland riverbanks, pretty countryside, wineries, and a wildlife reserve.

On this Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tour and hike, you'll land atop the glacier and explore ice caves and pinnacles with a small group. Soar above New Zealand's Southern Alps during a scenic flight, then grab your crampons and make your way through dramatic ice formations during a moderately difficult 3-hour hike. After your return flight, rejuvenate with a complimentary blissful soak at Glacier Hot Pools. Numbers are limited to 11 to ensure personalized attention from your expert guide.

Discover the beauty of the Waitangi River estuary and experience Maori traditions during a 3-hour cruise in a traditional canoe (waka) with a local Maori guide. Learn traditional paddling techniques in the calm waters of the estuary and make your way to Haruru Falls. Your guide shares informative commentary about Ngapuhi customs and history, and points out wildlife as you glide along. Disembark to visit a Ngapuhi meeting house and perhaps meet people from this Maori community. You'll also learn the moves of a 'haka' - an ancient Maori war dance.

Combine cultural immersion and a culinary treat on the Hangi Pie Experience. Your ticket will get you admission to a special area of the geothermal wonderland of Te Whakarewarewa, with trails that aren't included on the regular guided tours. Enjoy a guided tour around the surreal landscape, learn more about Maori culture from your local guide, then feast on a lunch cooked in the steam of the thermal area.

Combine two exciting Queenstown adventures on a half-day 'helirafting' tour that explores the region by air and water. Board a helicopter for a scenic flight to the white-water rafting launch site, cruise above the rock walls and blue water of Skippers Canyon, then land on a river-side beach. Next, suit up for a challenging white-water rafting trip down the Shotover River, taking on a series of rapids that flow through high cliffs and chutes.

Board a private helicopter for a flight to Middle Earth Waterfalls, touching down for a picnic at the foot of a hanging glacier. You'll fly to the head of Lake Wakatipu, cross the Moonlight Saddle, and soar across the dramatic Richardson Mountains, with gorgeous aerial views throughout the trip. Once at Middle Earth Waterfalls, a picnic lunch will be served in "The Hobbit" film location, followed by free time to explore, and the scenic return flight to Queenstown.

Traverse the back roads of Skippers Canyon, accessed only by 4WD vehicle, on this private photography tour. Beginner or advanced photographers will find plenty of fantastic photo ops of this rustic landscape near Queenstown. Focus your lens on the glaciated waters of the Shotover River and learn about its former gold mining days. You'll make multiple stops en route, including afternoon tea.

Get spectacular views of the Southern Alps from the window of a helicopter on this tour from Queenstown. Listen to your pilot/guide's commentary on glacial recession, the environment, and glacial history as you fly. Touchdown on the glacier for photo ops and views. National Park fees and round-trip hotel transportation from Queenstown included.

Explore the mighty volcanoes of New Zealand and gain insight into the country's rich geology on this half-day tour from Auckland. Hike from the crater to the summit of iconic Mt Wellington and Mangere Mountain with a guide, and admire panoramic views from your high vantage point. Enjoy lunch at Mangere Bridge, then tackle One Tree Hill and Mt Eden. During your tour, look out for native animal and plant life, and see a side of Auckland many visitors miss. (Volcanoes visited are inactive.)

Stroll the waterfront and beachside eateries of Takapuna, an up-and-coming foodie destination and popular seaside suburb of Auckland. Soak up the scenic views along the tree-lined coastline while learning about the area’s culinary culture during a 3.5-hour food walking tour with your guide. Discover hidden gems and tempt your palate with pizza, tarts, chocolate and more!

Enjoy cycling around Auckland without all the effort in the hilly city, on an electric bike tour. Travelers with varying levels of fitness and cycling experience can ride together, making this a great family trip. You will be fitted with a headset so you can listen to your guide's commentary as you cycle around the city and learn something new.

See epic views of the North Island's coastline on this 5-hour tour to the Waitakere Ranges, led by a professional photographer with a passion for the outdoors and knowledge of local history. Stop by the Arataki Visitor Centre to view the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea, stroll the black-sand Piha Beach, see 1,000-year-old kauri trees in a pristine rainforest and swim at Karekare waterfall. Lunch and round-trip transport included.

Experience a Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike as you explore ice caves and other glacial terrain with a professional guide.  Then don provided boots, jacket and ice axe for a 2-hour guided hike past deep crevasses and towering ice-blue pinnacles before the return chopper ride down. Choose from seasonal departure times to suit your schedule.

Let a guide navigate the once-treacherous Skippers Canyon on this 4WD tour, round-trip from Queenstown. The route affords dramatic views over the Wakatipu Basin and Shotover River Valley. You'll cross Skippers Bridge into the namesake township and stop at Deep Creek to try your hand at gold panning. The 4-hour trip includes light refreshments and hotel pickup.

Step into the world of hobbits and wizards on a full-day tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton Movie Set with lunch at The Shire's Rest Caf e. You'll see gorgeous rural scenery on the trip to Hobbiton, learn the inside stories behind the The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and sip a Middle Earth-themed drink at the Green Dragon Inn. This full-day Hobbiton Tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, complimentary drink at The Green Dragon, and it's limited to 11 people for a fun, personal experience.

Let a local driver guide you by minibus around Whanganui on a 2.5-hour sightseeing tour of one of New Zealand's oldest cities. Admire the views from Durie Hill and go off the beaten track to attractions including Bason Botanic Gardens. Explore historical landmarks in the town center and wind through the picturesque countryside. Numbers are limited to ensure a small-group experience.

Experience a magical day with a trip to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set on a tour from Rotorua. Cruise along the Waitomo River and underground cave systems to reach the "cathedral" rock formation where thousands of glow worms twinkle overhead. Then, take a guided tour through The Shire and see where Bilbo and Frodo Baggins lived, visiting sights such as the Green Dragon Inn and the Hobbit Holes.

Rejuvenate in the natural thermal pools of Hanmer Springs after a thrilling jet-boat ride through Waiau Gorge. Start your full-day trip from Christchurch with the exciting ride at Thrillseekers Canyon, then visit the resort village of Hanmer Springs, where you'll melt your stress away with a relaxing soak. Have lunch at the on-site cafe and enjoy the convenience of round-trip hotel transport by private vehicle.

Visit a pair of New Zealand's must-see attractions with this combo tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Peek into Hobbit Holes, frolic in the Shire, and get a drink at the Green Dragon Inn on a guided tour of Middle-earth, followed by a Kiwi-style lunch at the "Shire's Rest". In the afternoon, explore Maori myths and history on a boat ride through mesmerizing caves lit by thousands of glowworms, and finish with a drive through some of the North Island's most majestic scenery.