Day Trips in New Zealand

The Routeburn Track is one of the most beautiful - and popular - trails in New Zealand, a great gateway to the country's mountain lakes, river valleys, waterfalls, and forests. With this tour, let someone else take care of driving to the trailhead and packing lunch, and head out on a moderately difficult portion of the trial that takes you to the western end of Lake Wakatipu.

See where major scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed during this 4.5-hour Hobbiton movie set tour from Rotorua. Visit the North Island sheep farm chosen by director Peter Jackson to depict the Shire, scattered with charming hobbit holes, such as the earthen home of Bilbo Baggins. Hear fascinating stories from your guide on each epic series as you snap photos of your favorites sights from Middle-earth.

Glenorchy sits at the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu, along a stunningly beautiful stretch of road that runs from Queenstown to the (aptly-named) rural settlement of Paradise further north. Instead of trying to negotiate these unfamiliar (and sometimes dangerous) country roads on your own, get a driver who knows the region on this half-day drive. Spend some time exploring Glenorchy's shops and cafes, and take advantage of some remarkable alpine photo ops.

This full-day Albatross Encounter tour in Kaikoura takes you on a narrated boat ride from the rugged coastline. Kaikoura may be famous for its whale and dolphin sightings, but it's also one of the world's most abundant regions for oceangoing birds like the southern royal albatross. The Kaikoura Peninsula offers spectators a look at petrels, shearwaters, terns, shags and gulls as well as a fur seal colony. Round-trip coach transport from Christchurch hotels is included.

Photograph your way around Auckland's rugged West Coast during this full-day tour. With a professional photographer guide, visit the coastline's black sand beaches, like Karekare and Piha. Trek through rainforests filled with 1000-year-old Kauri trees. Get as much photographic advice as you like, and listen to commentary about the area's ecology, culture and history. Lunch and round-trip transportation from Auckland are included.

Step into the magical world of Middle Earth on this full-day tour of Hobbiton from Auckland. Benefit from a more personalized experience on a small-group visit, enjoy a guided tour of the famous film set including lunch at the Shire's Rest Caf e, and hear all about the filming of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies.

Cruise Milford Sound from Te Anau during a full-day tour to UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. You'll access this crown jewel of New Zealand's South Island by luxury coach, stopping en route at the Mirror Lakes before boarding a 1-hour 45-minute cruise on luxurious catamaran journey past waterfalls and steep-walled pinnacles such as famous Mitre Peak.

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.

Experience country life in New Zealand with a full-day tour to the beachside market town of Matakana from Auckland. See New Zealand's largest display of live bees at the Honey Centre in Warkworth; discover local handicrafts with a tour of Morris & James Pottery; and walk beneath ancient kauri trees in the Parry Kauri Park. After a typical country-style lunch, learn more about the region's fascinating history at Warkworth's Early Settlers Museum and the heritage village of Puhoi.

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.

Upon reaching Milford Sound, board a luxurious catamaran for a 1 hour 45 minute cruise. Peer through panoramic windows of a luxury coach while you travel through the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park with a guide, before a memorable sightseeing cruise past Mitre Peak and the magnificent cliff-side waterfalls of Milford Sound.

Visit 'The Lord of the Rings' filming locations in Glenorchy, traveling by 4WD with an informative guide. Departing Queenstown for Middle-earth in the morning or afternoon, this half-day tour includes stunning countryside landscapes chosen by director Peter Jackson. See where famous scenes were filmed, such as the Fortress of Isengard, Lothlorien, Ithilien Camp and Forest of Amon Hen. Enjoy light refreshments and personalized attention on this small-group tour, limited to six passengers per vehicle.

A Milford Sound cruise, scenic drive and return helicopter ride complete this extraordinary day trip from Queenstown. See the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park by land, sea and air, starting with vivid landscapes viewed through your glass-roof luxury coach along Milford Road. The 2-hour cruise covers the entire length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea, while the 40-minute helicopter flight takes you over Mt Tutoko and Lake Wakatipu, with a brief landing on Donne Glacier (weather permitting).

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.

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.

Take an afternoon day trip from Paihia to Kerikeri for a 3-hour tour of the historical settlement. A knowledgeable guide takes you to the Stone Store and Mission House, home to New Zealand's first permanent mission station. Then visit an organic vineyard for a wine and coffee tasting, and enjoy further delights at a local chocolate factory. Upgrade to include a morning sightseeing cruise on the Bay of Islands.

Enjoy uninterrupted views of glacier-carved cliffs on a Milford Sound cruise aboard the Maiden of Milford, a three-deck vessel. The 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise through one of the South Island's most stunning natural wonders take you past vivid waterfalls to frolicking dolphins and New Zealand fur seals. Meet at the pier or opt for a round-trip coach tour of UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park from Queenstown, and stop for photographs and some short nature walks en route to Milford Sound.

Cover plenty of ground in one day by combining several North Island highlights: Hobbiton, Rotorua and Waitomo Caves. Take a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you'll find the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill and the home of Bilbo Baggins from 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings.' Enjoy lunch at Te Puia, home to Pohutu Geyser, and ride a boat through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves to see these radiant lights. You can start and finish your tour in either Auckland or Rotorua, traveling one-way or round-trip.

Enjoy a Milford Sound cruise during a one-way day trip, departing Queenstown to Te Anau, the gateway to World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. Break for morning tea before traveling through the Eglinton Valley and pausing at Mirror Lakes en route to majestic Milford Sound, where glacier-scarred rock walls like famous Mitre Peak rise from the sea. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off with commentary on board the coach and cruise boat.

This full-day itinerary combines two North Island destinations: Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Rotorua. Marvel at the tiny lights of thousands of glowworms on a boat ride through the tranquil caverns. Then choose from several Rotorua attractions, including an Agrodome farm tour, Skyline Gondola ride or Polynesian Spa experience. In the afternoon, visit Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute at Te Puia. Picnic lunch and round-trip hotel transport are included from Auckland.