Day Trips & Excursions in New Zealand

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.

Explore Cathedral Cove and the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve on this full-day tour of the Coromandel Peninsula from Auckland. Round-trip transportation eliminates the need to rent a car, and lets you focus on the scenery instead of driving directions. Take guided hikes through the wilderness, a dip in beachside hot springs, and other highlights including Mt. Paku and Hot Water Beach.

Ride a custom-built Waverider coach over the rugged and sandy coastline of Ninety Mile Beach on this full-day guided tour to Cape Reinga. Departing Paihia's Bay of Islands for the top end of New Zealand's North Island, you'll walk under ancient trees in the Puketi Kauri Forest and go sandboarding down a quicksand stream at Te Paki Sand Dunes. Includes lunch and round-trip all-terrain transport from centrally located hotels.

Pair the fine wines of Central Otago with a gourmet lunch platter on this small-group wine-tasting tour from Queenstown. Visit at least four boutique wineries during a 5.5-hour tour. You'll drive through verdant valleys and vine-clad foothills rich in gold mining history. Numbers are limited to 12 people to ensure an intimate experience with other wine lovers.

This small-group day trip from Auckland features the highlights and hospitality of Rotorua. Visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute of Te Puia, witness the thermal activity of the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley and tour the city with a knowledgeable guide. Opt for additional free time to explore on your own, or upgrade for a 2-hour private soak at the Polynesian Spa or a visit to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. You have the flexibility to return to Auckland or end with drop-off in Rotorua.

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.

Escape the bustle of Auckland for a day on this convenient day trip to the Coromandel Peninsula. A variety of activities are included, to make the most of your time in this naturally beautiful area: hike to Cathedral Cove, swim in the crystal waters, climb Mount Paku, and dig your own spa bath at Hot Water Beach. All on a handy organized day trip.

Visit 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga in New Zealand's Far North District. This day trip from Paihia takes you aboard a Dune Rider vehicle, ideal for traversing the gorgeous coastal landscape. Stop at Cape Reinga Lighthouse and the Ancient Kauri Kingdom. Try sandboarding at the Te Paki Stream sand dunes and enjoy a buffet lunch at Waitiki Landing.

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.

Visit one or two beautiful west coast beaches on a 6-hour small-group tour from Auckland. Beaches that you may visit include Piha, Muriwai, Te Henga (Bethells Beach), or Whatipu. Many of these beaches offer huge stretches of sand with few other visitors. You might see caves, seabird colonies, or sand dunes, depending on the day's itinerary, which your guide customizes to the day's conditions and group.

Wander the charming village of Akaroa, and opt for either a harbor cruise or dolphin swim on this small-group tour from Christchurch. Start with a scenic drive through the magnificent Banks Peninsula where you're treated to summit views of Akaroa Harbour, the Canterbury Plains and the distant Southern Alps. Sample locally made cheeses at a cheese factory, explore Akoroa and enjoy a cafe lunch before a nature cruise or dolphin swim alongside Hector's dolphins. Numbers are limited to eight people for a personalized experience.

Ride a coach from Christchurch to Queenstown during a fully narrated sightseeing tour via Mount Cook village, situated at the base of New Zealand's tallest mountain. Other South Island highlights include the fertile farmlands of Otago's Canterbury Plains, glacier-fed Lake Tekapo and the grandeur of the Southern Alps in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Opt for an included 3-course buffet lunch at the Hermitage Hotel. If you'd like, take a helicopter or ski-plane flight (own expense).

Explore the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps on this Arthur's Pass day tour from Christchurch. Travel through the pastureland of the Canterbury Plains to Springfield with your guide. Hop aboard your TranzAlpine train and journey through the Waimakariri Gorge. Explore the alpine village of Arthur's Pass in the Otira Gorge and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Visit a sheep farm, and admire native birdlife in the foothills of the Southern Alps. Upgrade to include a hair-raising jet-boat ride on the mighty Waimakariri River!

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.

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.

Complete your trip to Rotorua with a visit to the Agrodome. If there's one thing people associate with New Zealand, it's sheep, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to interact with the gentle creatures at the Agrodome Sheep Show, Farm Tour or both. This educational and family-friendly experience lets you join in on farming activities as you meet the farmers and their sheep.

Discover the pristine beaches, lush rainforest and clear waters of the Coromandel Peninsular on a full-day tour from Auckland. Drive from the city to Hahei, then switch to a zodiac boat that takes you to islands and beaches throughout the marine reserve, including Cathedral Cove. Your tour includes lunch and snacks, and round-trip transport from your Auckland hotel.

This one-way coach tour travels from Auckland to Rotorua, making stops at some of the North Island's natural wonders and historic sites, including the popular Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Drive by the Maori battle site of Rangiriri, then explore Waitomo's Cathedral Chamber before a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto. Your guide drives by the Karapiro Dam and through Fitzgerald Glade before arriving at your destination.

Beat the crowds with early access to the Hobbiton Movie Set, where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies were filmed. A guide gives you a behind-the-scenes peek at places normally only visited by the film crews. This small group includes round-trip coach transport from your Auckland hotel and breakfast at the Green Dragon Inn.

Take the scenic route from Christchurch to Mount Cook on a one-way narrated tour. Enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned coach as you admire magnificent scenery along the way. You'll hear informative commentary from the driver-guide while traveling via Otago's Canterbury Plains and make a photo stop at Lake Tekapo. Opt for an included 3-course buffet lunch at the Hermitage Hotel at the base of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.