North Island tours, things to do and tickets

Experience the magic of a guided Hobbiton Movie Set tour. Immerse yourself in the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of the Shire as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Rotorua Canopy Tours is unlike any other zipline experience and it’s more than just epic ziplines! At the heart of it all, it’s about people. We create unforgettable, world-class adventures that connect you to nature, to others, and to something bigger. Perfect for families, couples, and groups of all ages to share together. Voted New Zealand’s Best Experience 2025 & 2024 by TripAdvisor travelers Multi-award-winning and among the world’s top nature experiences Set in a rare 1,000yr old native forest, home to ancient trees and rare wildlife Includes 6 thrilling ziplines (up to 60km/h) and suspended swing bridges over the canopy Stay up in tree-top platforms for most of the experience Free digital photos, return transport, and wet weather gear included Close encounters with rare native birds Every booking supports an active forest restoration project We are a passionate, caring team that cares about our culture and wellbeing

Set off on an adventure from Auckland to see New Zealand's two most famous attractions in one day: the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Experience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the unequivocal beauty of the land with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made. You will be fully-guided around the 12-acre set: past the colourful Hobbit Hole™ doors that scatter the hillsides, before arriving at Bagshot Row™ for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home. Finally, you will arrive at the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn where you will receive a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth™ adventure.

The Ultimate is a step up from our Original Tour, offering a 3 hour adventure packed with thrills, ziplines, forest walks, and stunning views. Perfect for families, couples, and groups of all ages to connect with nature and share an unforgettable experience. Highlights: 6 ziplines, including a 400m tandem racing at up to 80 km/h Giant suspended swing bridges above forest valleys NZ’s only volcanic cliff-walk Spiral staircase around a 1,000-year-old Tawa tree Floating staircase high in the canopy Custom-built tree-top platforms Spot rare native birds Set in one of NZ’s last remaining ancient forests Free photos, transport, and wet-weather gear included Every booking supports forest restoration and predator control Guided by energetic, knowledgeable, and passionate “superheroes” Run by a team who care deeply about guests, each other, and the forest

Join this tour to visit two of New Zealand’s most famous attractions, Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves, in one easy day trip from Auckland. Our tour from 1 December 2023 will be the extended Hobbiton Experience (now 2.5 hours) where you can venture beyond the door to a fully themed Hobbit Hole interior. Immerse yourself in the interior with entry hall, bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, dining area, equipped bathroom, parlour and crackling fireplace. Be fascinated as the magical world of Hobbiton comes to life and take photos in front of your favourite places like the Hobbit Holes, the Shire and the Green Dragon Inn. Then journey to the World Famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and be captivated by the thousands of magical glowworms twinkling in the Grottos, the stalactites and stalagmites as you glide silently through the cave by boat. Marvel at the stunning scenery en route as we journey off the motorways into the real hinterland of New Zealand. All admission fees and cafe lunch included.

Discover the spectacular Ruakuri Cave, the longest of Waitomo’s underground caves, on a 1.5-hour walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide.

Spend one adrenaline-crammed hour of white water rafting down the Kaituna River on this tour from Rotorua. Start at a spot where wild waters meet subtropical rainforests and canyons engraved in the earth. Raft over beautiful cascading waterfalls, including the stunning Tutea Falls, and even take the opportunity to do some swimming through some of the rapids. This tour is good for novice and expert rafters. Free Sauna included.

Indulge in a Waiheke wine tour with spectacular scenery and world famous wines, shared with your choice of culinary delights.

Take in the views of the Bay of Islands on a cruise to The Hole in the Rock from Paihia or Russell. Spot dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife, and enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop to swim and walk.

Look for whales, dolphins and seabirds in the pristine waters of Hauraki Gulf just a short boat ride from Auckland city's Viaduct Harbour. Learn from experts on board working to protect these precious creatures and their fragile home.  As an active marine-mammal research vessel every passenger contributes to important conservation efforts, just by coming on board. A dollar from every ticket purchased goes towards the Hauraki Gulf Guardians fund which supports organisations and programs that aim to regenerate the Hauraki Gulf and ensure its future.

Enjoy a roundtrip bus transfer from Auckland to discover the amazing movie set from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. Embark on an official guided tour and feast on a themed lunch experience.

Combine a relaxing mud bath and sulphur spa experience with an exploration of Rotorua's most active thermal park at Hells Gate Geothermal Reserve.

Enjoy a 35 minute Jet Boat ride on the Waikato River. The high-speed ride is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. Shoot through canyons, spin on crystal clear waters and surf the foaming tail of the awesome Nga Awapurua Rapids. You have several tour times to choose from throughout the day and can be shared with maximum 11 people per boat.

Experience the best way to explore Lake Taupo with an environmentally-friendly sailing tour to the Māori Rock Carvings.

Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, its blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pā Tū offers 3-hour evening events that change with each season of the maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar. Across summer, Tū Te Rā celebrates an abundant harvest, and we explore concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace. Throughout winter, Tū Te Ihi marks promise heralded by the arrival of the Matariki star cluster which high and bright in winter skies, signalling the new lunar year – we share the energy and passion of this celebration. Cultural knowledge unique to each season is shared from the outset – rituals, songs, stories and continue across the night. From the beginning too, we share local, seasonal kai - plentiful and delicious. Kai horotai (indigenous canapes) is followed by a torch lit walk to a lavish 3-course fusion feast.

Cruise on a large catamaran and take in the spectacular views of Lake Taupo framed by Tongariro National Park's majestic snow-capped mountain peaks. Discover the spectacular Maori rock carvings.

Journey to the tip of the North Island and uncover a region of rich Māori tradition along the way on an amazing full-day tour from Paihia. Travel along the sand-swept shores of Ninety Mile Beach.

Glide across a canopy of native New Zealand bush on a 3-hour zipline adventure on Waiheke Island. Enjoy 3 stunning 650-foot ziplines, look down over stunning vineyards, and tracts of original forest.

''MAXIMUM 11 CLIENTS'' with Scenic tour and PREMIUM WINE TASTINGS! Line up by 8.30am in order to catch the Fullers 0900 ferry to Waiheke, LOOK OUT for your name on the black welcome board, or wait at the I-Site information booth in the ferry terminal by 1000. It's best to use the ferries washrooms, as the terminals often experience long ques. We then embark on a scenic tour taking in some of the wonderful sites fully commentated, before visiting 3 of Waiheke's finest boutique vineyards. We recommend you book your own lunch reservation during the busy summer months. Mudbrick Archive 2pm or Oyster Inn, Fenice or Vino Vino 2.15pm. Or you can just choose one of many local cafes and eateries in the sea side village of Oneroa. Transfers provided back the ferry terminal at 3.45pm, or you may chose to stay on and enjoy more time on the Island and make your own way back to the ferry .