New Zealand · TOURS IN AUCKLAND

The 15 Best Auckland Tours & Day Trips

78 tours  ·  from $16 a head

Most trips start here, and the good days out mostly leave the city. The 15 below cover Waiheke, Hobbiton, the harbour under sail and the west coast beaches, with prices, pickup points and how early each one goes.

Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets - The ferry from Auckland to Mātiatia
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Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets

1.Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,311 reviews · 1 day · from $59Our pick

Take a Fullers360 ferry from Auckland to Waiheke, then use the Explorer Bus to visit 16 stops at your own pace. Choose wineries such as Mudbrick, Batch, Cable Bay, or Stonyridge, plus Oneroa shops, beaches, galleries, olive groves, and forest walks. Guides including Kira, Ruth, Aaron, and Chris add useful island commentary.

“The proximity to the ferry is great!. If you have mobility issues there is a lot of walking to really enjoy all the stops.”

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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch - Leaving Auckland over the Bombay Hills
1-Day Tours, Guided, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Auckland, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch

2.Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,677 reviews · from $229Top rated

Travel from Auckland to Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves with a local guide such as Liam, Shelley, Martin, or Matt. Tour Hobbit holes, enjoy a Green Dragon drink and café lunch, then glide beneath glowworms by boat. Expect an early start, long driving stretches, walking, and a full 11-hour day.

“Fun and engaging tour! Our guide, Shelly was absolutely wonderful! She kept us entertained and informed through out the tour.”

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From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch - The road south through the Waikato
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From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch

3.Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,505 reviews · 11 hours · from $221

Travel from central Auckland to Hobbiton and Waitomo in a small group of up to 16 people. Expect a 2.5-hour Hobbiton tour, a drink at The Green Dragon Inn, a light Kiwi-style lunch, and a 45-minute glowworm cave tour. Guides such as Danny, Shelley, Stephen, and Liam are praised for lively local commentary.

“Liam was a great guide! I would have liked better options for lunch but it was sufficient.”

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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise - Rangitoto, Waitemata Harbour, and the Gulf
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours in Auckland, Whale Watching

Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

4.Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,790 reviews · from $135

Join Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari at Viaduct Harbour for a 4.5-hour cruise aboard a 65-foot catamaran. Marine research scientists explain the gulf’s wildlife and conservation work while the crew searches for whales, dolphins, seals, blue penguins, and seabirds. Sightings are never promised, but a free return trip is offered if no marine mammals appear.

“I loved this excursion so much! We fortunately did get to spend about 30 minutes where the dolphins swam and played around the boat which was amazing! I felt that they really respected the ecosystem and wildlife, which i appreciated. Overall I really loved it and would do it again with this company for sure. There are just a few things I think they could have done to make the experience better. We went during the busy summer holiday season so it was a full 100 passengers on the boat. To me it felt a bit crowded especially when it rained and everyone tried to huddle inside or under cover.…”

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Skydive Auckland - From arrival to the aircraft
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Skydive Auckland

5.Skydive Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,516 reviews · from $214

Skydive Auckland takes you from Parakai to a tandem jump at 9,000, 13,000, 18,000, or up to 20,000 feet. Expect a safety briefing, a 75-second freefall on the highest advertised option, and views toward Waiheke Island, Piha Beach, Great Barrier Island, and both coasts. Owen is one instructor name mentioned by the company’s customers, but instructor assignment is not guaranteed.

“This was an incredible experience!!! Everything was top notch and the staff is excellent!! My teen daughter and I had the time of our lives!!”

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Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set Day Trip with Festive Lunch - Your first look at the Hobbiton set
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Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set Day Trip with Festive Lunch

6.Hobbiton Movie Set Day Trip with Festive Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,431 reviews · 8 hours · from $182

Ride from Auckland to Hobbiton with an English-speaking driver guide, then tour the Shire, enter a Hobbit hole, enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn, and eat a generous buffet lunch in the Party Marquee. Drivers such as Rachel, Marty, Nikki, and Dave are known for adding useful New Zealand commentary along the way.

“Amazing experience. Great guide / driver Rachel. If you have the opportunity to not sleep and listen all the explanation he gives about the country in the way you hobbiton. To it. Amazing facts and history of the country”

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Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland - Arriving at Hobbiton Movie Set
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Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland

7.Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,380 reviews · from $183

Travel from Auckland to Matamata in a small group of up to 15, with hotel pickup at selected central locations. Your driver shares Auckland, Waikato, and New Zealand stories before you join Hobbiton’s guided 12-acre set tour. See hobbit holes, gardens, and the Green Dragon Inn, then return to Auckland with snacks and possible scenic stops.

“Geoff at Cheeky Kiwi did a really nice job of providing information and details on the New Zealand, Auckland, and Hobbiton on the way there. He also did a good job driving there and back. He had the process worked out and everything ran smoothly. I was impressed with the tour and highly recommend Geoff and Cheeky Kiwi.”

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Auckland Explorer: Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Tour - The central loop: Sky Tower, art, shopping, and the museum
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Auckland Explorer: Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Tour

8.Auckland Explorer: Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,180 reviews · from $43

Build your own Auckland sightseeing day aboard an air-conditioned Explorer Bus with English commentary, WiFi, and one or two days of travel. Ride the full loop in about an hour, or hop off at the Sky Tower, Auckland Museum, Mount Eden, Parnell Village, Bastion Point, Kelly Tarlton’s, Auckland Zoo, and other major stops.

“You have to go to the Sky City Tower to exchange your voucher. I wish that had been listed in the booking. We had to ask several people before we got the correct directions. The summer tour is 2 hours and you see a lot of the city. Buses Read more”

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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour W Lunch from Auckland - The Waikato road south
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour W Lunch from Auckland

9.Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour W Lunch from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,117 reviews · from $235

Travel from Auckland in a small group of up to 15 people to visit Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Expect a 6:00 am start, about 12 hours on the road, guided visits at both attractions, lunch in Otorohanga, snacks, water, and scenic stops through Waikato. Guides such as Timmy, Pearl, Ari, and Simon add local stories along the way.

“This was a great day out to see the sights of the North Island. Whilst it is a very long day, there is sufficient time to relax on the bus before anything of substance happens in the morning. The caves were lovely, but the real attraction was Hobbiton. We hadn't really watched the movies, other than quickly watching the first one prior to the trip. This didn't really matter at all, as Hobbiton is just wonderfully quaint and beautiful on its own accord. A lot of care has gone into the upkeep of the little village, and it takes a surprisingly long time to get around it all. The tour…”

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Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour - Starting beside the Ferry Building
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Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour

10.Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,080 reviews · from $46

Spend about four hours touring Auckland in an air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide such as Josh, John, or Paul. Visit Mt Eden, Westhaven Marina, Little Shoal Bay, Achilles Point, Mission Bay, Ponsonby, and more. Expect live commentary, photo stops, selected city pickups, and a maximum group size of 18.

“Awesome tour, the staff are well informed about everything in Auckland. They were approachable & kind, very easy to talk to. Many stops for photo opportunities.”

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Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise - North Head, Devonport and the first Auckland views
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours in Auckland, Whale Watching

Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

11.Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,072 reviews · 4h 30m · from $130

Join Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari aboard the 65-foot Dolphin Explorer for a 4.5-hour trip through the Hauraki Gulf. Marine scientists and crew such as Emily, Sanaa, John and Toni explain wildlife, research and conservation. Expect city views, seabirds and possible dolphin or whale sightings, with a free return cruise if no marine mammals appear.

“Very informative. Saw a whale and multiple dolphins. Wonderful experience.”

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Auckland: Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Ticket - Starting downtown at Customs Street or Sky Tower
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Auckland: Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Ticket

12.Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,064 reviews · 1 day · from $38

Ride Auckland’s Explorer Bus for one day and set your own pace. The Red route runs year round through downtown, Parnell, Newmarket, Bastion Point, and SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s. From October to April, the Blue route adds Mount Eden, Auckland Zoo, and MOTAT. Expect English commentary, free WiFi, clean buses, and helpful staff.

“Very helpful for a person with disabilities it’s a pity the walk from the stop to the zoo was quite long”

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From Auckland: Waiheke Island Wineries' Tour - Four tasting stops, with a different feel at each
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From Auckland: Waiheke Island Wineries’ Tour

13.Waiheke Island Wineries’ Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 934 reviews · 6 hours · from $110

Meet your English-speaking Enjoi guide at Waiheke Ferry Terminal and spend about six hours visiting four or more wineries, breweries, or tasting stops. You will sample local wines, enjoy at least 1.5 hours for lunch, and hear island stories while riding in a small vehicle. Guides may include David, Justin, Sherrie, Luca, or Zoltan.

“Great guide who imparted local knowledge and insight into the island as well guiding us around the wineries. Great tour we can throughly recommend”

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Wētā Workshop Unleashed Tour - Auckland - The horror section brings movie tricks close
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Wētā Workshop Unleashed Tour – Auckland

14.Wētā Workshop Unleashed Tour – Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 903 reviews · from $40

At Wētā Workshop Unleashed in Auckland’s SkyCity, a guide such as Ellie, Ema, Mac, or Kris leads you through three original film worlds: horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. You’ll examine creatures, costumes, miniatures, animatronics, and practical effects, with hands-on moments and a few jump scares. The experience lasts about 90 minutes.

“If you are into what makes movies tick then this is the place to see Special effects wizards supreme”

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Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland - A 45-minute walk under giant tree ferns
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Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland

15.Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 807 reviews · from $124

Spend five hours beyond Auckland on a small-group afternoon tour to the Arataki Centre, Waitakere rainforest, and Piha Beach. Guides such as Ian, Annie, Leon, and Meredith share local stories, plant knowledge, and Māori history. Expect a gentle bushwalk, black sand, coastal views, tea, cookies, and hotel pickup.

“Kevin and driver were great. Interesting and knowledgeable about flora, fauna and history. Totally enjoyed our tour”

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New in Tours in Auckland

★ 5.0Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour to Motukorea IslandFrom $1166 reviews
★ 5.0Auckland Food Walking TourFrom $13573 reviews
★ 4.9Segway to North Head Volcano Summit53 reviews
★ 5.0Day sea kayak tour Rangitoto IslandFrom $15279 reviews
★ 5.0The Tastebud Tour, award winning food tour of AucklandFrom $170124 reviews
★ 5.0Sunset kayak tour to Rangitoto IslandFrom $152168 reviews
★ 5.0Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with lunch from AucklandFrom $189168 reviews
★ 4.9Rotorua Wai-O-Tapu, Te Puia with HakaFrom $236161 reviews
★ 4.0Departure Transfer: Auckland Central City Centre to Auckland AirportFrom $26189 reviews
★ 5.0Explore gardens & galleries filled with incredible art, MatakanaFrom $40186 reviews
★ 5.0Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from AucklandFrom $195201 reviews
★ 5.0Hobbiton & Rotorua Small Group Tour including Te Puia from AucklandFrom $266190 reviews
★ 4.0Bioluminescence Kayak Tour – Est. 1994From $73187 reviews
★ 4.5Skip the Line: Auckland Museum General Admission TicketFrom $16183 reviews
★ 5.0Auckland Small-Group Walking Tour with TreatsFrom $67182 reviews

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Milford Sound Cruises61Hobbiton Movie Set Tours37Wine Tours54Scenic Helicopter Flights34Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours30Walking Tours40
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Two islands, end to end

Pick a coast, a summit or a cellar door.

The set pieces

HobbitonGlowworm CavesMaori EveningsLarnach CastleRail Journeys

On the water

Milford CruisesHole in the RockSea KayakingWhale WatchingSailing Days

In the air

Helicopter FlightsSkydiving & BungyGlacier CountryDark Sky NightsAoraki & Tekapo

Slow days

Cellar DoorsFood WalksHot SpringsWildlife ToursCycle Trails