Our most recommended things to do in Auckland

From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch

1. From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch

Join this tour to visit two of New Zealand's most iconic and famous attractions, the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, on a day trip from Auckland. After pickup from your central Auckland hotel, travel south over the Bombay Hills for panoramic views of the Waikato Region and the scenic Hauraki Plains. Arrive at The Shire's Rest in Matamata, the home of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Your guide will help you skip the crowds so you can explore the Movie Set on an official 2-hour tour. Be escorted through the 10-acre site and learn fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created. See Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, and The Mill. Savor a complimentary specially-brewed beverage at The Green Dragon Inn.  Afterward, travel to the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you'll enjoy a Kiwi-style lunch at The Homestead in Waitomo. On the way, share stories from Hobbiton and interact with your fellow travelers.  Glide silently by boat in the world-famous caves and be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms.  Your guide will likely be a descendant of the Maori Chief who originally explored the Caves and can share with you the remarkable history of the area. Walk through the majestic Cathedral Cave, famous for its acoustics. The return trip takes you through some of New Zealand's most beautiful countryside before following the majestic Waikato River northwards part of the way back to Auckland. You will pass Taupiri with its very sacred Maori burial ground. The day concludes with your return to your accommodation.

Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets

2. Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets

Discover the magic of Waiheke with a combined ferry and hop-on hop-off bus tour. Travel from Auckland harbor on a ferry and board a double-decker bus to attractions like Oneroa Village, Oneroa Beach, and several local wineries. It’s the most flexible and cost-effective tour option on the island, introducing you to the island’s top spots. Hop on and off as much as you like at any of its 16 convenient stops, which include vineyards, beaches, and restaurants. If you prefer, stay on board and enjoy a scenic tour of the island. The buses stop at some of the island’s iconic spots including Oneroa Village, Onetangi Beach, Batch Winery, the new Tantalus winery/brewery, Mudbrick Vineyard, Cable Bay Vineyard, and more. The knowledgeable tour drivers, and the addition of an on-board host, ensure you’ll receive the most informative commentary as you travel around and you can get all the local tips and tricks for how best to enjoy Waiheke. The Explorer Hop-on Hop-off departs from each location approximately every 30 minutes throughout the day in summer and every 60 minutes throughout the day in winter.

Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

3. Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

Climb aboard a 65-foot luxury catamaran conveniently docked in the heart of Auckland. Set sail on the "Dolphin Explorer" to take in the sights and sounds of the city from the water. Enjoy a quick tour past impressive landmarks, such as the Auckland Harbour Bridge, North Head/Devonport, and Rangitoto Island. Keep a close look out for Orca and Bottlenose Dolphins that regularly visit the waters close to the city. Then explore the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Get up-close viewings of whales, dolphins, and sea birds. The "Dolphin Explorer" is able to get much closer than whale watching operations in other locations. Learn about the fauna via expert commentary from the ship's skipper, gained from 15 years of running trips daily in the area.

From Auckland: Waiheke Island Wineries' Tour

4. From Auckland: Waiheke Island Wineries' Tour

Start by hopping on a morning boat to Waiheke Island from Auckland’s Downtown Ferry Terminal, enjoying a 35-minute boat ride with views of historical Devonport and Rangitoto Island on the way.  Meet your guide once you reach the island, and head on your way to 4 of the island’s finest wineries. Savor tastings at each of the 4 wineries, with an extended lunch break for your own free time at one of them. As a bonus, see why the island is famous for its beaches and see the rolling hills of vines, with your guide’s commentary accompanying.  At the end of the tour, either choose to take a transfer back to the port for an afternoon ferry back to Auckland, or choose to remain in the village and stroll back to the ferry on a 15-minute walk.

From Auckland: Hobbiton and Waitomo Bus Tour with Lunch

5. From Auckland: Hobbiton and Waitomo Bus Tour with Lunch

See the magical Waitomo Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day sightseeing tour from Auckland. Step on board your luxury GreatSights coach tour and travel south, taking in typical New Zealand scenery as you ride – lush green farmland and rolling hills. The Hobbiton Movie Set has become one of New Zealand’s must-see destinations. A working farm near the small town of Matamata was transformed into a film set for the world-famous Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies, and today you can visit the set and see where the magic was created. See highlights like the original Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree, and more. Your tour guide will share behind-the-scenes stories and fascinating facts about how the film set was brought to life. Then stop at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a network of underground tunnels and caves made from incredible limestone formations. Set off on a 45-minute guided tour of the caves, ending with a truly special boat trip through the Glowworm Grotto, where glowworms twinkle and shine overhead as you sail through a dark and silent cavern. After exploring these two top New Zealand visitor attractions, your driver guide will take you back to Auckland, returning in the early evening.

Auckland: Bioluminescence Kayak Tour

6. Auckland: Bioluminescence Kayak Tour

Experience a blend of tranquility and awe as you witness the bioluminescence of Auckland on a guided kayak tour. Receive a safety briefing, gear, and assistance in kayak launch from your skilled guides. Sit in your personal or tandem kayak as you journey into the water like a close-knit family. As the sun sets, meet your guide, gather equipment, and learn how to use your gear. As the night grows dark, step into your kayak and begin your adventure. Be led to the best stops to uncover the magic of glowing water. Paddle through the bioluminescent waters, triggering your own marine light show. Watch as your kayak leaves a glittering wake behind you of luminous plankton under minimal light pollution. Dip your hands in and see the sparkles latch to your hand as you withdraw it from the water. Navigating as a group, capture photos along the way, and finally return to the shore. After some hugs and high-fives, take off your gear, help put the equipment away, change your clothes, and bid farewell to your guides and group.

Auckland to Rotorua Small Group Tour & Activity Add-Ons

7. Auckland to Rotorua Small Group Tour & Activity Add-Ons

The tour starts with pickup from Auckland city, where the adventure begins as you drive through the stunning Waikato countryside, the most extensive farming area in the world, on a fully guided journey to Rotorua. Along the way, don’t forget to take advantage of the photo opportunities as you admire the stunning natural landscapes all around of beautiful mountains and farmlands. As you drive, pass through the pass through the unique town of Tirau, the corrugated iron sculpture capital of the world, and the stunning Fitzgerald Glade. Upon arrival in Rotorua, enjoy a guided tour of the city’s most famous and historical sites including Lake Rotorua, The Government Gardens, Blue Baths, Thermal Springs and Polynesian Spa. From here enjoy the option to add on up to two of Rotorua's most popular activities and attractions (additional cost). Please add on the activities or attractions you would like to include during the booking process. Maybe head to the famous geothermal park and Maori cultural village of Te Puia, bathe in the geothermal waters of the Polynesian Spa, experience some farm culture at the Agrodome Sheep Show, or ride the gondola at Skyline! Or you can simply choose to explore the city at your own pace before your return to Auckland.

Waiheke Wine Tour with Lunch at an Award Winning Restaurant

8. Waiheke Wine Tour with Lunch at an Award Winning Restaurant

Discover the flavors of Waiheke Island, a geographical indication and wine-growing region of New Zealand, on a vineyard tour with lunch included. Get picked up from the Matiatia ferry terminal on Waiheke Island, just 40 minutes away from downtown Auckland by ferry. Catch the 10 AM ferry from Auckland City Downtown to Matiatia Wharf on Waiheke Island. Meet your tour guide at the dockside and travel through the scenic beauty of the Waiheke vineyards. Relax in a modern vehicle as your guide shares insight into the island’s history and wines. Visit 3 cellar doors on this tour and sample award-winning wines. Learn about the island’s unique conditions and the challenges winemakers must overcome. Finally, tuck into a gourmet lunch at an award-winning restaurant on the white-sand beach in Onetangi, on the north coast of Waiheke Island, with a glass of wine to compliment your meal.

From Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set Full-Day Trip

9. From Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set Full-Day Trip

Enjoy a day trip from Auckland to the world-famous and magical Lord of The Rings Hobbiton Movie Set in the heart of Middle Earth. Get picked from your hotel in a comfortable 12-seater mini-bus and driven through the stunning Waikato countryside (the most extensive farming area in the world) on a fully guided journey to Hobbiton. During the trip south, encounter stunning scenery, great photo opportunities, beautiful mountains, and see several different farm animals along the way. After the drive, you will arrive at the Alexander Family Sheep Farm and Shire's Rest (the entrance to Hobbiton) where you can see thousands of sheep, grab a bite to eat, get your coffee fix, or enjoy an ice cream while your guide collects your tickets to the movie set. Next, you will board one of the big green Hobbiton buses to depart on a two-hour fully guided tour of this amazing 12 acre movie set with a professional Hobbiton guide to ensure you get the most out of your visit. During your tour, step into the lush pastures of the Shire, visit 44 hobbit holes, see amazing gardens, hear the secrets and stories about the making of the movies, and enjoy a cold beverage at the famous Hobbiton pub "The Green Dragon Inn." After the tour, you will be guided back through the Alexander Family Sheep Farm for another stop at Shire's Rest for a spot of souvenir shopping and maybe a bite to eat before you begin your journey back to Auckland.

America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour

10. America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour

Join the crew on an America’s Cup yacht for a unique 2-hour tour from Auckland that gives you the chance to experience the sensation of competing in this world-famous racing meet. The America's Cup is the world's oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy and ultimate yachting regatta. Experience this first hand by sailing these remarkable vessels on the harbor that hosted the America's Cup in 2000 and 2003. Feel the thrill of the wind in your face as you tack and jibe. These powerful and highly engineered race vessels are usually the domain of billionaires and elite professional yacht owners, but this unique two-hour sailing experience offers everyone the opportunity to sail these grand prix racing machines. Set sail around Auckland’s stunning Waitemata Harbor and enjoy all the thrills of sailing in a proper racing yacht. Be transported to a world where the thrill of international sport meets the beauty of the sparkling sea. No sailing experience is required to participate. Take the helm and exert energy on the grinders, or simply sit back and enjoy the journey. Look back at the contrast of natural landscapes and city skyscrapers that line the harbour while you sail the seas.

Add dates

Things to do in
Auckland
With wineries, volcanos, and pretty islands at a stone's throw, this Kiwi city blends nature with urban life.

Top activities

Top sights in Auckland

All activities

120 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 8

Immersive experiences

Go beyond Auckland

Explore all

Frequently asked questions about Auckland

What are the best day trips and excursions from Auckland?

The best day trips and excursions from Auckland are:

Hobbiton Movie Set

What are the best inexpensive tours in Auckland?

Other Sightseeing Options in Auckland

Want to discover all there is to do in Auckland? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Auckland

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 4,822 reviews

Michael is a Waiheke island resident and was very informed about local culture in addition to his winery knowledge. We enjoyed learning about the economy and tourism in addition to his commentary on island life and landmark sights along the way. Highly recommended our favorite tour from Auckland!!

Very easy to book great service. Arrived after midnight, took us a while to get luggage and getting thru custom. The driver awaited us just at the exit and was very friendly even though he had to wait a long time. It was a most pleasant drive to the hotel. Would recommend this service any time.

Travelling took part in a very spacious, very comfortable van / minibus. Edson, our driver, was a delight and very knowledgeable. Hobbiton is a must for every Lord of the Rings fan. It’s been an unforgettable experience.

An excellent service. At an arrival time of 9.30pm driver arrived within five minutes. He was informative, helpful and very pleasant. Pre booking is essential, but I would thoroughly recommend this service.

Amazing trip - we'll organised and great value for money