TOURS IN AUCKLAND

The 15 Best Things to Book in Auckland

488 tours  ·  from $12 a head

Harbour sailings, volcano cones, the Sky Tower and the day trips that leave from the Viaduct. Start a first visit with these 15, priced and timed so you can fit them around the ferry timetable.

Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets - Choosing your stops instead of racing through them
Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Auckland

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

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

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

Take a return ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island, then use a one-day Explorer Bus pass to visit 16 stops at your own pace. Choose from wineries such as Mudbrick, Cable Bay and Batch, or make time for beaches, shops and nature walks. Tastings and winery tours cost extra.

“We have done a lot of tours in our travels and this tour was one of our favourites. It was very informative and fun. The property that the set is on is really beautiful. Not a difficult walk for most people but there are some hills and stairs that could be troublesome for others. Highly recommended.”

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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch - A light lunch between the stops
1-Day Tours, Guided, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Lunch Experiences, 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

Leave central Auckland early for a guided walk through Hobbiton’s hobbit holes, mill, and Green Dragon Inn, then enjoy a light café lunch and a boat ride beneath Waitomo’s glowworms. The small-group drive includes scenic country roads and commentary. Expect plenty of walking, a long day, and no glowworm photography.

“I don't often leave reviews, but this was a great experience. If you are a LOTR fan, the hobbiton is a must see. We went on a rainy day and the staff provided umbrellas for everyone and still provided a phenomenal tour. The tour guides were Read more”

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From Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch - From Auckland through the Waikato
1-Day Tours, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Auckland, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

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, with a driver-guide sharing stories along the way. Explore the Shire on an official 2.5-hour tour, enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn and have a light Kiwi-style lunch before a guided boat ride beneath Waitomo’s glowworms. Guides include Shelley, Danny, Stephen and Nelson.

“Great day out, everything went like clockwork. Stephen was an excellent guide and driver, welcoming and engaging.”

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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise - The wildlife search, and what you may see
Auckland Whale and Dolphin Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours in Auckland

Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

4.Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

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

Sail from Viaduct Harbour aboard a 65-foot catamaran for a 4.5-hour search of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. The captain and onboard marine research scientists explain local wildlife and research as you look for whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and seabirds. Sightings are not guaranteed, but if you see no marine mammals, you can take the trip again at no extra charge.

“Nice views of the harbor and seeing dolphins. No whales however. All over a worth while and fun experience.”

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Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set Day Trip with Festive Lunch - Walking through the Shire
1-Day Tours, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Auckland

Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set Day Trip with Festive Lunch

5.Hobbiton Movie Set Day Trip with Festive Lunch

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

Ride from Auckland to Hobbiton with a driver-guide, then follow an official English-speaking guide around the Shire. See the hobbit holes and enter a Bagshot Row interior, enjoy one drink at the Green Dragon Inn, and sit down to a buffet lunch in the Party Marquee. The 8-hour trip includes return transport and WiFi.

“Rachel the guide was knowledgeable and funny, making the 2 hour trip out to Hobbiton go fast. After the fantastic tour and feast, we were so tired, everyone on the coach was asleep for the ride back. Everything in-between was breathtaking 😍”

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Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland - Walking among hobbit holes and gardens
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland

Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland

6.Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland

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

Travel from Auckland to Matamata in a group of up to 15, with a driver-guide sharing stories and countryside views along the way. At Hobbiton, join a guided 2.5-hour visit to the 12-acre set, see hobbit holes and gardens, and enjoy an included themed drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Lunch and souvenirs cost extra.

“A must for fans! Transport and tour was awesome! Our driver was friendly, had great information, entertaining and on time! Extra trip for ice cream was great”

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Auckland Explorer: Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Tour - Start downtown, then choose your pace
Auckland City Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland

Auckland Explorer: Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Tour

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

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

Use Auckland’s hop-on hop-off bus to link the Sky Tower, Auckland Museum, Parnell, Bastion Point, Kelly Tarlton’s, Mount Eden and more. Stay aboard for the city loop or hop off to explore. The pass is available for one or two days, with English commentary and buses running on a seasonal daytime schedule.

“Great way to see Auckland, be sure to allow time for both routes and to climb to the top at the park on the blue route. We did not have time, but wish we could have seen Auckland form that perspective.”

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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour W Lunch from Auckland - Hobbiton: a village built to be explored
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

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

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

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

Leave Auckland at 6:00 am for a full-day trip through Waikato farmland to Hobbiton’s carefully built movie village and Waitomo’s glowworm caves. A guide handles the long drive and shares local stories, while included entry, lunch, water, and snacks simplify the day. Groups are capped at 15, and both main attractions involve walking, stairs, or uneven ground.

“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 - Mt Eden rewards a short uphill walk
Auckland City Tours, Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland

Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour

9.Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour

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

In about four hours, a guide such as Josh, John or Paul takes you from central Auckland over the Harbour Bridge, up to Mt Eden, and along the eastern beaches. Expect short photo stops, plenty of live commentary and a group capped at 18. It’s a practical first look at the city, not a series of long visits inside attractions.

“This tour gives you a very informative introduction to Auckland. it covers many aspacts from first settlement to today. We hihly recommend this tour”

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

Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

10.Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

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

Spend 4.5 hours aboard the 65-foot Dolphin Explorer, sailing past North Head and Rangitoto Island into Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Look for dolphins, orcas, whales and seabirds while the crew shares marine science and research. The $130 fare includes a second cruise if you see no marine mammals.

“The guides were really friendly and knowledgeable. Great experience!”

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Auckland: Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Ticket - The seasonal Blue route: Mt Eden, the zoo and MOTAT
Auckland City Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Auckland

Auckland: Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Ticket

11.Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Ticket

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

Spend a day exploring Auckland by hop-on hop-off bus. The Red route runs year-round through central Auckland and the waterfront, while the Blue route adds Mt Eden, Auckland Zoo and MOTAT from October to April. English commentary and WiFi are included. Start downtown at 23 Customs Street East or near the Sky Tower.

“Great to do our own thing & visit the tourist attractions”

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From Auckland: Waiheke Island Wineries' Tour - Four wineries, with a changing lineup
Auckland Wine Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland

From Auckland: Waiheke Island Wineries’ Tour

12.Waiheke Island Wineries’ Tour

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

Catch the 10am ferry from Auckland to Waiheke, then meet an English-speaking local guide for transport to four wineries and tastings. Expect island views, time for a pay-your-own-way lunch, and a group capped at 10. Stops can vary: past outings have included Mudbrick, Batch, olive oil tasting and a brewery.

“Everything was perfect for this day trip - communication beforehand, pick up, commentary, the wineries. Such an easy way to explore Waiheke.”

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Wētā Workshop Unleashed Tour - Auckland - The guide shapes the whole visit
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland, Workshops

Wētā Workshop Unleashed Tour – Auckland

13.Wētā Workshop Unleashed Tour – Auckland

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

At Wētā Workshop Unleashed in Auckland’s SkyCity complex, a guide leads you through three horror, sci-fi and fantasy film scenarios, with creatures, a giant, a galactic robot and hands-on effects. Expect a lively 90-minute tour rather than a working workshop visit. Guides such as Ellie, Ema, Mac and Kris have been praised for bringing the creative process to life.

“There are jump scares, kids be warned and a section that is a tight squeeze not good if u are claustraphobic.”

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Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland - A rainforest walk among ferns and native life
Auckland West Coast Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland

Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland

14.Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland

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

Head west from central Auckland with Bush and Beach for an afternoon at the Arataki Visitor Centre, in the Waitakere Ranges rainforest and on Piha’s black-sand shore. Expect a guide-led nature walk, sweeping coastal views and tea, coffee, juice and cookies. Guides vary, with names including Isla, Ian, Meredith and Leon.

“It was a full immersion into New Zealand. History and culture all wrapped up in a beautiful trip through a rain forest and gorgeous black sand beach. Would highly recommend. Our guides Isla and Ian were incredible. They loved sharing their country and it showed!”

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Auckland Sky Tower General Admission Ticket - Sunset is lovely, but check the clock
Sky Tower Tickets, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Auckland

Auckland Sky Tower General Admission Ticket

15.Auckland Sky Tower General Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 805 reviews · from $24Best value

Head to Auckland’s 328-meter Sky Tower for general admission to its observation decks, with views across the city, Waitematā Harbour, and landmarks such as Mount Eden and Waiheke Island. Plan for about an hour, or longer if you want a coffee or sunset view. Sky Walk and Sky Jump activities cost extra.

“Wonderful time very nice activity very helpful and informative staff beautiful and clean I would strongly recommend”

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New in Tours in Auckland

★ 5.0West Auckland: Sunset with Thermal pool & Wine TastingFrom $2983 reviews
★ 5.0Waiheke Island: Gulf Marine Park Sailing Adventure & LunchFrom $3884 reviews
★ 5.0Auckland’s Wild West Coast & Black Sand Beaches Tour inc LunchFrom $10812 reviews
★ 4.5Kumeu Wine Region Shuttle from AucklandFrom $6819 reviews
★ 4.5Auckland Airport Private One-Way or Round-Trip Transfer14 reviews
★ 5.0Wētā Workshop Unleashed – Intro to Scars and Scrapes WorkshopFrom $405 reviews
★ 5.0West Coast Discovery Piha Beach Private TourFrom $35114 reviews
★ 3.5West Coast Discovery – Piha Beach or Muriwai Beach from AucklandFrom $1236 reviews
★ 5.0WAITOMO – Twin Caves Discovery – Private Day Tour from AucklandFrom $4823 reviews
★ 5.0Hobbiton Movie Set Day TourFrom $2136 reviews
★ 5.0Waitomo Glowworm Caves In a Private Small Group Tour-Auckland.From $52018 reviews
★ 5.0Waitomo Glow Worm Caves & Te Puia – Rotorua’s Geothermal ValleyFrom $2849 reviews
★ 3.5Waitomo Caves Private Tour from AucklandFrom $2163 reviews
★ 5.0Waitomo Glow Worm Caves & Te Puia (Rotorua) Private TourFrom $58813 reviews
★ 5.0Waitangi Treaty Ground Day Trip Private Transport From Auckland3 reviews

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Beyond Queen Street

Pick a harbour, a vineyard or the long road south.

Harbour and gulf

Harbour SailingWhales & DolphinsSea KayaksRangitotoGoat Island

In the city

City HighlightsSky TowerVolcano WalksMuseumsWalking Tours

Cellar doors and kitchens

Waiheke WineFood ToursWaiheke IslandFood & Drink

Days south

HobbitonWaitomo CavesRotoruaMāori Culture