Experts in Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific

What to do in the North Island

Huka Falls Jet Boating

a man riding on the back of a boat in the water
Great for
  • Adventure

Feel the exhilaration and the power of this jetboat ride. Marvel at the incredible water level views of the spectacular Huka Falls, and enjoy the sensation as you slide past cliffs and trees at eighty kilometres per hour. Hold on tight and get ready for a 360˚ spin! Your ride takes you along a beautiful river environment, lined with native bush and natural hot springs. Continue to the very base of the Huka Falls, past the Wairakei Thermal Power Station, Prawn Park and the Aratiatia Dam. This tour is perfect for those looking for a fun packed adrenalin rush! 

From £72 per adult

Please Note: Tour departs daily (weather permitting) from your chosen Taupo Hotel or Taupo Visitor Centre, please advise your Travel Designer of a preferred departure time. Duration of tour is one hour including transfers. Minimum height restriction is one metre to participate.

Takaro Trails - Cycle the Vineyards

a person riding a bike down a dirt road near a body of water
Great for
  • Adventure
  • Food & wine

With routes catering for all levels of fitness, cycling in Hawke's Bay is really easy - trails are predominantly flat and cycling is on trails rather than roads. guided options include visits to some of the most popular vineyards in the region, Austravel recommends the 16km trail to Havelock North and the Cape Coast, visiting 7 wineries on the way. Self guided bike hire is also available.

Private guided tour from £172 per adult

Please Note: Tour includes bike hire and safety helmet, transfers to and from the i-Site at Napier or Hastings, plus riding instructions with map and water bottle. Wine tastings must be paid for locally.

Floatplane to White Island

a small island in the middle of a body of water
Great for
  • Adventure
  • Luxury travel

Take to the skies in a floatplane and fly high over Hell's Gate Thermal Park and the Pacific Ocean towards White Island. Experience nature at work with this Pacific 'Ring of Fire'. View White Island's fearsome crater from above, New Zealand's most active volcano. Your return flight will continue to exceed all expectations as you fly high above Mount Tarawera's volcanic crater rift, Waimangu Volcanic Valley and the geysers of Whakarewarewa.

From £369 per adult

Please Note: Tour departs daily (subject to weather conditions) and includes return Rotorua hotel transfers. Duration of tour is 1 hour and 10 mins. Please advise your Travel Designer of your preferred departure time. (4A)

Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach

a bus that is parked on the beach
Great for
  • Adventure
  • Beaches & boats
  • Wildlife & nature

Wander the boardwalks through the Puketi Kauri Forest, head to the magnificent Ninety Mile Beach, and explore the famous lighthouse. With the opportunity to sledge or board down the dunes, take a dip in the ocean, or dig for shellfish, you’ll soon build up an appetite in time for an exclusive lunch overlooking the stunning Houhora Harbour. With a local guide on hand to give expert commentary, this will be a day to remember! 

From £79 per adult

Please Note: Tour departs at approximately 7.15am, returning around 6.15pm, hotel pick ups available from Paihia or Kerikeri. Includes a fish and chip lunch.

Discover the Bay of Islands with the Hole in the Rock

a small boat in a body of water
Great for
  • Adventure
  • Beaches & boats
  • Visiting friends & family
  • Wildlife & nature

Travel across Auckland Harbour Bridge via the Hibiscus Coast to the stunning Bay of Islands, home to beautiful uncrowded beaches and native forests. This tour is a fantastic opportunity for those limited on time, the Bay of Islands is certainly not to be missed! Arrive in Paihia to visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, before hopping aboard a cruise to Cape Brett to sail through the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ natural stone archway, before returning to Auckland.

For those already staying in the scenic Bay of Islands, the cruise is also available to book from Paihia wharf.

Cruise only from Paihia from £57 per adult

Day tour from Auckland from £165 per adult

Please Note: Tour departs at approximately 7.30am from SkyCity Travel centre, Auckland hotel pick ups available. Includes packed lunch on cruise. Returns to Auckland at approximately 8pm. Cruise from Paihia (without transfers) departs at either 9.30am or 1.30pm.

Wilderness Experience - Bush and Beach

a beach next to a body of water
Great for
  • Adventure
  • Beaches & boats
  • Wildlife & nature

Explore both the city and the countryside surrounding Auckland in just half a day. Spend the morning visiting Auckland’s most spectacular sights, including Queen Street, the suburb of Ponsonby with its historic buildings, before crossing the Harbour Bridge to Auckland’s North Shore. Enjoy stunning views of the city from the summit of Mount Victoria. In the afternoon continue to the Waitakere Ranges, just 30 kilometres from downtown Auckland. At the Arataki Centre admire the magnificent Maori carvings, before exploring the rugged west coast, home to giant tree ferns, native birds and New Zealand’s famous Kauri trees. 

From £89 per adult

Please Note: Tour departs at approximately 12.30pm and is 5 hours in duration, pick ups available from selected city hotels. Comfortable walking shoes are required. Lunch can be purchased at own expense.

Wine on Waiheke

a close up of a bottle and a glass of wine
Great for
  • Beaches & boats
  • Food & wine

Take this opportunity to head out of the city and cruise over to Waiheke Island where you'll be treated to a deluxe vineyard tour. Your first visit is to the picturesque Mudbrick vineyard overlooking the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf where you will enjoy premium wine tastings. Next, you will travel to The Goldie Room, Waiheke's first and best established winery with breathtaking views across the water to Auckland City and the Coromandel. Here, the experience extends to a tour of the vineyard as well as tastings and a mouth-watering plate of nibbles.

Last stop is Te Whau vineyard, acclaimed for its wine, restaurant as well as stunning views and outstanding architecture. Your tour concludes back at the ferry terminal for your return trip to Auckland. You may choose to extend your stay and take advantage of your complimentary all day bus pass, allowing you to discover the island further. 

From £75 per adult

Please Note: Tour departs 12.30pm daily from October to April, and on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May to September, departing from Pier 2, Ferry Terminal, Quay Street, Downtown Auckland. This tour is not recommended for children. Tour includes open Waiheke return ferry ticket, premium wine tastings, a vineyard tour, nibbles and a bonus All Day Bus Pass after the tour.

Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay

Kiwi Dundee - Nature and Coast

water next to the rock
Great for
  • Beaches & boats
  • Wildlife & nature

A local guide will collect you and take you on a nature lover’s delight as the local flora and fauna of this magical region comes alive. Highlights of your day will be a leisurely walk through beautiful regenerating Kauri forest full of fern trees, glowworms in an old gold cave, a visit to Hotwater Beach (tide permitting) or, depending on fitness, a walk down to the famous Cathedral Cove. Lunch will be at a delightful café, or a delicious picnic. 

From £164 per adult

Please Note: Tour departs daily at 9am with pick up included from Tairua, Pauanui and Whangamata hotels. Duration is 8 hours and lunch is included.

Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga

a small boat in a body of water
Great for
  • Beaches & boats
  • Wildlife & nature

Explore the breathtaking volcanic coastline of the Coromandel and watch the amazing marine life up close as your skipper takes you on an adventure through the Marine Reserve. Including a fun commentary enriched with local history and culture, spot dolphins, seals and penguins – with equipment provided if you fancy snorkelling!

From £53 per adult

Please Note: Departs daily from Whitianga Wharf at 10.30am and 1.30pm.

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