Welcome to Auckland, a city that combines urban life with easy access to nature. Known as Tāmaki Makaurau, this is a place of incredible diversity, offering a vast array of tours and activities that cater to every kind of traveler and every style of adventure. From the sparkling, sail-dotted waters of the Hauraki Gulf to the ancient, lush native forests that cover the Waitakere Ranges, there is a new discovery waiting for you around every corner. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie seeking your next thrill, a nature lover wanting to connect with the unique flora and fauna of New Zealand, or a culture enthusiast eager to delve into the rich history of the region, you will find something here to captivate your senses and create memories that will last a lifetime. Come and explore the City of Sails and its breathtaking surroundings through our curated Auckland tours that offer something for every type of traveller.
This guide is your key to unlocking the very best adventures — whether you’re after a nature walk, a thrilling experience, or a classic Auckland tour. We have carefully curated and categorised a wide selection of experiences to help you effortlessly find the perfect activity to match your interests and your schedule. Discover everything from tranquil kayaking trips under a canopy of stars to exhilarating multi-day hikes that will test your limits and reward you with spectacular views. Each tour is more than just an activity; it’s an opportunity to forge a deeper connection with the incredible natural beauty and the rich, vibrant culture of New Zealand. Get ready to embark on an adventure that will show you the very best of what Auckland has to offer, from its iconic landmarks to its most hidden gems.
Explore Auckland’s world-renowned coastline from the water with our exceptional selection of kayaking and paddleboarding tours. These excursions offer a truly unique perspective on the city’s stunning natural beauty, allowing you to glide through serene mangrove forests, witness the magical glow of bioluminescence on a peaceful nighttime adventure, or explore the fascinating volcanic history of islands like Motukorea (Browns Island). Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a complete beginner, these guided options are perfect examples of exciting Auckland activities that take you out on the water. Our knowledgeable guides will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience, providing all the equipment and instruction you need.
Experience the magic of bioluminescence on this evening kayak tour. As you paddle through the waters of the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve, you’ll see the water light up with the natural glow of marine creatures. This guided tour is a unique way to see one of nature’s most enchanting light shows.
This half-day sea kayaking tour takes you to the pest-free sanctuary of Browns Island (Motukorea). You’ll paddle from St Heliers Beach and have the opportunity to walk to the island’s summit for 360-degree views of the Hauraki Gulf.
This two-hour stand-up paddleboarding tour explores the mangroves of Lucas Creek in Albany. It’s a great option for both beginners and experienced paddleboarders, offering a peaceful and scenic journey that culminates in the discovery of a hidden waterfall.
This nighttime sea kayaking adventure lets you witness the incredible natural phenomenon of bioluminescence. As you paddle in the dark, the water around you will light up with a magical blue-green glow, creating an unforgettable experience.
Explore the stunning coastline of Waiheke Island on a sea kayak. You can choose from a variety of guided tours, from a half-day coastal exploration to a multi-day adventure. It’s a fantastic way to see the island’s famous vineyards and beautiful beaches from a different perspective.
This tour combines a scenic paddle on the Wairoa River with a visit to the Hallertau Brewery in Clevedon. You’ll enjoy the tranquility of the river before rewarding yourself with craft beer and food at the brewery.
This guided stand-up paddleboarding tour takes you through the calm waters of Lucas Creek in Albany. The highlight of the tour is reaching a beautiful, secluded waterfall, offering a peaceful escape into nature.
Paddle to New Zealand’s oldest riverside pub, The Riverhead Tavern. This tour takes you along the upper Waitemata Harbour, offering a unique way to arrive at a historic landmark for a meal and drinks.
This sea kayaking tour to Browns Island offers stunning views of the Auckland skyline and a chance to explore a volcanic island. You can hike to the summit, enjoy the views, and even go for a swim in the clear waters.
A unique tour that combines a scenic kayak trip on the Wairoa River with a visit to the Hallertau Brewery in Clevedon. It’s a perfect blend of outdoor activity and local flavor.
Paddle across the Waitemata Harbour to Rangitoto Island, Auckland’s youngest volcano. You’ll hike to the summit for panoramic views and explore the island’s unique volcanic landscape and native forest.
This two-day overnight sea kayaking trip takes you from Maraetai to Waiheke Island. It’s an immersive experience that includes exploring the island’s coastline, camping, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Hauraki Gulf.
This program is designed to teach kids aged 5-12 stand-up paddleboarding, water safety, and environmental education. It’s a fun and non-competitive way for kids to build confidence on the water and learn about protecting the marine environment.
For those who crave the ultimate Auckland adventure, our Auckland day tours and multi-day options offer an unparalleled opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the region’s stunning natural landscapes. These extended, immersive journeys are designed to take you deeper into the heart of the Auckland region, allowing you to fully experience its stunning landscapes, from circumnavigating the beautiful Waiheke Island by sea kayak to hiking the historic Te Ara Moana trail. Disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature on an extended exploration of the greater Auckland area. These tours are perfect for the adventurous at heart who want to challenge themselves and create lasting memories.
This 51km sea kayak trail follows a traditional Maori route along Auckland’s southeastern coastline. Over five days, you’ll paddle between five regional parks, camping at beachfront sites along the way. It’s a self-guided journey that offers a deep connection to the history and natural beauty of the area.
Immerse yourself in New Zealand’s truly unique natural environment with our carefully selected nature and wildlife tours. These experiences are designed to get you up close and personal with the country’s native flora and fauna. Get a chance to see the iconic and elusive kiwi bird on Tiritiri Matangi Island, explore the rugged, untamed beauty of the Waitakere Ranges, or embark on a thrilling whale and dolphin watching safari in the magnificent Hauraki Gulf. These tours offer incredible opportunities to connect with the wild side of Auckland, providing a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s precious ecosystems and the conservation efforts in place to protect them.
You don’t have to travel far from the city to see glowworms. This tour takes you to see these fascinating creatures in two locations: the Auckland Domain and on the North Shore. It’s a magical experience to see the native bush light up with their gentle glow.
Explore a variety of caves on this tour, from the volcanic lava tubes on Rangitoto Island to the historic tunnels in Devonport. You’ll learn about the region’s volcanic and military history while discovering these hidden underground worlds.
This full-day tour takes you to some of Auckland’s most beautiful waterfalls. You’ll visit several stunning cascades in the Hunua Ranges and other regional parks, with opportunities for short walks and photography at each stop.
Explore the underwater world of the Hauraki Gulf with a guided snorkeling tour. You’ll discover the diverse marine life that lives just off Auckland’s coast, with expert guides to show you the best spots and ensure your safety.
This nighttime tour at Tawharanui Regional Park offers two incredible experiences in one. You’ll have the chance to see the iconic kiwi bird in its natural habitat, and you’ll also get to gaze at the stars through a powerful telescope in a dark sky sanctuary.
Join a guided night walk at Tawharanui Regional Park for the best chance of seeing a wild kiwi. An experienced guide will lead you through the predator-free sanctuary, sharing their knowledge of this unique and endangered bird.
Tawharanui Regional Park is an accredited Dark Sky Sanctuary, making it one of the best places near Auckland for stargazing. On this tour, you’ll use a powerful telescope to see stars, planets, and galaxies in incredible detail.
Whether you’re a seasoned climber with years of experience under your belt or a curious beginner looking to try something new and exciting, Auckland has some fantastic spots for rock climbing and bouldering. From the dramatic coastal cliffs to the conveniently located urban quarries, there are endless activities in Auckland for climbers of all levels. Challenge yourself both physically and mentally, push your limits, and enjoy some truly amazing views from the top. Our guided experiences cater to all skill levels and provide a safe and supportive environment for you to learn and grow as a climber.
Learn to rock climb or improve your skills with a guided outdoor experience. These courses are offered at various locations around Auckland and are suitable for all levels. You'll learn about safety, technique, and enjoy the thrill of climbing in a natural environment.
If you're an experienced boulderer and want to explore Auckland's outdoor bouldering spots on your own, you can hire a crash pad (boulder mat). This gives you the freedom to climb at your own pace and tackle the problems that interest you most.
Waiheke Island is not just for wine tasting and beaches; it also has some fantastic bouldering. This tour provides information and resources for outdoor bouldering on the island, where you can enjoy stunning views while you climb.
Join a guided rock climbing class at Maungarei Springs (Stonefields), a former quarry that is now a popular spot for urban climbing. The classes are suitable for all levels, and you'll learn from experienced instructors.
Ti Point is one of Auckland's best-known rock climbing destinations, with a wide range of routes on coastal basalt cliffs. It's a beautiful spot to climb, with stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf.
For those who are seeking something truly out of the ordinary, our collection of unique experiences is perfect if you’re looking for unusual things to do in Auckland. From mysterious, surprise weekend getaways where the destination is a secret until the last minute, to hands-on foraging tours where you’ll learn to find and prepare your own wild food, these tours are designed to surprise, delight, and inspire. Step off the beaten path, embrace the unexpected, and create truly one-of-a-kind memories in New Zealand’s largest city, far beyond the typical Auckland city tour experience.
This is a collection of nighttime adventures that includes everything from mystery trips and stargazing to campcraft and survival courses. It’s a great way to experience Auckland’s natural beauty after dark.
This full-day tour takes you to a variety of beautiful gardens and sculpture parks around Auckland. You’ll visit the historic Winter Gardens, the expansive Cornwall Park, and several other stunning locations that showcase the best of the region’s horticulture and art.
Witness the magic of a meteor shower on this special stargazing tour. You’ll be taken to a location with minimal light pollution to get the best possible view of the shooting stars. It’s a truly unforgettable cosmic experience.
If you’re visiting Auckland on a cruise ship, these customised half-day tours are a great way to make the most of your time in port. You can choose from a variety of activities, from sightseeing and cultural experiences to adventure and nature tours.
Combine the adventure of camping with the comfort of a hotel with a glamping experience. You can stay in a luxurious tent at a scenic location, complete with a comfortable bed and all the amenities you need for a relaxing night under the stars.
With its incredibly diverse and constantly changing landscapes, Auckland is a fantastic and rewarding destination for walking and hiking. From the rugged and dramatic coastal tracks that offer breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, to the serene and peaceful forest trails that wind through ancient native bush, there’s a walk to suit every fitness level and interest. Whether you’re looking for a short and easy stroll to clear your head or a challenging multi-day trek to test your endurance, you’ll find it here. Lace up your boots and get ready to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Auckland region on foot.
Join a guided walking tour of Duder Regional Park, a beautiful peninsula with rolling farmland and stunning coastal views. You’ll learn about the park’s history and ecology as you explore its network of tracks.
