Auckland is ideally located for travel throughout New Zealand’s North Island. Even if you only have limited time available, you will be able to visit some well-known landmarks and attractions.

The 2-day trips from Auckland visit to locations such as Rotorua and the lush Bay of Plenty region. Dive trips are also popular excursions for visitors to Auckland.

Here's everything you need to know about a 2-day trip, one of the most exciting multi-day trips from Auckland.

2-Day trips from Auckland: Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton and Rotorua

To experience the splendor of New Zealand’s North Island and see what makes this a favorite location for epic films, a 2-day trip from Auckland to the Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton and Rotorua is ideal.

What is the typical itinerary?

A 2-day trip to Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hobbiton and Rotorua is a jam-packed excursion designed to maximize the short amount of time you have to explore this fascinating and breath-taking region.

Your tour begins with a drive through the Waikato countryside, stopping at the enchanting Waitomo Caves, and several geothermal sites, including the Pohutu Geyser at Te Puia. After arriving in Rotorua, enjoy an immersive cultural experience at Whakarewarewa Maori Village.

The second tour day includes a tour of the charming Hobbiton Movie Set close to Matamata. There is time for lunch before returning to Auckland through the region’s fertile farmlands.

Which types of 2-day trips to Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton and Rotorua are available?

Small group and private tours are the most popular tours of this type. Both of these types of tour include the services of a guide and comfortable minivan or private vehicle transport.

Depending on the tour you select, your excursion may be all inclusive, or you may need to pay for extras such as meals and refreshments. Some tours include accommodation, and many tours offer more than one accommodation type, allowing you to tailor the tour to fit your budget.

Which optional activities can be done?

A Maori cultural evening experience and traditional Hangi buffet meal are optional activities that can be included on your tour.

How much does it cost?

The 2-day small group guided tours start from US$500 per person, excluding accommodation. Including accommodation, tours cost around US$700 per person sharing.

Private trips cost from US$1100 per person and exclude meals and accommodation. For private tours that include accommodation but exclude food and drinks, you will pay around US$1,500 per person sharing.

2-Day trips from Auckland: Diving tours

Whether you’re an experienced and certified diver or you would like to learn how to dive, 2-day diving trips from Auckland visit some of the best dive spots for divers of all experience levels.

What is the typical itinerary?

After casting off from Auckland’s Kawau Island, 2-day diving trips will head to one of the areas top dive spots.

Little Barrier and Mokohinaus Islands, the Great Barrier Island, the Poor Knights Islands and Hens and Chickens Islands are among the most popular anchor sites on a 2-day tour.

Bunk-style accommodation on the boat, all meals, soft drinks and dive equipment are included in the price. For those who book an open water dive course, all instruction and equipment is supplied.

Which types of 2-day scuba diving tours are available?

Diving boat tours in Auckland are limited to groups of eight participants. All experiences, excluding the open water dive course, are inclusive of onboard accommodation, meals, soft drinks and diving equipment.

Professional certified divers will accompany you as guides on your tour.

How much does it cost?

The 2-day diving tours cost from around US$800 per participant. Open water dive courses exclude accommodation and meals and start from US$500 per person.

2-Day trips from Auckland: Bay of Islands and Hole in the Rock

A 2-day trip travels to New Zealand’s most popular summer travel destinations, including the breath-taking Bay of Islands, which is one of the many options available for visitors to Auckland.

What is the typical itinerary?

This type of tour begins with a journey to visit the historically significant Waitangi Treaty Grounds before heading on to the seaside village of Russell. There is time to explore this town that was not only a merchant sea port, but the first national capital of New Zealand.

After overnighting in Russell, a cruise to the remote beaches and islands along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula will take you to Cape Brett to see the historic lighthouse and Piercy island, also known as “Hole in the Rock.”

The tour returns to Auckland later in the day.

Which types of 2-day trips to Bay of Islands and Hole in the Rock are available?

Typically, guided small group tours are available to travel to Bay of Islands and Hole in the Rock. You can however request the tour on a private basis.

Accommodation in Russell can either be booked via your tour operator at an additional cost, or you can make your own arrangements.

How much does it cost?

The 2-day small group guided tours start from US$600 per person, excluding accommodation, but including all entrance and tour fees.

2-Day Trips from Auckland