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Multi-day Tours and Trips from Auckland

Multi-day Tours and Trips from Auckland

Auckland is a cosmopolitan, multicultural port city, located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island.

Recognized as one of the world’s most livable cities, it is also well located as a base from which to visit some of New Zealand’s most well-known landmarks and attractions.

Multi-day trips from Auckland are a convenient way to explore beyond the city limits. Trips to places such as the magical Hobbiton, the fascinating Waitomo caves and Rotorua in the lush Bay of Plenty region are all possible from Auckland.

Additionally, if your preference is to explore the coastal waters off the New Zealand coast, a multi-day boat cruise or diving trip departing from Auckland is bound to be a memorable experience.

Depending on your choice of tour, you will travel with a small group or on a private basis with an experienced and enthusiastic local guide. Here’s a summary of the different tour types you can choose between when considering a multi-day tour from Auckland.

2-Day Trips from Auckland

You are spoiled for choice when deciding which 2-day trip is best for you. The most popular 2-day tours from Auckland cover as much terrain as possible in the short time available. There are two types of 2-day tours — land based excursions and boat based tours.

Land-based 2-day tours

On a land based tour, you can expect an itinerary that begins with a Rotorua pickup by your small-group or private guide. Departing the city, your guide will outline your itinerary while also pointing out Auckland’s top attractions.

On a 2-day tour, you can expect your itinerary to include the Waikato countryside where you will encounter magnificent scenery, rivers and waterways.

Day 1 of the tour include the Waitomo Caves with the magical glow-worm grotto, the Pohutu Geyser at Te Puia, the geothermal attractions in Rotorua and a cultural experience at Whakarewarewa Maori Village.

Day two of a land-based tour includes a 2-hour tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set outside of Matamata. After lunch, you will return to Auckland via lush dairy farms and the Bombay Hills.

Water-based 2-day tours

Diving tours from Auckland visit sites like the Little Barrier and Mokohinaus Islands, the Great Barrier Island, the Poor Knights Islands and Hens and Chickens Islands.

On these tours, you will overnight on your dive boat in bunk-like accommodation to make the most of your time at sea.

The majority of the tours do require you to have a diving certification, but on trips that include shallow sites, non-divers have the opportunity of snorkeling.

You can also choose a 2-day open water diving certification course that will not only give you an internationally recognized certification, but also the opportunity to dive at some of Auckland’s best dive spots with your professional instructor.

3-Day Trips from Auckland

The Bay of Islands is a top destination on a 3-day tour from Auckland. Most 3-day tours operate on a small-group basis to ensure a quality experience without any unnecessary expense.

Some of the most common stops on a tour to the Bay of Islands are the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the scenic Puketi Kauri Forest, Cape Reinga – New Zealand’s northernmost point, and the famous Hole in the Rock.

Your tour will pass through Russell, New Zealand’s first capital on your return to Auckland.

Some 3-day tours to the Bay of Islands also include a visit to Hokianga where you can participate in a guided night walk and learn about the significance of some of the region’s giant trees.

On the way, you will drive along the Kaipara, which is the southern hemisphere’s largest natural harbor.

A 3-day trip to Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves and Rotorua is also an option if you feel a 2-day excursion is too short or you can book a trip that travels from Auckland via Rotorua to Wellington.

The North Island is a place of contrasts, with fertile farmland, geothermal and volcanic landscapes, wildlife and nature sanctuaries. You will be able to see these contrasting scenes as you travel on your tour.

If you would like to learn how to surf while in New Zealand, you can book a 3-day package to Piha where you will enjoy daily surf lessons with experienced professionals.

There will also be plenty of time for relaxing at the amazing beach location. You can opt for camping, dormitory or luxury style accommodations depending on your budget.

Private and small group 3-day tours are an option, depending on your personal preference and your budget.

4-Day Trips from Auckland

The 4-day trips from Auckland allow ample time for sightseeing and relaxing, and are a great option if you have the time to truly explore New Zealand’s North Island from Auckland.

Some 4-day tours return to Auckland, while others end in Wellington – although you can arrange a return to Auckland at an additional cost.

On a 4-day thermal getaway experience, your tour focuses on the fascinating volcanic and geothermal wonders of the region. On the route, vibrant cities, interesting attractions and the inspiring Maori culture and heritage also add to the tour’s appeal.

Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton and Whakarewarewa are included in the tour, as is a visit to the Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa.

One day is set aside for exploration in Rotorua where you can explore the city’s historic locations or spend some leisure time alone.

The Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a colorful volcanic park which includes hot and cold springs, mud pools, steaming ground, volcanic craters and fascinating terrace formations.

The Lady Knox geyser, Huka Falls and Lake Taupo are also popular sites visited on your way back to Auckland.

If you prefer not to return to Auckland immediately, you can also choose a 4-day tour that visits all of the region’s top attractions and ends in Wellington.

A private 4-day Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit tour visits several of the enchanting locations where the filming of these iconic JRR Tolkien's stories took place.

Together with a visit to the Hobbiton set, the tour visits other sites including the desolate “Mordor” and Mount Ngauruhoe – Mount Doom in the "Lord of the Rings" movies.