8 3-Day Experiences in New Zealand to Build a Day Around

1.3-Day Bay of Islands Tour from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 41 reviews · from $785Our pick

A fast, scenic 3-day Bay of Islands trip from Auckland to Waitangi, Cape Reinga, and Hole in the Rock cruise, with Paihia stays.

“Enjoyed the bay of islands tour very much. Just some constructive critism. After numerous attempts to find accommodation at pick up hotels we had to book a hotel near airport. Costing us 98 NZ dollars where everyone else were picked up to come to bus station. This se med rather unfair and added unnecessary expense to our budget. Perhaps a refund as a gesture would be considered. Felt it would have been wonderful if the trip to treaty ground in piahia could have been at the same time as a Mouri performance. But the. Guide was excellent, The second day bus journey was very long and rushed at times But.…”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Hobbiton, Rotorua, Waiotapu and Waitomo 3-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 22 reviews · 3 days · from $1,135

A small-group 3-day North Island loop: Hobbiton, Rotorua, Waiotapu, Taupo, Polynesian Spa, and Waitomo glowworms from Auckland.

“I had a fantastic time! I particularly loved Rotorua, and was really glad to be able to see it, particularly the Mitai evening and Waiotapu. I don't drive so this allowed me to see things I wouldn't have been able to otherwise. Everything was organised so efficiently, especially considering people in the group were doing different things. I never had to worry about anything! The drivers and guides were all so friendly and knowledgeable. It *is* a lot of money to spend for just 3 days, but considering how much was included, I don't regret it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.3 Day Bay Of Islands Tour from Auckland including Waitangi and Cape Reinga

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 18 reviews · from $772

3-day Bay of Islands tour from Auckland with Waitangi, Cape Reinga, dolphins, Hole in the Rock, Paihia stays, and Ninety Mile Beach.

“Great experience to join this tour as it includes all the major spots in the NZ's northern area. Bus drivers are very professional and polite. Regarding to the hotel accommodation, the room is quite good. The location is very convenient. It takes about 5 minutes to reach a supermarket. One minor thing is that the kettle in the 3 star hotel is dirty and old. Paihia is definitely the place you have to go if you would like to take a break in a small town/village for few days.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Three Day Classic Kayaking in New Zealand

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $744Top rated

Three days of guided sea kayaking in Abel Tasman, paddle past seals and blue penguins, and camp with beach meals from Marahau.

“What a fantastic family trip! Whitney the super guide looked after us so well! The food was amazing, nothing was rushed and a good amount of paddling each day. My son is also Coeliac and they catered for him extremely well.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Private 3 Days Tour From Auckland: Hobbiton, Hamilton, Rotorua & Waitomo Caves

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $3,661

Private 3-day North Island highlights from Auckland, with Hobbiton, Rotorua, Te Puia, Waitomo glowworm caves, Hamilton Gardens, and 4-star stays.

“This was a wonderful way for us to discover New Zealand North Island. Martin was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. He was always on time. Never made us feel rushed. We loved sitting back and letting someone else worry about driving and parking etc. We had such a great time. And he tolerated my husband's jokes.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.3-Day Hobbiton, Rotorua, Whakarewarewa, and Waitomo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 4 reviews · from $915

A guided 3-day North Island tour from Auckland, covering Hobbiton, Rotorua geothermal and Maori culture, plus Waitomo glowworm caves by boat.

“We really enjoyed this tour. The sites were interesting and the hotels were within walking distance to the shops and restaurants as well as picturesque walking paths.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.3 Day Unguided Kayaking starting in the Abel Tasman National Park New Zealand

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $225Best value

Self-guided 3-day kayak rental in Abel Tasman, starting in Marahau with a water taxi to Onetahuti Bay and all safety gear included.

“We couldn't fault one bit of our kayak rental with Abel Tasman Kayaks! They were really professional, super friendly, flexible and helpful! The kayaks were in great condition, held way more stuff than we thought and were super easy to use! Thank you Abel Tasman Kayaks!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.3 Day Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua Tour from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $1,343

3 days from Auckland covering Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hobbiton, Māori culture, and Rotorua geothermal sights, with Rotorua stay and tickets.

“It was a great experience! Waitamo cave and the geothermal region of Rotorua are very unique and impressive. Hobbiton is a very cool experience, not only for huge fans of the Lord of the Rings. Everything was perfectly organized, every pickuRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review