Top 10 Historical & Heritage Tours in Waikato Region, North Island

September 30, 2021 Milan Banda

Waikato (/ˈwaɪkɑːtɔː/ or /ˈwaɪkætoʊ/) is a local government region of the upper North Island of New Zealand. It covers the Waikato, Hauraki, Coromandel Peninsula, the northern King Country, much of the Taupo District, and parts of Rotorua District. It is governed by the Waikato Regional Council.
Restaurants in Waikato Region

1. Private Trip to Coromandel

Auckland Central, Auckland, New Zealand Auckland & Beyond Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

The Coromandel Coast Private Tour will take you to one of the most stunning areas of New Zealand. Formerly known largely for its Hardrock Gold Mining and Kauri, the Coromandel is now popular for tourism especially ecotourism. Enjoy a boat trip to see the incredible islands, reefs, blowholes, bays and the impressive sea cave at Cathedral Cove where parts of the Narnia film took place. This area is also home to various different marine life including dolphins, little blue penguins and fish (not guaranteed) Then take in the beautiful bush scenery on the 1-hour train ride at the Driving Creek Railway. Once at the top, you will be in awe with the panoramic views over the islands. Before you head back to Auckland you will get the unique experience of digging your very own private natural spa pool at the famous Hot Water Beach. Note: we can also offer transfers to charter boats, seaplane or Helicopter on request. Please advise dietary requirements when making the booking.

Inclusions: Proffessional guide, Picnic Lunch, Snacks and Water complimentary, Spade provided to dig hole at hot water beach, Private transportation, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By AdiS491

The tour of the set was excellent. The place is a well oiled machine from ticket office to bus ride etc. Our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about the movies and all other aspects . The movie set was awesome and the gardens amazing . Even if you’re not a movie buff the experience and sheer brilliance of PJ et al is totally worth it . Having a drink ( free) at the Green Dragon ???? was fantastic.

2. Coromandel, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach Full Day Tour From Auckland

Sky Tower, Victoria Street West, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand Auckland Scenic Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Renowned for the pristine white-sand beaches, the untouched lush native forests and breathtaking natural formations, discover the Coromandel Peninsula on this 1 Day excursion from Auckland. Our amazing tour, travelling in one of our air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicles, takes place over 8 hours and with the insight of our highly knowledgeable local tour guides, it truly will be a day to remember. No trip to New Zealand’s North Island is complete without a visit to ‘the spectacular Coromandel Region. Bring your own swimming gear and towel. We will provide the spade Our Coromandel Day Tour includes --Small group tours to give that personal,intimate experience --Magical day encompassing walking, hiking, swimming, spa-ing --Unbelievable photo opportunities all day --Relaxing, scenic drive as we get off the beaten track --Highly knowledgeable local guide --Plenty of time to explore Hahei, Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove --Drop off to your accommodation in Auckland CBD or the Sky Tower

Inclusions: Spades, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: food and drink, Not suitable for young children and infants

Reviewed By emilyz906

Auckland Scenic Tours was outstanding. I really appreciate their no cancellation policy as I was only there for a few days and had wanted to organise a trip to Hobbiton. David, my guide for the day was excellent. We definitely took the scenic route and I got to see some stunning scenery. Thank you for the great experience and I would definitely recommend them to family and friends wanting to explore Auckland and beyond.

3. Lake Taupō Voyager Experience

Grand Mercure Auckland, 8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand ExperienceKart
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Marvel at the breath-taking geothermal scenery, stunning waterfalls and World Heritage-listed forest reserves, located in the centre of New Zealand’s north island lies the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. A land of fire and ice, Lake Taupō, a stunning natural cauldron, is ringed by snow-capped mountains, and surrounded by geothermal ‘hot spots’, bubbling mud pools, fumaroles and hot springs. Get right up close to explore lake Taupō on an eco-friendly scenic cruise around the Western Bays of the Lake to see the huge Māori rock carving at Mine Bay.

Inclusions: Fully guided return transfers from Auckland, Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD, Complimentary refreshments and water on board, A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour, Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus, Admission to 2.5-hour cruise aboard an electric yacht, Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies, Engaging and informative commentary in English, Indoor and outdoor seating with Large viewing deck, Visit to the stunning lake city of Taupō waterfront, Visit mighty and majestic Huka falls, Admission to New Zealand’s largest showcase of honey products. , Free tastings of 100% pure New Zealand honey, honey wine (mead) and liqueurs, Discover the renowned Maori Rock Carvings on a cruise, Get a chance to hoist the sails & steer the wheel , Sail in a lovingly restored white classic sailing yacht , Unique Perspective – explore the culture, history and sustainability of the region

Exclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Access to Wi-Fi on board for a small surcharge

Reviewed By ivris2019

Highly recommend Started off with Guided Tour with Mark definitely a must do . Came away with more knowledge of my country ????❤️ Finished off with relaxing in Mud Bath and spa omg Heaven ???? Definitely going back again ????

4. Kakapo 21 Day New Zealand Small Group Tour

Grand Mercure Auckland, 8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand MoaTrek
Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 41 reviews

Small Groups - Maximum 18 travellers per tour. NZ Family Owned since 1971 - Many NZ tour companies are Australian owned. Off the Beaten Track Destinations - where big coaches can't go. Flexibility - Time to add as many (or few) activities around the country as you like. Walking - For those who would like to, there are lots of short walks all over the country, your guides will help you find them. Kiwi Guides - Our guides are all passionate Kiwis who know the country like the back of their hands.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Private transportation, 20 Included Activities as per itinerary

Exclusions: Flights from your home country to New Zealand, Single Accommodation Supplement for Sole Room Use.

Reviewed By Wander636823

Kudos to Moa Tours for organising such a great trip. Te Wai Poumanu is beautiful in April with all the autumn colours. This was my first trip with Moa and I have already booked a second one. Special mention must be made of our guide Andrew. His knowledge, passion and enthusiasm shone throughout and he has a great sense of humour, much appreciated when dealing with so many diverse customers. He always went the extra mile to make everyone’s journey enjoyable. I would highly recommend both Moa and Andrew for kiwis wanting to experience the beauty of their own country.

5. Rotorua Highlights Small Group Tour Including Te Puia from Auckland

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 19 reviews

Experience the world famous geothermal and Maori cultural wonders of Te Puia. This unforgettable tour combines natures power and beauty with Maori culture all in one day. Highlights: • Te Puia Geothermal Park & Pohutu • Maori Cultural Village and Arts School • Rotorua City Highlights • Waikato Farm Region While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it’s our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. This day tour gives you the time to explore Te Puia and participate in the extra options if you choose, unlike many other tours. Led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group and Fully Guided Tour, Entry Tickets, Bottled water, Snacks

Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Food and drinks, unless specified, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

Reviewed By M6828DUlisao

We enjoyed this tour from start to finish. It was a fantastic day out. Our tour guide Mani was amazing. He had such a wealth of knowledge and was so friendly and involved in our whole experience. I would have to say he has been the best tour guide we have ever had. The highlight of the day was our visit to Cathedral Cove ( such a breathtaking place) and Hot Water Beach. A very different experience for us

6. Taupo Highlights Tour - Go Explore Scenic

Go Explore NZ
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.7 based on 13 reviews

An all-inclusive full day (Approx 7 hours) guided tour of the breathtaking Lake Taupo region. If you have one day in Taupo this is a must, join us as we explore the must do’s and top activities of Lake Taupo. Taken by your local guide you will experience a tour showcasing the best of the Taupo region complete with amazing sights, good food and great activities. Each tour includes the top scenic sights of Taupo, a geothermal experience, lunch and nibbles followed by a scenic cruise on the lake to the local Maori rock carvings. Once booked we will take care of the rest including pick up and drop off from your accommodation or chosen location.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), National Park fees, Afternoon tea, Beverages, Bottled water, Food tasting, Light refreshments, Lunch, Snacks, All activities, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Professional guide, Tour escort/host, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Coffee and/or Tea, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Trips are all inclusive.

Reviewed By ranjitg377

My trip to Taupo was a very memorable recently,while there I booked a private tour with www.goexplorenz.com.The driver for the day was Logan he arrived on time to pick me up from my hotel.This was a full day tour,Logan was very professional,knowledable and very kind.This Geothermal Valleys tour is a must see.The highlights of this tour was the Champagne Pool,and Lake ROTOMAHANA at WAIMANGU Valley.I highly recommend booking with Logan.Thank you Logan for the great day out and the chocolate and bottle of water

7. Hobbiton Movie Set and the Geysers of Te Puia, Rotorua

Port of Tauranga Ltd, 2 Salisbury Avenue, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand Cruise Tauranga
Excellent
80%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.6 based on 5 reviews

Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua Geysers This is your chance to visit TWO of the North Island’s top visitor attractions on the same day! The amazing geothermal activity and geysers at Te Puia, and Hobbiton, the movie set, home of Bilbo Baggins. Our drive to Rotorua, where Te Puia is located takes you through kiwi fruit and avocado orchards, past dairy farms and Maori archeological sites, through pine plantations and native rain forest alongside stunning lakes set in volcanic craters to the geothermal valley of 'Te whakarewarewa tanga o'te ope taua a wahiao', the home of the Southern Hemispheres biggest geyser, Pohutu. From there a drive across the volcanic plateau down into the rich diary farming area of the Waikato and the location of the movie set, Hobbiton. Then leaving the Shire behind, return hrough the rolling countryside and over the 'Misty Mountains' to your ship in Tauranga. An opportunity not to be missed for all fans of the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings (LOR).

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Bottled water, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Port pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By Bob H

My wife and I were on a tour and visited the various locations. The Glow-worm caves and Pohutu Geyser were very impressive as were the Hot Springs.

8. Private Tour: Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip from Auckland

Legend Tours and Travels Day Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1 reviews

Enjoy a day trip from Auckland to Rotorua with the opportunity to explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Your chauffeur will pick you up from your desired place in Auckland city, and then get ready to enjoy the amazing Rotorua! Rotorua is New Zealand's ultimate holiday destination for locals and overseas visitors. The Waitomo Caves, one of the North Island's most popular attractions. With beautiful caverns and brightly lit glowworms, this sightseeing experience will be one you won't ever forget!

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by private vehicle, Light refreshments and water, Hotel pickup and drop-off, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch, Excess luggage charges (where applicable), Entrance Tickets

Reviewed By K7293HPjosephh

Wonderful day trip to the glow worms and the Hobbit farm Driver was the best and took great care of us Long day but worth the expense of a private car

9. Taranaki Taster

Kiwi Day Trips

Get of the beaten track and head for Taranaki. Trip Highlights - Local Guide -Small Group -Climb to the Summit of Paritutu Rock -Explore Back Beach and the Sugar Loaf Islands -Tour of New Plymouth City -Walk from the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge to the Wind Wand on the Coastal Walkway - Festival of Lights (Summer only) -Walk through Goblin Forest up Mount Taranaki -See a live Kiwi Bird at the Otorohanga Kiwi House Note Minimum number for this tour to be confirmed is 4 passengers.

Inclusions: Overnight accommodation (Price Based on Dorm Share. Upgrades available subject to availability at extra cost), National Park fees, Breakfast, Local Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Small-group, Walking tour of New Plymouth City

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Room Upgrades

Reviewed By savvytravlor

staff were the worst i have ever had and NEVER goingg back and it was a massive wate of my time and money HORRID BAD NASTY

10. Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Glowworm Caves Private Tour

Supervan

Embark on a one way scenic tour from Auckland to Rotorua including the guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Cave, one of the North Island's most popular destination and be amazed with a magical underground boat ride along the Waitomo River through the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by the twinkling lights of thousands of tiny glowworms. After pick up from city hotels in Auckland in the morning, we travel through the Waikato and King Country regions, passing by beautiful farmland & picturesque countryside. Our local driver guide will entertain you with interesting story of Waikato and point out the highlights along the way. Our van will stop at Rangiriri Heritage sight, where the final battle was fought between British forces and Maori king in 1863. After the Glowworms caves tour, Journey to Rotorua continues, passing through the beautiful Fitzgerald Glade, where trees arch over the road form a tunnel of natural greenery. The tour concludes with complimentary hotel drop off in Rotorua.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel Pick ups from Auckland CBD Hotels, Hotel drop off at Rotorua, Local Guide at Waitomo Glowworm caves

Exclusions: Travel Insurance, Lunch

Reviewed By 62Peter1952

Used this service to travel from the airport to the Hotel and return. The driver gave me a good ride into town, from the airport. He is polite, and looked after his passenger very well. I found him to be punctual, and informative..

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.