New Zealand · WAIKATO AND RAGLAN
16 reviewed
Good waikato and raglan tours fill up over a New Zealand summer and the best of them are gone by October. The 15 that stand out are below, with current prices and what makes each one different.
Taupo’s Waikato River jet boat ride is a 35-minute thrill with Nga Awa Purua rapids, canyon turns, a guide, and small groups.
“Prepare to have a great time. Everything is done well and you will not be disappointed. Very informative.”
Kayak Lake Karapiro at dusk, paddle the Pokaiwhenua Stream, and watch thousands of glowworms light up like stars near Rotorua.
“Lofty is a great kayak teacher if you don't have a lot of skill but best of all you get to see tons of glow worms and in a nice night you get to see all the stars.”
Kayak the Waikato River from Taupo for 2 hours with a guide, geothermal spa stops, and included gear plus complimentary photos.
“Overall the trip was good, very nice view in taupo lake but was hoping to have more beautiful nice photos like those pictures shows on the website, maybe it’s because the water proof camera, none of the photos was good which is very disappointed”
Raglan Harbour sunset cruise with Captain Matua Barlow, limestone pancake rocks, Māori sites, and a licensed bar for 90 minutes.
“The history of the bays, rocks, Local Pa. then finishing with sunset. Beautiful”
Whitewater jet boating on the Waikato River from Taupo: heated handrails, up to 90 km/h, and Hobbit filming stops on a 35-minute ride.
“Gorgeous views and water. We were also surprised to find one secret location used for filming the Hobbit. High speed fun that doesn’t just rattle you around, it’s very comfortable”
Raglan beginner group surf lesson at Ngarunui Beach, 2 hours, 6 max, wetsuit and board included, $56 per person.
“Our instructor has been really nice and patient with all of us, guiding us through the steps and giving us a lit of tips. Thanks to him I was able to stand a bit on the board, cheers!”
Kayak into a Waikato canyon at dusk, paddle past Horahora Village, then float among glowworms on Lake Karapiro.
“This was such an incredible experience and my husband and I are still talking about it. Was just a shame that we couldn’t attempt to take photos but would absolutely do it again 11/10 experience and our guides were extremely friendly and informative”
45 minutes of V8 speed on the Waikato River in Cambridge, NZ, with 360 spins, wildlife talk, and stops at Karapiro Dam.
“The whole adventure was not just thrilling but educational aswell. The talking points were awesome and memorable”
A 90-minute Raglan harbour cruise with live commentary, ancient pancake rocks, volcanic clues, and a black sand beach stop.
“We ended up going in the smaller boat which ended up an excellent tour. We were able to go further as it was smaller and faster. Our Captain Barlow and Helena were top notch guides. Great trip!”
A 1-hour ecological Waikato jet boat cruise from Cambridge with Cambridge Gorge cliffs, Karapiro Dam views, and wildlife spotting for $86.
“Nous n'étions qu'entre nous on a trouvé ça génial on a expliqué que nous parlions peu anglais donc si il parlait doucement ça irait.il en a clairement rien eu à faire il a déballé son speech sans adapter et était concentré sur ce qu'il allait pouvoir nous vendre.gants de protection.. etc....ils ne fournissent que le gilet de sauvetage. Et il passe son temps à régler la go pro pour prendre des photos et essayer de les vendre.un peu déçu de l attraction qui n'est pas très écologique”
Small-group Hobbiton and Hamilton Gardens day trip from Auckland, with CBD pickup, onboard WiFi, guided Shire walks, and Lake Karapiro.
“Our driver was really friendly, fun and informative on the drive to and from Hobbiton. Water and snacks were provided and we stopped for a coffee break on the way. Would recommend and use again”
Guided canyoning in Raglan, climbing and abseiling down freshwater waterfalls under Mt Karioi. Small group, gear included.
“This was really great!! Fantastisch guide, good support and explanations, great vibe and a memory of a lifetime for me and my two teenage kids. We got a whole file with pictures and movies of our Canyoning trip!! ASOME!!”
Private driver for Auckland, Rotorua, and Hamilton, with unlimited kilometres, custom stops, luxury comfort, and easy pickup.
“We booked this service from Tauranga, and it turned out to be a great choice It gave us flexibility to choose what we wanted to see, enjoy the scenery, stretch our legs, and even take photo breaks. Definitely a highly recommended option if you want a personalised day trip.”
Small-group Auckland day trip to Hobbiton and Hamilton Gardens, with a guided movie set tour, Green Dragon Inn drink, and botanical walks.
“Joe was a great tour guide. The van was very comfortable. Hobbiton was fantastic, not to be missed even if you’re not a movie geek. Every group of 40 or so are spaced out over time so you get a chance to see everything up close and take pictures. So many photo ops! Hamilton gardens are beautiful and interestingly designed. Each element is walled off with hedges so the experience is encapsulated. Wandering on your own gives you a great chance to explore each crated space.”
Raglan sunset canyoning with glowworms in a Mt Karioi lava canyon. Abseil waterfalls, scramble pools, then glowworms light the walls.
“Our guides were awesome! Lots of laughs and fun!!”
