Summary
- Hobbiton Movie Set Guided Tour
- Milford Sound Nature Cruise, Underwater Observatory and Lunch
- Bay of Islands: Helicopter and Cruise Half-Day Island Escape
- Franz Josef Glacier 3-Hour Hike and Scenic Helicopter Transfer
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves 45-Minute Experience
- Tamaki Maori Village Evening Cultural Experience
- Skyline Queenstown Gondola with Lunch or Dinner
- White Island Day Tour from Whakatane or Rotorua
- Wellington: Hop-on Hop-off City Tour
- Auckland Hop-on Hop-off Explorer Bus Ticket
- Te Puia Maori Village Entry and Optional Cultural Performance
- Lake Taupo Maori Rock Carving 2.5-Hour Sailing Cruise
- Haruru Falls 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Experience
- Lord of the Rings Half-Day Tour from Wellington
- Tandem Skydive Experience in Taupo
New Zealand – also known as Aotearoa (meaning the land of the long white cloud) in the native Maori language – is a favored travel destination throughout the year.
Many travelers are drawn to its globally recognized natural wonders, as well as the captivating local culture and traditional Maori experiences.
The country is home to several intriguing and eclectic cities across both islands, along with high-energy activities that promise to elevate your adrenaline. New Zealand truly offers something for every traveler, leaving you with a desire to prolong your stay.
A commendable way to navigate the primary attractions is to partake in guided tours during your visit. Below are 15 of the best tours currently offered.
1. Hobbiton Movie Set Guided Tour
Each year, thousands of Lord of the Rings enthusiasts visit New Zealand, with the Hobbiton Movie Set ranking among the most sought-after excursions.
At Hobbiton, visitors have the opportunity to explore one of the authentic sets from the Hobbit films, which includes a stop at a Hobbit tavern for a complimentary beverage.
This guided tour enables participants to acquire insider insights regarding the film production and offers a chance to capture a photograph in front of a Hobbit hole.
2. Milford Sound Nature Cruise, Underwater Observatory and Lunch
Milford Sound stands out as one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking natural sites.
This magnificent fiord, formed by a seismic rift on the South Island, presents multiple tour options, most of which encompass a boat ride through the sound. This particular tour highlights the distinctive wildlife found in the Fiordland region – including blue penguins and the majestic kea.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to visit an underwater observatory to explore marine life, complemented by a complimentary lunch.
3. Bay of Islands: Helicopter and Cruise Half-Day Island Escape
The Bay of Islands region is a renowned summer retreat for many locals, and the reasons are abundantly clear. The panoramic views over the islands in the bay display some of the most stunning natural scenery on the North Island.
This tour includes a helicopter ride over the numerous islands, granting you a unique aerial perspective.
Moreover, a cruise to one of the more secluded islands in the archipelago is part of the experience, affording you the chance to unwind away from the tourist crowds in the area.
4. Franz Josef Glacier 3-Hour Hike and Scenic Helicopter Transfer
The glaciers on the West Coast present unique spectacles for visitors; their fascinating formations contribute to the pristine blue waters of numerous South Island lakes.
Accessing the glacier via helicopter is the sole safe method, making this a unique opportunity to experience the glacier up close. The tour also features a guided hike around the glacier, where you can observe magnificent natural structures resulting from the melting ice.
Your knowledgeable guide will share insights into the glacier’s formation and its future prospects for the region.
5. Waitomo Glowworm Caves 45-Minute Experience
The Waitomo Caves are renowned globally for their extraordinary display of glowworms; access is available exclusively via a guided boat tour.
This concise experience lasts only 45 minutes, offering you the chance to explore the most captivating sections of the caves, while also allowing time for other local attractions.
The knowledgeable guide provides a combination of walking and a boat ride through the glowworm area, sharing information about the caves’ geological history and the reason behind the glowworms’ presence in these caves.
6. Tamaki Maori Village Evening Cultural Experience
The Maori people are the indigenous inhabitants of the islands prior to British colonization, and their culture remains a vital part of New Zealand’s identity today.
The Tamaki Maori Village experience provides an immersive opportunity to learn about the culture, traditions, and beliefs of New Zealand’s original inhabitants.
Situated just outside Rotorua, this experience includes a traditional hangi feast – a meal comprising meat and vegetables cooked using the volcanic heat from underground.
7. Skyline Queenstown Gondola with Lunch or Dinner
Queenstown ranks as one of the key attractions on the South Island, renowned for its multitude of adrenaline-pumping activities and breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu.
The Skyline Gondola elevates visitors to one of the nearby mountains, where they can indulge in activities such as go-karting, zorbing, and bungy jumping.
This tour also encompasses either lunch or dinner at the Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar, ideal for recharging after an exhilarating day. The restaurant provides a dining experience while offering stunning panoramic views of the mountain ranges and lake.
8. White Island Day Tour from Whakatane or Rotorua
White Island is characterized by being one of New Zealand’s most active volcanoes – the only one situated offshore within the country’s marine territory.
This tour involves a boat ride from Whakatane (or a bus journey from Rotorua, depending on your selection) directly to White Island. Upon arrival, you will embark on a hike around the crater, experiencing remarkable sights such as hot mud pools and steam-emitting craters.
The tour guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the island’s history and elucidate on volcanic formations.
9. Wellington: Hop-on Hop-off City Tour
When visiting one of New Zealand’s cities, utilizing hop-on-hop-off bus tours can prove to be a highly effective option. Many cities in the country are smaller in scale compared to those found elsewhere, allowing the main attractions to be easily explored within a single day.
Referred to as the ‘Coolest Little Capital in the World’, Wellington features various quirky and intriguing sites worth exploring. Discover the seat of New Zealand’s government, delve into the city’s filmmaking history, and experience the rich coffee culture that Wellingtonians take pride in.
10. Auckland Hop-on Hop-off Explorer Bus Ticket
As the primary international gateway to New Zealand, Auckland often gets overlooked by visitors opting for more renowned sights in the country.
However, the largest city in New Zealand – known as the City of Sails – presents numerous modern attractions and captivating insights into Kiwi history and culture.
This hop-on-hop-off bus tour facilitates exploration at your own pace, featuring an audio guide available onboard to provide informative commentary. This offer is particularly advantageous if your schedule comprises only a few days – or even hours – in Auckland.
11. Te Puia Maori Village Entry and Optional Cultural Performance
This selection is another excellent avenue to deepen your understanding of Maori culture during your visit to Rotorua. You will explore various natural landmarks, including the Pohutu Geyser and mud pools.
Additionally, with a bit of luck, you may even encounter native kiwi birds during your visit. The guided tour highlights the significance of Maori culture in New Zealand and how it is preserved in present times.
You also have the option to purchase an extended ticket, which allows for attendance at a 45-minute cultural performance encompassing traditional displays such as the haka and poi.
12. Lake Taupo Maori Rock Carving 2.5-Hour Sailing Cruise
Situated on Lake Taupo, the remarkable Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay are truly worth visiting to appreciate one of New Zealand’s best-preserved examples of Maori artistry.
This boat tour sets sail from Taupo – the principal town located along the lake – providing extensive information regarding the rock carvings.
The environmentally friendly tour is conducted on a fully electric boat, which serves as one of the most sustainable ways to view the carvings. The small yacht accommodates a limited number of passengers, ensuring an intimate excursion.
13. Haruru Falls 2-Hour Guided Kayaking Experience
New Zealanders have a passion for watersports, and kayaking is a favored activity among both locals and visitors throughout the country.
This two-hour guided kayaking experience will take you to Haruru Falls, showcasing some of the most stunning landscapes in the Bay of Islands region.
During this adventure, you will encounter native wildlife and explore the mangrove forest regions along the way. Your guide will discuss the area’s history and its impact on the Maori culture.
14. Lord of the Rings Half-Day Tour from Wellington
Weta – the primary production company behind the Lord of the Rings films – is situated in Wellington; this tour presents an excellent opportunity for those with limited time to gain insight into the filmmaking process.
The tour will commence with visits to several filming locations around the local vicinity.
Participants will also have the chance to explore the Embassy Theatre – the venue where the films premiered – and Weta Workshop, where the intricacies of special effects are revealed.
15. Tandem Skydive Experience in Taupo
Adventurous individuals are sure to relish their experience in New Zealand – a country that promotes and supports a diverse array of thrill-seeking opportunities.
The apex of exhilarating adventures is undoubtedly skydiving, and Taupo is recognized as the capital for this activity in the country. During this experience, you will partner with an expert diver who will guide you through essential preparations.
Ultimately, you will leap from an aircraft over the stunning Lake Taupo region, appreciating the breathtaking scenery as you relish the invigorating thrill of the dive.
