Tours and Trips in New Zealand

Learn more about New Zealand's Maori culture while enjoying a delicious hangi dinner located in a natural forest setting. This is the only place in the South Island where you can have such an experience. It's a fun activity for travelers with all sorts of interests, including those who want to get a glimpse into Maori cultural traditions, as well as families.

If you're traveling to New Zealand's South Island and skipping the North Island, there's no reason you should miss out on a combined Maori cultural show, hangi dinner, and kiwi bird sighting experience. This combined package includes them all, and is the only place in the South Island to do so. It's a fun and convenient way to experience New Zealand's unique culture, cuisine, and nature.

Access remote wilderness areas on this Queenstown jet-boat tour across Lake Wakatipu and down the Kawarau River. The high-speed 1-hour ride is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping as your expert driver maneuvers into 360-degree spins, performs fishtail turns and navigates between narrow canyon walls. Snap photos of your scenic surroundings, including the Remarkables mountain range, and watch bungy jumpers plunge from the Kawarau Bridge. You have several tour times to choose from throughout the day.

Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in New Zealand, and admire World War I aircraft and artifacts on this 'Knights of the Sky' Great War exhibition in Blenheim. Marvel at Sir Peter Jackson's own collection of planes and memorabilia, and gain insight into the technologies of the time. See the Great War brought back to life in awe-inspiring detail and gain insight into the aircrafts' capabilities in the context of battle. Upgrade your ticket to explore the site with a guide and learn more about the various exhibits on show.

Experience the adrenaline-pumping excitement of high-speed turns and spins during a 45-minute jet boat ride across Lake Rotorua. Then, to help you recover from the exhilaration of jet boating, follow up with a relaxing soak at Manupirua Thermal Springs, a stunning boat-accessible location at the edge of Lake Rotoiti. Soothe your nerves with a soak in six mineral hot pools then cool off in the lake.

Take an afternoon day trip from Paihia to Kerikeri for a 3-hour tour of the historical settlement. A knowledgeable guide takes you to the Stone Store and Mission House, home to New Zealand's first permanent mission station. Then visit an organic vineyard for a wine and coffee tasting, and enjoy further delights at a local chocolate factory. Upgrade to include a morning sightseeing cruise on the Bay of Islands.

Fall to Earth from 15,000 feet (4,570 meters) on this tandem skydiving adventure at Lake Taupo, New Zealand's original drop zone. Get picked up in a stretch Hummer, and prepare for your flight with an orientation and professional gear. After cruising to altitude, summon your courage and jump from the plane with a tandem master over the shores of Lake Taupo. During 60 unforgettable seconds of freefall, catch views of both coasts and the snowy peaks of Tongariro National Park before gliding back to solid ground via parachute.

Sail around Waitemata Harbour with an expert crew of Maori sailors on board a ‘waka,’ a traditional double-hulled canoe. Ply the waters in the tradition of Maori and other Polynesian navigators during the 2-hour journey as you learn about Maori boatbuilding and other seafaring customs, including the waka's epic journeys around the Pacific.

This action-packed Rotorua tour will give you access to incredible outdoor beauty, teach you about Maori culture, and allow you to taste a delicious Hangi feast too. By going on a guided 4WD tour - you'll be able to visit remote places you wouldn't discover alone and spot native wildlife. Conveniently, all entrance tickets are included, and you'll enjoy Maori performances at Maori Village. When you've worked up an appetite, you'll be treated to a delicious Hangi feast served from a buffet.

Soak in the thermal spring-fed pools of Lake Rotoiti and paddle into a glowworm cave on a half-day kayak tour from Rotorua. With an expert guide, explore the tranquil waters of the mountain lake as you take in the stunning scenery in the Bay of Plenty region, and experience caverns and hot springs accessible only by water. Kayak equipment and a light snack are included.

Spend a magical evening kayaking on Lake Rotoiti, where you'll visit glowworm caves and have plenty of time to soak in natural hot springs before a barbecue picnic dinner. Paddle for two hours with an expert guide into lakeside caves only accessed by boat to see glowworms and crayfish, then revel in the sunset reflected on the tranquil waters. Instruction, equipment and round-trip hotel transport from Rotorua are all included.

Discover New Zealand's only castle with a 2.5-hour excursion from Dunedin to Larnach Castle & Gardens. You'll join a guided tour to learn the fascinating history of the castle and of William Larnach, who built the castle in 1871 for his beloved wife, then enjoy some time to explore on your own, strolling the sumptuous gardens or taking high tea in the castle's ballroom. This 2.5-hour tour includes entrance fees and round-trip transport from a central location in Dunedin, with multiple departure times available.

Discover Auckland's ancient Maori heritage on this 1.5-hour walking tour of Tāmaki Makaurau - the sacred lands on the outskirts of the city. Immerse yourself in Maori culture as you take part in a Maori blessing, learn about the traditions of the Ngāti Whātua Ã…ÂŒrākei tribe, hear the legend of the 'Home Fires of Tāmaki' and enjoy spectacular views over Auckland.

Enjoy unobstructed views of the Remarkables and the Southern Alps during a 1.75-hour catamaran cruise on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. Head to the western shore, stopping at Bob's Cove to soak up the views from New Zealand's longest lake. Listen to the captain's entertaining commentary about the natural landmarks and wildlife as you relax indoors or on the outdoor decks. You have a selection of morning and afternoon cruises to choose from.

Visit New Zealand's only castle with admission to Larnach Castle & Gardens, where you'll find beautiful antiques, manicured gardens, and gorgeous views across the Otago Peninsula. Learn the story of the castle's founding family through recorded commentary on a personal headset, and pause to explore a collection of New Zealand native plants before entering the castle. Pre-booking your tickets to Larnach Castle & Gardens ensures a smooth visit, with the flexibility to see the castle and grounds at your own pace.

Experience the thrill of freefalling from 12,000 feet (3,660 meters) above Lake Taupo on this New Zealand tandem skydiving adventure. Prepare for your flight with pickup in a stretch Hummer, then gear up and gather your courage on the flight up to altitude. After jumping from the plane with a tandem master, enjoy 40 exhilarating seconds of freefall followed by unbeatable views of both coasts and the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park as you glide back to earth by parachute.

Explore New Zealand's heritage and sample some of the wines for which the country is famous on this 3-hour Maori cultural bike tour on Waiheke Island. Hop onto your bicycle and spin through Waiheke Island as a guide sheds light on the region's rich history and heritage. Visit a Maori community gathering place and cycle along pristine beaches to Oneroa villages hidden in the hills. Stop off along the way at a local vineyard and sample some of the fine wines in production.

Observe more than 20 native bird species - including New Zealand's namesake, the kiwi - with admission to Kiwi Birdlife Park in central Queenstown. See wildlife shows, nature exhibits and daily keeper presentations, and catch a rare sight of the flightless kiwi in a nocturnal enclosure. In addition to these feathered stars, take a look at critters such as the Auckland green gecko, the kea and a prehistoric tuatara. Your admission ticket is valid for the entire day so you can explore the park at your own pace.

Explore Queenstown nature on a half-day walking tour along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy views of the Remarkables mountain range as you take an easy route through native beech forest and learn about South Island flora and birdlife. Soak up the water views and hear Maori legends of the lake. Your morning or afternoon tour includes a snack plus hotel pickup and drop-off. Numbers are limited to 10 people, ensuring a small-group experience with your knowledgeable nature guide.

Experience the South Island's only Māori Cultural Experience - an interactive, fun and educational journey through time of an ancient people. - Experience a traditinal Māori pōwhiri (welcome - Learn about the tools and skills of the Māori hunter - Enjoy an interactive and entertaining kapahaka performance