Tours and Trips in New Zealand

Uncover the secrets that make Napier such a unique and wondrous place to explore. This 5.5 hour tour, hosted by 3rd generation winemaker Don, and 4th generation farmer Roslyn, allows you to discover stunning Hawke's Bay scenery and 3 of Hawke's Bay's iconic wineries. Be amazed at breathtaking views from many private, scenic locations, experience a Hawke's Bay lifestyle farm while feeding the sheep and other animals, and wander around a beautiful country garden. Taste wine amongst the vines in your host's vineyard. This tour will take you away from the crowds to stunning places and exclusive seated wine tastings, hosted by an experienced winemaker, including Reserve wines not normally opened. This small group tour is very friendly, with warm and genuine 'Kiwi Hospitality' from husband and wife team, Don and Roslyn.

Ride a train through the Southern Alps on a remarkable scenic journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train. Choose between three different segments of the TranzAlpine Train route, then enjoy views of native beech forest, the powerful Waimakariri River, and Arthur's Pass National Park from a comfortable carriage or open viewing deck. For getting the history and context of the landmarks along the railway, GPS-triggered audio commentary is available on headphones at every seat.

Go in-depth on a tour following the footprints of the Tuhourangi tribe in New Zealand. Departing from Rotorua in the afternoon, learn about the history of the Maori tribe's pink and white terraces, the buried village under the eruption of Mount Tarawera, and several local lakes. At the village of Whakarewarewa, watch the Pohutu geyser erupt and see how the tribe cooks food in the thermal waters. All transportation is provided, as well as informative narration from your guide.

Combine a 2-hour jet boat ride on the Dart River with a 3-hour Mt Aspiring National Park hike to Lake Sylvan on this day trip from Queenstown. You'll zip along the waterway before a leisurely tromp through a native beech forest with a knowledgeable guide. Soak up the remarkable scenery, plants and birdlife in the UNESCO-listed landscape, which includes a portion of the Routeburn Track. Enjoy lunch by the lake on this small-group tour, limited to 10 people to ensure more personalized attention.

Fly from Auckland to Waiheke Island on a narrated seaplane flight over the Hauraki Gulf, with aerial views of the Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour Bridge and Motutapu Island. You'll enjoy a 3-course meal of seasonal produce and seafood with a glass of sparkling wine at the Oyster Inn, an award-winning restaurant in the charming village of Oneroa. Then return to Auckland at your leisure by ferry.

Get the best possible views of Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a helicopter tour from Taupo. You'll look down on volcanoes, Lake Taupo, and the Kaimanawa Range, plus land on the snow for another perspective of the landscape.

Take time to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, considered one of the best day hikes in New Zealand, with the convenience of round-trip transfers from Turangi. Plan to spend between five to eight hours on this self-guided hike, depending on your fitness level and pace. Your driver provides commentary during the transfers, and the package includes use of walking poles, a Maori cultural experience, and a cold drink.

Soar through the treetops of Waiheke Island on a three-course zipline tour with aerial views of Hauraki Gulf. After a quick ferry from Auckland, your half-day tour of Waiheke starts with a brief overview of the idyllic island by minivan and ends with an interpretive bushland walk. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 12 participants to ensure a more personalized experience in a small group.

The Seasider is a scenic railway route between Dunedin and Waitati, affording spectacular views along the Pacific coast. On this tour, enjoy a hassle-free experience with prepaid tickets and soak up the scenery on-board the 90-minute round-trip train ride. Along the way, admire views of the Otago Peninsula, including Otago Harbour, Port Chalmers, Careys Bay, and Blueskin Bay.

Appreciate the majesty and scale of Franz Josef and Fox glaciers from the air during a 30-minute helicopter flight and snow landing. Enjoy aerial views over both glaciers from your prime position in the sky, and hear live commentary from the professional pilot before landing atop either Fox or Franz Josef. Then hop out and focus your camera lens on a glacial scene of frozen icefalls, glowing blue ice fields and plunging crevasses - considered to be among New Zealand's most stunning landscapes.

Gain insight into traditional Maori customs with a 2.5-hour guided tour of the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute at Te Puia, followed by a steambox lunch prepared the traditional way: cooked over steam vents at the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Walk past Pohutu Geyser, see a flax-weaving demonstration, and spot the national bird in the nocturnal Kiwi House. This small-group tour near Rotorua is limited to a maximum of 15 people for a personalized experience.

Tongariro National Park has the drama and beauty of a natural cathedral - the Maori believed that the park's three mountains were quarreling warriors. With this tour, explore the Tongariro Passing as you would a wildly popular museum: with an audio guide. Hike while you learn about volcanic activity, the area's craters, and Maori myths. You'll receive a zip folder of audio files and map, but will need your own audio device.

We are a locally owned, specialised boutique tour company operated by Vicky Eastwood - your experienced & passionate New Zealand tour guide.Vicky's tours are uniquely designed to entice you to explore areas such as Christchurch, Sumner, Lyttleton, Akaroa available as half or full day tours.Mix and match a range of activities in and around the Christchurch city area. We can discuss options along the way we can personalise the tours as we go.

For fans of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, visiting the official Hobbiton Movie Set is a truly unforgettable experience. On this tour, enjoy comfortable round-trip transport from Auckland and extra attention from your guide thanks to the small group size. On arrival, explore the famous film set on a guided tour, hear behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the movies, and see the Hobbit Holes, The Mill, and the Double Arched bridge. There will also be free time to shop for souvenirs or purchase lunch at the Shire's Rest Caf e.

Secure a limited ticket to Tiritiri Matangi island, a protected sanctuary for rare and endangered bird species of New Zealand. A 75-minute ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf brings you to the island preserve, where you have the day to stroll the trails and enjoy the coastline after a ranger orientation. Gain a deeper understanding of Tiritiri Matangi's role in preserving birdlife with an optional 1.5-hour guided hike.

Relax with your very own private luxury transport to Middle-earth where you’ll join a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Visit the working farm in Matamata where director Peter Jackson shot scenes from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit.’ Knock on the door of Bilbo Baggins’ house and other hobbit holes, then enjoy a beverage at the Green Dragon Inn with lunch at The Shires Rest cafe. You’ll be driven in comfort from your Auckland hotel through New Zealand's scenic countryside to this fairytale farmland.

Discover some of the fine wines for which New Zealand is famous on this 3.5-hour winemaking experience from Auckland. Visit the lush vineyards of Villa Maria Estate Winery, nestled beneath a mighty volcano on the Ihimatao Peninsula. Explore the vineyards and winery with your guide, and learn of the different grape varietals thriving in the fertile soils. Gain insight into the workings of a modern winemaking estate and sample seven award-winning wines.

See one of New Zealand's finest private art collections at the Olveston Historic Home in Dunedin. Containing more than 240 local and international artworks acquired by the Theomin family between the late 1800s and the early 1960s, the Thoemin collection hangs on the walls of the 35-room mansion. Daily guided tours, provided with your entrance ticket, offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the artworks.

Test your nerve against Mother Nature's power in New Zealand on this 3-hour Tongariro River white-water rafting adventure from Taupo. Travel with your guide into the wilderness of New Zealand's beautiful North Island. Following a safety briefing, climb into your wetsuit, grab your paddle and head to the banks of the swirling Tongariro River. Navigate over 60 of the rolling river's choppy rapids and enjoy panoramic views over the mighty canyon. Spot native bird species along the way and replenish lost energy with a deli-style meal at the end.

Discover thriving wineries in the hills of New Zealand's North Island on this 7.5-hour scenic vineyard odyssey from Auckland. Travel through the Parnell and Remuera districts with your guide, and discover top attractions including Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill. Visit four local wineries and vineyards, and sample some of the sauvignon blanc, reisling and malbec wines for which New Zealand is famous. Enjoy a delicious 1-course lunch with a glass of wine from an award-winning vineyard. Then, travel through rolling farmland to the black sands of Muriwai.