Cultural & Theme Tours in New Zealand

Walk into the real-world landscape of Middle Earth on a walking tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, where you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at "˜The Lord of the Rings' and "˜The Hobbit.' Pause at the Green Dragon™ Inn to for a draft of Hobbit™ Southfarthing™, see the remarkable detailing that brought Hobbiton™ to life on screen, and visit the places where key scenes were created.

Take a trip through Middle Earth on a small-group shore excursion to the Hobbiton Movie Set from Tauranga. You'll duck into hobbit holes, learn the secrets behind the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, then belly up to the bar at the Green Dragon Inn. With round-trip, climate-controlled transport from the Port of Tauranga, this is a convenient way to experience one of New Zealand's top sites, and group size is limited to 15 people for personal service from the guide.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand's finest hikes, a 12-mile (19.4 kilometer) trail past eccentric volcanic terrain, electric green lakes, steam vents, and springs. More than 100,000 people make the trek annually, but not all of them travel with the convenience of shuttle transport. This round-trip shuttle from National Park Village takes you to the trailhead and picks you up when you've finished the hike - so you can savor the moment and relax on the return journey.

Go behind the scenes of 'The Lord of the Rings' and other blockbusters at Weta Workshop, the world's leading special effects and prop studio. The informative and entertaining Weta Cave Workshop Tour gives you a glimpse into the film production of your favorite movies including the LOTR trilogy, 'Avatar' and 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2.' Your 2.5-hour tour includes convenient round-trip transport by minivan from central Wellington, eliminating the hassle of driving and parking.

Take an evening tour of the Weta Workshop, a leading special effects and prop studio co-founded by director Peter Jackson, where you'll learn about Wellington's movie-making history. Discover the creative film production process from skilled technicians at the Weta Cave. You may recognize blockbusters such as 'Avatar,' 'The Amazing Spider-Man' and - of course - 'The Lord of the Rings.' Finish with a 3-course dinner at CoCo at the Roxy in the heart of Miramar. Round-trip transport from the Wellington CBD included.

See more of New Zealand's top attractions with a small group on this full-day tour from Rotorua. Take a scenic drive to Lady Knox Geyser in time to see it erupt mid-morning, then spend time at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland - one of the North Island's largest geothermal systems. Continue to the Agrodome for the farm show, and top off your day with a city tour of Rotorua.

Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glow Worm Cave on this full-day tour from Auckland. Experience an important Middle-earth and 'Lord of the Rings' location on the guided tour of Hobbiton, and sip a refreshment at The Green Dragon Inn. Afterward, take in the twinkling light of glow worms at Waitomo. Ensure your admission to two of New Zealand's top destinations by booking this tour in advance.

Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day tour from Auckland that explores New Zealand's 'Middle Earth,' where 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' came to life on film. You'll travel through a landscape of lush farms, then take a guided tour of the 12-acre (4.8-ha.) Hobbiton Movie Set, from hobbit holes to gardens and the Green Dragon Inn. With free time to shop and explore, this tour includes transport from selected locations in Auckland, and it's limited to 11 travelers to ensure personalized service.

Enjoy a fully guided tour of Larnach Castle during a day of sightseeing in Dunedin with a small group. See key landmarks such as the Larnach family tomb in Dunedin's old Northern Cemetery. Visit the University of Otago, Dunedin Botanic Garden, Baldwin Street and the Dunedin Railway Station. Then head to the hills of the Otago Peninsula to explore the famous century-old castle. Pickup and drop-off is available from hotels or the cruise port.

Swap your cruise ship for a traditional Maori war canoe on this interactive shore excursion from Paihia. The history and ecology of the Bay of Islands is best understood with a local, and you'll paddle with a Ngapuhi guide who shares Maori traditions via the age-old art of storytelling. Learn ceremonial chants and visit a 'marae' (meeting ground) plus receive an all-inclusive day pass to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

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.

Some tours really do offer thrilling experiences unlike most others. With this Skywalk and Dine tour, walk around the rim of the Sky Tower's deck while attached to a safety line. See Auckland from 192 meters (630 feet) above the ground while a guide points out key landmarks and city locations. Then, reward yourself with a first-rate dinner at the tower's revolving restaurant.

Spend an evening in Middle Earth with a small-group tour from Rotorua to the Hobbiton movie set, where you'll explore the Shire as the sun goes down. Visit Bilbo's hobbit hole, hear behind-the-scenes stories from The Lord of the Rings, then take a walk through the 12-acre site, following paths lit by flickering lanterns and moonlight. Then, sit down for a Hobbit-themed drink and banquet at The Green Dragon Inn before the return trip to Rotorua.

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.

The fictional, yet globally famous, village of Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves rank among the most popular sites of interest in New Zealand. On this tour, visit both sites in one day with pickup and drop-off at selected Auckland hotels included. See the home of Bilbo Baggins and explore Waitomo's subterranean caverns, and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour"”limited to 12 people.

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 HouseNote Minimum number for this tour to be confirmed is 4 passengers.

Though not as adrenaline-packed as the Olympic sport, the Queenstown luge winds downhill with stunning 220-degree views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range beyond. Ride the Skyline Gondola up to the top of Bob's Peak where you'll experience the Skyline Luge Queenstown on five rides - sure to satisfy any thrill-seeker. Choose the scenic track or descend a steeper gradient on the advanced track, or switch between the two specially designed routes.

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.

Do you know, that Auckland is situated in narrowest part of the North Island? Thus the calm beaches of Hauraki Gulf on the East are just a 40 minutes drive from the black sands of the rough and wild West Coast.Yes, these two shores are dramatically different, and this is what we will explore, together with everything inland on our way in between, including:- scenic beach and nature walks- wine tasting- coffee break- some adventure elements- great photos opportunities

Ever wanted to visit a real shooting stage? Blast off on an incredible journey and discover the Weta Workshop miniatures behind the popular TV series, Thunderbirds Are Go. Enjoy a rare photo opportunity, and get a collectable Thunderbirds Are Go pin to take home.