Choose from 212 Fun Things to Do in New Zealand
ShowingFilter 181-200 of 212 listings.
Zealandia
Just 10 minutes from central Wellington, the unique Zealandia wildlife sanctuary and conservation park is one of New Zealand’s premier eco attractions, restoring the flora and fauna that once surrounded the city.
The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary’s restored forest and wetlands provide a habitat for more than 30 native bird species, as well as frogs, lizards and cute green geckos.
View the exhibition tracing the development of New Zealand’s natural history, take a guided walking tour through the predator-proof, 225-hectare (550-acre) sanctuary, then refuel at the park’s cafe overlooking the lake.
The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary’s restored forest and wetlands provide a habitat for more than 30 native bird species, as well as frogs, lizards and cute green geckos.
View the exhibition tracing the development of New Zealand’s natural history, take a guided walking tour through the predator-proof, 225-hectare (550-acre) sanctuary, then refuel at the park’s cafe overlooking the lake.
Practical Info
Zealandia: The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary Experience is around 2 km (just over a mile) from downtown Wellington.
Buses stop nearby, or it’s 10 minutes by taxi, 20 minutes by bike and around 1 hour on foot via the botanic garden.
Buses stop nearby, or it’s 10 minutes by taxi, 20 minutes by bike and around 1 hour on foot via the botanic garden.
Address: Waiapu Road, Wellington 6141, New Zealand
Hours: Open daily 10am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: NZ$18.50 - $79, Children: NZ$10 - $38
From $ 14
Blue Baths
The ornate Blue Baths on the shores of Lake Rotorua, blend history, leisure, and high society. This building, which fuses art deco and Spanish mission styles, has been restored to its original splendor from 1933, when the thermally heated baths became New Zealand's first place for "mixed bathing."
The Basics
The baths in this section of Rotorua actually date to 1885, when men-only bathhouses sat by the lakeshore, west of the current site. With the opening of the now-famous Blue Baths, however, the original ones were shuttered, and mixed bathing became the cultural norm. A small museum details the history of the baths; visitors on a tour of Rotorua or an independent visit can also enjoy high tea with a view of the Government Gardens. If you fancy a dip, purchase a ticket for a relaxing soak in the pools.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Choose a city sightseeing tour that points out the famous landmark.
- There are two hot-soak pools, which vary between 99°F and 106°F (37°C"“41°C).
- The original Juvenile Pool hovers around 86°F (30°C).
- There is no lifeguard at the Blue Baths pools; all children under 14 years of age require supervised entry to the pool area.
How to Get There
The Blue Baths are located on Queens Drive, within the Government Gardens on the shores of Lake Rotorua. Pickup from centrally located hotels is included in most city sightseeing itineraries, but the site is also an easy stroll from downtown Rotorua.
When to Get There
The Blue Baths are open daily from 10am to 6pm. It's best to call ahead and inquire about closures, because the venue is occasionally booked for private events. After a soak or a stroll through the ornate building, set out for a picnic in the surrounding Government Gardens.
Harken Back to Yesteryear
With muscles relaxed and skin all smooth after a swim or soak in the geothermally heated pools at the Blue Baths, stick around for an evening dinner show of live music and dancing. Visitors will enjoy the glamorous ambience of this historic Rotorua attraction, topped by sunset views over Lake Rotorua.
Address: Queens Drive, Government Gardens, Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand
From $ 49
Wellington Cruise Port
The capital of New Zealand, but only its third largest city, Wellington is the geographic and cultural center of the country. Located on the southern tip of the North Island and sitting on a sparkling harbor, it is a primary departure point for ferries crossing Cook Strait to the South Island. With a vibrant arts scene and a variety of galleries, theaters and museums, Wellington has an undeniable charm and energy.
How to Get to Wellington
If you are arriving on a large cruise ship, you will dock at Aotea Quay, located between the Interislander Ferry Terminal and the train station. From there, a walk into the city center is about twenty minutes. You might also take a free shuttle if offered by your ship or catch a shuttle operated by the city, which costs around five New Zealand dollars. Smaller cruise ships dock at Queens Wharf, which is right in the center of town.
One Day in Wellington
Start your day in Wellington by taking the cable car from Lambton Quay up to Kelburn. Enjoy spectacular views over the city and harbor and then spend some time exploring the hilltop Botanic Garden and the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. You can walk all the way down to the city or backtrack and take the cable car back to Lambton Quay.
Next, head to the Museum of New Zealand, also known as Te Papa. Covering five floors, the museum features exhibits and interactive displays telling the story of New Zealand’s past, present and future. If you’re lucky, your visit will coincide with one of many special cultural performances. Allow a few hours to take it all in and then head to the waterfront to enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes along the quay.
After lunch, hunt down some of Wellington’s famous public art, including various sculptures, a cenotaph, a wind mobile and two stainless steel monoliths. A guide is available from the Wellington City Council. Time permitting, visit the Museum of Wellington City & Sea or the City Gallery before you return to your ship.
Nature enthusiasts may prefer a visit to the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary to check out rare New Zealand wildlife, including many of its native birds, while movie buffs will enjoy a “Lord of the Rings” tour, visiting many of the sites used in filming the popular trilogy.
How to Get to Wellington
If you are arriving on a large cruise ship, you will dock at Aotea Quay, located between the Interislander Ferry Terminal and the train station. From there, a walk into the city center is about twenty minutes. You might also take a free shuttle if offered by your ship or catch a shuttle operated by the city, which costs around five New Zealand dollars. Smaller cruise ships dock at Queens Wharf, which is right in the center of town.
One Day in Wellington
Start your day in Wellington by taking the cable car from Lambton Quay up to Kelburn. Enjoy spectacular views over the city and harbor and then spend some time exploring the hilltop Botanic Garden and the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. You can walk all the way down to the city or backtrack and take the cable car back to Lambton Quay.
Next, head to the Museum of New Zealand, also known as Te Papa. Covering five floors, the museum features exhibits and interactive displays telling the story of New Zealand’s past, present and future. If you’re lucky, your visit will coincide with one of many special cultural performances. Allow a few hours to take it all in and then head to the waterfront to enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes along the quay.
After lunch, hunt down some of Wellington’s famous public art, including various sculptures, a cenotaph, a wind mobile and two stainless steel monoliths. A guide is available from the Wellington City Council. Time permitting, visit the Museum of Wellington City & Sea or the City Gallery before you return to your ship.
Nature enthusiasts may prefer a visit to the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary to check out rare New Zealand wildlife, including many of its native birds, while movie buffs will enjoy a “Lord of the Rings” tour, visiting many of the sites used in filming the popular trilogy.
Port Information
The local language is English, with a bit of Maori heard around town as well. The currency is the New Zealand dollar. ATMs are found at major banks and at the train station, which is a five minute walk from Aotea Quay terminal.
Address: New Zealand
From $ 26
Whakarewarewa (The Living Maori Village)
Whakarewarewa, the Living Maori Village, provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the culture and traditions of the Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao people. Travelers have made their way to this living geothermal Maori village since the early 1800s, and it’s here that they can witness how the local people prepare and cook their food in thermal vents using steam and also get the chance to sample the traditional hangi meals onsite.
A highlight of any visit to Whakarewarewa is Maori Haka, a cultural performance that harmonizes traditional songs of Maori stories and legends, shared by welcoming Whakarewarewa tour guides. These iconic shows run twice daily and are set against the backdrop of the geothermal valley, with its geysers, hot pools, and bubbling mud providing a unique story-telling experience.
Address: Rotorua, New Zealand
Admission: Adults: NZ$35, Children (5-15yrs): NZ$15
From $ 25
Albert Park
With a prime location at the heart of central Auckland, Albert Park is the ultimate urban garden, with its pretty flower beds and towering palm trees set against a backdrop of looming skyscrapers and the landmark Auckland Sky Tower. With the Central Business District and Auckland Art Gallery to the west, and the University of Auckland to the east, Albert Park is among the city's most popular green spaces, and its shady benches and grassy lawns provide ample space for picnickers.
A former military barracks, Albert Park was laid out in the late 19th-century and features a series of flower gardens and walkways around a central Victorian fountain. Notable features include the historic band rotunda; the Albert Park House, now a museum; a series of oak trees planted in honor of the United States Navy's Great White Fleet; and a number of statues and memorials.
Practical Info
Albert Park is located in central Auckland, a short walk from Aotea Square.
Address: Princes St, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours: Open 24 hours
From $ 25
Wellington Museum
The Museum of Wellington City and Sea explores the maritime connection that ties Wellington so closely to the sea.
Mixing historical displays with cutting-edge technology, the museum brings history alive with maritime artifacts, interactive exhibits, holographs, audio-visual displays and documentaries screened on a giant cinema screen.
The museum is spread over 3 floors of the restored 1892 Bond Store warehouse. The building is a feature in its own right, with historic timber beams and virtual vermin to set the scene.
Another highlight is the sailing ship conservation project known as Plimmer’s Ark.
Practical Info
The Museum of Wellington is near Lambton Quay on the waterfront in the city center.
Address: Bond Store, Jervois Quay, Queens Wharf, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Hours: Open daily, closed Christmas Day
Admission: Free
From $ 272
Cuba Street District
Funky, chic and full of life, Wellington's Cuba Street District is the de facto hot spot for curbside entertainment and people-watching. This pedestrian mall boasts an artsy flare that permeates the
boutiques and cafes, and it's the best place in Wellington to find buskers and street performers sure to draw smiles.
Named for a 19th-century ship that carried settlers to the capital city, Cuba Street is full of enjoyable spots, from impossibly cool coffee shops where visitors linger and watch the rain roll in to the mall where shoppers stomp their feet to impromptu performances as they stroll by enjoying the sunshine.
If visiting in March or April, there's a chance you could attend the Cuba Street Carnival, which only happens every other year. This trendy district becomes a procession of floats that pulses with live music and turns into the hottest place in the city. During the rest of the year, travelers lose themselves in the bohemian allure of this historically trendy district and put their finger on the pulse of Wellington where it beats brilliantly close to the surface. A walk down Cuba Street is a central experience of any visit to Wellington, and it's an easy, budget-friendly activity.
Practical Info
The Cuba Street District is located south of the Wellington's Central Business District and runs along Cuba Street between Wakefield and Webb streets.
Address: Cuba Street, Wellington, New Zealand
From $ 18
Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb
It doesn't take long when traveling through New Zealand to realize this country is extreme. Everything here, from the scenery to thrills, is just a little more elevated, a bit more intense, and in some ways a little more raw. Take, for example, the Auckland Harbor Bridge, which spans the width of Waitemata Harbor to bridge the Auckland coasts. It isn't enough that this 3,348 ft. span is an iconic part of the skyline, so to take it up another notch, the city has tours where you can literally walk on top of the famous bridge. The view from here, as you might imagine, is inarguably the best in Auckland, as sailboats race beneath your feet and islands dot the coast. Look to the west towards the Waitakere Ranges and the vineyards and suburbs of West Auckland, or east to the hills of Waiheke Island and the Coromandel Peninsula beyond. The view looking north stretches all the way towards Whangarei past the procession of North Shore beaches, and the southern view is a sweeping panorama of Auckland's city skyline. The only place you don't want to look is directly beneath your feet"”where 140 feet of air is all that separates the tips of your toes from the roiling whitecaps below.
Practical Info
The Auckland Harbor Bridge climb lasts 1.5 hours with tours three times a day. Minimum age is seven years old, and the weight requirement is between 77 and 300 lbs. All participants must be at least four feet tall, no cameras or binoculars are allowed, and enclosed footwear is required for the climb.
Address: Westhaven Reserve, Bottom of Curran St, Herne Bay, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
Hours: Daily Tours 9am, 11:30am, & 2:30pm
Admission: Adult, NZD$125.00, Children (7-14) & Students NZD$85.00
From $ 92
White Island
Imagine walking on one of the world’s most accessible marine volcanoes, where the ground hisses beneath your feet and pools of thick, bubbling mud spring up from the sulfur-tinged Earth. This is the scene on White Island off the coast of Whakatane, where a lunar landscape full of geothermal vents rises up from the cobalt sea. There’s no lava on White Island—since the vent is underwater—but the steam and sulfur are eerie enough for first time volcano visitors. The remains of an abandoned sulfur mine helps add to the scene of destruction, where ten workers lost their lives in a 1914 lahar. Today, White Island is best accessed by boat from Whakatane, or by helicopter, plane, and flightseeing tours that circle the steaming vent. It’s also a popular fishing site with spectacular offshore diving, and while volcanologists continue to study the geothermal vents, there’s really no saying when White Island will suddenly erupt again.
Practical Info
Strong, sturdy, closed toed shoes are required for walking on White Island, and all the tours—both boat and air—are entirely weather dependent. Boat tours depart from Whakatane, while flightseeing tours depart from Taupo as well as Rotorua.
Address: New Zealand
From $ 427
Arthur's Pass National Park
This superbly scenic national park is in Central Canterbury, rising out of the plains. A magnet for wintertime skiers and summertime hikers, Arthur's Pass National Park is also a popular day trip from Christchurch.
Easy day walks fan out from the visitor information center, leading to vantage points affording panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Providing an instant snapshot of New Zealand's legendary natural beauty, a day trip to the park also reveals glimpses of extensive beech forests, rainforest, mountain passes and soaring peaks.
If you're planning on experiencing a bit of New Zealand 'tramping' (the NZ word for hiking) take note that this is tricky territory, and for experienced hikers only. Tracks are not continuously marked, and they can involve river crossings, plus the weather is notoriously changeable.
Practical Info
Arthur's Pass National Park is on New Zealand's South Island, two hours northwest of Christchurch.
The town of Arthur's Pass is on the main bus route between Christchurch and Greymouth; the scenic TranzAlpine train also comes through here daily. If you're driving from Christchurch, take Highway 73.
Address: West Coast Road, Arthur's Pass 7654, New Zealand
Hours: Visitors' Center open daily 8am - 5pm
Admission: Free
From $ 375
Wanaka
This small, but lively resort town serves as the gateway to World Heritage Area, Mt Aspiring National Park and New Zealand's fourth-largest lake. Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet or adventures, a long list of options is waiting, and most come with lake and mountain views.
With four distinct seasons, comes changing scenery and changing activities to enjoy in the area. In the summer water activities like boating, kayaking, fishing and swimming take center stage. Fall offers perfect conditions for hiking and biking, while skiers and snowboarders count the days to winter. Spring offers a great combination of spring skiing, biking and exploring trails.
Movie fans visiting for the first time may experience a strong sense of déjà vu. The area around Lake Wanaka and Mt Aspiring National Park is also home to a number of film locations for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Practical Info
Getting to Wanaka is easy. Buses run regularly from Queenstown Airport. About an hour away, it’s the closest airport. Dunedin Airport is a three-hour drive. Christchurch Airport is five hours away.
Address: Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand, New Zealand
From $ 134
Whakarewarewa Forest
Rotorua is a place of geysers, mud pools, Maori villages, and lakes, but it’s also rung by Redwood forests that house some of the world’s best mountain biking. Here in the Whakarewarewa Forest, just minutes from the center of town, visitors will find a network of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding that weave through towering Redwoods. Though the area was planted for commercial forestry, it’s also become a favorite spot for outdoor recreation, where mountain bikers fly thousands of miles for the chance to experience the trails.
You don’t have to be a pro biker, however, to enjoy Whakarewarewa Forest; the network of trails has options that cater to all different levels of riders, and one of the best ways to experience the forest is on a guided mountain bike tour. You can also just simply stroll through the forest, enjoying the sights and smells. At just 1.5 miles, the Redwood Grove Memorial track has the largest collection of Redwoods, and can be extended to over 2 miles by following the Waitawa Walk Loop.
Insider's Tip: The trails are often nicest in the morning, and you’ll likely stay longer than expected.
Practical Info
All trails are well signposted and designated for certain use, and keep an eye out for logging trucks when biking along the service roads. The Redwoods Visitor Center is open from 8:30am-5pm daily and can provide info on trail conditions as well as maps of the forest. For hiking, all trails begin from the Visitor Center, whereas mountain biking begins off of Waipa State Mill Road.
Address: Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3074, New Zealand
From $ 25
Wellington Botanic Garden
One of New Zealand’s oldest gardens, Wellington Botanic Garden is an escape from the clamor of the city, in the city. Right behind the Wellington CBD in Thorndon, this 62-acre (25-hectare) garden is full of native and exotic plants. Stroll along one of the many calm, tranquil paths and take some relaxing time away from the urban jungle.
The Basics
The Wellington Botanic Garden showcases plants from all over the world. There are gardens dedicated to Australian plants and Southeast Asian camellias, tulips and succulents, European conifers and native hīnau (some of which have been there since before Wellington was settled in the 1800s). Highlights include the Lady Norwood Rose Garden—a sprawling formal rose garden arranged around a fountain, with more than 3,000 roses—and the Begonia House, a hothouse with a wide range of tropical flowers and tuberous begonias. Explore these gardens while walking the area’s many paths, which are suitable for people of almost all fitness levels. Bring the kids to the Discovery Garden, where they can learn about the plants around them and how to take care of their own environment.
Many travelers discover the garden’s many secrets on a garden tour, held on the third Sunday and fourth Monday of each month. Some small-group and bus city sightseeing tours stop here to experience the rose garden and Begonia House.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Wellington Botanic Garden is a must for nature lovers and those looking for a nature-filled respite from the city.
- Sit back with a coffee or an ice cream at the Gardens’ Picnic Cafe, located right outside the Lady Norwood Rose Garden.
- Explore the six striking statues along the Botanic Garden Sculpture Trail.
- Visit the Peace Garden, which holds a flame created by the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, presented by the people of Japan in recognition of New Zealand’s nuclear-free movement.
- The garden is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Mobility scooters are available; book in advance.
How to Get There
The Wellington Botanic Garden is easily accessible from central Wellington. To reach the top of the garden, take the Wellington Cable Car all the way to the top. To start from the bottom and work your way up, catch the number 2 Karori bus from Courtenay Place or Lambton Quay to Glenmore Street and get off at stop 5313.
When to Get There
The garden is open year-round but are at their most colorful in spring and summer, when plants are flowering and the weather’s humid enough for glow worms to come out at night, next to Pukatea Stream. Also during this time the garden hosts daytime and evening events such as free concerts, outdoor movie screenings, and light festivals.
Plants on Other Planets?
The Carter Observatory and the Space Place Museum are both located at the top of the Botanic Garden. There you can explore interactive exhibits, look through the Thomas Cooke telescope at night and see the stars, or watch a series of specially commissioned films in the Observatory’s full-dome planetarium.
Address: Glenmore Street, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Admission: Free
From $ 42
Air Force Museum
For such an isolated country, New Zealand has a lengthier military history than you would expect from the island nation. After all, with its ties to England and the British Commonwealth, the Boer War and both World Wars played large roles in the nation's history. Though the Auckland War Memorial in downtown Auckland offers a comprehensive look at New Zealand's battle history, it's the Air Force Museum in downtown Christchurch that provides the best insight into New Zealand's flying force.
Home to 28 aircrafts and a realistic flight simulator which flies mock missions over Europe, the Air Force Museum is a must-stop in Christchurch for history buffs and aviation enthusiasts. The detailed history of the Royal New Zealand Air Force which is found inside of the museum offers intriguing parallels between the history of aviation and the military history of a nation. Every part of an aircraft"”from the engine components to communication radios to the suit worn by the pilot"”is on display for visitors to enjoy in this free and informative museum. You'll also find parts which have been pilfered from enemies and medals which were won by war heroes. The Air Force Museum is only 15 minutes from the international airport in Christchurch, and is similarly located about 15 minutes from the main Christchurch city center.
Address: 45 Harvard Ave, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
From $ 117
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Have a memorable hands-on meeting with New Zealand's unique animals at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Mixing lighthearted entertainment with more serious conservation issues, there are Maori cultural performances in the evening and dinner packages combining a Taste NZ menu and guided tour.
Conservation is key at Willowbank, revealing the negative impact of settlement on New Zealand's wildlife and ecosystems, the lessons learned and the plans for the future.
Visitors meet endangered indigenous species, and learn about the conservation work that's ensuring their survival. Animals encountered include ostrich, emu, capuchin monkeys, turtles, lemurs and gibbons.
The farmyard heritage section of the wildlife park includes Clydesdale horses, pigs, goats and llamas.
Practical Info
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a 15-minute drive north of central Christchurch. The Christchurch Best Attractions Black Bus connects Willowbank with the city center throughout the day.
Address: 60 Hussey Road, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand
Hours: Open daily 9:30am - 10pm
Admission: Adults: NZ$25, Children: NZ$10
From $ 23
Wellington Cable Car
Taking a ride on Wellington’s little red cable car is an essential experience.
The cable car has been operating since 1902, providing panoramic views over Wellington on its 5-minute chug up the hill to Kelburn village and the botanic garden.
At the top, visit the Cable Car Museum to learn more about this historic attraction, and get out your camera to snap must-have photos of those harbor views. Nearby, the Carter Observatory explains the mysteries of the southern night sky.
Practical Info
The Wellington cable car runs every 10 minutes from Lambton Quay by the waterfront to the top entrance of the Wellington Botanic Garden.
If you’d like to walk back to town, it’s an interesting and pleasant 35-minute downhill stroll.
Address: Lambton Quay, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Hours: Open daily, closed Christmas Day
Admission: AU$5
From $ 20
Weta Workshop
When it comes to The Lord of The Rings, New Zealand is always famously mentioned for the enchanting beauty of its scenery. From deeply-gouged canyons and ominous volcanoes to lofty, snow-covered peaks, the physical beauty of Middle-earth was arguably the films’ greatest draw. What many moviegoers don’t realize, however, is that the filming locations for The Lord of The Rings were just a fraction of the overall production. Mythical creatures such as orcs and balrogs were needed to prowl those canyons, and professional makeup and creative design were needed to round out the set.
While there are numerous tours to Lord of the Rings filming locations in cities across New Zealand, there’s only one tour where you can visit the place where the magic was all tied together. At Weta Workshop in the suburbs of Wellington, this 65,000 sq. ft. facility is where much of the design, props, makeup, and weaponry were created in the making of the films. This is an experience where you can go far beyond seeing the places where the movies were filmed, and actually gain some fascinating insight into how they were actually created.
In addition to the effects for The Lord of the Rings, Weta Workshop has been used in the making of Avatar, King Kong, and The Hobbit. From the depths of these walls and from the brains of these artists, literal worlds have been conceptualized and built and crafted for your enjoyment on the screen.
Practical Info
Only five minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from Wellington, Weta Workshop is a fascinating stop where the magic of the movies is literally brought to life and the characters are heroically born.
Address: Weta Workshop, Wellington, North Island, New Zealand
From $ 32
Wellington's Greenbelt
In the Fellowship of the Ring, Wellington’s Greenbelt is where the hobbits nervously hide when escaping the evil Black Rider. In real life, however, Wellington’s Greenbelt is an agreeable area of protected open space in the hills. Given the tracts of undeveloped land, this area just to the west of the city was also the site of the outskirts of the Shire.
Today, in addition to stunning hilltop views which gaze down on the surf-battered coastline, Wellington’s Greenbelt is also a favorite of Lord of the Rings tours from the city. High above the bustle of Wellington, the Greenbelt is often a morning stop on a full-day tour of filming locations. There are numerous walking tracks which traverse the area, and tour participants are given time to explore the rolling hillside.
The tours also offer guided walks through the area, and the exact specifics of scenes from the movie are recounted in fascinating detail. From these grass-covered hilltops looking out over Wellington, knowledgeable guides recount how the hobbits walked through these hills when courageously setting out on their quest. More than just scenes from the movie, however, Wellington’s Greenbelt is one of the best places in the city to breathe deeply, take a walk in the woods, and escape the pulse of the urban rush in New Zealand’s art-infused capital.
Address: Wellington, New Zealand
From $ 67
Walter Peak High Country Farm
Experience the tranquility of New Zealand’s South Island farm life with a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm, a working sheep and cow station. The remote farm sits across Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown, along a section of lakeshore largely inaccessible by car. To get there, you’ll take a ride across the lake aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a beautifully restored Edwardian steamship. An open viewing area lets you watch the original steam engines as they power the ship across the lake.
Once you’ve reached the farm, a guided tour takes you among highland cattle, deer, goats and sheep. You’ll also watch skilled sheepdogs corralling the herds before meeting and feeding the sheep up close and learning how to shear and spin their wool. Take a stroll through the lush gardens along the lakeshore before stopping at the Colonel’s Homestead to sip tea and eat scones around a roaring fire.
Practical Info
Walter Peak High Country Farm is open daily. The TSS Earnslaw runs three four-hour roundtrip runs daily from Queenstown. Tea and snacks at the Colonel’s Homestead are included in the tour, as are tea and coffee aboard the ship.
Address: Walter Peak High Country Farm, Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand
Hours: Daily
From $ 53
Whanganui
Set at the mouth of the Whanganui River—the largest navigable river in New Zealand—the city of Whanganui is one of New Zealand’s most important historical settlements. A bustling army base in the New Zealand Wars, much of the city's ancient and military history is still evident today. Ascend 200 feet (61 meters) in an elevator to the top of War Memorial Tower for sweeping views of the city, or explore the many historic buildings, galleries, and museums to gain more insight about this riverbank town.
Inhabited first by the Maori and later settled by Europeans, the best way to learn about the city's unique history and culture is with a knowledgeable, local guide. Visit the most popular sights, such as Virginia Lake and the riverfront market, and many more on a half-day tour of the city. Don't forget to ask your guide about outdoor activities available in the mountains and rivers just outside town.
Practical Info
Whanganui is located 143 miles (230 kilometers) north of Wellington, and is approximately a two-and-a-half hour drive from the city. It can be reach from Auckland on a short, one-hour flight.
Did You Know? The name of the town is spelled both Whanganui as well as Wanganui.
Address: Whanganui, North Island, New Zealand
From $ 39