Things to do in Auckland Central, North Island: The Best Literary, Art & Music Tours

Waiheke Island is an artsy and creative place. On this tour you’ll discover the best of its arts scene, and meet talented artists, with the help of an expert local guide. Here's just some of what we'll do: Visit art galleries in Oneroa, including an artists’ collective and the Community Art Gallery. Tour the local sculpture park and learn about this intriguing array of outdoor art. Visit sculptors and painters in their studios - and even get to meet an artisan shoemaker! Have lunch (included in the price) at an artist's home. Walk through the Atawhai-Whenua Forest & Bird Reserve to the Ferry Terminal or Community Gallery where we finish. Our Art Walk takes approximately five hours and is done at a very leisurely pace so you can enjoy both the art and the scenery around you. You will come away feeling inspired by what you have seen, the artists you have met and the beauty you have enjoyed while wandering through bush tracks and local roads.

Inclusions: Fantastic scenic walk with expert guiding and interpretation, Lunch at artist’s home and studio

Exclusions: Ferry fares

• Pick up & drop off from Auckland. • Complementary Snacks & water. • 1-hour guided horse riding on the beach. • Sculpture Trail Admission & Map. • Lunch at the Glass House Restaurant. • Wine tasting in one of Auckland’s top wineries.

Inclusions: Auckland City Hotel or Port pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned Luxury minivan, Bottled water, Lunch, Snacks, Wine tasting, 1 hour Guided Horse Riding

Exclusions: Gratuities

This wonderful 2-hour art tour is led by a local and respected art critic, TJ (Terry) McNamara or Assoc Prof Linda Tyler. Join the locals on the regular Saturday morning Walk & Talk an Art Precinct There are several art precincts in Auckland. Over Spring & Summer/Autumn there are regularly guided tours on a Saturday morning to one of the precincts. You need to contact us or see the website to know where we are meeting.

Inclusions: Professional art historian guide

Exclusions: Anything not mentioned

See stunning scenery and some of the most fascinating film locations from the “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” movies on this Private Multi Day Tour. Step in Frodo and Bilbo Baggins’ footprints and explore the Hobbiton Movie Set in Middle Earth as well as the fascinating “Hairy Feet” Scenic Film Location. Marvel at the deserted fields of Mordor and see stunning Mt Ngauruhoe, also called Mt Doom in “The Lord of the Rings”.

Inclusions: Fully guided Private Tour in Mercedes luxury vehicle., Pick-up/drop-off in Auckland incl airport/cruise terminal., Tour times flexible to work in with your requirements., Complimentary snacks & water., All guide expenses (e.g. guide accommodation & meals)., All tours support local eco-cultural initiatives.

Exclusions: Potential entry fees., Guest accommodation and meals., Anything not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.

Waiheke Island is an artsy and creative place. On the Waiheke Island Private Art Walk you’ll enjoy a personalised tour of galleries, sculpture parks and artist studios. This tour is available for groups of 2-8, and we’ll design it to suit your interests and requirements. Visit art galleries in Oneroa, including an artists’ collective and the Community Art Gallery. Meet artists and gallery staff. Visit the local sculpture park and learn about this fascinating outdoor art. Visit sculptor and painter studios and an artisan shoemaker. Your tour price includes lunch at the spectacular home and studio of painter Gabriella Lewenz. Our Private Art Walk takes approximately five hours, and is done at a very leisurely pace, suitable for a variety of fitness levels. so you can enjoy both the art and the scenery around you. After being surrounded by such creativity, plus the beauty of nature, you will come away feeling refreshed and inspired.

Inclusions: Fantastic scenic walk with expert guiding and interpretation, Lunch at artist’s home and studio

Exclusions: Ferry fares

A very eclectic collection of sculptures laid out in a garden trail in a rural setting makes this place a perfect day trip from Auckland. Spend an amazing day exploring beautiful gardens filled with unique sculptures, art galleries & then finish your day visiting a boutique vineyard to taste premium selection of wines or experience a fun filled scenic horse riding experience. If you choose to experience a fun filled scenic horse riding experience, you will ride along the pristine white sand beach, enjoying the seabirds you encounter… endangered NZ Dotterill, oyster catchers and many others then return through dunes and pohutukawa glades. Enjoy the magnificent views out over Little Barrier and Hen & Chicken Islands. A safe and exciting ride for novices and children.

Inclusions: Admission to Sculptureum​, Drop Off to Auckland CBD, Pick up from Auckland CBD, Self-Guided Experience visiting 3 sculpture filled gardens, Self-Guided Experience visiting 6 indoor art galleries, Snacks & Water, Stops for Scenic Photos, 1 Hour Scenic Horse Riding Experience

Exclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

A very eclectic collection of sculptures laid out in a garden trail in a rural setting makes this place an ideal getaway location from Auckland. Spend an amazing day exploring beautiful gardens filled with unique sculptures, art galleries & then visit a boutique vineyard to taste premium selection of wines. ​Discover the unique history, culture and landscape of New Zealand's Far North on a day trip to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach. A trip to Bay of Islands is not complete without a journey to the very top of the North Island – Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua). Drive along the shores of Ninety Mile Beach as the waves crash beside the custom-built coach. Start a splendid day by visting the stunning Hole in the Rock Dolphin cruise experience and continue to historical sites of New Zealand’s Northland, Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Inclusions: Wine Tasting at Boutique Vineyards, Guided Experience to Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach, Includes Fish & Chips Lunch (in Cape Reinga Day Tour), Sandboarding at Te Paki Stream, Entry to Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise​, Entry to Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Fully guided return transfers from Auckland, Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD, Complimentary refreshments and water on board, A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the journey, Hand-picked accommodation included in our platinum and gold packages, Luxurious temperature controlled transportation, All entrance and activity fees, Exclusive immersive activities and interaction with local communities, Built-in leisure time, to explore destinations as you wish

Exclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Hand-picked accommodation excluded in our bronze package

If you are interested in fine arts, such as historic, modern and contemporary art, and you are currently staying in Auckland, then our Auckland Fine Arts Tour is made for you! Our experienced local guides will give you a taste of New Zealand's greatest art galleries. Gow Langsford Gallery lets you discover our country's modern art, while Auckland Art Gallery is our country's largest art institution, with a collection numbering over 15000 works, so you can fulfill your art hunger with us! After that, we'll give you the opportunity to explore James Wallace Art Trust’s collection in TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre unique historic home. At the end of the tour, you'll have the chance to visit Te Uru Gallery, which represents the powerful characteristic of the region and an important story for local Māori. So if you are an art lover kind of person, we highly recommend our fascinating tour while staying in our beautiful country.

Inclusions: Guide services, tickets

Exclusions: Lunch