Things to do in Otago Region, South Island: The Best Cultural Tours

Discover the beauty and rich history of Muaupoko, the Otago Peninsula, through a unique cultural lens.Take a journey with us to uncover how the early  Māori and European settlers to this land lived and thrived. Māori, are of Polynesian decent, a sea faring people who travelled to Aotearoa, New Zealand, many centuries ago.  Take a half day journey with Horizon Tours and let our guides tell you stories of those voyages, and how these resourceful settlers thrived in new lands surrounded by unfamiliar flora and fauna.Explore the Otago Peninsula and discover some of the iconic sights of interest as we drive along scenic coastal roads.  Learn how early Māori lived, their customs and traditions. Hear how they interacted with European settlers, and how the two cultures created the landscape you see today. 

Inclusions: Tea and Coffee, Water, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Antipasto lunch included (catered to dietary requirements)

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The Māori Whakataū is a welcome to New Zealand by the indigenous culture of NZ. The Whakataū embraces key aspects of welcoming manuhiri/visitors to New Zealand and making sure you get an authentic connection to the people of this wonderful land and more specifically here in Wanaka and Queenstown. The scenery is one small part of what makes this country so great, to truely connect with any country you must also connect with the people that make the country what it is. Welcome to the world of WanaHaka® in Wanaka and Queenstown. There is a minimum of 4 required per Whakataū if minimum numbers are not met you will be offered another day or time or complete refund.

Inclusions: Private transportation

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Authentic Māori Bone Carving of your experience, WanaHaka Tea Towel Souvenir

Dunedin Onshore Cruise Tours for your small group of up to six or 11 by advance booking subject to availability. Heritage and Wildlife abounds and enjoy a personal and fun tour with you local chauffeur/guide.  Dunedin welcomes you to the delightful Port Chalmers and  the  many unique aspects on your special day tour.  Whatever your interests surround yourself with the Scottish feel of this region. Your Chauffeur will take you on a historical journey of beautiful landscapes, stunning Port Chalmers high top views and many options to choose from, including Larnach Castle, the only registered castle in New Zealand.  Otago Peninsula with sightings of the Albatross soaring above the cliffs and protecting their nesting ground. History of the lighthouse and the inhabitants of long ago. Travel the inland route for scenic options of the Pacific Ocean views and the countryside.  Returning along the Coastal seaside route as you return from the Peninsula. 

Inclusions: Bottled water, Professional guide, Port pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, Lunch

See spectacular marine wildlife, learn from a conservation expert, discover intriguing Māori history, and explore the geological and biological diversity of our Otago Peninsula. Join us to discover some of the iconic Otago Peninsula's wildlife residents; albatross, penguins, seals and sea lions, all call this place home. This tour is also an excellent introduction to sites of significance to Maori, a fascinating culture that is often overshadowed by Dunedin’s more recent European history. Tour highlights include a boat cruise around Pukekura/Taiaroa Head and other wildlife viewing sites. Forest walk and delicious lunch.

Inclusions: Water, Tea or Coffee, Antipasto lunch included (catered to dietary requirements), Air-conditioned vehicle, Accommodation pick up/drop off is available

Exclusions: While we endeavour to show you many animals along the way, they might have different ideas! We cannot guarantee seeing all species.

• Lord of the Rings tour locations (White Mountains; Minas Tirith; Pillars of the Kings; Gladden Fields; Ford of Bruinen; Warg attack; Exodus of Edoras) • Willow, Vertical Limits and The Water Horse locations • Remarkables Mountains viewpoint • Arrowtown village; • Multiple river crossings on the Arrow River • And a short journey down Skippers Canyon. • Refreshments and on-site multimedia presentations included. • Gold panning option available upon request

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Snacks, Private transportation

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Over 24 unforgettable days you will experience it all: secluded beaches, jaw-dropping scenery, Māori culture, mountainous ranges, lush rainforests and more adventure activities than you could ever wish for. As with all our tours, we do include a few 'must-do' events, ranging from a Māori cultural night to learning to paddle a waka (Māori war canoe), and even a greenstone carving experience. You will see a massive range of optional activities available to add, from bungy jumping and dolphin swimming to jet boating and scenic flights. None of these are compulsory; just add the ones you want. Activities can also be purchased on the road – just let your tour guide know. We can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest pre-booking any activities you especially want to do.

Inclusions: Continental Breakfast Every Day - heaps of options for everyone (you too, vegans!), Orientation Tours - we give you the low-down on every location, Comfortable Transport - with plenty of room to spread out, High-End Hostel Accommodation - dorm share, upgrades available, Experienced Local Guide , Small Groups - Max 16 people. You are more than just a number, Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of New Zealand, 2 dinners Fish'n'Chips in Paihia and a traditional cooked hangi in Murupara to full your puku! (belly), Experience a Māori cultural performance in Rotorua during the Cultural Experience Night, Visit Te Puia - cultural centre about traditional Māori culture and Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, Learn to paddle a waka (Māori war canoe) along the Abel Tasman coastline, Iconic ferry ride between the North and South Islands across the Cook Strait, Optional transport back from Wellington to Auckland on Day 24

Exclusions: Additional activities - such as bungy jumping, Lunch and dinner are own costs - unless specified

Four multi-day hikes » Golden sands of Abel Tasman Coastal Track » Crystal clear rivers and limestone canyons of the West Coast » Cycling the West Coast Wilderness Trail » Cruising the magnificent Milford Sound

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle, Use of bicycle, Waka experience and boat cruise

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Dunedin is a great wee city and is best explored on foot. New Zealand's largest city 1865-1889, and a university town, Dunedin boasts some picturesque streetscapes and standout Victorian buildings. This small-group tour is fun and interesting - and a great introduction to Dunedin. See the reviews of our walks!

Inclusions: In-person guide

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Experience wine tasting in New Zealand's largest wine cave. We offer daily wine cave and tasting tours where you can visit Home Block, the region's oldest vineyard, do a tasting in our wine cave and catch a glimpse of our winemakers in action.

Inclusions: Return transport from Queenstown, Cave Tour & tasting

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Experience this one-of-a-kind wine tasting with a fascinating Māori culture spin! Learn about Māori history and their experiences of this region while sampling many wonderful wines. Of the wineries listed we will visit 2, if you have a preference please let me know.

Inclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Air-conditioned vehicle

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