What to do and see in New Zealand, New Zealand: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

December 1, 2021 Mikaela Didonna

New Zealand (/njuːˈziːlənd/ ( listen); Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui), and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and around 600 smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometres (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. During its long period of isolation, New Zealand developed a distinct biodiversity of animal, fungal and plant life. The country's varied topography and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.
Restaurants in New Zealand

1. Afternoon Te Anau Cruise on Historic Motor Yacht

Te Anau, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Southland Region, South Island Faith in Fiordland
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 69 reviews

Join this tour for an elegant cruise on the historic motor yacht "Faith" on Lake Te Anau. This relaxed 3-hour experience includes a guided walk in the Fiordland National Park, a delightful afternoon tea and refreshments, and cruising home under sail. You have 3 uniformed crew hosting you while on board, and 2 nature guides to show you the delights of New Zealand scenery. This option is restricted to 16 passengers to ensure a comfortable, personable experience.

Inclusions: Light refreshments, Afternoon tea, Local guide, Live commentary on board, Local taxes

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By Travellingkavs

From the moment we hopped on, to the moment we got off we had an incredible time on Faith, the crew were amazing with the kids! George took us on a gentle walk to the hidden lake and sharing his knowledge of the plants in the area made it even more fascinating. The hidden lake was beautiful, we definitely could have chilled out there longer but needed to get back for morning tea which was delicious!! Adam showed the kids how to raise the sail, the crew truly are so good with kids. If you can only do one thing in Te Anau do this! Couldn't recommend highly enough.

2. Nelson City Walking Tour - Guided

Nelson i-SITE, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 11 reviews

Nelson is a stunning, unique city in New Zealand, so whether it’s your first time in Nelson or you’re a seasoned visitor (or local!), our 1.5-2 hour ‘Nelson in a Nutshell’ walking tour will bring this beautiful and diverse city to life. Your tour guide, Dianne, is a ‘born and bred’ Nelsonian, who knows all the hidden gems, and with a unique insight gives you a true flavour of the real Nelson. Discover Trafalgar Street, Christ Church Cathedral, Lord of the Rings Jeweller – Jens Hansen, Queen’s Gardens, Suter Art Gallery, the Centre of New Zealand and so much more in between. Prepare to be impressed!

Inclusions: Water bottles are available and there are refilling stations along the walk, Sun Screen available if required, Tour Guide, Tour commentary, Sanitiser, Disposable Face Mask if required

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

3. Mount Cook Lake Tekapo & Tasman Glacier (small Group Tour Including Lunch)

NZSI Tours & Travel
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Travel in a small group from Christchurch, on a day trip to Aoraki Mount Cook – the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque Church of Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo and admire stunning alpine views from turquoise colored Lake Pukaki. Savor a scrumptious buffet lunch at the Hermitage Hotel and enjoy a scenic walk in Mt. Cook National Park to see the Tasman Glacier. Visit the Alpine Lavender farm in a pristine environment of crystal clear skies; snow capped mountains, and turquoise colored lakes of glacial melt.

Inclusions: Approximately 3 hrs of free time in Mount Cook National park., Bottled water., Buffet Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook., Complimentary light refreshments., National Park fees., Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel / apartment in Christchurch included., Transport by air-conditioned late model Mercedes Benz Minivan.

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By anjukris

This day trip along with one to Lake Tekapo and Mt.Cook organized by NZSI were the highlights of our trip to the South Island. Mr. Anuj.K was an excellent tour guide and driver. He was very thoughtful, kind and considerate. He also clicked some great photographs of us. The hikes were refreshing and the look-out points were breathtaking. In general, the itinerary was concise and was followed to the T! We will definitely consider NZSI for future trips to the South Island.

4. Bay of Islands Craft Beer & Wine Tour

Mullarkeys Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

The Bay of Islands is a place to indulge and have fun. Visit the area's leading wineries, taste quality wines, excellent craft beers and enjoy a platter lunch. No trip to the Bay of Islands is complete if you do not visit the Makana Chocolate Factory and sample their award winning products. Visit the Phat Brewery, home to an outstanding range of Craft Beers.

Inclusions: Cost of wine & beer tasting, Lunch

Exclusions:

Reviewed By gelletly

Very nice day trip. Very scenic and well worth a visit. The tour was value for money and very enjoyable. Derek our driver was friendly and able to tell us some of the history of the area. It is priceless having a local guide as they are able to point out other places that may be of interest during your stay and also know the best places to stop for refreshments.

5. Cape Reinga - 90 Mile Beach Tour

Mullarkeys Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 19 reviews

Mullarkey tours – Cape Reinga Full day trip – offers a comfortable small group tour – maximum 11 passengers, with knowledgeable, humorous tour leaders – that will make sure you get to see and hear about all the best bits of the Far North and won’t forget the best photo opportunities!

Inclusions: Tour leader

Exclusions: Lunch, Hire of sand boards

Reviewed By NannyDebs74

My daughter organised this trip for my Christmas present. We booked the tour at the last minute to make the most of the weather and other activities we wanted to do in the north. We were well accommodated, our guide was friendly, knowledgeable and patient. We really appreciated that the tour went ahead given the current climate for tourism. A great variety of venues on this tour.

6. The Inside Loop: an electric bike tour of Auckland's Coolest Neighborhoods

Pullman Auckland, Corner Waterloo Quadrant &, Princes Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand Power to the Pedal
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 67 reviews

Auckland is regularly voted as one of the most livable cities on Earth and this small group, guided electric bike tour is designed to showcase exactly why that title is deserved. A big part of what makes Auckland great is its wonderful and distinct neighborhoods, as well as the world-class eating, drinking, shopping and cultural experiences that are on offer. On this guided tour, ride around some of Auckland’s cool neighborhoods, that don’t always feature on the standard Auckland city tour routes – miss them at your peril! As well as showcasing the best of what Auckland has to offer, your experienced local tour guide will peel back the layers and provide you with a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the city. To top off the adventure, you are guaranteed some spectacular views that you might not otherwise see – perfect for the photographers among you. Use of a shiny electric bike and a helmet are included in the tour. The max group size is 6.

Inclusions: Experienced and engaging local guide, Use of a fantastic electric bike, Use of an urban cycle helmet, Use of a cycle-specific headset, for commentary as you ride, Small bag mounted on bike to store phones, camera etc, Use of a lightweight rain-jacket, only if needed! (we ride rain or shine in sub-tropical Auckland!), Souvenir photos, Local taxes

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities

Reviewed By shellsAuckland

This was a fantastic way to see a lot of the city from a different perspective . I have lived in Ak my whole life( that’s 62 years) and found the cycle paths take you off road to many interesting places. The ebikes are of a very high standard and Eddie is a v professional and helpful guide. We covered 30 km and saw a lot in 3 hours. The follow up photos we were sent were great . We will be back to do the night tour next! Highly recommended activity

7. Queenstown - Arrowtown Sightseeing and Tasting Half-Day Small-Group Tour

The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown, Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Remarkable Scenic Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 27 reviews

3 Regions : Queenstown, Arrowtown & the Gibbston  7 Amazing Stops : Queenstown Hill, Lake Hayes, Kawarau Bungy Bridge, Honey tasting, Cheese tasting, Arrowtown & the Chinese Village Small group half day tour around Queenstown plus much much more. We provide fun interesting commentary, help with your photos and give great recommendations for everything from lunch to shopping. Being one of the top rated Queenstown local scenic small group tours your day is going to be amazing. The best way to see the region is with a fun local guide. Visit historic Arrowtown & the Chinese village, make a photo stop at Lake Hayes (the Mirror Lake), the Kawarua bridge bungy jump, enjoy cheese tasting in Gibbston Valley, see the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers, visit a working honey farm and taste honeys including Manuka, enjoy a photo stop over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.

Inclusions: Manuka Honey tasting, Cheese tasting, Small-group guided tour in modern eleven-seat minivan, Central Queenstown pickup and drop-off, Local taxes, Optional wine tasting ($5.00)

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By Merrycoco

Our guide Wayne was excellent. It was our first time at Arrowtown and Wanaka. Although it was a small group tour, the tour was very thorough, making sure we had the best experience at every scenic spot. Great commentary and thank you for showing us the best angles/poses for photos at each stop! We also appreciate the tips for best local restaurants and cafes around town - we actually tried one of the cafes for our last day, and it was great! :) Thank you so much

8. Lord of the Rings Tours - One Day in Middle Earth

The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown, Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Lord of The Rings Tours
Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 71 reviews

• Take in the diverse landscape of an ancient beech forest, braided rivers and glacier-carved valleys. • Explore the unique flora and fauna and get up close to animals and birdlife. • Explore Gladden Fields, Ford of Bruinen and Argonath, Isengard, Amon Hen, the Misty Mountains and Ithilien in one day • Handle and photograph $15000 worth of weapon and costumes • View "Top Secret" items from the movies • Entertaining and Knowledgeable guides. Your guide will help you relive the action for your camera • Travel in small groups for a personal and interactive experience

Inclusions: Lunch, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Air-conditioned vehicle, Guided Tour

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, No Smoking

Reviewed By Ettykaryati

We had fun during our "Middle Earth" tour. We visited the LOTR filming locations in Arrowtown, Kawarau Gorge and Lake Hayes. Shane is very knowledgeable guide. Fully recommended!

9. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa: Gallipoli Early Bird Entry

55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 16 reviews

Beat the crowds and explore this award-winning exhibitions before opening. Explore Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War with the peace and stillness this subject matter deserves by entering the exhibit half an hour before the public. Te Papa has joined forces with Weta Workshop to create an exhibition like no other. After a short introduction from a Te Papa Host, you will wander freely at your own pace through this gallery. Garnering international acclaim and various awards, this space is best experienced before the museum's doors are opened for general admission. * See eight extraordinary New Zealanders captured frozen in time on a monumental scale - 2.4 times human size * Learn about the battles that took place in this culturally-defining event * Discover more about the ANZAC story through 3D maps and projections, miniatures, models, dioramas, and a range of interactive experiences.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Local taxes

Exclusions: Entrance fees to short-term paid exhibitions

Reviewed By chachaBK

love coming here with kids everytime in wellington always discovering new stuff! take time in the nature room same level as the anzac display love the giant squid the pinball rainfall display and the into nature video screen that records us moving then plays back 4 times cant explain just awesome! also love how the moa bones shadow moves every so often. also love nature walk outside with swing bridge and pretend glow worms

10. Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on 'R. Tucker Thompson' Including BBQ Lunch

Russell Booking and Information, The Strand, Russell 0202, New Zealand R. Tucker Thompson
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 203 reviews

What better way to explore the peaceful waters of the Bay of Islands than by the "R. Tucker Thompson" tall ship. This replica of a 100 year old schooner looks just like a working ship of the 18th century and you can spend the day on board exploring the bays and beaches of this beautiful Maritime Park. Operated by a charitable trust, funds raised from our sailing goes to support our youth development voyages over winter.

Inclusions: Cruise on board the "R. Tucker Thompson" tall ship, Coffee and/or Tea, BBQ lunch, Wet weather gear (if required), New Zealand's Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Exclusions: Hotel pick up and drop off

Reviewed By LandC46

Everything was great! We considered ourselves fortunate that there were only 13 passengers (4 crew) on our two hour Sundowner sail since that perhaps made it more intimate. The best fun was in climbing up the rigging and helping with the sails, encouraged by enthusiastic crew. So nice to be out on the water on such a splendid, beautiful and historic vessel.

TAGS

Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on LinkedInPin on PinterestShare on Google+Email this to someoneShare on VkontakteBookmark

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.