Tours & Activities
There is an unparalleled range of exciting tours and activities, along with spectacular backdrops and scenery in which these are undertaken throughout New Zealand. Whether you are searching for the fishing expedition of a lifetime, a fun day out for the family, a relaxing game of golf, a tranquil spa treatment or adrenalin inducing adventure activity, New Zealand has it all.
However, it is important to book these tours and activities in advance to avoid the disappointment of missing out, especially during the high season where limited time schedules of travellers and the large numbers of tourists can create unprecedented demand for some of New Zealand’s most popular tours and activities.
Below you will find a brief description of some of the most popular tours and activities in the regions specified. Clink the link to view some of our favourite and highly recommended tours and activities in those regions – consider this as a ‘must do’ list. To find out more about any of the activities listed, please contact us.
Email teina@kiwitravelnz.com for booking enquiries.
NORTH ISLAND
Auckland
| Sky Tower A truly captivating experience awaits visitors to Auckland's Sky Tower. At 328 metres, it is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand and offers breathtaking views for up to 80 kilometres in every direction. Travel up in the glass-fronted lifts to one of the three spectacular viewing platforms, or for more thrills and excitement SkyWalk round the pergola at 192 metres up or SkyJump off the Tower. Relax with a coffee and light refreshments at Sky Lounge, enjoy a seafood feast at The Observatory Restaurant or dine at Orbit - Auckland's only 360-degree revolvong restaurant. Sky Tower is one of New Zealand's most exhilarating and spectacular tourist attractions, you will be amazed at what you can see and do under one roof. |
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Bay of Islands
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Cape Brett 'Hole in the Rock' Cruise |
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Coromandel Peninsula
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The Cathedral Cove Classic Kayaking Tour |
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Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Cruises |
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Waitomo
| Waitomo Glowworm Caves For over 100 years the Waitomo Glowworm Caves have attracted millions of people from all over the world. Explore an underground labyrinth of ancient limestone caverns and formations. Marvel at a galaxy of tiny living lights in the famed Glowworm Grotto and the splendour of the limestone formations. The highlight of this tour is the magical boat trip through the Glowworm Grotto. Guided tours operate daily, departing every half hour 9 am - 5 pm. Duration 45 mins. |
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| Blackwater Rafting & Cave Abseiling If you enjoy unspoilt nature on her own terms; if you want a challenging experience both unique and rewarding; and if you enjoy a good laugh, then these adventures are for you! "One of the most amazing things you can do in New Zealand" - Lonely Planet Travellers Guide. |
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| Billy Black's Kiwi Culture Show Experience Kiwi culture alive on stage! Learn how native bush that once covered most of New Zealand was converted to the farmland that you see today. Hosted by the legendary "Billy Black" or one of his team, this show will leave you in fits of laughter as you watch or even participate in anything from log sawing and log explosions to helping shear the sheep. Bush animals including a dancing pig and a kiwi bear, farm animlas and working sheep dogs on a farming scene complete this unique story. Daily shows at 1.30 pm. Duration 1 hour. |
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Whakatane
| PeeJays White Island Tours Explore New Zealands LIVE marine volcano! The professional crew at White Island Tours will take you on a fully guided walking tour (approx 1.5-2 hrs) around the inner crater of White Island. Hard hats and gas masks provided. Sights include the majestic main crater, hissing vents, bubbling mud pots and exploring the remains of an abandoned sulphur mining factory. The complete round trip is 5-6 hrs and includes an 80 minute sea journey each way on a purpose-built launch. Spending time with any marine life spotted along the way is an added bonus! Trips depart daily (weather permitting) around 8-9 am. Trips confirmed the evening before (between 7 and 8 pm). Suitable footwear is essential (no sandals). Refreshments and lunch provided. Minimum age 8 years. |
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Tauranga
| Spring Loaded Fun Park Loaded half-way between Tauranga & Rotorua (30 mins drive either way) this fun park is ideal for the entire family. Open daily from 9 am. Kaituna Jet - Get onboard Kaituna Jet for 25km of high octaine attitude along the spectacularly beautiful Kaituna River. The delightful & highly trained drivers will entertain you with serious speed, spins and close cut cornering. It's a jet boat ride like no other! Departs on demand. Allow 1 hour. Mud Bug 4WD - Custom designed 4WD vehicles that YOU can drive. Double Dare Combo - Kaituna Jet Boat ride and Mud Bug challenge. Allow 2 hours. Triple Tremble Combo - an exhilarating helicopter ride, Kaituna Jet & Whitewater rafting. Allow 4 hours. |
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Evening Kayak & Glow Worms At dusk let your guide lead you onto calm Lake McLaren for a gentle paddle into the night and discover the magic of the enchanting glow worm canyon. Duration 3.5 hours including approximately 1.5-2 hours paddling. Moderate fitness required. Also available from Rotorua. Enquire for details. |
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Mayor Island Helicopter Adventure This spectacular half day tour includes a helicopter flight out to and around New Zealand's most unusual volcano, Mayor Island (Tuhua) plus a guided tour through one of the country's largest Pohutukawa forests. Your guide will take you to the Devils Staircase, exhilarating views of the stronghold from which the local Maori tribe would defent the island in battle, followed by a visit to Rangatira, the ancient Pohutukawa with a girth exceeding 11 metres. Then relax, enjoy a swim and picnic on the beach before your helicopter flight back to the mainland. Departs on demand, minimum numbers apply. Duration approx 4 hours. |
Rotorua
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Self Guided Walk - Visitors are given a guide sheet for their Valley Walk, a peaceful, tranquil area with pathways amongst beautiful geothermal architecture and plant life. The shortest walk is 40 minutes and the longest 2 hours. We recommend allowing 2 hours. There is a free shuttle bus back to the entrance. Self Guided Walk & Rotomahana Boat Cruise - Your self guided walk leads down to the lake where it is time to board the "Waimangu Explorer" to learn more of the fascinating history of this area from your captain as you cruise around the new lake where geothermal activity on the lake edge can only be viewed from the water. This awesome volcanic landscape contrasts sharply with calm waters and abundant bird life and is the perfect addition to the Valley Walk. Allow 3 hours (last boat departure 3 pm). Walking Tour & Boat hours: open 8.30 am every day. Last admission 2 pm. |
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SOUTH ISLAND
Queenstown
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TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise Cruise & Farm Tour - Disembark at Walter Peak and join an entertaining farmyard tour, including sheep dog and sheep shearing demonstrations, plus afternon tea at the Colonel's Homestead. Departs every 2 hrs from 10 am (20 Oct - Apr). 12 noon & 2 pm (May-19 Oct). Duration 3.5 hrs. Reduced winter schedule. Cruise & Farm Tour & BBQ - At Walter Peak enjoy a delicious BBQ meal on the Colonel's Homestead lakeside terrace with your farm tour & cruise. Departs 10 am (20 Oct - 20 Apr) & 12 noon (Sept -May). Duration 3.5 hrs. Cruise & Evening Dining - Cruise across to Walter Peak on the TSS Earnslaw & enjoy an evening carvery buffet served amongst the elegant surroundings of the Colonel's Homestead. After dinner, enjoy a brief farm show, or relax at the bar before your return cruise. Departs 6 pm Oct - late May. Duration 4 hrs. |
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Shotover Jet Nothing you have experienced will have prepared you for the excitement and thrill of a Shotover Jet ride. It's an adrenaline rush you'll never forget! From the moment the accelerator hits the floor your adrenaline hits the roof as you speed along the famous Shotover River and deep into the Shotover River Canyons. As the rocky Canyon walls tower over you, your expert driver puts your 'Big Red' jet boat through its paces and skillfully whips the boat past rocky outcrops, skims around crags and boulders, and twists through the narrow canyons. You grip the hand rail for comfort and reassurance as the driver spins the boat and you experience several 'trademark' Shotover Jet 360 degree spins! No visit to Queenstown is complete without 'Catching the Canyons' with Shotover Jet, 'the world's most exciting jet boat ride', and the only cmpany permitted to operate in the spectacular shotover River Canyons. Complimentary coach transfers are available from "The Station' building in central Queenstown every 15 minutes. |
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| Queenstown Panorama with landing & bubbles Designed to surprise, this spectacular scenic helicopter flight maintains a relaxed and leisurely pace whilst exlosing a dramatic panorama of Lake Wakatiu and Queenstown township. You will appreciate first hand how Queenstown earned its name - Fit for a Queen. Survey the 'kingdom' from above whilst enjoying a toast to the tranquility and silence that descends on you. Remote and memorable. Duration 30 minutes. Minimum 4 people. |
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Wanaka
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Wine Tours |
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Puzzling World Puzzling World is a unique attraction specialising in puzzling eccentricity. For nearly 40 years this remarkable business has entertained and amazed visitors of all ages, including the inner child! Highlights include the world's first "modern-styled" Great Maze, incredible Illusion Rooms, a Puzzle Centre/Cafe, large gift shop and eccentric architecture and oddities. Puzzling world is set amongst 7 acres of rolling lawns, trees and gardens at the entrance to Wanaka, 2 kms from the lakefront. Open from 8.30 am. From NZ$19 Adult, $13 Child (5-15 yrs). |
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| Lake Cruise & Island Nature Walk Cruise to this unique and magical nature reserve, walk the track to the serene Arethusa pool near the summit for amazing lake and alpine views. Experienced guides will share their knowledge of local features as well as the diverse birdlife including the rare Buff Weka, extinct on the mainland. This is a not to be missed experience as the island is geologically unique with a lake on top, no introduced predators, and magnificent panoramas of the Southern Alps dropping dramatically into Lake Wanaka. Departs 9 am & 1.30 pm. Duration 3.5 hours. From NZ$173.00 per adult, $112.00 child. Includes morning or afternoon tea. Minimum 2 people. |
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Milford Sound
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Milford Sound Nature Daytime Cruise - self drive |
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Milford Sound Scenic Daytime Cruise - self drive A 1 hour 40 minute cruise of the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. View majestic Mitre Peak, cascading waterfalls, hanging valleys and glaciers, sheer cliffs, rainforest and wildlife. Includes an informative multi lingual commentary, tea/coffee. Lunch options available. Departs 11 am returns 12.40 pm, or 1 pm returns 2.40 pm all year. Also 12 noon, 2 pm & 3 pm November - April. Duration 1 hr 40 minutes. From $75 Adult, $21 Child (11 am), $88 Adult, $21 Child (1 pm) |
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Tip: On a perfect day consider upgrading to a 40 minutes scenic flight for the return journey (Queenstown only, booked on the day). |
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Milford Sound Fly, Scenic Cruise and Return Flight For awe inspiring views of the fiord, mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes & lush rainforest, nothing compares with a 40 minute scenic flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound. On arrival in Milford, passengers are transferred to a Real Journeys vessel for a 1 hr 40 minute cruise on the entire length of the fiord and out to the open sea. Includes full commentary on flight & cruise and return accommodation transfers (commencing 45 minutes prior to departure). Perfect for those who are short of time or want to avoid the 12 hour day normally required to visit Milford sound. Departs 10 am & 12 noon year round plus 8am & 2 pm (November - April). Duration 3 hours 40 minutes. Extra departure times during peak season. Note: flights operate subject to weather. From NZ$431.00 Adult, $280.00 Child. |
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| Milford Sound Overnight Cruise When the day visitors depart a silence descends on Milford Sound. Be one of the privileged few to experience the long southern twilight and the dawning of a new day in this magnificent World Heritage region. Departing from Milford wharf, cruise the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea, where subject to favourable weather conditions, the sails are hoisted for a period before returning to sheltered waters to anchor in Harrison Cove. The friendly crew and expert nature guides are always available to answer your questions and help with the activities such as kayaking & exploring the coastline by tender craft. Passangers have the opportunity to visit the Underwater Observatory as an optional extra (self driving only). Departs 4.30 pm day 1, returns 3.30 pm day 2. From NZ$334 per person, Twin Share. |
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Doubtful Sound
| Full Day Doubtful Sound Excursion Three times longer and ten times larger than Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound is known for its wilderness scenery & wildlife. Cruise across the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri to West Arm then coach over the Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to experience some of Fiordland's densest rainforest. On reaching Deep Cove enjoy a 3 hour cruise amongst towering peaks and bush clad islands, right out to the open sea. On most occasions visitors also get to tour the highly impressive Manapouri Underground Power Station. Departs Pearl Harbour, Manapouri 8.45 am. Returns 5.30 pm, year round. Coach transfers available from Te Anau & Queenstown (extra). Note: for those requiring a picnic lunch, it must be prebooked. |
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Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise Commence with a cruise across Laka Manapouri to West Arm, then coach through the dense rainforest of Wilmot Pass, pausing for magnificent views of Doubtful Sound glistening far below. At Deep Cove visitors board the Fiordland Navigator for a leisurely exploration of Doubtful Sound before anchoring in one of the hidden coves for the night. The following morning there is time to explore before returning to Deep Cove. The purpose built Fiordland Navigator sleeps 70 guests in 18 cabins with either twin single bes or one double bed with ensuite bathrooms, 1 family room with 4 bunks & ensuite bathroom, plus 8 quad share bunk style compartments with shared bathroom facilities. The vessel has 3 spacious decks ideal for viewing the wilderness scenery, fur seals, dolphins & in season, rare penguins. Activities include 30 kayaks & excursions in the 2 tender craft to explore the coastline. 3 course buffet dinner & a hearty breakfast included. It is recommended that guests order a boxed picnic lunch for day 1 or take their own. Picnic lunches must be prebooked (from $15). Note: the overnight cruise does not include a visit to the Manapouri Underground Power Station. From NZ$259 per person Quad Share. |
Dunedin
| Day Tripper Otago Central Rail & Bike Trail A fully supported, fun, safe and highly informative day commencing at 9.30 am aboard the Taieri Gorge Excursion Train, on a picturesque journey bound for Pukerangi. You will be picked up by a coach and taken to Middlemarch. (Note Friday & Sunday during October - April the train travels right through to Middlemarch). After being fitted with your comfort Hybrid cycle including helmet, carrier bag and kit, it is time to head for Hyde and a cafe lunch (included). You will then start the cycle portion of the day. Mostly downhill, you will cycle Prices Viaduct and tunnel to arrive at Hyde 14.5km later. You may have the option to carry on to Rock and Pillar for a further 14 km (dependent on time available) before boarding the train for your return journey to Dunedin. Minimum 2 adults to operate. Guided 2 & 4 day options available, enquire for details. From NZ$300.00 per person. |
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Cadbury Chocolate Factory Tour Visit Cadbury World while in Dunedin and experience the tastiest tourist attraction Dunedin has to offer! On a tour of Cadbury World visitors can see it, smell it, try it and buy it! The colourful and informative chocolate themed tour offeres a sensation in sight, smell and sound. The guided tour includes puppet displays, Crunchie Mountain, an opportunity to try Cocoa Beans, audio visual entertainment and the spectacular chocolate fall - one tonne of liquid chocolate falling before your very eyes! You will experience a working chocolate factory where you have the opportunity to see some of our famous chocolate products being made and of course enjoy lots of samples along the way including fresh, warm liquid chocolate. At the end of your factory tour you will be invited to browse through the Cadbury World Store featuring a wide range of special products including chocolates, clothing, novelty items and many souvenirs. We cannot guarantee the factory will be operational at all times. Full factory tours run Monday to Friday and take approximately 75 mintues and includes entry to visitor cente, factory tour including chocolate fall and retail outlet. On weekends and public holidays a shortened tour runs. This takes approximately 45 minutes and does not enter the factory itself. Full tour from NZ$19 Adult, $13 Child. Family pass available. Reduced tours Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays from NZ$13 Adult, $8 Child. |
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The Alehouse Package - Lunch or Dinner combo: combine your Speight's tour with a delicious 2-course lunch or 3-course dinner at The Alehouse, right next to Speight's Brewery. Available before or after tours. Bookings essential! |
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Dunedin Eco Tour Nature's Wonders will show you the wildside of the spectacular Otago Peninsula with a thrilling cross-country adventure in the ultimate all terrain vehicle, an 8-wheel-drive ARGO. You will see stunning coastal scenery and an extraordinary range of wildlife, including the world's rarest Penguin, the Yellow Eyed, in its natural habitat. You will get close to breeding colonies of New Zelaand Fur Seals and Cormorants, and see Oyster Catchers, Gulls, Paradise Ducks, Hawks & Swallows. The tour covers the Maritime and Military History of Fort Taiaroa, with visits to the wreck of the Tyrone, the largest steamship to founder in New Zealand. From NZ$51 Adult, $46 Child (5-15 yrs) |
