Top New Zealand Art & Culture Classes

Travel from Queenstown to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Milford Sound on an easy day trip. Enjoy live commentary along the way, and many scenic photo stops. At Milford Sound, don’t worry about waiting in lines as tickets are included. Admire views of waterfalls and Mitre Peak from your cruise. Refuel with a tasty picnic lunch in a scenic location. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from listed locations for added convenience.

Get an authentic introduction to Māori culture the way few tourists do, with an evening at the Mitai Māori Village in Rotorua. See men in traditional dress paddle down the river in a waka (canoe) and be captivated by the displays of weaponry. Watch a haka war dance and poi performance, and spot glowworms in their natural habitat. This evening experience includes round-trip hotel transport and a traditional buffet hangi feast, so you don't have to worry about a thing.

Driving Creek’s pottery classes offer an authentic, hands-on creative experience in one of New Zealand’s most iconic pottery settings. Built on the legacy of Barry Brickell and a thriving community of local artists, these workshops invite you to slow down, connect, and create with clay surrounded by native forest. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced potter, you’ll learn real techniques in a working studio that continues to inspire generations of makers. Every class directly supports Driving Creek’s not-for-profit mission to nurture creativity, art, and the environment.

A Milford Sound cruise is a must-do activity in southern New Zealand, but getting there independently can be stressful because of the rugged mountain roads. This full-day tour from Te Anau includes a hotel pickup and picnic lunch, so you don’t need to pack your own. Watch the views rather than the road by going with a guide and driver. See many spectacular sights along the way, including Mirror Lakes.

Whether you’re honeymooning in Queenstown or just want some beautiful photos with your partner, this private couples photoshoot will make sure you have pictures you’re proud to display. Visit several beautiful locations that provide ideal backdrops for your photos. The shoot is flexible and can be customized to suit your needs.

Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day tour from Auckland that explores New Zealand's "Middle-earth," where "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films came to life. Travel through a landscape of lush farms, then take a guided tour of the 12-acre (4.8-ha) Hobbiton Movie Set, from hobbit holes to gardens and the Green Dragon Inn. With free time to shop and explore, this tour includes transportation from selected locations in Auckland for your convenience.

Travelers with limited time in Wellington can enjoy a half-day Lord of the Rings tour with hotel pickup and skip-the-line access. Visit Hobbiton Woods filming locations on Mt. Victoria, explore Weta Workshop's special effects exhibits, and see the theater that hosted the films' world premieres. This tour offers a convenient way to experience key filming sites and behind-the-scenes insights in the capital.

A Meaningful Art and Travel Experience This is much more than an art class. It is an opportunity to connect with creativity, place, landscape and story through the eyes of a practicing artist. You could be an art lover, a curious traveller, a creative spirit, or simply looking for a meaningful experience during your visit to the Waitaki region. This intimate small-group experience invites you behind the scenes of a professional artistic practice, to learn and connect. This unique opportunity allows art enthusiasts and curious travelers alike to explore the creative process, create a personal artwork to take home and be guided through the local creative environment. Guided by Beth, discover the landscapes that inspire her work and enjoy a local walk through the historic area. This small-group experience promises a connection to creativity and place that few visitors ever encounter.

Perfect for photography lovers, enjoy a full-day private photography tour in Queenstown and the surrounding area. Start your day in charming Queenstown and then head further afield. The exact itinerary is up to you, but possible destinations include Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Wanaka, Skippers Canyon and more. Your guide is a local photographer, so will be able to give you lots of advice on how to get the best shots.

Bring a fantastical character to life: Be led through sculpting basics by Wētā Workshop crew & bring a 3D character to life! Learn how to craft a sculpture: From household materials and modelling clay. Take your sculpture home to finish and display!

-Road‑trip and photo shoot in one: Guests get to explore the region’s scenic highlights and have professional photos taken at each stop rather than staying in one location. -Dramatic alpine backdrops: Once in the national park, the session uses New Zealand’s highest mountains, glaciers and even the icebergs on Tasman Lake as backdrops. Very few visitors get personal photos in front of these sights. -Tailored timing and extras: The itinerary is flexible so that your photographer can adjust stops to catch golden‑hour light at Lake Pukaki or Tasman. If conditions allow, you may even be photographed under the stars or the Milky Way – a rare addition to a couples’ shoot! -Personalized, natural approach: As a private experience with your personal photographer, the experience stays relaxed. Gentle prompts help couples look natural in photos, and the end result is a unique gallery that blends their story with some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.

Perfect for photography lovers, this private tour takes you to some of the best locations in Queenstown and the surrounding area to capture amazing photographs. Snap great pictures in Queenstown and then head further afield to take in beautiful vistas. Possible locations include Arrowtown, Crown Range lookout, Kawarau Gorge, Lake Hayes, Glenorchy and more.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to create a gruesome wound and use prosthetic effects to apply it to your arm? Learn the art of crafting convincing special effects by mixing blood and sculpting your own scars and scrapes at our Intro to SFX workshop.

Unleash your creativity at the Stencil Portrait Workshop, where you’ll design a striking portrait using vibrant colors and custom stencils. This two-hour session welcomes all skill levels, providing step-by-step guidance to help you craft a unique masterpiece. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with drinks and a shared platter while creating your art on an A3 canvas panel. With limited spots available, this workshop ensures personalized attention, allowing you to fully explore your artistic expression and take home your finished piece.