Top New Zealand How to Get Around - page 7

Experience the unique and special natural beauty of Rotorua, the geothermal hot spot of New Zealand, just 1 hour's drive from Tauranga. Learn about the geothermal features and its use by the Maori people, the first to settle in New Zealand over 800 years ago. Entry is not included to the private geothermal reserves, but we do see boiling mud pools, crystal clear bubbling hot springs and volcanic lakes. Relax at the foot bathing pools in Kuirau Park, (towels provided) after a short walk to see the bubbling mud and steaming lakes. Whakarewarewa Village is our stop for a snack lunch, here you can take a peek at the village (entry not incl.) before our final stop, the Redwoods Forrest. Here we take a short, guided tour through a purpose-built Glow Worm Cave, then a walk among the treetops on a network of easy-to-use rope swing bridges, with access by a gentle spiral ramp, no steps are needed. The tour start time will be confirmed when your booking is accepted by us.

Adventurous travelers will love this glowworm-spotting tour with a difference. As the sun gets lower in the sky, paddle in a kayak on Lake Karapiro and along the Pokaiwhenua Stream. You’ll see beautiful native plants and bird life, and rock formations that have been naturally carved over centuries. Once the light disappears, you’ll see thousands of glowworms lighting your way. This tour is a fun way to experience some of New Zealand’s best natural attractions.

Experience one of the wonders of New Zealand’s natural world on this glowworm caving adventure in Waitomo. Pull on your boots and helmet before heading through the private farmland and native forest to the Mangarongapu Cave system with a local guide and small group. With your headlamp to light the way, hike around huge boulders and through shallow streams, and marvel at the millions of bright green glowworms illuminating the rocky limestone.

Bird and wildlife enthusiasts shouldn’t miss this cruise in the Otago Harbour. You don’t have to travel far from the city to get out into the wilderness, as the Otago Peninsula is home to a vast array of wildlife. Spot royal albatross, fur seals, sea lions, blue penguins, cormorants, and more, and learn all about them and their habitat from the crew. Dress warm, as the weather is often cold and blustery here, but this is good wildlife-spotting weather, as the albatross in particular like the wind.

Cruise the scenic bays of Lake Taupō to the Māori Rock Carvings during this boat tour. Listen to informative commentary about the ecology, volcanology, and cultural history of the area. Admire the impressive views of the snowy volcanoes of UNESCO World Heritage–listed Tongariro National Park. See the Māori Rock Carvings depicting the legends of the local Ngāti Tūwharetoa tribe. Choose from morning or afternoon departures to suit your schedule.

Experience the best of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula without trailing around after a large group when you take an easy small-group shore excursion from Port Chalmers. See city highlights—such as the University of Otago, the Dunedin Railway Station, and Olveston House on a guided tour featuring all original furnishings—as well as Larnach Castle gardens on the peninsula. Note that entrance to the castle interior is not included.

Explore the serene waters of Lake Mapourika on this kayak adventure from Franz Josef town. Paddle with your guide out onto Lake Mapourika, avoiding the risk of getting lost and learning about the landscape and geology as you go. Enjoy uninterrupted views and marvel at the reflective views of the Southern Alps. Head into a kiwi sanctuary in a protected estuary and explore some of the country’s oldest untouched rainforest.t.

For fans of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films, visiting the official Hobbiton Movie Set is a truly unforgettable experience. On this tour, enjoy comfortable round-trip transport from Auckland without having to organize a rental vehicle. On arrival, enjoy the opportunity to explore the famous film set, have a drink at The Green Dragon Inn, and see Hobbit Holes, and the Double Arched bridge up close.

Journey from Auckland to the enchanting Hobbiton™ Movie Set on a full-day tour. Enjoy a scenic drive with photo stops before immersing yourself in the world of Middle-earth. Explore the famous hobbit holes on a guided tour, then unwind with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. With hotel pickup, Hobbiton guide, and all entry fees included, this tour offers a seamless experience for film lovers and adventurers alike.

Take your South Island adventure to new heights during a 50-minute helicopter flight with a glacier landing. Soar above the spectacular scenery of Mt. Aspiring National Park, gliding above turquoise ice formations, hidden alpine lakes, and towering mountains, before landing atop an alpine glacier for photos. Scenic highlights include the Earnslaw Burn valley, which is usually only accessible on foot.

Experience New Zealand’s bird life in the early evening on a guided 2.5-hour tour of Zealandia, a wildlife sanctuary located on Wellington’s outskirts. This after-hours tour takes place during the most active period for many resident animals, when they transition from daytime to nighttime activity. The tour also includes general Zealandia admission on the day of the tour or the following day, for further daytime exploration.

Enjoy the amazing natural scenery around the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier with this nature-focused tour. Starting out in the town of Franz Josef, drive to the glacier car park and then head off into the forest. Learn about the local environment, as your guide provides lots of information about glaciology, geology, geomorphology, flora & fauna and more.

Enjoy an evening of drinking without worrying about getting home safely on this wine and craft beer tour. Visit three wineries or breweries in the Gibbston region, with tastings at each and shared antipasto platters at one location. As you go, your guide tells you all about the region’s history, for an enjoyable and informative trip. Transfers from central Queenstown are included, and the small-group tour creates a friendly atmosphere.

After a catamaran cruise across Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island—which sits in the middle of the lake—spot rare native birds that are extinct on mainland New Zealand. Thanks to successful conservation efforts, the island is a rare haven for birdlife. Enjoy a guided hike with an expert guide to a lake at the top of the island, an experience that’s rated one of the best must-do activities in Wanaka.

Experience the highlights of Auckland on a city sightseeing tour in the morning, combined with an afternoon wilderness experience in Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Learn how Aucklanders live and play as you explore the City of Sails with an informative guide. Then discover native flora and fauna on a beach stroll and forest walk, with a stop for afternoon tea.

Maximize your stay in Auckland with a full-day combo tour to two of the North Island's top attractions: the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and Rotorua’s Te Puia Geothermal Park. Depart from Auckland after a hotel pickup for a scenic drive to Hobbiton, where you enjoy a guided tour of the famous film set. Then take in the geothermal activity and Māori culture of Te Puia, an only-in-New-Zealand experience.

Make the most of your time in port in Christchurch with a half-day shore excursion that takes in all the highlights. Explore downtown Christchurch, stroll around Monavale Gardens, and learn how the city was rebuilt after the devasting earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Continue along the scenic Summit Road, stopping to admire the views from the Sign of the Takahe, and stop at Riverside Market for a lunch break (own expense).

This self-guided bike tour is the perfect way to see Arrowtown and Gibbston while getting some exercise and sampling some local wine. Take a shuttle to either Arrowtown or Gibbston, where you can explore at your own pace before being picked up from your choice of vineyard or brewery. This tour is great for travelers who don’t want to worry about organising a car—or a designated driver—from Queenstown.

If you’re short on time in Napier but want to see—and taste—its highlights, join a half-day small-group tour to make the most of it. This guided tour is especially designed for cruise ship passengers. You’ll visit renowned Hawkes Bay vineyards, Art Deco buildings, the rocky wave of Te Mata Peak, and more. Fuel up on wine, cheese, and crackers, too.

Make the most of a travel day between Christchurch and Queenstown by taking an action-packed tour through the Southern Alps. Instead of just catching an uninteresting long-distance bus, take a guided tour via Mt. Cook, the Tasman Glacier, and the scenic Mackenzie Country. Admire the views along the way and make plenty of stops, including brief stops at Wānaka and Cardrona. The tour ends in Queenstown.

An hour or so north of Wellington, Martinborough is fast making a name for itself as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading wine regions. Each weekend, Wellingtonians make the trek over the Remutakas to escape to this European-style wine village. This small group tour is a convenient way to visit Martinborough. There’s no need to stress about driving on country backroads, and no need to plan the day’s itinerary - leaving you to focus on the wine and the iconic scenery.

Combine Napier’s Art Deco architecture with Hawke's Bay wine on a small-group shore excursion that includes wine and honey tastings. Fit a lot into just half a day on land. Start by exploring an Art Deco suburb, then visit two wine estates for tastings with stops at Bluff Hill and Napier Reef Garden in between. This is a great way to explore the area without the struggle of navigating.

Spend an afternoon tasting South Island wines and taking in the scenery of Central Otago on a 4-hour tour from Queenstown. Admire mountain and river views en route, including people bungee jumping from the Kawarau Bridge if you’re lucky. Your guide takes you to three wineries for tastings and a wine cave tour. The tour includes wine tastings and a cheeseboard.

When your cruise ship docks in Picton, take the opportunity to go wine tasting on a tour that visits some of Marlborough’s award-winning wineries. Visit up to five wineries in Blenheim for tastings and vineyard tours, discovering both internationally famous wines and lesser-known New Zealand gems. Also stop for lunch (own expense) and sample locally made chocolates before heading back to Picton in time to board your ship.