Top New Zealand Underground Tours - page 2

With several caves in the Waitomo area, it can be hard to know which experience offers something truly different. This guided walking tour of Aranui Cave reveals a lesser-known side of the region, combining striking natural features with rich Māori history. Follow your guide through beautifully lit chambers to see intricate rock formations up close. Along the way, learn how the cave was formed and why it holds cultural importance, making this a rewarding alternative to more crowded cave experiences.

Experience an unforgettable day immersed in the great outdoors on a guided Crater Rim Walk along the Godley Head Loop Track. Explore Lyttelton Harbour, nestled within the crater of an extinct volcano, and admire one of New Zealand's most picturesque coastlines. Widely regarded as one of Christchurch’s top hikes, this undulating trail features awe-inspiring coastal views, fascinating WWII landmarks, an Antarctic cabin, a penguin colony, and charming beaches. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and native birds.

Explore Fiordland National Park's Doubtful Sound on this full-day cruise from Manapouri. Enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri, then a short coach journey over Wilmot Pass, with stunning views. Cruise the 25-mile (40-kilometer) stretch of Doubtful Sound, looking out for fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins while listening to your naturalist guide’s commentary. A highlight is when the engines are cut so you can appreciate the silence.

Discover New Zealand’s geothermal hotspots on a day trip from Rotorua to Lake Taupo, stopping to explore one of two remarkable destinations. Select Orakei Korako to see terraced pools of steaming water, or opt for Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland’s otherworldly colors. Limited to 11 people for more personal service, this day trip includes pickup and drop-off at centrally-located hotels, as well as entrance fees at the geothermal site.

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.

Ride a train through the Southern Alps on a remarkable scenic journey aboard the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth. Enjoy views of native beech forest, snow-sprinkled mountains, the powerful Waimakariri River, and Arthur's Pass National Park from a comfortable carriage and open viewing deck. For getting the history and context of the landmarks along the railway, GPS-triggered audio commentary is available through headphones at every seat.

Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine region, and also famous for the scenic waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. Discover both on this full-day small-group tour without the risk of self-driving. After a pickup from Picton or Blenheim, visit several wineries for expert-led wine tastings. Tuck into a light lunch before setting sail on a Marlborough Sounds cruise, admiring the views as you sample delicious local salmon and greenshell mussels.

Escape the crowds and get off the beaten track on this exclusive glowworm cave tour based out of a family farm. This private tour is tailored to your group and lets you move at your own pace through the caves. See the mesmerizing glowworm displays and traverse the caves with your knowledgeable guide, with equipment provided. Don’t forget your camera on this intimate tour through this stunning natural wonder.

Totally Personalized Private Experience! A day trip to Arthur's National Park offers a variety of green fields to rugged mountain ranges, lush forest, and ice-fed lakes and rivers and an optional guided walk with your guide to explore, biggest waterfall. Travel along the Great Alpine Highway through the ever-changing landscapes. Explore Lake Lyndon, castle Hill (famous for massive limestone boulders and rocks), Otira Viaduct Lookout (famous piece of infrastructure for scenic view), Arthur’s Pass National Park, Powerfull Devils Punchbowl Waterfall and Cave Stream Scenic Reserve.

Join a Doubtful Sound cruise from Queenstown and discover this isolated gem deep within the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. Travel by coach to Manapouri, take a ferry across Lake Manapouri and cross over Wilmot Pass, then down to Doubtful Sound to board your catamaran. Look out for dolphins, fur seals, and penguins amid a dramatic landscape of soaring forest-covered peaks and crystal-clear waters.

Tour the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound on a half-day paddling adventure from Picton. Settle into your sea kayak and follow an expert guide from the waterfront to sheltered coves and remote beaches. Search the waters for eagle rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and dolphins while you learn about the natural history of the Marlborough Sounds.

Experience the majesty of volcanic Mt. Tarawera and gain insight into New Zealand’s rich geology on this half-day guided hike from Rotorua. Travel off-road into the central North Island wilderness and follow winding hiking trails from the base of Mt. Tarawera up to the crater’s edge. Learn about its destructive 1886 eruption. Admire panoramic views over the geothermal Waimangu Valley. Enjoy free hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience.

Visit two of the North Island’s most popular attractions in one day on this small-group tour from Auckland. First, hear behind-the-scenes stories from the making of "The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” films on a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. In the afternoon, continue to Rotorua to explore the city and visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland where highlights include geysers, volcanic mud pools, and geothermal craters.

Whether it’s your first time in Wellington or you just want to see as much as possible during your time in port, this half-day sightseeing tour offers a great introduction to the city and a diverse range of sights. Visit the iconic special-effects Wētā Cave and the historic Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, ride the Wellington Cable Car to the top of the city, and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Victoria.

Shore Excursion: Small Group Scenic Tour of Christchurch This half-day, very small group tour (max 8 people) is designed specifically for cruise ship passengers and fits perfectly into your ship’s schedule. Led by a friendly local guide, you'll explore some of Christchurch’s most scenic and historic locations: - Lyttelton – Historic port town with local charm. - Evans Pass Lookout – Stunning views over Lyttelton Harbour. - Sumner Beach – Relax by the sea or explore the coastal village. - Cass Bay - Short snack and beautiful views. - Governors Bay Jetty – Peaceful harbour views and photo opportunities. - Sign of the Bellbird – Panoramic views of the harbour and hills. - Sign of the Takahe – Grand heritage building with panoramic city views. At the end of the tour, you can choose to be dropped off in Christchurch city centre or back at the port. Shuttle buses run continuously between the port and the city centre for cruise passengers, making it easy to return to your ship.

Nature lovers won’t want to miss this day trip from Auckland that combines two top North Island attractions: Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and the Waitomo Caves. Enjoy a guided tour and picnic lunch at one of New Zealand’s largest pest-proof wildlife sanctuaries. Then, head to the Footwhistle Glowworm Cave for an underground tour. Escape the crowds as this cave is less-visited than some others.

A five-day INDEPENDANT travel package departing Auckland daily offering the best the North Island. The tour includes the Bay of Islands with Hole in the Rock cruise and guided tours of Russell and Waitangi, returning to Auckland for one night prior to travelling through to Hobbiton Movie Set where a guided tour of this world renown attraction has been arranged for your enjoyment, travel onto Rotorua and its geothermal attractions, here you will enjoy a guide tour of the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley and its Living Maori Village. This attraction will also include a Haka Performance. On the final day visit the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves with a guided boat tour through the glowworm grotto before returning to Auckland central city. The tour includes 4 nights' accommodation

Discover the North Island’s highlights without having to back-track on this 1-way, 4-day tour from Wellington to Auckland via Rotorua. Accommodation and all transportation are included, saving you logistical stress. Travel along the Kapiti Coast, past active volcanoes, and the bubbling mud pools of Rotorua. Watch Māori performances and visit the Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Take a boat ride through the Waitomo Caves, lit by hundreds of glowworms, and more.

Make the most of your time in Fiordland on a 3-day tour with an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. Departing from Queenstown, head to tiny Te Anau, where you’ll visit the glow worm caves and spend the night in accommodation near the lake. On day two, head to remote Doubtful Sound. Many tours only spend a few hours here but you’ll experience the tranquility after the day-trippers have left.

Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful place at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted and spectacular views of Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch and the South Island's east coast. Rich in history and scattered with remnants of New Zealand’s WWII defences, this is a must-do location for anyone visiting Christchurch. Join us and explore this unique and unforgettable area with one of our friendly local guides. 1/2-Day Walking Tour: - Track grade: Very easy, 2.5 hrs of walking time - Walking distance: 3-5 km (flexible depending on group ability) - Total elevation gain: ~180 m Full-Day Walking Tour: - Track grade: Easy – Moderate fitness required, 3-4 hrs of walking time. - Walking distance: 6-9 km (flexible depending on group ability) - Total elevation gain: 380-440 m

This private shore excursion is designed especially for cruise ship passengers, showcasing the spectacular scenery of Christchurch's hills, harbours and beaches. Your day begins with pick-up from Lyttelton Port and time to explore the township's historic streets, boutique shops and vibrant harbour. From there, travel to Evans Pass lookout for sweeping views across Lyttelton Harbour. The journey continues to Sumner Beach, where you'll have time to enjoy the seaside village and waterfront before travelling through New Zealand's second-longest road tunnel to Cass Bay for a relaxing morning or afternoon tea. The tour then follows the harbour to Governors Bay, where you can visit the historic jetty. The final stops are the Sign of the Bellbird and Sign of the Takahe, both offering panoramic views across Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour. The tour concludes with your choice of drop-off in Christchurch city centre or back at Lyttelton Port.

Photograph New Zealand's spectacular scenery both inside and outside of the caves on a private photography tour with your own photographer-guide. Visit a pristine glow worm cave in the Waitomo district, and take your time to capture great shots of the glow worms and other sights. You can use larger cameras and equipment like small tripods on this photography tour, with the freedom to take more time for your photography than on standard tours. Includes guide, use of wet weather gear, and snacks.

The first stop on this private half-day tour is at the Sign of Takahe (a Historic stone building), where you can enjoy scenic views and capture some memorable photos. Next, you'll head to the Sign of the Bellbird Scenic Reserve and take in breathtaking views of the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour. Afterwards, you'll visit the Governors Bay Jetty, allowing you to explore the serene surroundings of the seaside settlement. Following the coastal road, the journey continues to Cass Bay, where there is time to relax over morning or afternoon tea In Lyttelton Township, you'll have some time to explore the quaint shops and appreciate the town's historic charm. The tour then takes you to the Evans Pass lookout, where you can learn about the operations of Lyttelton Port and its links to Antarctic exploration. The final stop is Sumner Beach, where you can wander through the charming village. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation or in the city centre.

Experience the charm, culture, and beauty of Christchurch on a guided day tour through New Zealand's Garden City. Enjoy panoramic views stretching from the coastline across Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps, offering a unique perspective of the region's stunning natural beauty. Along the way, discover the stories and heritage that have shaped the city, with fascinating local commentary and excellent photo opportunities. This tour includes a stop at our favourite Greenstone Shop, where you will get a short behind the scenes tour with a professional carver and learn about New Zealand pounamu (greenstone) and how it is made. You will also have time to browse these authentic carvings in the shop. A perfect introduction to Christchurch, combining the city's highlights, culture, and spectacular scenery in one memorable experience. Join your local and knowledgable guide and feel good supporting a small local family owned business.