Top North Island Arts & Design - page 2

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.

Discover the essence of Napier in an intimate small-group setting, where every detail is curated to provide an enriching and memorable experience. This isn’t just sightseeing — it’s a journey through time and culture. • Art Deco & Resilience: Explore Napier, the Art Deco Capital of the World, and uncover the powerful story of a city rebuilt with elegance and vision after a devastating earthquake. Marvel at its architecture, colourful murals, and the strong spirit that shaped its identity. • Small Group Experience: With a maximum of 10 guests, enjoy a relaxed, personal atmosphere where your questions are answered, your interests are heard, and your experience feels truly exclusive. • Expert Local Guides: Our multilingual guides are passionate storytellers who bring history, culture, and landscapes to life. The heart of any great tour lies in its guide. • Sustainable Values: As proud locals, we’re committed to protecting the natural and cultural treasures of Hawke’s Bay.

A promise of adventure awaits on this full day luxurious private tour to the Matakana Coast from Auckland. Experience a tasting tour to sample the very best of Matakana's wine, food & chocolate paired with a unique opportunity to experience art and nature. Discover a dynamic exhibition of large-scale sculpture set in a stunning natural environment of native bush, wildlife and ponds bursting with water lilies. Sample the many hand-crafted chocolates, artisan chocolates, handmade fudge, and classic sweets made from high quality ingredients. Matakana art, food & wine experience includes lunch at the Glass House overlooking a shimmering lake, and wine tasting of highly acclaimed range of boutique wines, in a spectacular vineyard setting. Finally compliment with a rich Italian style ice cream, artisan gelato or sorbetto to finish your day.

Our Gallery Highlights Tour is the perfect introduction to the Museum and its wonderful collections, giving you a window into New Zealand’s past and present. Over the course of an hour, you’ll be guided through our renowned galleries, giving you an understanding of Māori culture and the achievements of Polynesian navigators. Explore the unique natural history and geology of Auckland and Aotearoa New Zealand and look back on the conflicts that have shaped the nation. The tour covers select galleries across all three floors of the Museum, and our guide will be happy to answer questions about collection items or galleries along the way. Let us show you around our place. Note: This tour requires visitors to walk up a flight of stairs, therefore is not suitable for visitors with additional mobility considerations. PLEASE NOTE: Te Marae Ātea Māori Court & Pacific Galleries are temporarily closed until further notice due to essential maintenance work.

Dive into a region of mouthwatering cuisine, spectacular walking and world-class art. Let us design the perfect day of private, personalised touring on the stunning Matakana Coast. We’ll create an itinerary that’s tailored to your tastes, drawing on a variety of unique experiences that includes wine-tasting at local cellar doors, exploring incredible sculpture parks, galleries and artists’ studios, soaking up the beauty of Tawharanui Regional Park, and browsing the artisan delights of Matakana Village. Possible inclusions: Tawharanui Regional Park, Mangawhai coastal trail and village, Matakana village – chocolatier, galleries, vineyards, artists’ studios, Brick Bay Sculpture Park, Sawmill Brewery, Leigh Marine Reserve, Hundertwasser Gallery, food growers.

Get out of the city to the holiday town of Matakana on this immersive experience. Upon arriving in Warkworth, discover farmland and native rainforest waiting to be discovered on horseback. Perfect for novice and experienced riders alike, this is an awesome opportunity to learn a new skill and explore the landscape, under the watchful eye of friendly guides Finish at Chocolate Brown to sample product and watch Chocolatiers at work.

Located within Auckland’s SkyCity Precinct, the Entertainment Capital of New Zealand. Unleashed is the city’s newest location-based experience. Unleashed launched in 2020 and has already won two international tourism awards. Experience our 90 minute movie-making tour with a Mandarin Speaking Guide. You explore interactive and immersive make-believe film sets, focusing on the worlds of horror, fantasy and sci-fi. It's your chance to get up-close and hands-on with enchanting environments, resident creatures, hyper-realistic giants, a galactic robot, and much more.

Start your day with leisurely walking tour along Marine Parade, Napiers scenic waterfront. Along the way, you will pass notable landmarks such as the famous Pania of the Reef statue and the iconic Soundshell and Veronica Sunbay. For an optional adventure, take a hike up to the bluff Hill Lookout, offering panoramic views of Napier and the Pacific Ocean. Next, explore Napiers Art Deco Quarter, renowned for its intricate architecture, geometric shapes, and vibrant colors. Learn about the 1931 earthquake that shaped the city is design as you visit iconic buildings like the T&G Building, Daily Telegraph Building, and the Napier Municipal Theatre. End your tour with a visit to the National Aquarium of New Zealand where you will get to see saltwater, freshwater, and land animal exhibits from around the world and of course Aoteoroa.

Art and garden enthusiasts won’t want to miss visiting the beautiful Sculptureum sculpture garden and art gallery in rural Matakana. Secure your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment as this is a popular attraction. Conveniently located north of Auckland, you can easily visit for a day or half-day from the big city. After admiring the art, relax with a coffee, meal, or local wine at the restaurant.

Waiheke Island is a creative little community but many of the galleries and workshops are somewhat hidden. On a private guided art walk of the island you’ll be taken to some of the most interesting galleries, sculpture parks, and artist studios, all while enjoying the fresh air and views of the Hauraki Gulf and the beautiful island. It’s a gentle leisurely walk so is suitable for all kinds of travelers.

A journey of discovery across the Auckland region. From the maunga (mountains) to the spectacular harbours of the Auckland region and the stunning west and east coasts and city environs, see the best of the Auckland region with our expert guides. We can curate the itinerary to suit your interests, including visiting sites of historic significance with Ngati Whatua O Tamaki, or visit our regional parks for a discovery walk in nature, or enjoy our galleries and artists, best restaurants and artisans. The choice is yours for a full day of touring! Possible locations to select from in your customisable tour: cultural touring, restaurant lunch, Auckland art galleries, Auckland War Memorial Museum, NZ Maritime Museum, regional parks, beaches and artisan visits.

Discover the charm of Matakana on this elegant private tour just 45 minutes north of Auckland, where creativity, fine wine, and natural beauty meet in perfect harmony. Designed for curious travellers, this journey blends art, flavour, and authentic local experiences. Start with a scenic drive to the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail. Walk through peaceful native bush where striking contemporary artworks are integrated into the landscape. Enjoy a relaxed wine tasting of some of the region’s best wines, followed by lunch in a suspended glasshouse restaurant with views of vineyards and gardens. Explore Matakana Village’s boutique shops offering artisan crafts and local treasures. Then, join a local artist in a hands-on Pounamu (Jade) carving session where you will create your own necklace to take home. End the day with a honey tasting and a nature walk, learning about New Zealand’s native plants and the vital role of bees. Return to Auckland with a handcrafted souvenir and lasting memories.

Whangarei is home to the largest collection of painter, ecologist, and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s work outside Vienna. Explore his art and architecture, as well as his dedication to nature on this self-guide or optional guided tour, as well as taking in the Wairau Māori Art Gallery, which features contemporary Māori artists exploring indigenous themes and Aotearoa’s history.

Dive into a region of mouthwatering cuisine, spectacular walking and world-class art. Whether you’re marvelling at world-class sculptures while enjoying a winery lunch at Brick Bay Sculpture Park or exploring the breathtaking trails of Tāwharanui Regional Park and the Mangawhai Coastal Walkway, you’re sure to be enchanted by the Matakana Coast. Possible locations to select from in your customisable tour: Tawharanui Regional Park, Mangawhai coastal trail and village, Matakana village – chocolatier, galleries, Brick Bay Sculpture Park, Sawmill Brewery.

Discover the best of Northland on this full-day small-group tour featuring artisan treats, magical glowworms, and stunning coastal scenery. Begin your journey at Bennetts of Mangawhai, where you can taste premium handcrafted chocolates made with high-quality local ingredients. Continue to the Milky Way Glowworm Cave at Waipu Caves Farm Park, a uniquely intimate glowworm experience where photography is allowed—something rare among glowworm caves in New Zealand. If you arrive early, you may also have the chance to feed friendly goats on the farm before entering the cave. After the cave adventure, head to Ruakākā Beach, known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and sweeping views of Bream Bay. Enjoy a peaceful seaside walk and capture beautiful coastal photos. For lunch, relax at the artistic Eutopia Café in Kaiwaka. With its imaginative architecture, mosaic designs, and garden seating, it offers a memorable dining experience along with delicious meals and fresh coffee.

Experience the best of the Napier area on this handy small-group shore excursion. Visit a range of cultural, historic, and natural attractions. Learn more about Napier’s history through its Art Deco architecture, admire the views from the top of Te Mata Peak, and travel through the countryside between Napier and Hastings. This is an ideal tour for travelers short on time on land.

A journey of discovery across the Auckland region. From the maunga (mountains) to the spectacular harbours of the Auckland region and the stunning west and east coasts and city environs, see the best of the Auckland region with our expert guides. We can curate the itinerary to suit your interests, including visiting sites of historic significance with Ngati Whatua O Tamaki, or visit our regional parks for a discovery walk in nature, or enjoy our galleries and artists, best restaurants and artisans. The choice is yours for a half day of touring!

Choose FlexiToursNZ for a premium tour. We put less seats in our vehicles than factory standard and only 3 seats in the back row. Pay a little more to be comfortable. This tour involves a lot of driving and is more enjoyable if you are comfortable and not crushed up against other people on the vehicle. We keep the groups small with no more than 12 people on our vehicle, meaning our drivers can and will give you, personal service. We have No minimum numbers for this tour. Check out our reviews to see what customers say about us, our vehicles and our team of experienced and enthusiastic drivers. All meals provided on the tour are prepared in a professional kitchen and are normally served in a restaurant or café. Very occasionally Meals may be served picnic style.

Join Wellington locals Joe Bleakley (Queens service medal for services to New Zealand for ceremonies of the 1990 commonwealth games, twice winner of the Art Directors guild for excellence in production for the lord of the rings films as art director, various film credits and projects spanning decades & most promising all rounder Johnsonville softball club 1962) and Louis Tait (actor & comedian) on a magical journey. Jumping on the number 28 bus, we'll discover the secrets of Wellington like a true local. Winding through the city to the hills. Departing the bus at the end of the Earth, we shall then wander on foot down the road to Joe's place. Here we shall explore this old masonic hall hallowed by wondrous creations spanning decades and across many mediums. Only those initiated by the number 28 bus shall discover the secrets of this place. We will check it out, have a cuppa and a chat, pop down to the beach for some kai then catch the bus back into town or wherever it is you are going…

PhatHouse Brewery Bar and Kitchen is a family owned and run Craft Beer Brewery located in the small village of Haruru, 3km from Paihia and is popular with both the local community and visitors alike. Take in the sights of the Bay of Islands from the Waitangi Golf Course, stop and view the spectacular Haruru Falls & experience behind the scenes at a local working craft beer brewery. This tour is ideal for those liking a small intimate group and who are short of time. The tour accommodates a maximum of 9 people and takes approximately 2 - 3 hours. Enjoy a fully guided tour with your own knowledgable and fun guide. Suitable for all ages.

Embark on a full-day sightseeing luxury tour on our premium luxury vehicle from Auckland to see New Zealand's most famous attraction. Grab a great value Hobbiton Movie Set tour including a Buffet Lunch at the Party Marquee, the award-winning attraction made famous by the popular Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies where you'll see the intricately created 'Hobbit!

Get out of Auckland for a day on a private tour combining a scenic horseback ride along a bush track with wine tasting and lunch at a restaurant serving local fare. Stroll through a unique sculpture trail framed by native trees and vineyards while savoring New Zealand's luxurious wines. Pickup and drop-off from central Auckland are included, making it easy to experience the region's natural beauty and art in comfort.

Explore Maungauika/North Head Historic Reserve on a 90-minute guided walking tour through Devonport, Auckland. Starting at the Tainui Landing Memorial Marae, climb the ancient volcanic cone and uncover 800 years of history—from Māori pā fortifications to Cold War tunnels. Highlights include hand-carved tunnels, disappearing gun emplacements, hydro-pneumatic gun carriages, and stunning 360-degree harbour views. Walk through Devonport Domain, explore heritage military sites, descend “smuggler stairs” to Cheltenham Beach, and finish at the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum. Discover Māori legends, colonial fears, and wartime secrets on one of Auckland’s most scenic and historic walks. This tour blends natural beauty, military history, and Māori heritage into an unforgettable Devonport experience. Suitable for moderate fitness levels.

First-time visitors or anyone with limited time in Wellington will enjoy a private half-day sightseeing tour. Avoid the hassle of self-driving or catching slow public transport. Check out many of the capital’s highlights, including the New Zealand Parliament, the Wellington Cable Car, Mount Victoria, and other must-see attractions. Get a handy introduction to the city and see where landmarks are that you can explore further later.