Top North Island Arts & Design - page 2

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.

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.

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.

Discover famous sites from Middle-earth on this Hobbiton™ Movie Set shore excursion from Port of Tauranga. Enjoy a guided tour of Hobbiton™, which featured in screen adaptations of Tolkien's epic novels. Also explore some natural highlights of the area, including McLaren Falls Park, Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park, and a kiwifruit orchard—something that other Hobbiton™ tours miss out on.

The Waitomo Caves and Rotorua rank among New Zealand’s top attractions, offering natural beauty, geothermal features, and Māori culture in equal measure. Ideal for travelers short on time, this adventurous small-group tour takes in both places in the same day, with entry fees plus round-trip transport and hotel pickup from Auckland included. Discover subterranean stalagmites and glowworms at Waitomo Caves and hit top Rotorua’s attractions, including Te Puia Geothermal Park.

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.

Visit the “Lord of the Rings” movie set on this small-group Hobbiton tour from Auckland. At the Hobbiton Movie Set, visit the home of Bilbo Baggins and peer inside other hobbit holes of the Shire—filming site of “The Hobbit” and the “The Lord of the Rings” trilogies, with a break for an included lunch in the Green Dragon Marquee.

Step into the world of movie special effects at Wētā Workshop Unleashed in Auckland and discover how artists bring film magic to life. In this hands-on beginner workshop, you'll learn introductory techniques from the Wētā Workshop Unleashed crew, in a small group with plenty of one-on-one guidance. Choose from two options. Intro to Scars and Scrapes - create your own realistic special effects makeup using professional techniques used in film production. Intro to Worldbuilding - create real miniature environments and landscapes using recycled materials. It’s cinematic worldbuilding scaled down and made hands-on. During this interactive 90-minute workshop, you'll learn how to or how to cut, shape and sculpt materials like cardboard and foil, then paint, texture and weather your creation to tell its story. No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided.

The fictional, yet globally famous, village of Hobbiton™ and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves rank among New Zealand’s top attractions. Visit both sites in one day on a small-group tour that includes hotel pickup, a delicious lunch, and personal attention from your guide. Avoid the hassle of self-driving from Auckland and admire scenic views en route. A must-do tour for nature and movie lovers short on time in the North Island.

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.

Explore the artistic and culinary wonders of Waiheke Island on this immersive day tour. Begin with a scenic ferry ride from Auckland and visit the private studio of renowned artist Gabriella Lewenz. Discover contemporary art at the Waiheke Community Art Gallery before indulging in a two-course vineyard lunch at Stonyridge, surrounded by olive trees. In the afternoon, enjoy a premium wine tasting paired with Te Matuku oysters at Cable Bay Vineyards, all while soaking in stunning coastal views. This experience is perfect for travelers seeking authentic local connections and elevated experiences in art and wine. - Scenic ferry ride from Auckland to Waiheke Island - Visit artist studio and community gallery showcasing local talent - Enjoy a leisurely lunch with wine at Stonyridge Vineyard - Exclusive oyster and wine pairing at Cable Bay Vineyards overlooking the ocean

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.

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…

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!

After booking we will contact you to plan your dream day on Waiheke, completely hand-picked for you. Explore the hidden gems of Waiheke Island with a fully tailormade private tour that takes you off the beaten path. Enjoy exclusive access to local boutique vineyards, panoramic coastal views, and curated experiences tailored to your interests. With a private 4X4 Jeep Wrangler, your journey includes guided walks, visits to art galleries, and stops at secluded beaches. Personalize your day with wine tastings, gourmet lunches, and VIP upgrades like helicopter rides and sunset dinners. - Full-day private tour (6 hours) with a tailored itinerary - Exclusive vineyard access and guided coastal walks - Private transportation in a Jeep Wrangler with onboard amenities - Customizable experiences including lunch at award-winning restaurants

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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!

Explore Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War with the peace and stillness this subject matter deserves by joining a small group guided tour. Te Papa has joined forces with Weta Workshop to create an exhibition like no other. Garnering international acclaim and various awards, join your expert host and learn more about Te Papa's famous exhibition. * See eight extraordinary New Zealanders captured frozen in time on a monumental scale - 2.4 times human size * Learn about the battles that took place in this culturally-defining event * Discover more about the ANZAC story through 3D maps and projections, miniatures, models, dioramas, and a range of interactive experiences. This tour includes the international visitor entry charge. Domestic tour pricing is available on our website.