Top South Island Culture - page 10

Discover Dunedin at your own pace with this immersive self-guided walking tour that blends history, art, and adventure. Wander from the iconic Dunedin Railway Station and Gothic cathedrals to hidden laneways bursting with vibrant street art. Step inside stories of gold rush glory, architectural marvels, and cultural fusion at landmarks like Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, the Chinese Garden, and the University of Otago. Feel the city’s creative pulse in its theatres, murals, and music — even tracing the humble beginnings of the famous band Six60. Stroll through the peaceful Botanic Garden, admire heritage churches, and end your journey with a challenge — conquering Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest! Whether you’re a history lover, explorer, or curious wanderer, Dunedin will surprise you at every turn.

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown, this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into the Southland region, home to some of the most breathtaking and sought-after filming locations in Middle Earth. Our journey heads to Te Anau, where you’ll uncover the haunting beauty of the Anduin River and the Dead Marshes. From there, venture to the stunning Mavora Lakes, where cinematic magic meets unforgettable moments. Discover which fearless actor famously broke two toes near the edge of Fangorn Forest and relive the dramatic Breaking of the Fellowship as Frodo and Sam take their fateful steps toward Mordor. You’ll gear up for adventure with the largest collection of authentic, licensed LOTR props, including swords, axes, helmets, and even original scripts. Step into the shoes of your favorite characters, and let the spirit of Middle Earth guide you. This is an epic quest you’ll be talking about long after you leave the Shire!

Just as our stunning natural landscape changes day by day, we know our guests have unique needs and interests, ask us to tailor-make a bespoke trip for you. We’ll recommend stops that make the most of your time, your interests and the needs of the group you’re travelling with.

Delve into the rich heritage of Dunedin on this exclusive shore excursion tailored for cruise ship guests. Visit the iconic Olveston Historic Home for a guided tour that reveals the opulent past of this architectural gem. Savor a delectable local lunch before indulging in the unique Bread to Gin experience at Dunedin Craft Distillers, where you can witness the art of gin making firsthand. Enjoy the convenience of small-group sizes and port transfers, ensuring a seamless adventure with guaranteed timely return to your ship. - Guided tour of historic Olveston Home and its beautiful gardens - Enjoy a locally-sourced lunch featuring regional flavors - Participate in a unique Bread to Gin experience at a local distillery - Small group sizes ensure personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere

Discover the newly launched Kawarau Gorge Trail, a spectacular self-guided eBiking experience that connects the magnificent wine regions of Gibbston to those in Bannockburn. The 39km route takes you alongside the stunning Kawarau River, showcasing beautiful rocky outcrops and historic gold mining settlements before joining up to the Lake Dunstan Trail in Bannockburn, for a leisurely ride around the inlet. Choose to top off the Great Ride at Carrick Winery & Cellar Door in Bannockburn with a wine tasting flight & pizza lunch (included if the Winery upgrade is selected). With premium eBike rental and shuttle transfers included from Queenstown, you can explore this intermediate trail at your leisure, traversing across two suspension bridges and venturing through previously inaccessible terrain. Everything is included for a Great Day on a Great Ride!

Walk, kayak and relax on this 3 Day/2 Night journey into Abel Tasman National Park. No need to give up modern comforts. Stay at our Beachfront Eco-Lodges, Torrent Bay Lodge and Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa, with ensuite rooms, hot showers and delicious meals cooked for you. We take care of the details, so you get to escape from stress, revive your senses and reconnect with what’s important to you. Discover how life just seems better here.

An unique opportunity to experience the very best Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula has to offer. This tour combines sightseeing of Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula with a guided tour of Larnach Castle and its grounds. Also included are Dunedin’s Chinese Gardens and the Otago Early Settlers Museum.

Queenstown isn’t just New Zealand’s adventure capital. It’s a place where every bold experience, from bungy jumping to jet boating, grew from practical solutions to harsh terrain. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover how a gold-rush camp transformed into a global destination, while still preserving the calm spaces that make intensity sustainable. The tour starts at the Bathhouse, a 1932 building that reflects Queenstown’s early ambitions as a health and wellness destination. You’ll walk along Queenstown Bay, where Māori travel routes and European gold-rush logistics shaped the same shoreline. You’ll make your way up to the hillside streets where Queenstown’s earliest residents lived, and find out how William Gilbert Rees drove thousands of sheep over mountains to establish this settlement. The tour ends at the Bathhouse Playground, where you began, having traced a full circle through Queenstown’s past and present.

Explore the rich Maori heritage of Christchurch on the Te Ara Walking Tour. This engaging 60-minute journey along the Otakaro Avon River reveals the stories, landmarks, and cultural significance tied to the area. Led by knowledgeable local guides, participants will enjoy a traditional Māori welcome and interactive storytelling that highlights the importance of community-led initiatives and sustainable practices in the region. Ideal for families and cultural enthusiasts, this tour offers a deeper understanding of the city’s history and landscape while supporting ongoing restoration efforts. - 60-minute guided walking tour through central Christchurch - Discover Māori stories, traditional carvings, and cultural landmarks - Family-friendly experience suitable for all ages and fitness levels - Every booking supports the restoration of the Ōtākaro Avon River

The southern parts of New Zealand’s South Island offer some of the country’s most dramatic scenery—which means self-driving can be stressful and distracting. Skip the hassle by joining this small-group 5-day tour. Starting and ending in Queenstown, you visit Dunedin, the Catlins, Milford Sound, Rakiura/Stewart Island, and more. Sit back and enjoy the views as someone else drives, and spend the nights in comfortable hotels.

Join us on a private photography expedition to the tallest peaks of Te Wai Pounamu, New Zealand’s South Island. This amazing region, framed by the majestic Southern Alps boasts serene lakes, meandering rivers, and majestic mountains. Our 3-day private photography tour offers a glimpse into this extraordinary environment. Tailored to accommodate weather conditions, lighting, your photography expertise, and the rest of your New Zealand itinerary, our goal is for you to capture images you’ll proudly showcase. In the majestic depths of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, where the highest peaks of New Zealand proudly stand, you will find yourself immersed in awe-inspiring beauty. From dawn to sunset, you will have the opportunity to capture the breathtaking alpine scenery that surrounds you. Exploring various locations that offer stunning views of Mt Cook, the Tasman Valley, and the icebergs in Tasman Lake. It truly is an experience you will never forget.

Discover Central Otago on this scenic self-guided audio tour drive from Queenstown Airport to Wānaka, tracing routes once travelled by Māori and gold miners. Pass through the Kawarau Gorge, birthplace of bungy jumping, past Gibbston Valley’s vineyards, and the towering Nevis Bluff. End beside the iconic “That Wānaka Tree.” During this two-hour drive, you’ll: • Hear about Bannockburn’s wild gold rush past • Admire Cromwell’s orchards, giant fruit sculpture, and Lake Dunstan’s new landscape • Learn why pinot noir flourishes here, what makes lavender fields glow, and why real fruit ice cream is a summer tradition • Glide past the Pisa Range and through Luggate and Queensberry Blending history, nature, and quirky local stories, this tour turns a simple transfer into an unforgettable journey

Otago’s deep-water port has shaped New Zealand’s history since the 1840s. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll explore Port Chalmers’ rich maritime heritage, from its origins as the Māori settlement of Kōpūtai to its role in the gold rush era, and its continued importance today. You’ll also discover how its historic architecture, artistic community, and working port atmosphere give this harbourside town its distinctive character. The tour starts at Port Chalmers Maritime Museum, built in 1877 on reclaimed land. You’ll weave through the historic town center, passing the grand Municipal Town Hall, before climbing to a spectacular lookout with panoramic views of Otago Harbour, Quarantine Island, and the Otago Peninsula. The tour ends near the commemorative garden marking the 150th anniversary of the Port Chalmers land purchase.

Wānaka is a pristine alpine village where mountains blend into crystal-clear waters in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. On self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover Wānaka’s remarkable transformation from remote settlement to beloved lakeside destination. The tour begins at the Wānaka War Memorial, with its commanding view over the township and lake. From there, you’ll meander through the charming village center with its cafés and galleries, follow the spring-fed Bullock Creek, and stroll along the scenic lakefront boardwalk. Along the way, you’ll learn how the town evolved from a frontier outpost called Pembroke, and a hub for gold miners and high-country farmers, to the adventure hub it is today. The tour ends in the peaceful Wānaka Station Park, once part of a vast sheep station established in the 1860s, where you can relax amongst its collection of mature exotic trees planted by early settlers.

Queenstown has a dramatic history of transformation. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover how a remote pastoral homestead on the shores of Lake Wakatipu became a chaotic gold rush camp, before evolving into a world-class resort. The tour starts at the Village Green, once the epicenter of the 1862 gold rush that transformed the landscape overnight. You’ll discover how the TSS Earnslaw steamship became the lifeline of remote lake communities and how A.J. Hackett’s first commercial bungy jump in 1988 sparked Queenstown’s reinvention as the “Adventure Capital of the World.” The tour ends at the historic Queenstown Cemetery on Brecon Street, offering panoramic views across the town Rees founded.

Explore Queenstown at your own pace on this self-guided walking tour through the heart of New Zealand’s adventure capital. Stroll the lively pedestrian mall with its boutiques, cafés, and street performers, then meet William Rees, the town’s founder, at his bronze statue. Relax by Lake Wakatipu at Queenstown Beach, framed by soaring mountains, or pause at the WWI Memorial Gate before admiring Queenstown’s oldest building, Williams Cottage. Along the way, discover the charm of St Peter’s Anglican Church, the history-rich Speight’s Ale House, and Queenstown’s legendary foodie icons like Fergburger. For thrills, spot paragliders, check out iFLY Indoor Skydiving, or ride the Skyline Gondola to panoramic views and luge tracks. Wind down with markets, lakefront parks, or even a cocktail in the Ice Bar. This walk blends history, scenery, and adventure into one unforgettable Queenstown experience.

Beyond Arrowtown’s idyllic setting along the Arrow River, there’s a complex story of hardship and transformation. On this walking tour, you’ll find out how a quiet pastoral valley became one of the richest goldfields in the world, where a diverse community took root. As you explore the historic main street, secluded pathways, and the remarkable Chinese Settlement, you’ll detect echoes of its dramatic past. You’ll also meet the characters that shaped this unique Central Otago town. The tour begins at the striking ’X Marks the Spot’ sculpture, where you’ll find out how it symbolically anchors Arrowtown’s gold-rush story. You’ll trace the early township layout, wandering streets lined with cottages from the 1800s, and stand where the first gold discoveries triggered a rush that reshaped the region almost overnight.

Otepoti/Dunedin was settled by Free Church Presbyterians in 1848. They worked hard and went to church on Sunday. The gold rush in 1861 brought with it a completely different population to the one first envisioned - a much more lively and less law abiding one. Your guide, Gregor Campbell has spent years curating true stories of crime and murder from Dunedin's grim past. He tells the tales expertly with poise and dignity as he drives around the seemingly harmless areas of Dunedin that, over a hundred years ago were more sordid and despairing. Relax back in a brand new Toyota Hiace minibus while Gregor brings our city back to life.... if only temporarily.

Drive Marlborough yourself, with a GPS audio guide that plays automatically as you go. Your booking unlocks the whole region in the free Wine Trails app: pick your date and starting point — most people begin in Blenheim or straight off the Picton ferry, though you can start anywhere and the GPS will pick you up — choose the cellar doors you want, and the app builds your personal route with turn-by-turn narration. 85 narrated stories cover 48 cellar doors and the valleys between them: as you cross the Wairau plain you'll hear how this was sheep country until 1973, when Montana Wines pushed seventy-five thousand vine cuttings into stony ground every expert had written off as too cold, too windy and too far south for serious wine. No group, no schedule, no guide — pause for a long lunch, replay anything, and the audio keeps working when the signal drops. You'll need a car and a designated driver; tastings are booked and paid directly with the wineries.

Classic Motorcycle Mecca is the southern hemisphere’s leading classic motorcycle collection, widely regarded to be a world-class display comprising of more than 300 motorcycles and motorcycle related artwork from around the world. Given Transport World's natural enthusiasm for wheels and the region’s celebrated obsession with motorcycles, it presented an opportunity of a lifetime when it became available, and was purchased by Transport World in 2016. It is situated in two restored Category 2 heritage buildings within central Invercargill where you will find brands such as AJS, Ariel, BMW, Brough Superior, Harley Davidson, Henderson, Indian and Matchless and  Rudge and  it also houses Kickstart Cafe.  Open 10am to 5pm daily (last entry 4pm, excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day).

This special couples pass offers an unforgettable experience featuring gold panning, warm drinks, and a complimentary Shantytown Souvenir Guide. Share in the excitement of searching for gold while enjoying each other's company. Perfect for a unique date idea, this pass lets you create lasting memories together in a fun, interactive setting. Enhance your adventure with the included souvenir guide that brings Shantytown to life.

Explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of Central Otago on this one-way small-group tour from Queenstown to Middlemarch. Begin with a convenient hotel pickup, then travel in a luxurious Mercedes-Benz through iconic locations such as the Gibbston wine region, Kawarau Gorge, and Lake Dunstan. Enjoy a morning tea stop in the historic town of Clyde, and capture photos at the picturesque Ophir Bridge. Stroll through the charming ghost town of St Bathans and experience the rustic beauty of Middlemarch, the gateway to the Otago Central Rail Trail. This tour includes a guided journey, water, snacks, and a maximum of 15 guests for a personalized experience. - Duration: Approximately 5 hours - Small group size with a maximum of 15 guests - Comfortable Mercedes-Benz transport included - Morning tea stop (food available for purchase) in Clyde

Explore the stunning Kawarau Gorge Trail on a self-guided eBike adventure that journeys through the heart of Central Otago's wine country. Starting from the Kiwi Journeys hub in Cromwell, enjoy a short transfer to the trail head at Gibbston. From there the trail follows the Kawarau River through to Bannockburn. From the renowned wine region of Gibbston, the trail winds 39km alongside the Kawarau River, showcasing breathtaking views of rocky outcrops, and historic gold mining settlements. Traverse clip-on bridges and ride beneath the Nevis Bluff, all while enjoying the freedom of riding a Premium eBike. Choose to top off the Great Ride at Carrick Winery & Cellar Door in Bannockburn with a wine tasting flight & pizza lunch (included if the Winery upgrade is selected). The tour ends at the Kiwi Journeys depot in Cromwell. Everything needed for the day's adventure is included - the eBike, additional biking equipment and associated shuttle transfers - just turn up and enjoy the ride!

Discover Christchurch’s vibrant arts and heritage scene on a curated walking tour. This immersive journey takes you behind the scenes of The Court Theatre, where the magic of live performances begins. Explore inside the iconic Christ Church Cathedral and learn about its historic significance and restoration efforts. Walk down Worcester Street Boulevard, connecting key cultural landmarks while observing stunning architecture and street art. Visit the Arts Centre Quad, featuring striking sculptures and the Great Hall, before concluding at the Ravenscar House Museum, showcasing exceptional art. Perfect for culture seekers and history enthusiasts, this tour offers exclusive insights and intimate storytelling. - Behind-the-scenes access to The Court Theatre and its creative spaces - Guided entry into Christ Church Cathedral with insights on its history and restoration - Stroll through Worcester Street Boulevard, - Explore Ravenscar House Museum, home to a remarkable private art collection