Top South Island Culture - page 4

There are so many filming locations attached to the Lord of the Rings movies to explore near Queenstown that it can be tough to know where to start. Discover far more than you could alone on this full-day small-group tour, while learning facts that you won’t find in guidebooks. Take in Mavora Lakes, Fraser’s Beach, Te Anau, and much more.

Save time and skip the lines with this combo ticket to Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre’s cutting-edge “Knights of the Sky” and “Dangerous Skies” exhibits. Learn about New Zealand’s wartime pilots and see their stories brought to life in sets created by the award-winning WingNut Films and Weta Workshop. Enthusiasts should make a beeline to the Centre’s aviation relics: immaculately preserved bomber planes and fighter jets from both World Wars.

Discover Dunedin at your own pace with our self-guided audio tour. Explore Dunedin's culturally significant sights, including the fascinating Octagon and the iconic Old Railway Station. Our audio guide allows you to uncover the city's rich history and vibrant culture at your leisure. Download the Citywalksz APP, put on your headphones, and start your journey. Learn about Dunedin’s Scottish heritage, its transformation into a bustling city, and its unique local landmarks. The tour takes about two hours, but you can pause anytime to shop or take breaks. Perfect for tourists looking to experience Dunedin on foot, this tour offers flexibility and deep insights into the city's past. Things to note before booking: 1. No admission fees or physical guide included. 2. Available only in English. 3. Tour downloading instructions are in the "Before You Go" section of your ticket.

There are so many Lord of the Rings-related sights to take in across the area surrounding Queenstown that it’s tough to know where to start when adventuring solo. Enjoy an in-depth journey exploring filming locations across the region on this full-day small-group tour, including Lake Hayes, Paradise Valley, and Gibbston. Includes the chance to snap photos with replica props from the movies.

Appreciate the majesty and scale of Franz Josef and Fox glaciers from the air during a 30-minute helicopter flight and snow landing. Enjoy aerial views over both glaciers from your prime position in the sky, and hear live commentary from the pilot before landing atop one of the glaciers. Then hop out to get a better view of one of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes.

Travel from Greymouth to Christchurch on a scenic journey showcasing the stunning landscapes of New Zealand's South Island. This small-group tour offers premium comfort as you traverse through Arthur’s Pass, absorbing tales from knowledgeable guides about its rich history and natural beauty. Stop at breathtaking locations like the Otira Viaduct Lookout and the iconic Devils Punchbowl Waterfall, where you can capture unforgettable moments. Conclude your adventure in Christchurch, filled with new friends and incredible memories. - Small-group experience ensures personalized attention - Fully guided by passionate local experts - Includes complimentary bottled water and snacks

The pōwhiri, or welcome, is an important ritual in New Zealand’s Māori culture, inviting visitors as they arrive on their whenua (land). Experience a full pōwhiri, including the challenge and mihi whakatau (welcome speech), first-hand in Wānaka. Connect with Māori traditions in a way that you simply can’t through guidebooks and museums; learn more about the local iwi (tribe) and their responsibilities as custodians of the land.

Travel to the Tasman Sea on a Milford Sound cruise from Queenstown. Travel in a comfortable luxury coach with a glass roof for premium views of the towering mountains. At Milford Sound, cruise past by the world-renowned Mitre Peak and drift alongside rushing waterfalls as you search for wildlife, including New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. An onboard nature specialist provides expert commentary.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon on Lake Te Anau on a tour that combines a cruise and guided nature walk in Fiordland National Park. Board an historic motorized yacht at the wharf for a relaxed cruise with afternoon tea. After a bush walk with mountain views, set sail for the return. This cruise is limited to 16 passengers to ensure a comfortable, personal experience.

With soaring peaks, rugged trails, and spectacular countryside scenery, Queenstown is the undisputed home of outdoor adventure on New Zealand’s South Island. Tackling this terrain can be difficult with children, but this ATV experience keeps kids in mind with smaller, age-appropriate ATVs while parents and teens 14 and over ride full-size vehicles alongside. Your guide adjusts pace and terrain to suit the youngest riders, so every child gets the right balance of challenge and confidence.

This Dunedin city highlights tour is ideal for time-poor travelers as you fit in many landmarks into a short space of time. Starting from central Dunedin’s Octagon, check out St. Paul's Cathedral, the Robbie Burns Statue, the University of Otago, Baldwin Street (the steepest street in the world) and much more, and still have time for other activities during the rest of your day.

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre’s Dangerous Skies exhibition tells the incredible stories of World War II’s unsung aviation heroes. See impeccably-restored bombers and fighter planes from the era and immerse yourself in the museum’s Battle of Stalingrad Experience, a multimedia extravaganza that throws you right in the middle of the infamous siege. Skip the lines and book a special guided tour of the exhibit to learn more about these stories.

Visit New Zealand's largest wine cave and taste 3 local wines. Known as “Valley of the Vines”, Gibbston boasts vineyards sandwiched between rugged mountains and the Kawarau River gorge. It is well-known for its pinot noir. See the region's first vines, originally planted in 1983, and hear their backstory as you sip.

Make the most of your limited time on land with a handy shore excursion from Akaroa Harbour through the Banks Peninsula and to Christchurch. Drive past city landmarks, including the Christ Church Cathedral that is being rebuilt after devastating earthquakes, and stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens with a guide to tell you about the city’s history and culture. This is an easy way to discover Christchurch’s highlights without self-driving.

This Akaroa shore excursion takes you sightseeing in Christchurch via a scenic drive through the Banks Peninsula. See the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Cathedral Square, and other city highlights before visiting the International Antarctic Centre, where you can learn more about the frozen continent. See penguins, feel the chill of Antarctic winds, and finish with a thrilling ride on an amphibious Hagglund vehicle.

Immerse yourself in the wonder of the night sky with a guided stargazing tour in Twizel. Use powerful telescopes to explore the Milky Way, distant galaxies, sparkling star clusters, and planets. This tour is wheelchair & stroller accessible, as you park your vehicle by the entrance, and the tour will be conducted on a flat, grass land.

This isn’t just a journey, it’s a story unfolding across gold rush trails, highland outposts, and cinematic landscapes. Travelling from Dunedin to Queenstown with Cheeky Kiwi means you’ll experience the very best of Central Otago in a way that’s personal, luxurious, and unforgettable. Most tours are about getting from A to B. Ours is about everything in between. From the moment you board the historic Taieri Gorge Train in Dunedin, you’re immersed in a world of breathtaking scenery, rich history, and thoughtful stops that showcase Central Otago’s hidden gems.

Don’t worry about what to do once you arrive at Lyttelton Harbour. On this small-group tour of the Canterbury countryside surrounding Christchurch, you’ll be transported to Sumner Beach to take in ocean views over coffee before tackling the Godley Head Loop, one of the area’s most popular hikes. Enjoy coastal views and historic World War II landmarks before a picnic lunch at Boulder Bay, surrounded by striking vistas of the Southern Alps.

Explore the city of Dunedin with a knowledgeable local guide who takes you to points of interest where you can stop and have a look around. See the Olveston Garden and the University of Otago. Enjoy views of Otago Harbour from the lookout point on Signal Hill, and visit Baldwin Street. Pickup and drop-off is available from hotels, the cruise port or the Dunedin Railway Station. Numbers are limited to 20 people for a group experience, with personalized attention from your guide.

Exploring Marlborough’s wine scene on your own means designating a driver and juggling reservations. This full-day tour from Picton removes the hassle, taking you to a curated selection of local wineries for guided tastings and insight into what makes this region one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine destinations. Along the way, learn about Marlborough’s winemaking style as you sample its wines, and enjoy free time to purchase lunch at a winery restaurant.

Take in the highlights of the Marlborough wine region around Blenheim on this full-day small-group tour from Blenheim or Picton. See Sir Peter Jackson's collection of WWI and WWII aircraft on display at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, enjoy wine tasting at two Wairau Valley wineries and lunch at one (own expense), sample chocolates at a boutique chocolatier, and benefit from included hotel pickup and drop-off.

Take a full-day wine tour from Blenheim to discover the wines of the Marlborough region, which are famous throughout the world. You’ll visit six or seven wineries for tastings and a winery lunch (own expense). Relax on this comprehensive tour that includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation, so there’s no need to risk drinking and driving or to designate a sober driver.

Godley Head is an exciting and wild 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 east coast of the South Island. 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

*Skippers Bridge closure does not affect our activity* Journey back to the 1860s on The Goldrush Tour as you traverse the stunning Skippers Canyon from Queenstown. Experience GPS-activated storytelling that brings the gold rush history to life (narrated by talented voice actors and available in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish), as you navigate through breathtaking landscapes. The tour lasts between 3 and 4 hours, featuring multiple photo stops and a visit to Gantley’s Tavern for a complimentary hot drink or beer/wine. Perfect for families, the tour offers dedicated storytelling tracks for kids, ensuring an engaging experience for all ages. - Stories available in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish - Immerse yourself in Queenstown's rich gold rush history - Small group size for a personalized experience (max 11 people) - Enjoy scenic views and photo opportunities along the journey - Complimentary drinks at Gantley’s Tavern included in the tour price