Kiwi 12 Day Tour Optional Activities

Combine a cruise out on the Hauraki Gulf, a short walk to stretch the legs and learn all about our unique native wildlife. Tiritiri Matangi Island is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary for New Zealand's native and coastal birds situated in the Hauraki Gulf only a 75 minute ferry ride away from downtown Auckland. The island is a protected haven for native and endangered species, and is a nature lover’s paradise, particularly for avid birdwatchers. From the moment you step onto the island to the moment you leave, you’ll be serenaded by bird song while exploring walking tracks through native bush and coastal forests. Amazing views too! Perfect for people who arrive a few days early, you’ll need a full day before your trip starts for this one.

Discover for yourself why Waiheke is world-renowned for its wines. Visit three of the Island's fine vineyards with one of our local guides. On the way, stunning scenery is around every corner, and you will be entertained by your guide’s commentary on the history, geography, culture, people and produce of Waiheke. You'll need a full day in Auckland before your MoaTrek tour starts for this one too.

Auckland is set on 53 dormant volcanic cones and between two harbours, the sparkling Waitemata and the brooding Manukau. Known as the City of Sails, it’s New Zealand’s largest and busiest city. You'll get the best view of the city, from one of our own volcanic peaks! You'll need a full day in Auckland before your MoaTrek tour starts for this one too.

Take a magical journey through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton Movie Set from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films for a fascinating guided tour. You see 44 hobbit holes including Bilbo’s house, "Bag End", the Mill and double arch bridge and the Party Tree. Grab your own photo at the gate to Bag End, looking out over the whole of Hobbiton to the hills in the distance, then go home and watch the DVDs to compare notes! You'll need a full day in Auckland before your MoaTrek tour starts for this one too.

Feel the thrill of sailing an authentic America’s Cup yacht. Take the helm to help steer on course or work hard on the grinders to hoist the mainsail during this hands on sailing adventure on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour.

This 2 hour sailing experience is a unique opportunity to participate as crew on an actual America's Cup yacht. Take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or sit back, relax and enjoy the sail. With guidance from the professional crew onboard, there is no sailing experience necessary.

Getting out on the water in the 'City of Sails' is an absolute must, and what better way to do it than a harbour cruise with dinner. Glide past the city as it lights up and watch the sun set over the inner harbour on this 2.5 hour cruise on the Waitemata. You'll be treated to canapés and a drink as you set off towards Westhaven Marina. Your choice of a formal dinner in the downstairs cabin or take in the iconic sights of the Auckland while you eat on deck.

Take on the sights, smells and sounds of the forest on a tour where you will spot tree and bird species not seen on any other country on earth – centuries old giant trees, monster tree ferns and perching plants dominate the landscape that has never been modified by human beings. If you are lucky you may even hand feed wild native birds. The journey traverses a 1.2 km network of ziplines, walking trails, suspended bridges and treetop platforms up to 22 metres above the ground. Your friendly guide will show you the way and bring the forest to life as you learn about its history, inhabitants and the conservation dream driving it all. We've all done this tour and loved it!

Fly to the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory. Landing on Mount Tarawera offers a privileged view of spectacular craters and domes formed by the 1886 eruption. Here you will enjoy an interesting commentary based on the region’s history, culture and geology. Flights to and from the volcano take in expansive views of our stunning Lakes District, National Parks and a view of Mount Tarawera from above!

Experience the beauty of our lakes district, the peaks and craters of Mount Tarawera and a flight over New Zealand’s only permanently active volcano ‘White Island’. This flight of approximately 1 hour 25 minutes in duration takes in aerial views of the wider Bay of Plenty and in addition to these renowned highlights you will see contrasting landscapes including national parks, fertile farming plains and hill country sheep and beef stations. Our stunning coastline features as do aerial views of orchards where much of the regions Kiwifruit are grown.

Walk to the edge of an active crater lake, over hot streams, past steaming volcanic vents and colourful sulphur formations, before viewing this privately-owned volcano’s long abandoned mining ruins. This somewhat lunar experience on New Zealand’s only permanently active offshore volcano is breathtaking and when combined with helicopter flights above our lakes district and the Bay of Plenty is a unique and surreal lifetime experience.

Come face to face with Pohutu Geyser, jumping mudpools, and live kiwi birds; watch master carvers and weavers at work, and hear our guides share stories passed down from their ancestors. Te Puia is a must-do activity in Rotorua. With a 90 minute tour you can explore Whakarewarewa geothermal valley, visit New Zealand’s native kiwi birds, and learn about Maori history & culture. Highlights of the tour include Te Whakarewarewa, a 60 hectare geothermal valley with famous Rotorua mud pools and over 500 geothermal wonders, including the Pohutu Geyser, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest active geyser! A Kiwi house featuring two iconic native New Zealand kiwi birds. Traditional Māori carving and weaving performed before your eyes and a model Pre-European Maori village and sacred Marae giving you a rare glimpse into how Māori people lived prior to European settlement, and our two Marae (sacred meeting houses).

The Te Pō Tour is a one of a kind feast of storytelling, entertainment and Māori cuisine. Be enriched with a deeper understanding of Māori traditions and absorb the unforgettable sights of this top Rotorua attraction at nightfall. Highlights of the evening include tasting an exquisite Māori feast prepared in the traditional Hangi style. After dinner you will be invited to board the motorised waka for a journey Through the Valley Under Lights. Be awed by the magical evening sights of Te Puia's geothermal valley. You'll disembark the waka (vehicle) right in front of the Pohutu Geyser illuminated in its full glory beneath a starry sky. Marvel at the sight of this glorious natural wonder, while your tour guide entertains you with traditional Māori mythology and stories. Be enthralled by Maori cultural experiences featuring traditional storytelling and entertainment. You even get the opportunity to participate in the graceful poi dance or ferocious haka, for a more intimate Maori cultural experience.

Wellington is surrounded by beautiful hills and a stunning harbour. This eBike guided 4 hour tour introduces you to Wellington and shows off many of it's natural gems. The modern electric bikes take the hard work out of the hills and any wind along the way. The local guide will share insights into Wellington's vibrant city and rich culture. Saddle up for a fun bike tour of Wellington's bays and follow your guide along the Wellington Waterfront. Glide along the seafront, passing the lively harbour and the beaches of Oriental Bay- filled with swimmers and sun-bathers in the summer. Continue along the Miramar Peninsula and leave the bustle of the city behind as you cycle along the scenic coast. Pause along the way at a local café before looping back towards the city. Finally, set the bikes to 'turbo' to climb up to the lookout point of Mt Victoria for an unforgettable view over Wellington, the Miramar Peninsula, and the ocean harbour entrance.
 

This full day tour encompasses the best Lord of the Rings locations the Wellington Region has to offer. Combining our half day and locations tours, this is a great day for any Middle-earth fanatic, general film fan or someone looking for a fun activity. 

If you are a film and television buff this one's for you. Enjoy the incredible creativity on offer at Weta Studio Tours with There and Back Again: The Full Experience the two most popular tours with return transfers included! Guided from start to finish, you’ll get an incredible insight into Weta Workshop’s creativity for film & television. Highlights include The famous Weta Cave Shop home to an incredible range of Weta-designed collectibles and movie merchandise. While you're there snap photos with our life-sized sculptures and check out the mini museum. Take a seat in the Weta Cave to learn about the history of the Weta Group and hear from our co-founders, Richard Taylor and Peter Jackson. Get up close to the props, weapons and costumes crafted for The Lord of the Rings, District 9, The Chronicles of Narnia and more. Check out authentic Weta Workshop miniatures and learn how a TV show is brought to life!

This tour is the perfect morning walking tour, running until approximately 1pm, with around 90 minutes of walking. Throughout the tour, you will be introduced to New Zealand’s ‘culinary, coffee and craft beer capital’. 

In three hours we learned a lot about the development of Wellington's foodie scene and the festival and cultural activities in a great city. For us, the really great element was the opportunity to meet local influencers of the food scene, to understand the background to their businesses and, of course to sample good food, from cookies, honey, chocolate and gelato to a range of savoury products.'  - Greg, Trip Advisor

See New Zealand's rarest birds, reptiles and insects living wild in their natural environment, including hihi, tuatara, saddleback, kākā and little spotted kiwi. Indoors, New Zealand’s incredible natural history and world-renowned conservation movement are brought to life in a state-of-the-art exhibition. The Zealandia by NightExperience is also known as Te Māra a Tāne - The garden of Tāne. Tāne is the Māori creator of trees and plants. Main reason for going at night? That's when our little friends the kiwi are active!

The rolling green hills of the Wairarapa Valley have enticed visitors for years, and now it’s your turn to see why. Just over an hour from Wellington City, Martinborough seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of the Capital city. Enjoy a scenic train journey with spectacular views of the Wellington Harbour along the way. Disembark at Featherston Railway Station and have an unforgettable experience with your local guide. Tour highlights include wine tastings at four award-winning vineyards, relax in comfortable, air-conditioned travel by train and coach, enjoy mouth-watering, local gourmet cuisine and sweet delights, see stunning scenic country views and meet some of the families behind the wineries.

Kaikoura is the one of the only places in the world where the world’s largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale lives year round, and the vistas of the snow capped Kaikoura mountains make the trip out on the water even better. Sperm whales, blue whales, humpback whales, dolphins and sea birds are just some of the wildlife you may see.  Your guides will also tell you the great story of the four Maori families who started the whale watching tours which turned the fortunes of the whole town.

With the shape of the peninsula reminiscent of the fluke of a whale, and the Kaikoura ranges rising up behind with their snow-capped peaks, it is here that your whale watching adventure begins. Whale watching by aeroplane offers a unique perspective and the opportunity to view whales and dolphins in their natural environment. From the air passengers can experience the true magnitude of the world’s largest mammal, the whale. These animals can reach an impressive 18 metres in length and weigh up to 60 tonne! Wings Over Whales Kaikoura operate high-winged aircraft, which allows each person their own window seat and optimal, unobstructed viewing.

Kaikoura is world famous for its Sunsets and marine life, so what better way to experience this than by sea kayak. Guaranteed viewing of Fur Seals and surreal visuals of the seaward Kaikoura Mountains as the light changes towards the end of the day. Watch seals dive and manoeuvre around and under your kayak as the sunsets, paddle with them as they swim around the Peninsula hunting for octopus! Along your way keep an eye out for Blue Penguins or Albatross then have chance encounters with Dusky Dolphins. Using only top of the line real sea Kayaks be ready for a true kiwi experience you won't forget!

Only with Kaikoura Helicopters, will you get to see the entire whale from head to tail, as we hover and fly slow orbits. Put yourself in the ultimate vantage point, as we fly you in comfort and style for 30 minutes in the spectacular environment that plays host to one of the world’s largest marine mammals, the magnificent Sperm Whale. Gain knowledge on the mighty Sperm Whale during a personal 20 minute briefing, before departing our beachfront heli pads. As we lift off, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the rugged Kaikoura Coastline and within 3 – 5 minutes you will be flying above Kaikoura’s deep-sea canyon, searching for a Giant Sperm Whale as he breaks the surface. You will be captivated by the remarkable view and photo opportunity of the entire whale from head to tail, as we hover and fly slow orbits uninterruptedly above him.

Visit New Zealand's Tasman Glacier terminal lake for a fascinating glacial encounter. Cruise the rapidly growing terminal lake taking in spectacular mountain views and scenery. Icebergs of every shape and size periodically tear away from the glacier allowing you to touch and taste the 300-500 year old glacial crystals. This is New Zealand’s largest glacier and terminal lake, the surrounding alpine scenery and icebergs are awesome, it's a lot of fun buzzing around in our inflatable boat too!

The very best way to see Mt Cook National Park and its vast glaciers and snowfields. See the ancient waters of the Tasman Glacier lake before flying the length of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest at 27 km (17 miles).  Experience what it feels like to stand in snow amongst the mountains as you take in a spectacular view of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook during your snow landing.  Cross to the West Coast and view the formidable Franz Josef and Fox glaciers before completing your journey with uninterrupted views of the summit ridge of Aoraki/Mt Cook. There's no better way to see the 'Cloud Piercer', you'll be buzzing for days after this!

Your four hour supported adventure biking the Queenstown Trails begins at either 9am or 1pm with a scenic transfer from your Queenstown accommodation through to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. From here you will follow the beautiful Arrow River Trail down stream to where it meets the Kawarau River. You’ll ride across 2 spectacular suspension bridges and then join the original miners trail that crosses the famous Kawarau suspension bridge, home of the the worlds first Bungy jump. You’ll finish your ride with a relaxed and complimentary wine tasting in the Gibbston Valley, before being delivered back to Queenstown. E-bike available.

See it all… This is more than just a ride. Ride through lakes, river gorges, suspension bridges, the famous Kawarau bungy jump bridge and finish off at beautiful Queenstown vineyards. Explore the stunning Tuckers Beach Trail Head, Shotover river trail, Lake Hayes, Wakatipu Basin and the beautiful Arrow and Kawarau Rivers. In the afternoon enjoy a well deserved wine at the Gibbston Wine Vineyard. This trip can be catered to any level of rider and is well supported along the way by your dedicated tour guide. The distance can be altered to suit the group. Don’t be intimidated by the distances, this tour is about more than just the ride. Ebike available. 

An afternoon among the boutique vineyards perfectly captures the flavour of the region, in more ways than one! Your friendly guide will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the 'new world' wines of New Zealand, you'll be an expert in no time.  Visit and try the wines at 4 vineyards in Gibbston Valley, Cromwell and Bannockburn, and enjoy a delightful platter lunch at Carrick Winery restaurant before visiting Old Cromwell Town. You'll see both sides of the stunning Kawarau Gorge and get a glimpse of the early pioneering history of this rugged region. If you like the idea of spending a day with friends enjoying fine wine, great food and amazing scenery (who doesn't?!), then this is for you.

The 'head of the lake' around Glenorchy and the Dart River is so amazing, you simply cannot miss this!  A breathtaking drive along the famous Glenorcy road for your thrilling jet boat ride on braided, glacier-fed rivers into the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park. Your friendly driver adds the personal touch, looking after you all the way and sharing the area’s history, the Greenstone trail and Maori legends. Break up the ride for a walk through ancient beech forest unchanged for 80 million years and view the scenic backgrounds for many Middle Earth movie scenes. The river is the only way to get up here, this is the New Zealand you've come to see!

One of New Zealand's 'Great Walks', the Routeburn Track is one of the crown jewels of Kiwi walking tracks. The Glenorchy end of the track is easily accessed from Queenstown, your guided tour picks you up and drops you back at your accommodation and will provide everything you need.  The walk to Routeburn Flats or Falls is on a beautifully graded track, through the most beautiful section of red beech forest in the country, follows the emerald Routeburn river up to the alpine sanctuary of Routeburn Flast.  The best day walk in the entire country, according to one very biased ex Routeburn guide who wrote this!  You be the judge, it's day you'll never forget.

Visit Lord of the Rings locations and take a journey with us deep into Middle Earth. On your scenic LOTR guided tour, you will explore Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlorien Forest, The Misty Mountains and Ithilien! Stories and secrets will be shared by guides who have  great insight into the filming. Visit our closest world heritage area – encounter stunning ancient beech forest, braided rivers and glacier carved valleys. Explore the unique flora and fauna and get up close to birdlife and animals. Discover the absolute beauty of the Dart River Valley, Paradise and The Mt Aspiring National Park. Take the opportunity to dress up in Lord of the Rings costume in Lothlorien Forest. Come away with amazing photos and lasting memories from this unforgettable experience.

You'll love this iconic South Island experience, the perfect combination of taking it easy and seeing a bit more of the Queenstown area. Head off from the Steamer Wharf right downtown on your cruise aboard the historic 100 year old TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Sit back on the lakeside terrace of the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant and leave the cooking to our chef, with the best local produce sizzling away on the grill for your delicious gourmet BBQ lunch before seeing first hand how these high country farmers and their dogs used to work the land. You can see why the early settler families chose this side of the lake, it's pretty special!

This four hour cruise will take you to a dining experience unlike any other in Queenstown, the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant at Walter Peak High Country Farm. Head off from the Steamer Wharf right downtown and cruise aboard the historic 100 year old TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Enjoy a delicious gourmet barbeque buffet dinner with an array of New Zealand and local produce, from succulent meats to delicious vegetables and salads, while taking in a farming demonstration from the local high country farmers.

Super scenic, playful & fun for all!  The Kawarau River / ideal for first time rafters or suited to those looking for a more relaxed rafting experience, or groups of mixed ability/ages. There is plenty of white water action, but also time to sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Keep an eye on the other rafts though, as there is a good chance of a water fight! It's the Kawarau River that starred as the River Anduin in Lord of the Rings. The grandeur of the canyons imparts a feeling of paddling through the heart of Middle Earth. Enjoy the unforgettable 400m long Dog Leg rapid - New Zealand's longest commercially rafted rapid before returning to Queenstown for a sauna and shower at Rafting Base.

If you're looking for adventure this one's for you! Take on the mighty Shotover and Kawarau rivers. Only KJet offers over 60 minutes of unforgettable thrills, spins and exhilaration across three waterways in one of the world’s most stunning locations. Firstly, your twin engine Jet boat roars across crystal clear Lake Wakatipu at breath-taking speed. You’ll be surrounded by majestic mountains and mesmerising scenery. Then you zoom under the Kawarau Dam onto the deep green waters of The Kawarau River for lots of 360° spins. Next the adventure heightens as your driver navigates the fast –moving currents of the narrow braided Shotover River. Your Big Yellow will race up the shallow channels at speeds of up to 95KPH. All the while skimming across water that’s less than 10cm deep in places. Finally, return to the Pier for a complimentary view from Queenstown’s Underwater Observatory. Then get up close and personal with fascinating rainbow trout and lake-life.