New Zealand · HISTORICAL TOURS
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 historical tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Join an English-speaking guide for a 45-minute journey through seven interactive rooms covering All Blacks history, Māori and Pasifika culture, Kiwi values, and the Haka. Then test your rugby skills in the interactive zone and browse Auckland’s largest All Blacks retail store.
“I enjoyed learning more about the love of rugby in this country it’s interactive and interesting for all ages.”
Spend 90 minutes at Auckland’s All Blacks Experience with a lively guide such as Sam, Tanya, Ben, or Rueben. Explore Māori culture, hear All Blacks stories, enter a replica changing room, face the haka, try rugby challenges, and finish at the official team store.
“Amazing show of culture, sport and integrity. The tour had everything. The tour guide Samual was very knowledgeable and informative. The history to modern day was all covered in a very interactive way. I will go to all Blacks game when they play in the US.”
Step into Olveston Historic Home with a small group of up to 15. A guide leads you through more than 13 rooms filled with original furnishings, Japanese ceramics, Italian paintings, and clever Edwardian details. Then explore the one-acre garden and see the family’s 1922 Fiat.
“A relic of the upstairs/downstairs days. Beautifully preserved. The guide was great. A bit of a hike to get there but well worth it”
Travel from Queenstown into Skippers Canyon in a small-group 4WD with a guide such as Jenny, Peter, or Giv. Expect big Shotover River views, gold-mining history, the old suspension bridge, a restored schoolhouse, refreshments, and a hands-on gold-panning stop.
“Pobyt v Queenstownu byl jedno velké dobrodružství. Moc jsme si to užili - cestu kaňonem , jízdu na Shotoveru Jet, plavba lodí- prostě úžasný. A vůbec Nový Zéland je jedna z nejkrásnějších zemí které jsme navštívili.”
Spend about three hours aboard the restored motor yacht Faith with a uniformed crew, live lake commentary, afternoon tea, and a 40-minute guided forest walk to Hidden Lake. Depart from 85 Lakefront Drive in Te Anau. Groups are limited to 16 people.
“The day was perfect - clear and sunny skies, the water was fairly smooth, the boat ride was relaxing and a little breezy! Paul and Jackie were a blast! Jackie’s commentary along the hike was great! Funny and she pointed out fun tips of plantsRead more”
At Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre near Blenheim, you’ll explore both Knights of the Sky and Dangerous Skies at your own pace. Expect rare aircraft, lifelike WingNut Films and Weta Workshop scenes, readable history panels, and a powerful Battle of Stalingrad audiovisual display. Allow at least 90 minutes.
“Very good displays with a lot of information on the panels. Really good for aviation/war enthusiasts.”
Join historian-guide Gregor for a 5 to 6-hour small-group tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. Visit old cemeteries, Baldwin Street, the railway station, Queens Gardens, High Street, Luna Restaurant, and Larnach Castle. Pickup and castle entry are included, but lunch is extra.
“Excellent way to see the castle and Dunedin. Driver was prompt, knowledgeable, kind and interesting.”
Visit Shantytown Heritage Park near Greymouth and wander a recreated 19th-century gold-mining village. Your ticket includes the rainforest steam train and self-guided access, while gold panning, old-time photos, food, and drinks cost extra. Plan around train departures at 11:00, 12:30, or 2:00.
“The pre-teens enjoyed the steam train and panning for gold. We also discovered the China town cave. Shanty town gave a sound historical overview of settlers, including an interesting movie. More bicultural inclusive information would have added to this experience.”
Join local guide Darcy at 6:30 pm for a three to four-hour walk through Auckland’s historic bar district. Visit renowned spots around Vulcan Lane, taste local beers, ciders, wines, or non-alcoholic mixes, hear lively stories, and finish at New Zealand’s first self-brewing bar.
“Great bar and beer tour! Darcy is a terrific homegrown guide who shares lots of history and insights into the five bars, Auckland, and other stops along the way. Cheers!”
Board Faith at Te Anau’s historic wharf for a 90-minute evening cruise with Captain Adam and the crew. Enjoy champagne, other drinks, and canapés while learning the yacht’s story, helping with the sailing, and resting in a quiet cove on Lake Te Anau.
“This was amazing! The boat is super cool and the owners give a good history about the boat. The lake is beautiful and the boat is smooth. I highly recommend booking this tour!!”
Walk central Dunedin with local guides such as Lolene or Gregor, tracing Scottish settlement, Māori relations, grand Victorian buildings, dark local stories, and the city’s railway station. The 1.5 to 2-hour route ends near Speight’s Brewery, with a return to the Octagon available.
“Informative and interesting. Our guide was excellent, I'd definitely recommend this tour to learn more about Dunedin”
Travel with a private guide such as Asta, John, Heike, or Julie through Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. See Baldwin Street, the railway station, Larnach Castle, and the Royal Albatross Centre, with optional paid visits to the castle, albatross colony, or Penguin Place.
“Tour guy was fine and experienced, but the vehicle - van was old, dirty and with strong cigarette smoke smell. We (5) paid non refundable of $800+ for the day tour, don’t feel we’re deserved to sit in such dirty, smelly van all day… We have two more tours booked with Viator in New Zealand after this one. Really hope the experience can be better from now on…”
At Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, choose the WWI Knights of the Sky exhibition, the WWII Dangerous Skies exhibition, or both. See Sir Peter Jackson’s aircraft collection, Wētā Workshop figures, a De Havilland Mosquito, and a Griffon-powered Spitfire.
“An amazing collection of aircraft and their history as well as war time memorabilia and stories run by passionate men who know their stuff.”
At Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim, you’ll explore the Dangerous Skies WWII exhibition at your own pace or request guided commentary. See restored aircraft, learn about Russia’s Night Witches, study Weta Workshop mannequins, and experience the Battle of Stalingrad display.
“Excellent presentation and guide knowledge! I was impressed with the quality of restorative workmanship!”
Spend four hours in a 4WD with an English-speaking guide on Skippers Road, a cliff-hugging route above the Shotover River. Expect big views, gold-mining stories, Lighthouse Rock, morning or afternoon tea, and gold panning at Deep Creek. Bridge access is currently closed.
“Made a last-minute booking and due to the turnout, I got moved to the ‘Queenstown 4WD Lord of the Rings Discovery Tour’ and I’m so glad I did. Our guide Dan was amazing and truly made the whole adventure even better! Such an unreal experience with absolutely beautiful views”
Pick a coastline, a crater rim or a cellar door.
