The 5 Skip-the-Line Tickets in New Zealand That Earn Their Price

1.Skip the Line: Auckland Museum General Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 183 reviews · from $16Our pick

Spend three to four hours exploring Auckland Museum, from Polynesian voyages and Māori treasures to Pacific culture, natural history, and New Zealand’s military past. General admission covers the main museum, while guided tours, cultural performances, and special exhibitions cost extra.

“Nice to be able to skip the line, but the line is actually not very long and the staff is a bit unfamiliar with the process of redeeming the tickets. The museum is good, with lots of references and artifacts related to Maori culture. Serve as a good introduction for someone to start delving into the very local part of New Zealand.”

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2.Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 160 reviews · from $40

Spend one to two hours at the Franz Josef Wildlife Centre seeing rare Rowi kiwi in a nocturnal house, live tuatara, glacier displays, and predator-control films. Add the small-group Backstage Pass for a guided look at kiwi conservation, led by rangers such as Steve or Devon.

“An excellent visit. Very interesting and informative with the chance to get up close to nature. It is well worth paying for the Backstage Pass - you get a a lot more detail and information plus a better understanding of the conservation work being undertaken. Thoroughly recommended.”

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3.Skip the Line:WWI & WWII Combo Exhibitions at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 86 reviews · from $30Top rated

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.”

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4.Skip the Line: Shantytown Heritage Park Experience Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 59 reviews

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.”

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5.Skip the Line: Dangerous Skies WWII Exhibition – Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 25 reviews · from $15Best value

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!”

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