New Zealand · WORKSHOPS
The 15 best workshops & classes you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Tour Wētā Workshop’s Wētā Cave in Wellington’s Miramar Peninsula for 90 minutes with an English-speaking guide. See props, costumes, creatures, and artists at work, learn how film effects are made, and handle selected pieces. Guides may include Flynn, Harriet, Holly, or Sam.
“Super activity and super place to visit Sad we cant take photo during the tour To do!”
At Auckland’s SkyCity, Wētā Workshop Unleashed takes you through three original horror, sci-fi, and fantasy film worlds. Your guide reveals practical effects, costumes, props, animatronics, miniatures, a giant, and a galactic robot, with hands-on activities throughout the 90-minute tour.
“Great interactive experience. Pacing was well and was interesting to see how some of the magic was produced.”
Meet your guide at Wētā Cave in Miramar for a 90-minute tour through Wētā Workshop’s creative spaces. See props and costumes from The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar, and other productions, handle selected pieces, watch demonstrations, and learn how artists turn ordinary materials into movie magic.
“Brilliant tour. Amazing to see the phenomenal detail that is put into all the items on display. Guide very good, answers any questions you may have.”
At Auckland’s SkyCity, a live guide such as Kat, Adam, or Cathrine leads you through three imagined film projects. Handle props, explore practical effects, meet monsters and robots, and see how sets, costumes, makeup, and creatures take shape. Translation support is available by QR code.
“Went here in April 2025 with a friend (in our 30's). We both thought it was great and cool to learn about the company that has made so many movies (LOTR being one of our favourites). We just wish they provided us with more information about how they did some of the work for those movies. A lot was wandering around with free time to see the 3 "movie" set ups, which was neat, but kinda wanted more learning. Definitely more entertaining for a child (lots of small activities for them and you can touch everything!). Wouldn't say it was a must do but was decent enough for the hour…”
Meet Aotearoa Surf School at Te Arai Beach for a roughly two-hour lesson covering safety, ocean awareness, paddling, timing, and the pop-up. Your instructor supplies the board, leash, wetsuit, rash shirt, and sunscreen. Lessons suit beginners through advanced surfers, with groups capped at 12.
“We booked four days of private lessons with Maya and couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. She handled different levels with ease — from beginner to intermediate — and was wonderful with our 7-year-old daughter who was just starting. Thanks to her great advice and sharp eye, we all got up and caught waves. Big thanks to Maya!”
Meet Raglan Surf School at the red truck in Ngarunui Beach’s main carpark for a two-hour beginner lesson. Your English-speaking instructor covers board skills, waves, paddling, standing, and safety, then helps you catch waves. Groups are limited to six, with wetsuits and boards supplied.
“Surf lesson was fantastic. We went for the 9am lesson which was perfect since the beach hadn’t gotten busy yet. Neither of us had surfed prior, but our guide helped us get up several times and we had a blast. This is a must try if you are in Raglan.”
At Wētā Workshop Unleashed, choose a 90-minute World Building class or a 60-minute Scars and Scrapes class. You’ll sculpt, paint, flock, layer prosthetics, and mix fake blood with English-speaking instructors. Materials and a Certificate of Creativity are included, but the guided tour costs extra.
“Fantastic tour, very informative. Very knowledgeable guide. Very impressed with Weta group and their achievements, some very clever and imaginative people. Only down side is that the shop was not open at the end of the tour.”
Meet your instructor at Muriwai Beach for a two-hour beginner surf lesson. You’ll learn equipment basics, practice standing on the board, review water safety, then catch waves with support from instructors including Jacob. Boards and wetsuits are provided.
“Jacob was amazing and really helped me as someone who has never surf in my life. He explained very well & gave great assistance. I had an amazing time.”
Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a glass-roof Mercedes with no more than 15 people. Your guide, often Stuart, shares local insight along Milford Road, then you board the Sinbad for sparkling wine, a Māori-influenced tasting lunch, and a two-hour nature cruise.
“Milford Sound Business Class by Altitude tours was a true 5-star experience! Every detail from beginning to end was thoughtful and luxurious. The van is brand new, and amenities such as throw blankets, snacks, umbrellas and hot towels Read more”
Meet the Mount Surf School team opposite 27 Marine Parade for a 90-minute beginner lesson. Bailey and Dean are among the instructors praised for patient, hands-on coaching. You’ll learn safety, surf etiquette, paddling, and the stand-up technique before trying gentle waves with board and wetsuit included.
“Bailey was awesome, he helped me out throughout the whole process to catch my first waves while giving pointers along the way! Will be back again tomorrow”
At Driving Creek Pottery in Coromandel, you get 90 minutes on the wheel with a professional English-speaking tutor. Clay, tools, an apron, and guidance are supplied. The class suits beginners, with space for up to six people and an optional NZD$20 finish-and-delivery service.
“Super activité où vous pouvez repartir avec votre poterie si vous le souhaitez (pour 20$)”
Spend about four hours with a private TreadmarkNZ coach at Queenstown’s 7 Mile Bike Park. Learn basic control or sharpen downhill technique with a full-suspension bike, scenic Lake Wakatipu views, and guidance from coaches such as Piyush, Paris, or James.
“Whole experience was great. It was my first time mountain biking and James was incredibly knowledgeable in all the mechanics / lessons and could explain them in different ways to make sure I had the best understanding possible. Would definitely recommend for anyone remotely interested in mountain biking.”
Learn the basics of surfing over two consecutive two-hour lessons at Ngarunui Beach. Raglan Surf School supplies your board, wetsuit, in-water support, and clear English instruction. With groups capped at six, you get room for questions, practice, and useful tips as you build confidence.
Spend two hours learning surfing basics with Saltwater Eco at Te Arai, with sessions held near Omaha Beach in the Auckland region. Instructors such as Locke, Lydia, and Kirsty teach beach safety, board handling, paddling, and pop-ups. Wetsuits, boards, and lesson photos and videos are included.
“I joined the girls on curls lessons with Lydia. I learnt a lot, really enjoyed it and progressed in my surfing skills. Highly recommend, I was nervous at first but had such a great time, friendly atmosphere, very targeted instruction and good equipment. Can't wait to go back.”
Start with a two-hour group lesson at Ngarunui Beach, learning board handling, paddling, standing, and surf safety. Return the next day for equipment rental and independent practice. English instruction, boards, wetsuits, and support are included for ages 12 and up.
“2ème jour conditions météo non favorable au surf (absence de vagues)”
Pick a coastline, a crater rim or a cellar door.
