Cultural & Theme Tours in New Zealand

Learn more about New Zealand's Maori culture while enjoying a delicious hangi dinner located in a natural forest setting. This is the only place in the South Island where you can have such an experience. It's a fun activity for travelers with all sorts of interests, including those who want to get a glimpse into Maori cultural traditions, as well as families.

Discover the beauty of the Waitangi River estuary and experience Maori traditions during a 3-hour cruise in a traditional canoe (waka) with a local Maori guide. Learn traditional paddling techniques in the calm waters of the estuary and make your way to Haruru Falls. Your guide shares informative commentary about Ngapuhi customs and history, and points out wildlife as you glide along. Disembark to visit a Ngapuhi meeting house and perhaps meet people from this Maori community. You'll also learn the moves of a 'haka' - an ancient Maori war dance.

Get a 60-minute introduction to the highlights of Te Papa's 'taonga,' meaning a 'cultural treasures' in the Māori language. While admission to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is free, a small-group tour with a museum guide offers more insight on the enrich your understanding of this unique culture.

Come and say, 'Kia Ora!' to KaikouraRun away to Kaikoura for a 1 or 2 day scenic trip with complimentary Christchurch pick ups.Just 200 kms to the North, Kaikoura is a historic seaside settlement famous for wildlife, culture and great food!Jump aboard the Kaikoura Express and we'll take you on a scenic journey direct to the heart of Kaikoura with optional free connections to the Dolphin Encounter and Albatross Tours.Check out the native New Zealand Fur Seals, the rough rugged and wild coastline, a dolphin or whale watch tour, check out the spectacular Albatross or just cruise at your own pace.Kaikoura is a region rich in Maoritanga (indigenous culture) - join a walking tour and learn about the local flora and fauna or take a moment to explore the Kaikoura Museum and soak up the local history.

Sail around Waitemata Harbour with an expert crew of Maori sailors on board a ‘waka,’ a traditional double-hulled canoe. Ply the waters in the tradition of Maori and other Polynesian navigators during the 2-hour journey as you learn about Maori boatbuilding and other seafaring customs, including the waka's epic journeys around the Pacific.

Experience the South Island's only Māori Cultural Experience - an interactive, fun and educational journey through time of an ancient people. - Experience a traditinal Māori pōwhiri (welcome - Learn about the tools and skills of the Māori hunter - Enjoy an interactive and entertaining kapahaka performance

If you're traveling to New Zealand's South Island and skipping the North Island, there's no reason you should miss out on a combined Maori cultural show, hangi dinner, and kiwi bird sighting experience. This combined package includes them all, and is the only place in the South Island to do so. It's a fun and convenient way to experience New Zealand's unique culture, cuisine, and nature.

Experience an evening of authentic Maori food, movement, and music paired with the raw power of the Pōhutu geyser with a night at the Te Puia cultural center. Watch an energetic performance inside a carved Maori meeting house, followed by a delicious 'hangi' feast prepared in a traditional pit oven. Later, venture into the geothermal valley to sip hot chocolate under the stars and watch the eruption of the Southern Hemisphere's largest active geyser.

Experience the South Island's only Māori Cultural Experience & guaranteed kiwi viewing all in one location. An 'up close, personal and interactive' experience including New Zealand's wildlife and culture. - General entry to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve - 45 minute guided kiwi tour - 1.5 hour interactive Māori Cultural experience

Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in New Zealand, and admire World War I aircraft and artifacts on this 'Knights of the Sky' Great War exhibition in Blenheim. Marvel at Sir Peter Jackson's own collection of planes and memorabilia, and gain insight into the technologies of the time. See the Great War brought back to life in awe-inspiring detail and gain insight into the aircrafts' capabilities in the context of battle. Upgrade your ticket to explore the site with a guide and learn more about the various exhibits on show.

Combine cultural immersion and a culinary treat on the Hangi Pie Experience. Your ticket will get you admission to a special area of the geothermal wonderland of Te Whakarewarewa, with trails that aren't included on the regular guided tours. Enjoy a guided tour around the surreal landscape, learn more about Maori culture from your local guide, then feast on a lunch cooked in the steam of the thermal area.

Get an authentic introduction to Maori culture with an evening at the Mitai Maori Village of Rotorua. See warriors in traditional dress paddle in an ancient canoe, and be captivated by the displays of weaponry. You'll watch 'haka' and poi dances and view glowworms in their natural habitat. This 3-hour experience includes round-trip hotel transport and a traditional 'hangi' feast with your admission ticket.

This action-packed Rotorua tour will give you access to incredible outdoor beauty, teach you about Maori culture, and allow you to taste a delicious Hangi feast too. By going on a guided 4WD tour - you'll be able to visit remote places you wouldn't discover alone and spot native wildlife. Conveniently, all entrance tickets are included, and you'll enjoy Maori performances at Maori Village. When you've worked up an appetite, you'll be treated to a delicious Hangi feast served from a buffet.

Travel to Christchurch via the Banks Peninsula on a full-day Akaroa shore excursion by luxury coach that includes sightseeing stops at Little River and Sign of the Takahe. You'll get great views across the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps on the trip from Akaroa to Christchurch, then step off the coach in a central, walkable location by the Canterbury Museum. With free time to explore Christchurch on your own, you can take in the sights, do some shopping, or just enjoy the city's historic atmosphere and architecture.

Experience a magical day with a trip to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set on a tour from Rotorua. Cruise along the Waitomo River and underground cave systems to reach the "cathedral" rock formation where thousands of glow worms twinkle overhead. Then, take a guided tour through The Shire and see where Bilbo and Frodo Baggins lived, visiting sights such as the Green Dragon Inn and the Hobbit Holes.

Treat yourself to a special evening at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch. Experience a traditional Maori cultural performance and view the kiwi bird in its natural habitat. Visit the Ko Tane marae, a living Maori village, where you're informed and entertained with Maori dance and song including the 'haka' (war dance). Then observe endangered North Island brown kiwis and South Island kiwis - flightless birds native to New Zealand.

Mount Eden is Auckland's highest point but it's more than just a viewpoint - the sacred Maori peak of Maungawhau also played an important role in Auckland's history. This 90-minute walking tour is led by an Ngāti Whātua guide, so you can uncover the fascinating cultural heritage of Mount Eden, as well as enjoying spectacular views of the city, Waitematā harbor, and Rangitoto Island.

Join a small group for a full-day tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. During the city tour, see landmarks such as the University of Otago, Baldwin Street, and Scottish heritage sites. Next explore the Otago Peninsula, including Otago Harbour, Sandfly Bay, Tunnel Beach, and historic Larnach Castle. Your tour includes pickup and drop-off in central Dunedin or the port.

Experience the mythical world of Middle Earth on a half-day tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set from Tauranga. Explore the magnificent film set and admire original props from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies on a guided tour; see iconic sites such as Gandalf's cutting, Bag End, and the Green Dragon Inn; and enjoy a Hobbit-themed lunch (own expense) at the Shires Rest Caf e.

Take in the highlights of New Zealand's largest city on this half-day tour of Auckland and benefit from an expert guide and small group size. Admire views of Auckland Harbour and drive over the Harbour Bridge; gaze out over the city from the top of Mt Eden; visit K Road, the Auckland Domain, and the Mission Bay beaches; and explore atmospheric neighborhoods such as Parnell, Ponsonby, and Northcote Point.