New Zealand: Highlights

Enjoy the All Blacks Experience in the landmark Sky Tower. Learn all about the renowned rugby team and go on an interactive journey that celebrates New Zealand’s heritage and achievements in the sport. Your tour kick starts with an introduction to rugby. Displayed on a wall are the names and numbers of all the All Blacks, who have played for the country since 1905. Then, there’s the scoreboard wall, which records All Blacks wins with black boot sprigs. Along the way, you’ll learn about the game’s history. Participate in some speed tests on a screen and visit a replica Eden Park locker room. Learn about two different hakas that the All Blacks perform. Sit in a booth and hear a rousing speech from Buck Shelford, a rugby legend. After, walk through the ‘tunnel’ and onto the ‘field.’ You’re now the opposition that stands ready to face the haka. (Duration: 2 hrs; Time: till 30th Sep, Mon & Thu hourly departures, 1000- 1500 hrs, Tue & Wed 1100 & 1300 hrs, Fri-Sun hourly departures, 1000-1600 hrs, from 1st Oct, Thu-Mon hourly departures,1000-1600 hrs, Tue & Wed 1100 & 1300 hrs; Shared activity; Group size: max 26 ppl; No transfers; Starting point: SKYCITY precinct, 88 Federal Street; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy; Min age: 6 yrs; En route activity: no)

Journey through the heart of North Island, visiting two iconic attractions – Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton, en route from Auckland to Rotorua. You will be picked up from your hotel in Auckland and driven through the picturesque Waikato countryside to Waitomo Caves. Enter the caves to see myriad stalactites and stalagmites. Walk down some steps into an area called the Cathedral, an acoustically superior underground venue, surrounded by a 50-foot-tall limestone formation. Then, take a boat ride through tunnels lit up by constellations of glow worms. While gliding on the inky underground lake, your guide will tell you all about the creatures adorning the ceiling and walls. Next, head to the Hobbiton Movie Set for a guided tour through The Shire. Explore the gardens and proceed to Bagshot Row for a glimpse of the interiors of a hobbit dwelling. Stroll past orchards and vegetable patches, while the guide recounts anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories about the trilogy. Finally, continue on your scenic drive to your hotel in Rotorua.(En route activity; Duration: full day; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are not included)

Experience indigenous culture and cuisine on this immersive tour of Tamaki Maori village. Begin your evening with a short presentation about the history of the Maori people. Afterwards, set off on the short drive to the village, which lies deep within the forest. After a traditional welcome ceremony known as powhiri, explore the hamlet. Learn about local customs and etiquette from your guide. Get a glimpse of ancient traditions and life in pre-European times while traditional Maori musical instruments play. At the wharenui or meeting house, watch a fascinating display of haka song and dance. Settle down to a traditional hangi feast featuring local delicacies that have been slow-cooked in underground earthen ovens. (Duration: 4 hrs; Evening activity; Shared activity & transfers; Meals included: dinner; Fitness level: easy; All entry fees are included; Pick up and drop off at centrally located city hotels)

Queenstown is the perfect spot for those who love the great outdoors. While the Shotover River is known for white water rafting and jet boating excursions, the riverside Historic Tunnel Walk also makes for fascinating exploration. The gentle Time Walk Trail on Queenstown Hill Recreation Reserve winds through pine forests to the landmark Basket of Dreams sculpture. Take the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak, and enjoy panoramic vistas of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. You could also have lakeside picnics at Queenstown Gardens and visit the Queenstown Golf Club. Later, head to Marine Parade to relax on Queenstown Beach, and dining at the iconic Bathhouse Cafe. You can savor celebrated pinot noir varietals from the Central Otago Wine Region and distinct craft beers across Queenstown. Cruising across Lake Wakatipu onboard the century-old TSS Earnslaw is a sought after Queenstown experience. Winters here offer fantastic snowboarding and skiing opportunities, and lively après ski gatherings. (Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees & meals not included; Fitness level: easy)