Top New Zealand Architecture Tours

Visit the Hobbiton Movie set on a full-day tour from Auckland that explores New Zealand's 'Middle-earth,' where 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' came to life on film. Travel through a landscape of lush farms, then take a guided tour of the 12-acre (4.8-ha) Hobbiton Movie Set, from hobbit holes to gardens and the Green Dragon Inn. With free time to shop and explore, this tour includes transport from selected locations in Auckland, and it's limited to 16 travelers to ensure personalized service.

Learn about Maori culture and see boiling mud pools, geysers, and hot springs by visiting Whakarewarewa Village in Rotorua. To save time waiting in ticket lines, prebooking your admission means you can select an entry slot to suit your travel plans. Then, once inside, join a Maori guide to learn about Maori traditions—including a chance to try food cooked in geothermal pools.

Come visit a New Zealand attraction that’s sure to have you ‘glowing’ during this 45-minute small-group guided boat ride through the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Glide by boat through this underground complex, enjoying a light show put on by the millions of tiny bioluminescent insects hanging above. As an added bonus, many of the trip guides are of Maori descent, adding unique historical context to your visit.

Take in the highlights of New Zealand’s largest city on this half-day tour of Auckland and benefit from an expert guide and a 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, and see spectacular views of the Mission Bay beaches—all in just half a day, with plenty of photo stops along the way.

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.

Travelers with a short time in Wellington can enjoy a Lord of the Rings-themed tour in just half a day. Visit Hobbiton Woods, where many scenes were filmed, and take a tour of Weta Workshop, where many of the films’ special effects were thought up and brought to life. You’ll even see the theater that hosted the films’ world premiers. This is a must-do tour for Tolkien fans.

Discover Napier’s striking Art Deco architecture on this city tour. Admire the beautiful buildings of the Ahuriri and Marewa districts; see Art Deco landmarks such as the National Tobacco Building; and learn more about the distinctive design style. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Weta Workshop Unleashed is a wildly imaginative experience that invites guests of all ages into a fantastical film effects facility, inspired and built by the Academy Award-winning Weta Workshop. This pass will grant you access to Weta Workshop Unleashed and you will enjoy your extraordinary guided journey

Experience the best of the Napier area on this handy small-group shore excursion. You’ll visit a range of cultural, historic, and natural attractions. Learn more about Napier’s history through its Art Deco architecture, admire the views from the top of Te Mata Peak, and travel through the countryside between Napier and Hastings. This is an ideal tour for travelers short on time on land.

This is an introduction to Wellington, fun and informative, you will discover the real Wellington. Leaving from the grand Neo-classical train station, a quick walk to the Parliament grounds will provide insight into New Zealand and Wellington politics. From here we'll take a walk atop the major fault line to the botanic gardens, these gardens marry the exotic with the native beautifully, and we shall garner an understanding of New Zealand's unique flora and fauna as we walk through some dense New Zealand bush. Reaching the top of the gardens, at the top of the cable car, we'll take in the beautiful view, point out some landmarks and generally orientate ourselves. From here we will walk through suburbs and places 90 percent of tourists never see, winding up on Cuba st, the heart of the city, for a quick refreshment. We will finish at the national Museum on the waterfront. Guests are guaranteed to come away from this tour with a better understanding of Wellington and New Zealand.

Travelers short on time in Napier who don’t want to miss the city’s cultural treasures will love this 2.5-hour Art Deco-focused tour. With a small group of travelers you’ll visit many of the city’s architectural treasures, including the National Tobacco Building, while learning about Napier’s dramatic history. Also visit a winery to learn about wine-making in the North Island’s premier region.

First-time visitors or anyone with limited time in Wellington will enjoy a private half-day sightseeing tour. Avoid the hassle of self-driving or catching slow public transport. Check out many of the capital’s highlights, including the New Zealand Parliament, the Wellington Cable Car, Mount Victoria, and other must-see attractions. Get a handy introduction to the city and see where landmarks are that you can explore further later.