New Zealand · HISTORICAL TOURS
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 history tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Auckland All Blacks Experience, a 90-minute guided tour with 7 interactive rooms, the haka in a tunnel, rugby games, and a major retail stop.
“Interesting tour on the All Blacks history and the Mauri culture. Guide was knowledgeable. Interactive elements were enjoyable.”
Interactive 90-minute All Blacks cultural tour in Auckland CBD, with replica tunnel haka, hands-on games, and official store.
“This tour was fun and family friendly. The facilities are top notch and the guide was informative. I’m impressed that the Māori history and language were included.”
Explore Olveston’s 1906 35-room mansion with a small-group guide, then wander a one-acre garden with Dunedin and harbour views.
“What an amazing tour! The house is stunning and it was so interesting to learn about the the history and all the interesting collections displayed. Fantastic guide who was very knowledgeable. A must see experience!”
Skippers Canyon 4WD from Queenstown: hotel pickup, gold panning at Deep Creek, suspension bridge stops, and snacks. Half-day tour.
“Travelling in a modern Toyota V 8 4 wheel drive vehicle is a great experience. The journey takes the traveller deep into the 'mountains' out of Queenstown. Your experienced driver with a wealth of knowledge, will provide you with an interestRead more”
Cruise Lake Te Anau on the historic Faith, then take a guided Fiordland walk with live commentary and afternoon tea, max 16.
“We had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon cruising Lake Te Anau on the Faith. The crew were friendly, welcoming and attentive to all 12 passengers on our cruise. We sailed across the lake to some mound islands in an arm of Lake Te Anau where we had a very pleasant buffet tea. Later we went on a walk through the forest to the Hidden Lake with a highly informative commentary by one of the crew. On the way back we enjoyed a period of steering the boat whilst under sail. This was our second cruise on The Faith in four years and it won't be the last.”
Half-day Tauranga tour with Mt Maunganui views, port history, and a kiwi orchard tasting plus manuka honey, avocado, and tea.
“Tauranga is very nice. However, the tour spent too long driving out of the harbor, going to a park, driving by parked containers from ships. The stop at a beach was nice, but really short. It was a nice sunny breezy. There was another stop at a park that overlooked the harbor. The most interesting stop was at the Kiwi farm.”
Skip the line at Omaka Blenheim for WWI and WWII combo exhibits, Stalingrad audiovisual scenes, and rare aircraft.
“A Fantastic day! the people are great, the exhibition is amazing!”
A small-group Dunedin tour with dark history, Baldwin Street and the train station, plus a guided visit to Larnach Castle and gardens.
“My guide had stories to tell. Everywhere we went was a relevant spot in the past and present history of Dunedin. He was able to answer all of my questions and surprised me with his knowledge of the buildings; families and local adventurers. Read more”
Pre-book Shantytown Heritage Park tickets in Greymouth for flexible entry, a steam train ride through native rainforest, and fun gold rush activities.
“I am sorry to have to write such a negative review but unfortunately this experience was not worthwhile. The videos of the place featured an active vibrant place. The staff did their best and were very engaged but the whole experience was very disappointing. It was very lifeless despite lots of featured stories of dead ones along the walks.”
Auckland historic bar tour with local guide Darcy, tasting boutique brews and New Zealand wine, plus a Vulcan Lane history walk.
“Great bar and beer tour! Darcy is a terrific homegrown guide who shares lots of history and insights into the five bars, Auckland, and other stops along the way. Cheers!”
Cruise Lake Te Anau on a 1935 Scottish motor yacht with unlimited champagne and canapés, help steer, then relax in a sheltered cove.
“The scenic is one part but the skipper and his lovely personality was the star of the show. Lovely ride, come with variety of sweet and savory snacks, drink of choice and beautiful scenery. Definitely recommend to anyone that checking out lake Te Anau.”
Heritage Dunedin City walking tour with a local historian. See First Church, Toitu Museum, Royal Doulton tiles, and finish at Speights.
“Gregory was very knowledgeable and informative. Shared lots of gems about the heritage of Dunedin. An easy and comfortable walk and well worth the cost! High recommend. Two CDN travellers.”
Private guided Dunedin and Otago Peninsula tour with city classics, Royal Albatross Centre wildlife, and flexible pacing for up to 6 people.
“Very knowledgeable driver and host who was more than willing to cater for our requests. Would highly recommend this tour and Asta.”
One-hour Tauranga Harbour cruise with onboard bar, Tangaroa statue views, and seasonal wildlife. Mobile ticket. From $24.82.
“Enjoyable short tour around Tauranga Harbour - very informative tour guides and a great boat to tour on”
Explore Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim with WWI Knights of the Sky and WWII Dangerous Skies for $14.
“An amazing collection of aircraft and their history as well as war time memorabilia and stories run by passionate men who know their stuff.”
From the fiords to the geothermal belt, sorted by what you want to do with the day.
