10 New Zealand History Tours Worth the Day

1.Auckland: All Blacks Experience Guided Cultural Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 453 reviews · 1h 30m · from $41Our pick

Follow an English-speaking guide through seven interactive rooms covering Māori and Pasifika culture, All Blacks history and Kiwi values. Walk the player tunnel, face a powerful haka, test your rugby skills, then browse Auckland’s largest All Blacks store.

“as a big fan of rugby game and my love for All Blacks, this was an amazing and at some moments slightly tearful (im not crying, you are crying) experience. amazing tourguide who knows a lot and shared that with us. the interactive part was also so much fun.”

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2.All Blacks Experience: Interactive Guided Cultural Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 228 reviews · from $42

At Auckland’s All Blacks Experience, an enthusiastic guide leads you through Māori culture, rugby history, player stories, a replica changing room, hands-on challenges, and a powerful haka. Guides such as Sam, Ben, Tanya, and Rueben are noted for bringing the story to life. Allow 90 minutes and wear flat shoes.

“This experience was great fun. I am not a big fan of football (soccer) but I was glad I went here. Very interactive and did learn more about the sport.”

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3.Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 205 reviews · from $16Top rated

Join a small group of up to 15 for a guided tour of Dunedin’s 35-room Olveston Historic Home. Hear about the Theomin family, see original furnishings, Japanese ceramics, Italian paintings, and a 1922 Fiat, then explore the one-acre gardens at your own pace.

“The gardens and the welcoming friendly staff. The tour was informative and our guide, Kay, was obviously very passionate about the home and its history - and it showed. Great time.”

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4.Auckland: Inner-City Glowworm Experience in Ancient Volcano

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 109 reviews · 1 hour · from $35

Walk 1.3 km through Auckland Domain with guides such as Marius, Jonti, Millie, and Caleb, following dark paths to glowworms near a creek and waterfall. This small-group, one-hour tour offers close viewing and photos without a cave trip, though steps, roots, mud, and limited glowworm numbers require steady footing.

“The park was quiet at night, very dark, but beautiful. I took the bus from CBD and then walked 5 minutes to the meeting area. It’s a little scary walking alone in such a quiet dark park, but the lighted road leads to the lighted restrooms and car park, near the cafe (closed for the night). The tour guide parks right there, highly visible. Plenty of parking if you’re driving. 30 min. walk from the CBD. Very pretty at night, with the columns of the museum lit in pretty colors end of November!”

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5.Skip the Line:WWI & WWII Combo Exhibitions at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 86 reviews · from $30

At Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre near Blenheim, use a mobile ticket to explore both Knights of the Sky and Dangerous Skies. See rare WWI and WWII aircraft, lifelike scenes made with WingNut Films and Weta Workshop, and a powerful Battle of Stalingrad presentation at your own pace.

“For aviation enthusiasts Omaka is a must visit.Fantastic displays of WW1 and WW2 aircraft. Peter Jackson has contributed to this display to add context and reality. Great value go to both displays.”

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6.Auckland Historic Bar Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · from $30

Meet guide Darcy at Brew on Quay at 6:30 pm for a three to four hour walk through Auckland’s historic bar district. Visit five bars around Vulcan Lane, taste local beers, ciders, wines, or alcohol-free mixes, and finish at New Zealand’s first self-brewing bar.

“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!”

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7.Evening Champagne Cruise on Historic 1935 Motor Yacht.

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 48 reviews · 1h 30m · from $86

Meet at Te Anau’s historic wharf for a 90-minute evening cruise aboard Faith, a 1935 Scottish motor yacht. Captain Adam and the crew share the boat’s story, serve unlimited drinks and canapés, invite you to help steer or sail, then pause in a quiet cove before gliding back across Lake Te Anau.

“A wonderful way to conclude our trip in Te Anau. Beautiful boat and the friendliest staff. They went out of their way to make this excursion one of our favourite parts of our holiday.”

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8.Blenheim: Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 31 reviews · 1 day · from $14Best value

Visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim for one or both exhibitions. See Sir Peter Jackson’s WWI aircraft collection, WingNut Films sets, Wētā Workshop mannequins, a DeHavilland Mosquito, and a Griffon-powered Mk.XIVe Spitfire.

“An amazing collection of aircraft and their history as well as war time memorabilia and stories run by passionate men who know their stuff.”

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9.Skip the Line: Dangerous Skies WWII Exhibition – Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 25 reviews · from $15

At Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim, you’ll explore Dangerous Skies, a WWII exhibition with restored aircraft, Weta Workshop mannequins, and a multimedia Battle of Stalingrad display. Allow at least 45 minutes, or several hours if you want to see both exhibitions carefully.

“Excellent presentation and guide knowledge! I was impressed with the quality of restorative workmanship!”

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