Description: Step into the lush pastures of the Shire at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where the “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies were filmed. The set features 44 hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree.
Ticket Price: Approximately NZD $120 for adults.
Activities:
Guided walking tours of the movie set.
Enjoy a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
Evening banquet tours with a feast fit for a hobbit.
2. Te Papa Tongarewa – Wellington
Description: New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa, offers interactive exhibits on the country’s history, art, and natural environment. Highlights include the colossal squid display and the Māori marae.
Ticket Price: Free for New Zealand residents; NZD $35 for international visitors.
Activities:
Explore six floors of exhibits, including art, history, and science.
Participate in interactive displays and educational programs.
Visit the rooftop gardens for panoramic views of Wellington.
3. Sky Tower – Auckland
Description: Standing at 328 meters, the Sky Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere, offering panoramic views of Auckland.
Ticket Price: Approximately NZD $32 for adults.
Activities:
Enjoy 360-degree views from the observation deck.
Dine at the revolving restaurant, Orbit 360°.
Experience the SkyWalk or SkyJump for thrill-seekers.
4. Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa – Rotorua
Description: A luxurious spa experience rooted in Māori culture, offering geothermal pools, mud baths, and wellness treatments.
Ticket Price: Varies based on services; general admission starts around NZD $60.
Activities:
Soak in mineral-rich geothermal pools.
Indulge in traditional Māori healing therapies.
Relax in private spa suites with lake views.
5. Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium – Auckland
Description: An underwater adventure featuring marine life exhibits, including a walk-through tunnel with sharks and rays, and a colony of Antarctic penguins.
Ticket Price: Adults: NZD $48; Children (3-15 years): NZD $33.
Activities:
Explore the Antarctic Ice Adventure with live penguins.
Walk through the Oceanarium tunnel surrounded by sea creatures.
Participate in interactive touch pools and feeding sessions.
South Island Attractions
6. Queenstown – Adventure Capital
Description: Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is renowned for its adventure sports, vibrant nightlife, and stunning alpine scenery.
Activities:
Bungee jumping from the Kawarau Bridge.
Jet boating on the Shotover River.
Skiing and snowboarding in winter months.
Wine tasting in nearby Gibbston Valley.
7. Nevis Highwire Bungy – Queenstown
Description: Experience the thrill of a 134-meter freefall at the Nevis Bungy, one of the highest in the world.
Ticket Price: Approximately NZD $275.
Activities:
Bungy jump with stunning views of the Nevis River.
Ride the cable car to the jump pod suspended between cliffs.
Receive a certificate and video of your jump.
8. Franz Josef Glacier – West Coast
Description: A unique glacier descending into temperate rainforest, offering guided hikes and heli-tours.
Ticket Price: Guided tours start around NZD $350.
Activities:
Helicopter flights with glacier landings.
Ice climbing and guided glacier walks.
Relaxing in nearby hot pools post-adventure.
9. Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
Description: Home to New Zealand’s highest peak, the park offers alpine landscapes, stargazing, and hiking trails.
Activities:
Hike the Hooker Valley Track for views of Mount Cook.
Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
Stargaze in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
10. Milford Sound – Fiordland National Park
Description: A breathtaking fjord known for towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
Ticket Price: Cruises start around NZD $60.
Activities:
Scenic boat cruises through the fjord.
Kayaking adventures amidst the serene waters.
Spotting dolphins, seals, and penguins.
11. Stewart Island / Rakiura
Description: A haven for birdwatchers, offering the best chance to see the elusive kiwi in the wild.
Ticket Price: Kiwi spotting tours around NZD $249.
Activities:
Nighttime guided walks to observe kiwis.
Exploring Rakiura National Park’s hiking trails.
Birdwatching and photography opportunities.
Coastal and Marine Attractions
12. Kaikoura – Whale Watching
Description: A coastal town famed for its marine life, offering close encounters with whales, dolphins, and seals.
Ticket Price: Whale watching tours start around NZD $150.
Activities:
Boat tours to see sperm whales and other marine mammals.
Swimming with dusky dolphins.
Sampling fresh seafood, including the town’s namesake crayfish.
13. Abel Tasman National Park
Description: Known for its golden beaches and turquoise waters, it’s ideal for kayaking and hiking.
Activities:
Sea kayaking along the coastline.
Walking the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
Camping at beachside sites.
Unique Experiences
14. Wētā Workshop – Wellington
Description: A behind-the-scenes look at the artistry behind films like “The Lord of the Rings” and “Avatar.”
Ticket Price: Approximately NZD $45.
Activities:
Guided tours showcasing props and special effects.
Interactive exhibits and demonstrations.
Shopping for unique film memorabilia.
15. All Blacks Experience – Auckland
Description: An interactive journey into New Zealand’s rugby heritage, celebrating the legendary All Blacks team.
Ticket Price: Approximately NZD $50.
Activities:
Immersive storytelling and interactive exhibits.
Virtual reality experiences simulating game scenarios.
Learning the haka and other rugby traditions.
Stargazing and Astronomy
16. University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory – Lake Tekapo
Description: Located in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, it’s one of the best places for stargazing.
Ticket Price: Summit Experience tours around NZD $140.
Activities:
Guided night sky tours with powerful telescopes.
Astrophotography opportunities.
Learning about constellations and celestial events.
Entry Requirements
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL): As of October 2024, most foreign tourists are required to pay an IVL of NZD $100 upon entry, contributing to conservation and infrastructure projects.
