Zealandia Sanctuary and Otari Wilton Bush
You'll have a guided tour of Zealandia Karori Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary, comprised of 617 acres, is designed to protect small endangered wildlife from large predators. You'll see the dam and a gold mine as well. Then, on a canopied footbridge, you'll walk above forest at Otari Wilton Bush to view a botanical garden dedicated to natural flora in New Zealand.
Price: Adults expect to pay around $100 for this 4 hour tour through the cruise lines.
Booking Advice: This tour is rated as moderate in terms of physical difficulty due to the walking involved. Cruise line prices appear to be fairly competitive, but we do suggest cost and itinerary comparisons with online 3rd party vendors.
Lord of the Rings Film Locations Tour
This guided tour takes you to the following areas where LORD OF THE RINGS monies were filmed: Kaitoke Regional Park- the rain forest which was “Rivendal;” Hutt Valley- was “Helm's Deep” and the “River Anduin;” Harcourt Park- the “Gardens of Isengard.” You'll also visit Weta Cave theater for information about special effects.
Price: Adults expect to pay $150 for this 4 hour tour through the cruise lines.
Booking Advice: This tour is rated as moderate in terms of physical difficulty due to the walking involved. Cruise line prices are not as competitive, so we do suggest cost and itinerary comparisons with online 3rd party vendors.
Te Papa Museum and Kelburn Cable Car
You'll first have a guided tour of Te Papa (Our Place) Museum. Your Maori guide will take you through this historical and cultural exploration of Maori life from past to present and future. You'll see Bush City, which gives understanding of Maori traditional life. Then, you'll have a short Kelburn Cable Car ride (funicular built in 1902).
Price: Adults expect to pay around $80 for this 2.5 hour tour.
Booking Advice: This tour is rated as easy in terms of physica exertion. Cruise line prices are competitive, but we do suggest tour comparisons with online 3rd party vendors.
Wairarapa Country Tour
Your tour of Wairarapa country first takes you to Featherston, where you'll see the only remaining restored Fell Locomotive H199, visit the museum, and have tea or coffee with local citizens. Next is a visit to Martinborough, where you'll see historic buildings and view bucolic panoramas. You'll the stop for photos at the 6 acre Awapita Garden after touring a local vineyard and sampling wines. Along the way, enjoy that countryside and a view of the Rimutaka Mountains. Luch will consist of New Zealand meats and cheeses.
Price: Adults expect to pay around $130 for this 9 hour tour that includes lunch.
Booking Advice: This tour is rated as easy in terms of physica exertion. Cruise line prices are competitive, but we do suggest tour comparisons with online 3rd party vendors.
Storm Coast Drive
En route to Pencarrow Station, you'll see villages, bays, the country's oldest lighthouse, the city's hidden lakes, Maori sites, and Petone. You'll also visit Pencarrow Lodge, which is a cattle and sheep station. Have tea at Pencarrow Station!
Price: Adults expect to pay $70 for this 3.5 hour coach tour.
Booking Advice: This tour is rated as easy in terms of physica exertion. Cruise line prices are competitive, but we do suggest tour comparisons with online 3rd party vendors.