New Zealand · HISTORICAL TOURS
31 reviewed
Good historical tours fill up over a New Zealand summer and the best of them are gone by October. The 15 that stand out are below, with current prices and what makes each one different.
Auckland All Blacks Experience pairs Māori culture with a face-to-face haka, interactive rugby games, and Auckland’s biggest All Blacks store.
“Get to know more about the All Blacks and their heritage”
Interactive All Blacks Experience in Auckland CBD with hands-on games, replica changing sheds, the haka, and a big official retail store.
“This was great and worth doing even if you don’t know anything about rugby!! I learned a lot about Māori culture and how the history of rugby is tied to the history of New Zealand. It was fun and interactive. I definitely recommend.”
Guided small-group tour of Olveston Historic Home in Dunedin, with art-filled interiors and free garden time, from $16.13 per person.
“A relic of the upstairs/downstairs days. Beautifully preserved. The guide was great. A bit of a hike to get there but well worth it”
A half-day 4WD tour from Queenstown into Skippers Canyon for gold panning, suspension bridge photo stops, and snacks with hotel pickup.
“It change a little from water views...the canyon is amazing . They should tell us in edvance about mosquitos problem .”
Cruise Lake Te Anau on the restored historic Faith, enjoy live commentary, then take a short guided walk in Fiordland with afternoon tea.
“Both the skipper and assistant were extremely knowledgeable and ensured we had a comfortable trip. It was such a lovely, peaceful afternoon, and I learned so much on the brief nature walk! Would highly recommend”
Half-day Tauranga tour with Mount Maunganui, port views, lookout stops, and orchard tastings of kiwifruit, avocado, and local tea.
“Chose this tour in preference to a ship tour. Very friendly and informative. and much cheaper. Small group meant easier to see everything.”
Skip-the-line combo at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim for WWI and WWII exhibits, Knights of the Sky and Dangerous Skies.
“Very good displays with a lot of information on the panels. Really good for aviation/war enthusiasts.”
Sail Lake Te Anau on a historic motor yacht, then stretch your legs on the Hidden Lakes walk, with tea and live guiding onboard.
“I would highly recommend this cruise. The boat itself has quite the history and is beautifully restored. The captain was knowledgeable and very interesting. He let people drive if they wanted and the two kids on the cruise got quite a kick ouRead more”
Small-group Dunedin tour with historian Gregor, Northern Cemetery stories and Larnach Castle entry, plus optional Luna lunch.
“Wonderful day with Gregor. Knowledgeable about all of New Zealand. I purposely looked for someone with a historical back ground and we were delighted with our guide. This was my dad’s bucket list trip and well let’s just say he had a life time list of questions. He kindly answered all of them and we enjoyed our time on the trip. Best guide of the whole cruise ship experience in New Zealand. Best regards, Stephanie”
Skip-the-line Shantytown Heritage Park ticket near Greymouth, with a steam train ride, gold panning fun, and self-guided discovery.
“The pre-teens enjoyed the steam train and panning for gold. We also discovered the China town cave. Shanty town gave a sound historical overview of settlers, including an interesting movie. More bicultural inclusive information would have added to this experience.”
3 to 4 hour Auckland Historic Bar Tour on Vulcan Lane. Taste boutique brews and wines with Darcy, finish at a 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!”
Cruise Lake Te Anau on the 1935 Faith yacht with champagne, canapés, and hands-on sailing in a quiet cove.
“This was amazing! The boat is super cool and the owners give a good history about the boat. The lake is beautiful and the boat is smooth. I highly recommend booking this tour!!”
A small-group, 2-hour Dunedin walking tour with a local historian, classic landmarks, Toitu’s settler museum stop, and dark city stories.
“Informative and interesting. Our guide was excellent, I'd definitely recommend this tour to learn more about Dunedin”
Waiheke Island tour with a Māori perspective, sea views of the Hauraki Gulf, native bush walks to pa remains, and lunch at a local cafe.
“Best part of my Auckland was my tour of Waiheke Island! Loved the art coastline hike, visit to Piritahi Marae, picnic at Oneroa Beach, wine tasting at Mudbrick, olive oil tasting at AllPress and shopping. We did a hike at Whakanewha Park, sRead more”
Private guide tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula with world-famous sights, albatrosses, and flexible stops. Pickup included for up to 6.
“Tour guy was fine and experienced, but the vehicle - van was old, dirty and with strong cigarette smoke smell. We (5) paid non refundable of $800+ for the day tour, don’t feel we’re deserved to sit in such dirty, smelly van all day… We have two more tours booked with Viator in New Zealand after this one. Really hope the experience can be better from now on…”
