10 New Zealand History Tours Worth the Morning

1.Auckland: All Blacks Experience Guided Cultural Tour

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

Join an English-speaking guide for a 45-minute journey through seven interactive rooms, from All Blacks history and Māori and Pasifika culture to a replica locker room and powerful haka. Then try rugby skills in the interactive zone and browse Auckland’s largest All Blacks store. Guides such as Reuben, Sam, Alex, and Cess are known for adding humour and warmth.

“The All Black cultural experience offered a captivating and authentic glimpse into the rich heritage of New Zealand’s iconic rugby. From the thrilling haka, to the stories behind the team’s legendary status, this experience blends sport, culture, and history in a memorable way. I gained an understanding of rugby’s significance in New Zealand and the values that inspire the All Blacks’ strength and unity. My guide / coach was very knowledgeable and passionate, making every moment engaging and insightful. This experience was both educational and inspiring. It was fun, a respectful way to connect with one of the world’s most revered sports teams and their cultural roots.”

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2.All Blacks Experience: Interactive Guided Cultural Tour

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

Spend about 90 minutes at Auckland’s All Blacks Experience, where a guide such as Sam, Ben, Tanya, or Rueben may lead you through Māori culture, team history, changing-room displays, interactive rugby challenges, and a powerful haka. The central location, small group cap, and official shop make this an easy pick for fans and curious first-timers.

“Amazing show of culture, sport and integrity. The tour had everything. The tour guide Samual was very knowledgeable and informative. The history to modern day was all covered in a very interactive way. I will go to all Blacks game when they play in the US.”

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3.Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour

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

Step into Olveston Historic Home, a 1906 Jacobean-style mansion built for Dunedin merchant William Theomin. A guide such as Kevin or Kay leads a small group through rooms filled with original furniture, Japanese ceramics, paintings, and Edwardian comforts. Afterward, explore the one-acre garden and see the family’s 1922 Fiat 510 Tourer.

“Thus was a lovely house to visit & very interesting hearing the history about the house. The gardens are beautiful & intimate. Definitely worth a visit if your interests include historic buildings”

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

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

Meet outside Wintergarden Cafe for a one-hour guided walk through Auckland Domain and ancient Pukekawa volcano. Your guide, often Jonti, Marius, Millie, or Caleb, leads you along dark, uneven paths to glowworms beside a stream and waterfall. Bring sturdy shoes and a camera, but leave the flash off.

“Quick, cheap and beautiful. That’s how I describe this tour in 3 words!”

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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 in Blenheim, use one mobile ticket to explore the Knights of the Sky and Dangerous Skies exhibitions at your own pace. Expect rare WWI and WWII aircraft, lifelike scenes shaped by WingNut Films and Weta Workshop, and an audiovisual Battle of Stalingrad display. Allow at least 90 minutes, though aviation fans may stay much longer.

“A Fantastic day! the people are great, the exhibition is amazing!”

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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 social Auckland bar walk through historic Vulcan Lane. Visit up to five bars, sample local beers, ciders, wines, or non-alcoholic drinks, hear stories about Auckland’s drinking culture, and finish at New Zealand’s first self-brewing bar.

“We had such a great time with Darcy! The choices of bars really went well with the history timeline and his stories were well presented (hey hey hey!). I would recommend this tour as the guide, the bars and the beers were all top notch.”

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7.Evening Champagne Cruise on Historic 1935 Motor Yacht.

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

Step aboard Faith, a beautifully preserved 1935 Scottish motor yacht, at Te Anau’s historic wharf. Captain Adam and the crew guide you across Lake Te Anau with unlimited drinks, canapés, boat history, and a chance to help steer or raise the sails. The cruise ends in a sheltered cove or with a quiet sail back.

“Very enjoyable evening ride with an excellent crew! One of the highlights of our NZ trip. We were entertained with an impressive sail boat and its fascinating history. We had excellent snacks and adult drinks to go along with a great tour of the boat top to bottom and a beautiful evening tour of the lake. The ships Captain Adam is especially friendly and full of great information and stories about the boat and the lake. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a great evening out. They also have day tours.”

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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 world-class exhibitions. See Sir Peter Jackson’s WWI aircraft collection, film-built scenes, rare memorabilia, a De Havilland Mosquito, and a Griffon-powered Spitfire. Admission is valid for one day, and the centre is wheelchair accessible.

“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

Visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim for Dangerous Skies, a self-guided or requested guided exhibition about WWII aviation. See restored aircraft, learn about Russia’s all-woman Night Witches, view Weta Workshop mannequins, and experience a multimedia Battle of Stalingrad display. Allow at least 45 minutes, with time to stay longer.

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

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10.Skippers Canyon 4WD Heritage Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 18 reviews · 4 hours · from $178

Spend four hours in a 4WD with an English-speaking guide on Skippers Road, a cliff-hugging route above the Shotover River. You’ll stop at Lighthouse Rock and Māori Point, see the historic suspension bridge from permitted viewpoints, enjoy refreshments, and try gold panning at Deep Creek. Bridge access is currently closed.

“The adventure was a real unique experience. Our heart rate went up a number of times but that is all good - exhilarating!! There was such rich history. Our tour guide PETER is an absolute character, full of knowledge, humour and great humour photographer - shout out THANK YOU to Peter.”

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