Hit the road to explore some of South Island’s most dramatic scenery.

Travel south from Auckland to the Waikato region where you will arrive at the Shire's rest to embark on your Hobbiton film set tour. You will see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge, the party tree and visit the Green Dragon Inn. You can also get a picture taken at Bilbo's front door at Bag End. After the tour your lunch is included at Shire's Rest Cafe before heading back to Auckland.

• Duration: full day
• Start time: 7am
• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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This evening experience takes you to the summit of Mount John above Lake Tekapo for guided stargazing in one of the world’s best dark-sky locations. You’ll spend time outdoors and at telescopes with expert astronomy guides, learning how to read the Southern Sky and seeing planets, star clusters and distant galaxies that are usually lost to light pollution.

You travel up to the summit of Mount John, home to the University of Canterbury’s Mount John Observatory and set within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. With almost no artificial light for miles, the sky here feels noticeably deeper and more detailed than in most places, even before you look through a telescope. 

You’ll spend time observing with the naked eye and through powerful telescopes, which bring planets, star clusters and distant galaxies into sharp view. Between observations, the guides talk about the science behind what you’re seeing, how this region became such an essential site for astronomy, and why protecting dark skies matters more than most people realise.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

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If you’re based in Te Anau, this is the most direct and relaxed way to experience Milford Sound. The journey takes you deep into Fiordland National Park, with scenery unfolding gradually as the road winds through lakes, forest and alpine valleys.

By late morning or early afternoon, you arrive at Piopiotahi Milford Sound. Glacially carved cliffs rise straight from the water, and the sense of enclosure is immediate. From the terminal, you board a purpose-built cruise vessel for a cruise of up to two hours.

Once on the fiord, the pace slows noticeably. The boat travels the full length of Milford Sound, passing close to waterfalls and sheer rock faces, sometimes so close that you can feel the spray. Wet weather only adds to the atmosphere, with temporary waterfalls appearing all along the cliffs. Wildlife sightings vary, but seals are commonly seen resting on rocks, dolphins sometimes swim alongside the boat, and penguins appear at certain times of year. The cruise passes St Anne’s Point Lighthouse and, when conditions allow, continues out toward the Tasman Sea.

• Start time: 6.45am 
• Duration: full day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

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The landscapes surrounding Queenstown are legendary and you'll get to witness their beauty on this half-day scenic tour. The adventure begins as you head to a viewpoint for a panoramic vista of the town and its jaw-dropping backdrop and stop off for a quick peek at the Shotover River. There'll then be some time to explore Arrowtown, a historic settlement that built up around the gold mining industry, and watch the thrill-seekers at Kawarau, the site of the world's first commercial bungy jump; you can even have a go if you are feeling brave enough (at an extra cost).

The next stop is a local winery where a tasting and shared cheeseboard is included (a non-alcoholic alternative is available for non drinkers). Before the return back to town, you'll hop on board a boat for a half-hour trip on Lake Whakatipu.

• Duration: half day
• Start time: 8.30am
• Daily departures
• Operates October-May
• Group experience

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Depart from Queenstown and travel along through the picturesque Southland farming country to Te Anau. Continue to the Fiordland National Park and the renowned Milford Road. This corridor to the fjord unveils a different side of New Zealand, with its majestic mountains and winding rivers. Throughout the journey, there will be multiple stops for photo opportunities, short walks, and the chance to learn about the fascinating local facts and stories. Embark on a nature cruise that takes you beneath the towering peaks of the fjord.

Admire spectacular alpine scenery and look out for unique wildlife including dolphins and seals, before heading back to Queensland.

• Duration: full day
• Start time: 7.30am
• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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This full-day trip from Queenstown takes you from one alpine landscape into another, ending at one of New Zealand’s most recognisable natural landmarks. It’s a long journey, but the changing scenery makes the drive part of the appeal.

By late morning or early afternoon, you reach Piopiotahi Milford Sound, where the road ends and the fiord begins. Sheer rock walls rise straight from dark water, and the scale of the place is immediately apparent. From here, you board a purpose-built cruise vessel for up to two hours on the fiord. On the water, everything slows down. The boat moves steadily along Milford Sound, edging close to waterfalls and cliff faces, often drifting through mist kicked up by falling water. 

Rain only heightens the experience, with countless temporary waterfalls forming after heavier weather. Wildlife appears when it wants to. Seals are often seen hauled out on rocks, dolphins sometimes ride the bow wave, and penguins make seasonal appearances. The cruise passes St Anne’s Point Lighthouse and, if conditions allow, heads out toward the Tasman Sea where the fiord meets open ocean.

• Start time: 6.45am 
• Duration: full day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

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The breathtaking wine region of Gibbston is the focus of this tour from Queenstown. This cool climate region has a plethora of cellar doors, three of which you will visit on this trip. You'll visit four wineries/tasting rooms and try over 18 varieties and visit the Gibbston Valley underground wine cave, the largest of its kind in the country. An optional lunch is available and can be ordered and paid for on the day.

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• Duration: full day
• Start time: 10am
• Daily departures\ 
• Operates year-round\ 
• Group experience

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Discover locations from The Lord of the Rings films on this 4x4 off-road adventure which departs from Queenstown. See The Remarkables (The Misty Mountains), Deer Park Heights (The Battle of the Wargs) and the Kawarau Gorge (Argonath/Pillars of the King) plus many more. Continue to Arrowtown and experience some off roading as you follow a gold mining road up the river where you can try gold panning before enjoying views of the Wakatipu Basin from Skippers Canyon.

• Duration: full day
• Start time: 8am
• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Depart Queenstown or Te Anau in a luxurious glass-roofed vehicle, specifically designed for long-distance touring and sightseeing. With high panoramic windows you’ll travel with a guide in a small group of no more than 15 guests. Along the way, there will be many scenic stops. Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) is frequently referred to as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World' because of its remarkable and dramatic landscapes.

On arrival, you will be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine as you board the RealNZ Sinbad vessel for a guided cruise through this spectacular fiord. Indulge in locally sourced gourmet delights as you learn stories about Piopiotahi and Māori culture whilst keeping a look out for local wildlife. Add a final touch of luxury to this day with a stunning scenic 45-minute flight (extra cost).

• Duration: full day
• Start time: 7am
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Soar over the snaking Franz Josef Glacier and get some pretty epic, up-close views of the Southern Alps before dipping down and landing on the snow. You'll step out onto the glacier and take in the landscape as well as capture some envy inducing shots before setting off again for your return journey.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Daily departures
• Operates daily

Good to know
Departures, flight routes and snow landings subject to suitable and safe weather conditions.

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This adventure begins at the Franz Josef Village base, before flying up to the Franz Josef Glacier in the Westland National Park. When you land, the glistening glacier awaits. Pull on your glacier boots and crampons and gear up for an icy adventure you’ll never forget. From eye-widening ice formations and pinnacles to the extraordinary colours of the ice-flow, the expedition itself might be two hours long, but the memories will last a lifetime.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Daily departures 
• Operates year round

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The Franz Josef encounter lets you experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes from a whole new perspective. A scenic helicopter flight over lush rainforest and the rugged West Coast kicks things off in style, before venturing to the icy heart of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere.

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You’ll fly past historic Almer Hut, the Franz Josef Nevé and Centennial Hut, before touching down on the glacier’s dramatic icefall. Take a deep breath in and embrace every spectacular second as you step out onto the ice. The views here are next level, so keep your camera handy if you want to snap some photos, and listen closely as your expert guide shares fascinating stories that bring the glacier’s rich history to life.

• Duration: 1 hour from check-in to the end of the trip
• Daily departures during the summer
• Group experience

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This is the perfect full-day experience for wine lovers as you'll be whisked between boutique wineries throughout the world-famous Marlborough region, You'll meet the vintners as they take you behind the scenes away from the main public areas and learn about the processes of creating wine and what makes their variety special.

At the Saint Clair Winery, a family owned estate, head to Vineyard Kitchen where a lunch platter and some locally made Makana Chocolate will be served.

• Duration: full day
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Depart from Blenheim for this full-day tour which journeys through the renowned Marlborough wine region. Visit wineries and enjoy two fine wine experiences before continuing on through the Marlborough Sounds for a unique seafood cruise. Learn about the local history, visit a marine farm and stop to sample some fresh seafood paired with a glass of sauvignon blanc before your return journey.

• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Every whale watching tour is different. Sperm whales are yearround residents so your chances of spotting one are very high. You can also see dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and albatross year round. Dependent on season you can also spot Humpback whales, Pilot whales, Blue whales and Southern Right whales. There are also opportunities to see orcas as well as the world's smallest and rarest dolphin - the Hector's dolphin.

• Start times: 7.15am, 10am, 10.30am, 12.45pm, 3,30pm
• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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