New Zealand · HISTORICAL TOURS

The 15 Best Historical Tours in New Zealand

28 tours  ·  from $12 a head

The 15 best historical tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Auckland: All Blacks Experience Guided Cultural Tour - Seven rooms, one national team
Guided, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland

Auckland: All Blacks Experience Guided Cultural Tour

1.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 rooms covering Māori, Pasifika, and Kiwi culture, All Blacks history, and the meaning of the haka. Walk through a replica player tunnel, try rugby skills in the interactive zone, then browse Auckland’s largest All Blacks shop. Guides such as Reuben, Sam, and Cess are known for adding humour and personal stories.

“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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All Blacks Experience: Interactive Guided Cultural Tour - Inside the replica changing sheds
Guided, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland

All Blacks Experience: Interactive Guided Cultural Tour

2.All Blacks Experience: Interactive Guided Cultural Tour

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

Spend about 90 minutes in Auckland’s CBD learning how rugby and Māori culture shape New Zealand identity. Your guide leads you through All Blacks and Black Ferns history, interactive skills, a replica changing room, the players’ tunnel, and a powerful haka. Guides such as Sam, Tanya, Ben, and Rueben have been praised for making the experience clear and engaging.

“This is something you could do at any time in the day. It’s fun and interactive and the time goes by really quickly. Whether you know something about Rugby or don’t, you will be enthralled with all of the history that the all blacks share during this experience. dress comfortably so that you can participate in all of the activities. And prepare to shop if you love the All Blacks.”

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Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour - Art, Ceramics, and Objects With a Story
Guided, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Dunedin

Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour

3.Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour

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

Explore Dunedin’s 35-room Olveston Historic Home with a local guide in a group of no more than 15. See original furnishings, Japanese ceramics, Italian paintings, the family Fiat, and Edwardian household details. After the 1-hour guided visit, stroll the one-acre garden and browse locally made gifts.

“The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. We felt relaxed and enjoyed looking at everything and how much things have changed.”

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Skippers Canyon 4WD Heritage half day Tour from Queenstown - Starting in Queenstown and climbing toward the canyon
4WD & Quad Bike Tours, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Queenstown

Skippers Canyon 4WD Heritage half day Tour from Queenstown

4.Skippers Canyon 4WD Heritage half day Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 204 reviews · from $190

Join Nomad Safaris for a four-hour small-group 4WD trip from Queenstown into Skippers Canyon. Your guide handles the narrow road while you take in Wakatipu Basin views, visit the old Skippers township, cross the suspension bridge, enjoy tea and snacks, and pan for gold at Deep Creek. Guides such as Jenny, Peter, and Giv are praised for their driving and local stories.

“We had a great time views were sensational our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable stopped at all the best photo opportunities”

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Scenic Cruise & Guided Walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau - Cruising toward South Fiord
Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, Historical Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Te Anau, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Te Anau

Scenic Cruise & Guided Walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau

5.Scenic Cruise & Guided Walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 165 reviews · from $102

Spend about three hours aboard the historic motor yacht Faith with a small crew and no more than 16 passengers. Cruise Lake Te Anau toward South Fiord, enjoy afternoon tea, then take a guided walk through Fiordland National Park to a mirror-like lake. Guides such as Adam, Megan, Ginnie, and Jackie add local stories, plant knowledge, and yacht history.

“The day was perfect - clear and sunny skies, the water was fairly smooth, the boat ride was relaxing and a little breezy! Paul and Jackie were a blast! Jackie’s commentary along the hike was great! Funny and she pointed out fun tips of plantsRead more”

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Skip the Line:WWI & WWII Combo Exhibitions at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre - Starting with Knights of the Sky
Historical Tours, Museums, Skip the Line, Tour Reviews, Tours in Blenheim

Skip the Line:WWI & WWII Combo Exhibitions at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

6.Skip the Line:WWI & WWII Combo Exhibitions at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 86 reviews · from $30

Visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim with one mobile ticket covering both WWI and WWII exhibitions. Explore at your own pace, from rare aircraft and New Zealand pilot stories to film-quality dioramas by WingNut Films and Weta Workshop. Allow at least 90 minutes, though aviation fans may stay much longer.

“It is life-like. A truly great experience. Easy to read summaries on each presentation but the best was the WWII skies experience.”

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Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide - Northern Cemetery and the Larnach family connection
City Tours, City Tours in Dunedin, Guided, Historical Tours, Larnach Castle Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Dunedin

Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide

7.Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · from $139

Join historian guide Gregor for a 5 to 6-hour small-group tour through Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. Visit the Northern Cemetery, Baldwin Street, Dunedin Railway Station, Queens Garden, High Street, and Larnach Castle. Lunch at Luna Bar and Restaurant is extra, and pickup from hotels or the cruise port is included.

“Start to finish the best tour ever! Gregor was so accommodating, kind, and knowledgeable. He offered to take us wherever we wanted to go, not knowing we're to go we asked him to lead us on our journey of discovery and he did. A nRead more”

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Skip the Line: Shantytown Heritage Park Experience Ticket - Planning around the three steam-train departures
Historical Tours, Skip the Line, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Greymouth

Skip the Line: Shantytown Heritage Park Experience Ticket

8.Skip the Line: Shantytown Heritage Park Experience Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 59 reviews

Visit Shantytown Heritage Park near Greymouth to explore a recreated 19th-century gold-rush village, ride a steam train through native rainforest, and try gold panning for an extra fee. Mobile and paper tickets are available, with flexible entry rather than a fixed tour schedule.

“Really nice to do Especially the tour with the steam train And the explanations by the staff...Auto-translated”

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Auckland Historic Bar Tour - Tasting local brews, cider, wine, and alcohol-free drinks
Drinking Tours, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Auckland

Auckland Historic Bar Tour

9.Auckland Historic Bar Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · from $30

Join local guide Darcy at 6:30 pm for a three to four-hour walk through Auckland’s historic bar district. Visit five bars around Vulcan Lane, taste local beer, cider, wine, or non-alcoholic mixes, and finish at New Zealand’s first 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!”

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Evening Champagne Cruise on Historic 1935 Motor Yacht. - A 1935 yacht with a story of its own
Cruises & Boat Tours, Historical Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Te Anau

Evening Champagne Cruise on Historic 1935 Motor Yacht.

10.Evening Champagne Cruise on Historic 1935 Motor Yacht.

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

Join Captain Adam and the crew at Te Anau’s historic wharf for a 90-minute evening cruise aboard Faith, a beautifully preserved 1935 Scottish motor yacht. Sip champagne, enjoy canapés, hear the boat’s story, help with steering or sails, and pause in a sheltered cove as the light fades over Lake Te Anau.

“Really nice way to spend an evening on a history rich boat with a lovely couple as guides and nice guests. Drinks and canepes were great although no vegetarian option from what I could see. It was really good with the low numbers on board rather than a busy cruise on a larger boat. This too me and my wife had been one of our journey highlights so far. Highly recommended.”

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Heritage Dunedin City Walking Guided Tour - Josephine and the story at Toitu Otago Settlers Museum
City Tours, City Tours in Dunedin, Guided, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Dunedin, Walking Tours

Heritage Dunedin City Walking Guided Tour

11.Heritage Dunedin City Walking Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 48 reviews · from $40

Walk central Dunedin with local guides Gregor or Lolene, tracing Scottish settlement, Māori relations, grand Victorian buildings, tragic scandals, and the city’s oldest pub. The 1.5 to 2-hour route includes the Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, Queens Garden, Princes Street, and Speight’s Brewery. Expect an easy city walk with one hill.

“Gregor shared so many fascinating stories of early Dunedin. He brought the city and its residents to life (and death). The tour was perfect for my grandson (19) and me (70). We were so happy to have chosen this walking tour.”

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Private Guided Tour of Dunedin City Heritage and Unique Wildlife and Scenery - Baldwin Street and Signal Hill: quick views with a local frame
City Tours, City Tours in Dunedin, Guided, Historical Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Dunedin, Wildlife, Wildlife in Dunedin

Private Guided Tour of Dunedin City Heritage and Unique Wildlife and Scenery

12.Private Guided Tour of Dunedin City Heritage and Unique Wildlife and Scenery

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews

Explore Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula in a private vehicle with guides such as Asta, John, Heike, Julie, or Staffan. See Baldwin Street, the railway station, Larnach Castle, and peninsula scenery, then choose extra visits to albatross, penguin, or historic-home attractions. Hotel and Port Chalmers pickup are included.

“Staffan was an excellent tour guide, he was very knowledgeable and was incredibly accommodating for our needs, we had a fantastic day.”

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Blenheim: Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre Admission Ticket - Starting with Knights of the Sky and the Great War
Historical Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Blenheim

Blenheim: Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre Admission Ticket

13.Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 31 reviews · 1 day · from $14Best value

Visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre near Blenheim for one or both exhibitions. See Sir Peter Jackson’s WWI aircraft collection, dramatic WingNut Films sets, rare wartime objects, a De Havilland Mosquito, and a Griffon-powered Spitfire. Admission lasts one day, with English-speaking staff and wheelchair access.

“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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Skip the Line: Dangerous Skies WWII Exhibition - Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre - The Night Witches and the people behind the planes
Historical Tours, Museums, Skip the Line, Tour Reviews, Tours in Blenheim

Skip the Line: Dangerous Skies WWII Exhibition – Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

14.Skip the Line: Dangerous Skies WWII Exhibition – Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 25 reviews · from $15

At Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim, you’ll see restored World War II aircraft, learn about Russia’s Night Witches, and enter a multimedia Battle of Stalingrad display. Allow at least 45 minutes, or up to several hours if you take your time. Guided commentary is available on request, and a self-guided visit works well.

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

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Shore Excursion to Historic Kerikeri including Lunch - Kerikeri Mission Station and the Stone Store
Historical Tours, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Paihia

Shore Excursion To Historic Kerikeri Including Lunch

15.Shore Excursion To Historic Kerikeri Including Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 21 reviews · from $130

From Waitangi Wharf, this 3 to 4-hour minivan tour visits Kerikeri Mission Station, Makana Chocolate Boutique, Rainbow Falls, and the Plough & Feather pub. Guides such as Ken, Derek, Bill, and Graham have led past departures. Expect a compact mix of Māori and European history, scenery, chocolate, and lunch, with pickup included.

“Great small-group tour covering a mixture of culture, history, scenery - and a nice lunch with local beer!”

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New in Historical Tours

★ 5.0Bullswool Heritage Farm General Entry TicketFrom $116 reviews
★ 5.0Hawke’s Bay Historic Wineries Tour – Featuring NZ oldest WineryFrom $1353 reviews
★ 5.06-Day South Island Southern Heritage Tour from ChristchurchFrom $1,4493 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Omaka Aviation Heritage Center and Wine Tasting TourFrom $1703 reviews
★ 4.5Devonport Food & History Walking Tour: Taste and ExploreFrom $1287 reviews
★ 4.3Tour of the Bay, Te Puna Sculpture Park and Historic VillageFrom $773 reviews
★ 4.9Shore Excursion to Historic Kerikeri including LunchFrom $1256 reviews

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Hobbiton Movie Set Tours123Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours110Maori Cultural Experiences86Larnach Castle Tours30Train Experiences52
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Two islands, end to end

Pick a coast, a summit or a cellar door.

The set pieces

HobbitonGlowworm CavesMaori EveningsLarnach CastleRail Journeys

On the water

Milford CruisesHole in the RockSea KayakingWhale WatchingSailing Days

In the air

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Slow days

Cellar DoorsFood WalksHot SpringsWildlife ToursCycle Trails