The Shire Reckoning

New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Attraction, presenting Te Pā Tū. Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pā Tū shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the Maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.

Embark on a three-hour adventure through the native New Zealand forest. Journey through the beautiful forest canopy via an incredible network of trails, tree platforms, Ziplines and swing bridges. See breathtaking views of the woodland valleys and hills as you fly through tight openings in the trees. In between the thrill of the ziplines and suspended tree bridges, your guides will share their passion and knowledge for the forest and the conservation challenges to preserve it. It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information see here.

Your coach journey from Rotorua to Wellington takes you via the township of Taupō and New Zealand’s largest lake. The lake is a gigantic volcanic caldera formed during one of the world’s largest-ever eruptions. Skirting Tongariro National Park, one of New Zealand’s three world heritage sites and clouds permitting you can see the 2,500-metre peak of the still volcanically active Mt. Ruapehu. You might recognize the symmetrical shape of Mt. Ngauruhoe as this was used as the scenery of Mt. Doom in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Heading south you pass through the rural towns of Taihape, Mangaweka and Bulls before arriving on the Kapiti Coast, with its coastal seaside towns of Paraparaumu, Paekakariki and Plimmerton. The Kapiti Coast leads into Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. Wellington sits on a wonderful deep natural harbour, surrounded by bush-clad hills. The city centre is compact (only around 1 square kilometre), so exploring on foot is relatively easy. From your city centre accommodation, you can easily stroll to the cafes and restaurants around Courtenay Place and explore New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa.

Journey on an unforgettable LOTR adventure. Leaving Wellington, you will first head for the hills, admiring views from Mt Victoria before visiting Hobbit’s Hideaway in the 'Outer Shire'. Next, immerse yourself at the Weta Cave in Miramar. Tour the museum, shop, and capture photos with iconic movie props. Experience the fascinating 'Weta Workshop Experience', going behind-the-scenes to see props and weaponry, with artists describing their creations. After a magical cinematic journey, you enjoy a delicious local lunch, and then venture north into the Hutt Valley, following the path of the 'River Anduin' to discover the sights of 'Helms Deep' and the 'Gardens of Isengard.' Conclude your adventure at 'Rivendell and the Legolas tree' before returning to Wellywood, enriched by the magic of Middle-earth.

Well-known as New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital’, Queenstown is home to a range of adventures, from the world’s first and most famous bungy jumps to jet boat thrills, white-water rafting, and skydiving. However, Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced, action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by many historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders. Take a stroll through the beautiful lakefront parks and gardens, browse through market stalls on weekends, dine in wonderful al-fresco restaurants, or ride on the 100-year-old historic Steamship - TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station. Take the Queenstown Gondola up to Bob’s Peak and soak up the panoramic views of the magnificent lake and mountain ranges. And after all of that, if you do want the adrenaline rush, Queenstown is known for taking your pick from the Shotover Jet, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge, or Heli-hike.

Departing from Queenstown sit back and relax aboard a luxury glass-roofed coach to enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. The coach driver provides an informative commentary and plenty of photo opportunities. After a morning tea break in Te Anau, the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road. On reaching Piopiotahi-Milford Sound, board your vessel for a leisurely cruise in the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and wildlife. Rain or shine, every day in Piopiotahi-Milford Sound will leave you in awe. It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information, see here.

Queenstown is well known for its adventure sports and activities but it also a great network of walking tracks and trails to suit all abilities and time frames. The department of conservation office located on Shotover Street can offer local advice on the conditions of walking tracks. Some of the more popular walks are listed below. Queenstown Hill - around 3 hours return (4 kilometres). Gravel path and then trail. A 500 metre climb through pine forest to the summit of Te Tapu-nui (mountain of intense sacredness). The climb is well rewarded with 360 degree views of Remarkables Mountain Range, the Kawarau River, Cecil Peak, and of course Lake Wakatipu. The track starts on Belfast Terrace which is just 1 km from the city centre. Ben Lomond - around 2 hours (4 1/2 kms return). Take the Skyline Gondola ride to the terminal and the track is signposted from here. This is quite a steep climb and not recommended for children. Also take note of weather forecasts as the summit sits at 1748 metres. The effort is rewarded with spectacular views and on clear days you can see Mt Earnslaw and Mt Aspiring. Bobs Cove - 20 minutes of easy lakeshore walks. Bobs Cove is 14 kilometres from Queenstown along the Glenorchy Road. Take the drive along the road and Bobs Cove is signposted.

The Queenstown Gardens are just a few minutes walk from central Queenstown and offer a beautiful and tranquil setting away from the hustle and bustle. The landscaped gardens include plenty of places to sit down and admire the beauty of the gardens. Pristine lawns, a large water feature, a wide variety of trees and plants, a rose garden and a couple of significant memorials all combine to provide that perfect escape from downtown Queenstown. The gardens are a popular place to bring a picnic, relax with friends and family and enjoy the views of Lake Wakatipu. The most visible tree is the Douglas Fir which provides a protective cover around the gardens and seclusion from the lively downtown area of Queenstown. For a bit of fun, the gardens feature an 18-hole disc golf course, inviting you to complete a round using your disc. Metal baskets serve as the holes, with designated pars and tees adding to the challenge. Frisbees are readily available for purchase at most outdoor shops in the town centre.

A thrilling Lord of the Rings Queenstown Safari, combining breathtaking filming locations with exhilarating 4WD action. Discover the magic of Middle-earth as expert guides bring Tolkien’s world to life with fascinating facts and tales. Visit iconic sites like the Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), and more. Travel along a historic gold mining road, try your hand at gold panning, and soak in spectacular panoramic views of Queenstown’s stunning landscapes. A must for any Lord of the Rings fan and adventure seeker!

This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with magnificent views of the famous Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier. The ultimate way to get from Queenstown to Christchurch. Led by famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.