Emma Knock is a Melbourne-based writer and editor who arrived in Australia from London after a half-a-decade stint in California and Aotearoa. Find her between the stacks at your local bookstore or planning trips over flat whites.
Emma Knock is a Melbourne-based writer and editor who arrived in Australia from London after a half-a-decade stint in California and Aotearoa. Find her between the stacks at your local bookstore or planning trips over flat whites.
Hi, I'm Emma!Emma Knock is a Melbourne-based writer and editor who arrived in Australia from London after a half-a-decade stint in California and Aotearoa. Find her between the stacks at your local bookstore or planning trips over flat whites.
Hi, I'm Emma!Emma Knock is a Melbourne-based writer and editor who arrived in Australia from London after a half-a-decade stint in California and Aotearoa. Find her between the stacks at your local bookstore or planning trips over flat whites.
Sometimes the best adventures are in your own backyard. To help you explore all that’s awesome about New Zealand, our local insiders curated this selection of their favourite things to do in Aotearoa—from Cape Rēinga on the tip of the North Island all the way down to Bluff at the end of the South Island. Just don’t forget to pack your masks and hand sanitiser.
On this full-day tour, experience filming sites like the hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn.
Discover subterranean stalagmites at the Waitomo Caves and see the Government Gardens, Lake Rotorua, and more on this adventurous tour.
With this tour, step off the tourist path and immerse yourself into Māori land, nature, and food. Later, join a Māori family for a meal and learn more about indigenous life and culture.
See the ceremonial waka and visit the new museum that honours the 28th Māori Battalion. A lot's changed since you visited with school—the grounds got a $10 million facelift in 2015.
Enjoy underwater marine life on this shallow water diving tour for experienced divers in Goat Island Marine Reserve which is teeming with snappers, red mokis, and rays.
Journey through the sacred forests of the Māori people during this evening forest walk with an indigenous guide.
Amp up the excitement on this boat tour which reaches high speeds and fishtails into 360-degree spins.
Head to the Waitākere Ranges on this tour and enjoy the black-sand beaches (Piha, Te Henga, Bethells Beach, and Muriwai) and trails like Kitekite Falls and Goldie Bush Walkway.
Help sail an America's Cup yacht on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour—or sit back and watch the crew hard at work while on this boat tour.
Head out on this evening kayak tour and then embark on a summit hike to catch the sunset over Auckland and the Waitakere Ranges.
On this tour, head to Waiheke Island and spend a day drinking local wine and sampling some delicious tastings such as award-winning olive oil, fresh oysters, and artisan cheese.
Skip the walk to Cathedral Cove and choose this tour instead. Arrive by sailboat with bonus stops at Gemstone Bay and Mercury Bay.
Take a private surfing lesson on Ngarunui Beach in Raglan. Pro tip: Fuel up at Rock-it Kitchen, which is halfway between Raglan town and the beach.
Don't just stop at touring filming sites, plan on attending a formal banquet at Hobbiton. Tour the Shire™ at dusk and finish up at The Green Dragon™ Inn for a feast.
See the glowworms of Waitomo Caves in a new light on this tour and also go on a cave tubing adventure.
Rent a mountain bike and hit the trails in Whakarewarewa Forest.
Aboard this boat tour and speed along the mighty Waikato River to the base of Huka Falls.
This audio tour of Tongariro National Park allows you to learn about Mount Ruapehu, Soda Springs, the Emerald Lakes, and the Totara Forest at your own leisure.
Get up close and personal with Lake Taupō; witness the huge Māori rock carving at Mine Bay; marvel at volcanoes; and much more on this multi-day tour.
![Private Tour [3 Days]: Huka Falls, Lake Taupō, Napier, Art Deco, Cape Kidnappers](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-360x240/0b/22/d8/b7.jpg)
Spend the day cycling around the vineyards and countryside, dropping in at wineries and restaurants on the way.
Get hip to the hops at some of Welly’s best craft breweries. Sample a wide selection of brews, meet brewers, learn how beer is made, and more on this refreshing tour.
Skip the ferry and head on this tour instead. Paddle in a waka to Toka Ngawhā (Split Apple Rock) in Abel Tasman National Park and explore the coast in a way you haven't before.
Explore the Marlborough Sounds aboard this working mail boat, the only official New Zealand Post rural water delivery service in the region.
Search the waters around Kaikoura by boat and be on the lookout for sperm whales, dolphins, and seals.
Cross the Instagram-famous Hokitika suspension bridge and explore the surrounding native forest on this day tour.
Ride a horse through a high-country sheep farm just outside of Christchurch. This trek takes you on a riverside trail suitable for the whole family.
Head on this aerial tour and soar above Aoraki/Mt. Cook by ski-plane or helicopter (or both) for unparalleled views of New Zealand’s longest glacier and highest mountain.
Take stargazing to the extremes at a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve and one of the best places in NZ to observe the night sky.
Head on a relatively easy trek and take a dip in the hidden pools you find along the way. See Mt. Aspiring National Park and waterfalls from up close.
Board the Lady of the Lake for this scenic cruise which departs from Queenstown and heads out multiple times throughout the day.
Marvel at the grand rooms and manicured gardens at Larnach Castle in Dunedin and avoid the lines with this ticket.
Get closer to the water with this sea-kayaking trip on Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park.
Hike the highest peak in the southwest on this tour. Standing over 3000 feet (1000 meters) above sea level, the hike to the summit is challenging but rewarding.
