New Zealand · WORKSHOPS
Summer fills these weeks ahead and the best go first. Below: the 15 to lock in before you fly, what each includes and where they differ.
Tour Wētā Workshop in Wellington for 90 minutes of film magic, hands-on props, working artists, costumes, and behind-the-scenes craft.
“We loved this tour. Lots packed in during the 90 minutes, definitely felt like we got value for money.”
Wētā Workshop Unleashed in Auckland brings practical movie effects to life with hands-on sets, creatures, props, and entertaining guides.
“There are jump scares, kids be warned and a section that is a tight squeeze not good if u are claustraphobic.”
Tour Wētā Workshop in Wellington for hands-on movie magic, famous props, artist insights, and a practical look at film craftsmanship.
“A very joyful experience, clearly very passionate people doing what they love and it was great having Mack as our guide!”
Review of Auckland’s Wētā Workshop Unleashed tour, with practical tips on price, hands-on movie magic, family appeal, and what to expect.
“We were in Auckland just for the day. Had visited Weta Wellington a few days earlier so this was icing on the cake! Get tour and smiling faces everywhere. Thank you!”
Review of Wētā Workshop’s Wellington shuttle tour, with film props, practical effects, guides, costs, pickup tips, and honest drawbacks.
“interesting tour and enjoyed seeing some of the processes that go into film making. enjoyed the interactive parts like tin foil modelling.”
Learn to surf at Te Arai Beach with gear, sunscreen, and expert coaching in a small group. See what this Auckland lesson costs and includes.
“We booked four days of private lessons with Maya and couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. She handled different levels with ease — from beginner to intermediate — and was wonderful with our 7-year-old daughter who was just starting. Thanks to her great advice and sharp eye, we all got up and caught waves. Big thanks to Maya!”
Review of Wellington’s Wētā Workshop tour with guided transfers, movie props, Wētā Cave time, pricing, tips, and practical advice.
“easy to take the shuttle and pay a bit more than trying to drive ourselves and park. we did the whole experience and it was wonderful in that understated NZ way. nice small groups too”
Learn to surf at Raglan’s Ngarunui Beach with a small group, patient instructors, gear included, and two hours of practical water time.
“Lesson was a great opportunity to gain confidence surfing for the first time! While I had a lot of fun, I did feel like the teacher to student ratio was a bit high and even when I did ask questions, I didn’t feel like there were enough teachers for the group.”
Create miniature worlds or realistic movie scars at Wētā Workshop Unleashed in Auckland, with expert help, materials, and a creativity certificate.
“Fantastic tour, very informative. Very knowledgeable guide. Very impressed with Weta group and their achievements, some very clever and imaginative people. Only down side is that the shop was not open at the end of the tour.”
Learn to surf at Muriwai Beach near Auckland with a qualified instructor, small groups, full equipment, and beginner-friendly support.
“It’s like riding a bicycle. People can only show you how. You need to figure it out”
Review of Milford Sound Business Class from Queenstown, with luxury Mercedes transport, Sinbad cruise, gourmet lunch, scenic stops, and value tips.
“Business Class is the best way to do Milford Sound hands down. It really is an exceptional experience, we lived it! We had a well appointed brand new purpose built Mercedes van with glass roof, which was lovely, blankets, pillows and a claRead more”
Sweet Axe Wellington offers a friendly one-hour axe lesson and tournament with coaching, games, and free access to pool and table tennis.
“Axe throwing was the first stop on a Stag Do. Adam and Charlotte were fantastic teachers and hosts - there were 19 of us, but they ensured the whole session was engaging and fun for everyone, even when not actively throwing. Some of oRead more”
Learn to surf at Mount Maunganui Beach with patient coaches, small groups, free equipment, and gentle beginner-friendly waves.
“Bailey was awesome, he helped me out throughout the whole process to catch my first waves while giving pointers along the way! Will be back again tomorrow”
Shape New Zealand clay on the wheel at Driving Creek Pottery in Coromandel, with expert help, small groups, and optional glazing and delivery.
“Really great experience as a first timer. Beth was super supportive and patient with us, whilst also giving us the space to create.”
Learn mountain biking in Queenstown with a private four-hour lesson at 7 Mile Bike Park, including coaching, transport, and a full-suspension bike.
“Whole experience was great. It was my first time mountain biking and James was incredibly knowledgeable in all the mechanics / lessons and could explain them in different ways to make sure I had the best understanding possible. Would definitely recommend for anyone remotely interested in mountain biking.”
Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.
