Sanctuary Mountain Explorer Pass

Taking a private photography tour allows you to choose an itinerary which best suits your schedule, photographic interests and physical capabilities. Imagine the uniqueness of exploring the South Island by helicopter, photographing in locations only a privileged few ever see. Maybe even trek along remote New Zealand tracks, many of which are unknown by visitors, taking you from secret valleys to mountain wildernesses. Whether you are looking for a trip just for yourself, or have a group to organise an expedition for, we would love to help you get the most out of your photography in New Zealand. To learn more please click on the link.

Real Native offers an immersive, self-guided farm and forest hiking adventure through pristine South Waikato landscapes adjacent to the Pureora Forest Park. Explore lush rainforest, giant podicarp forests, hidden waterfalls and the striking Buried River as you hike through a private working farm rich with birdlife and history. With a thoughtfully prepared menu's, bespoke adventurers lodgings, Real Native is an unforgettable, soul-nourishing New Zealand experience for couples or groups up to 10.

Your guided tour starts at the Shire’s Rest on a Hobbiton tour bus with a drive through New Zealand's picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai ranges. Take a look at Bag End, where Frodo & Bilbo’s adventures began. Walk into the real-world landscape on a walking tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and listen to the haunting echoes of the past at the Buried Village of Te Wairoa, one of the most visited archaeological site where stories of the 1886 Mt. Tarawera volcanic eruption come to life and telling tales of the 8th Wonder of the World, the Pink & White Terraces including a café style lunch along the way. Visit the mesmerizing natural Te Wairoa (Wairere Falls), plunging to the valley along our waterfalls.

Discover New Zealand the local way with a Japanese-speaking driver and guide on this exclusive private day tour. Explore the lush green hills, 44 Hobbit holes, and the Green Dragon Inn at the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set (approx. 2.5 hours). Then, journey underground to witness millions of glowing glowworms lighting up a magical subterranean river by boat at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves (approx. 1 hour). Includes comfortable private transport and flexible departures from Auckland or Thames.

This leisurely paced tour takes place in striking pest-free native forest dominated by towering tawa, rewarewa, pukatea, rimu and a wide variety of characteristic ferns. You will stand at the foot of a mature northern rata in the heart of the sanctuary and see the coalesced mass of roots that form the trunks of these magnificent trees. You’ll listen to the birdsong, take in the majesty of our indigenous forest and try to spot the numerous bird species that call the maunga their home. Spend time in the clearing where cheeky New Zealand forest parrots - the kākā - like to hang out then take an optional walk up the viewing tower for a unique perspective of the forest canopy from above.

Walk into the real-world landscape on a walking tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, and continue visiting the mighty Whakarewarewa Valley, for a truly culture rich experience, the home to a living Māori village and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute including a Hangi Pie Meal. Set amongst a highly active landscape erupting with geothermal activity where you can experience bubbling mud pools and the 30m-tall Pōhutu Geyser, which erupts many times daily. Explore an authentic living Māori village where people live on a daily basis, using natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe and heat their homes as they have for centuries. Enjoy a Hangi Pie Meal cooked in our hot pool topped with rich homemade gravy.