The 8 Best New Zealand Garden Tours

1.Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 279 reviews · from $29Our pick

Visit Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula with flexible admission from $29.79. Use the written castle and native plant guides to explore restored rooms, gardens, and the rooftop lookout at your own pace. Allow two to four hours, and plan transport carefully because the castle is about 20 minutes from central Dunedin.

“The castle is a beautiful display of history and one family’s efforts to keep the history alive. The story of the original builders/owners efforts to bring beautiful and opulent living to an unstructured land was remarkable.”

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2.Garden and City tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 197 reviews · from $37

From Port Chalmers, you’ll explore Dunedin by air-conditioned bus with local commentary and stops at Signal Hill, Baldwin Street, the Botanic Garden, the Railway Station, the Octagon, and Toitū Otago Settlers Museum. Guides such as Craig, Damon, Andrew, Rob, and Pam lead the tour, which runs about four to five hours and allows time to explore on foot.

“Some walking involved. Nice comfortable vehicle. Christchurch is amazing considering what has gone through”

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3.Explore gardens & galleries filled with incredible art, Matakana

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 186 reviews · from $40Top rated

Visit Sculptureum in rural Matakana for three sculpture gardens and six indoor galleries spread across 1.4 km of flat paths. You can see more than 800 local and international works, including glass art, bronze figures, giant animals, and unusual garden pieces. Allow 90 minutes to two hours, then stop for coffee, food, or on-site wine.

“The artwork and glass art inside the building is fabulous. The gardens and the sculptures are beautiful. The driftwood sculptures of the horses and the whale are amazing. The bronze sculptures were just lovely. I loved the boy pushing the girl on the swing. The sculpture of the boy holding the dolphin is apparently an early work by Leonardo Da Vinci and is quite stunning.”

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4.Dunedin: Larnach Castle & Gardens Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 36 reviews · 1 day · from $28Best value

Visit Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle, on a self-guided day ticket. Read about William Larnach and the Barker family restoration, climb the historic tower for 360-degree views, explore seven acres of gardens, and pause at the Ballroom Cafe. Bring your own transport, as the castle is 20 to 25 minutes from central Dunedin.

“Despite the inclement weather we had an enjoyable time learning all about the castle and exploring the gardens. The turret room was fabulous. Afternoon tea in the grand hall with three open fires all lit was very cheerful on a damp cloudy day. Many thanks.”

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5.Hobbiton Movie Set and Hamilton Gardens Small Group-from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $217

Travel from Auckland to Hobbiton and Hamilton Gardens in a small group of up to 11. Your day includes guided Hobbiton entry, 90 minutes at the themed gardens, a Lake Karapiro stop, WiFi, water, and Auckland CBD pickup. Guides such as Huzefa and Yam add local stories and film background along the way.

“Our driver was really friendly, fun and informative on the drive to and from Hobbiton. Water and snacks were provided and we stopped for a coffee break on the way. Would recommend and use again”

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6.Hobbiton & Hamilton Gardens Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 10 reviews · 9 hours · from $209

Travel from central Auckland to Hamilton Gardens and Hobbiton in a small group, with hotel pickup, snacks, Wi-Fi, and charging ports. Explore Hamilton Gardens at your own pace, then join a 2.5-hour guided Hobbiton tour with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Guides such as Joe and Husefa have led this English-language experience.

“Joe was a great tour guide. The van was very comfortable. Hobbiton was fantastic, not to be missed even if you’re not a movie geek. Every group of 40 or so are spaced out over time so you get a chance to see everything up close and take pictures. So many photo ops! Hamilton gardens are beautiful and interestingly designed. Each element is walled off with hedges so the experience is encapsulated. Wandering on your own gives you a great chance to explore each crated space.”

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7.Dunedin: Peninsula with Lanarch Castle gardens & Olveston

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 6h 30m · from $173

Meet your guide at Port Chalmers for a six-hour tour of Dunedin, including the world’s steepest street, Botanic Garden, Railway Station, Olveston Home, and Otago Peninsula. Asta, Teresa, or Warren may lead the day. The tour includes Olveston and Larnach Castle Gardens, but not the castle interior.

“Very good tour guide! Explains everything well. Stopped for scenic views and photos. Not rushed! We were picked up at cruise terminal. Our tour guide Asta went above and beyond . One couple on our tour forgot their cellphone at Lanarch castle . After dropping us off at the terminal she drove them back to pick up their phone. Exceptional!”

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8.Private 2 Day Tour: Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua Geothermal & Hamilton Gardens

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 5 reviews · from $2,047

You’ll travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle from Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, or Tauranga to Waitomo, Te Puia, Hobbiton, Lake Rotorua, and Hamilton Gardens. Admission, a four-star hotel, WiFi, snacks, bottled water, and a Green Dragon Inn drink are included. The tour can be adjusted to suit your group, though French-language support is not clearly assured.

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