Scenic FreeChoice Activities and Dining
Our award-winning Scenic FreeChoice activities offer you the freedom to choose from an incredible range of included excursions. Why not take a relaxing garden or winery tour, sail an authentic America’s Cup yacht or visit the famous Yellow-eyed Penguins in their natural environment? There are many options to choose from, and they’re all included in the price of your holiday.
Click on the links below for more details on our fabulous range of Scenic FreeChoice activities.
At 328 metres this is the tallest tower in the southern hemisphere and taller than the Eiffel Tower. Take the glass-fronted elevator to the observation deck for breathtaking views of the Waitemata Harbour and Auckland city.
Relaxed Pace
Plunge under Auckland’s waterfront to discover spectacular secrets of the Southern Ocean and see the magic of an Antarctic fantasy land.
Relaxed Pace
Discover Auckland with this morning sightseeing tour. Visit the major sights of the city including Westhaven Marina, the Harbour Bridge, Viaduct Harbour, Mount Eden and Parnell Village.
Relaxed Pace
Enjoy a scenic cruise to Waiheke Island for a tour of the island’s history and culture. You’ll see stunning coastal vistas, beautiful hillside vineyards, and sweeping sandy beaches.
Relaxed Pace
Cruise Auckland’s beautiful harbour. See harbour highlights including historic Devonport, the Harbour Bridge and the best views of ’The City of Sails’. Cruise includes a return ticket to Devonport.
Relaxed Pace
First visit the Waitakere Ranges for breathtaking views, followed by a walk in the lush rainforest, then unwind by a cascading waterfall (or swim). Finish the day with a stroll along the wild black sand beaches of the west coast.
Moderate Pace
An opportunity to be part of the crew and experience the thrill of sailing on an authentic America’s Cup yacht. Guests can join in or sit back and enjoy the action as you sail down the Auckland Harbour.
Active Pace
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An opportunity to be part of the crew and experience the thrill of sailing on an authentic America’s Cup yacht. Guests can join in or sit back and enjoy the action as you sail down the Auckland Harbour.
Active Pace
It’s the best sheep show in New Zealand. With 19 champion rams, shearing demonstrations, working dogs, a sheep auction, lamb feeding, a dog trial and more. After the show, wander through the woollen mill.
Relaxed Pace
Visit Te Wairoa Village, buried in 1848 by the unexpected eruption of Mount Tarawera. This devastation is revealed through site excavations and displays. Some small dwellings still remain beneath the heavy mud and ash.
Relaxed Pace
Discover the essence of Rotorua. See amazing displays, interactive exhibits, local history and treasures and delve into the great stories and legends that have shaped this fascinating region.
Relaxed Pace
See the native bush and plants that grow and flower all around as you wander through the pathways at Rainbow Springs Nature Park. See live kiwi foraging for food in a closely simulated natural environment.
Relaxed Pace
Want some heart pounding thrills? Pair up and negotiate a challenging trail set amongst beautiful native rainforest. Conquer your fear as you slowly manoeuvre your 4WD through a series of challenges. Not for the faint hearted!
Active Pace
Climb aboard the amphibious landing craft for a sightseeing tour of Rotorua by land and water. Explore the city highlights before heading out to the spectacular lakes for the ’splashdown’ into Blue Lake and the Okareka.
Moderate Pace
The Polynesian Day Spa hot mineral springs overlooks Sulphur Bay on Lake Rotorua. Take the time to pamper yourself and de-stress with a soak in the natural therapeutic waters. The perfect place to indulge in a hot mineral spa.
Relaxed Pace
Tour the Te Puia Thermal Reserve, the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and see the mud pools, thermal valley and the Pohutu Geyser shooting boiling water up to 30 metres into the air.
Relaxed Pace |
CAPE REINGA TOURJourney to the top of New Zealand, wander out to the lighthouse, thunder along 90 Mile Beach in a 4WD coach, take a swim, stroll the guided boardwalk through the Puketi Kauri Forest and visit Mangonui village.
Moderate Pace
SAIL ’ON THE EDGE’’On the Edge’ is New Zealand’s fastest commercial sailing catamaran. Full day sail includes: Hole in the Rock, island stopover with activities and a traditional Kiwi BBQ lunch.
Active Pace
GOLF AT WAITANGI GOLF CLUBAll inclusive golf at Waitangi Golf Course. The panoramic sea views are a striking feature of the course and any poor shots are more than compensated for by the views.
Active Pace
A PERFECT DAYVisit the Poor Knight Islands and explore the world’s largest sea cave. You might even catch a glimpse of dolphins, whales, seals and orca! Paddle in kayaks or relax on deck. Includes lunch.
Relaxed Pace
BAY FISHINGA half day of snapper fishing within the Bay of Islands. The Northland area is renowned for its beautiful coastline scenery and marine environment. Sit back and enjoy the views while you’re waiting for a tug on your line.
Active Pace
SWIM WITH DOLPHINSThe Bay of Islands is blessed to have the presence of dolphins all year round. Get right up close to watch the dolphins’ antics, get fantastic photos and, weather permitting, go swimming with them.
Active Pace
RUSSELL MINI TOUR & POMPALLIER
Cruise to historic Russell and see beautiful old buildings, museums, craft shops and magnificent beaches. Visit Pompallier, built for mission Maori and cared for by the Historic Places Trust.
Relaxed Pace
DARRYL’S LUNCH CRUISEJoin us as we cruise the calm inland waterways of Opua and Okiato. Relax onboard with our friendly crew and sociable atmosphere. The menu provides a distinctive New Zealand flavour served whilst you enjoy the view.
Relaxed Pace |
LARNACH CASTLE & GARDEN TOURNew Zealand’s only castle, built in 1871. This superbly crafted building showcases a unique collection of New Zealand antiques. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle and the surrounding gardens. Includes lunch.
Relaxed Pace
OROKONUI ECOSANCTUARYVisit the Orokonui Ecosanctuary to see the wildlife on a guided tour of this fantastic forest restoration project in progress.
Moderate Pace
SPEIGHT’S BREWERY & ALEHOUSEYou will be introduced to the history and development of beer in New Zealand and the origins of Speight’s Brewery. After your tour enjoy a hearty two course lunch at the Alehouse.
Relaxed Pace
YELLOW-EYED PENGUINS & ALBATROSSVisit the famous Yellow-eyed penguins and albatross living in their natural environment. Located on the Otago Peninsula, this reserve is a private conservation area.
Moderate Pace
*Scenic FreeChoice inclusions in Dunedin are only available on the Grand New Zealand Rail tour. |
WORLD OF WEARABLE ARTS & COLLECTABLE CARSThe World of Wearable Arts gallery showcases garments from its historic collection. Lighting, sound, movement and theatre combine to create a truly unique gallery experience.
Relaxed Pace
’EXPLORE THE PLAINS’ WINE TOURSavour a variety of wines and gourmet goodies while travelling through one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine making regions. Tour visits five vineyards and includes all wine tastings.
Relaxed Pace
NELSON CITY WALKING TOUREnjoy a guided walking tour of Nelson. See great views of the city and districts. Walk along the Maitai Riverbanks and walkways to the Refinery Gallery. Stop with time for morning tea at a café on the Maitai River.
Moderate Pace |
INDULGENCE TREATMENTAre you ready to help your body feel like it’s on holiday too? Try a half hour relaxation massage to loosen those neck and back muscles. Or try the foot revival, designed to bring your feet back to life. Relax and rejuvenate.
Relaxed Pace
MOUNT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK & ROUTEBURN VALLEYTwo hours of walking to Lake Sylvan located in the lower Routeburn Valley. Enjoy vistas of Mount Earnslaw on your way to the lake, nestled amongst the stunning native beech forest.
Moderate Pace
BOUTIQUE WINERIES TOURFirst time tasters or wine connoisseurs, this is an in-depth introduction to two of Queenstown’s award winning wineries. Includes wine tastings, lunch with a glass of wine and cheese tasting.
Moderate Pace
GARDEN TOURA unique opportunity to visit some of New Zealand’s most beautiful residential gardens, personally escorted by each homeowner. Includes a delicious Devonshire tea in a delightful garden setting.
Relaxed Pace
SHOTOVER JET ADVENTUREAs the accelerator hits the floor, your adrenaline hits the roof as you power through the Shotover River and deep into the canyons! It’s an amazing ride, as your driver skillfully whips past rocky outcrops.
Active Pace
SAFARI OF THE SCENES - LORD OF THE RINGSEnjoy this 4WD tour into the heart of the New Zealand high country. Get a spectacular look at the diversity of the scenery based around several of the specific sites where filming took place.
Active Pace
SKIPPERS CANYONThis tour offers some of the most spectacular remote mountain scenery experiences available. Skippers Canyon was a buzz of goldmining activity from the late 1860’s until early 1900’s. Includes refreshments.
Moderate Pace |
VILLAGE AND BAYS TOURExplore Oban and the surrounding bays by modern mini-bus. Guides enjoy sharing their local knowledge of the history and environment of Stewart Island.
Relaxed Pace
UNDERWATER EXPLORER CRUISEEnjoy superb underwater viewing from a semi-submersible as you cruise in sheltered Halfmoon Bay. Your nature guide will point out the various species seen.
Relaxed Pace
PATERSON INLET CRUISEDiscover Stewart Island from the water, cruise the beautiful Paterson Inlet and visit Ulva Island – an internationally acclaimed open wildlife sanctuary.
Active Pace |
AVON RIVER PUNTINGSit back and relax in a custom-built beautifully upholstered punt as your boatman guides you through the scenic Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park. Enjoy the tranquillity and calm which is uniquely Christchurch.
Relaxed Pace
CITY LOOP TRAM RIDEThis beautifully restored heritage tram follows an inner city route providing an entertaining and informative tour of the most interesting and historic city sights. Choose to hop on and off as you like to explore the city further.
Relaxed Pace
INTERNATIONAL ANTARCTIC CENTREVisit the Antarctic Centre and climb aboard a genuine Antarctic all-terrain vehicle and experience simulations of the same travelling conditions as those on the icepack!
Relaxed Pace
GUIDED BICYCLE TOURAn easy-paced two hour bike tour of Christchurch. You will see a variety of attractions including historical buildings, beautiful parks and gardens, restaurants and a forest walk. A completely flat ride.
Moderate Pace
CATERPILLAR BOTANICAL GARDEN TOURDiscover Christchurch’s impressive city centre Botanic Gardens with its collection of exotic plants on a guided electric shuttle tour of this city oasis centre.
Relaxed Pace |
Dining is a wonderful experience when taking a holiday with Scenic Tours. From wine tasting and private dining in a Hawkes Bay winery to a relaxing dinner cruise along the Waitangi River… most of your dinners are included and in some destinations you can enjoy the freedom of Scenic FreeChoice Dining and choose your own dining experience.
Click on the links below for more details on our fabulous Scenic FreeChoice dining options
TAMAKI VILLAGE HANGI & CULTURAL SHOWVisit the award winning Tamaki Village for a Maori cultural show before enjoying dinner cooked in a traditional Hangi or earth oven.
LOCAL RESTAURANTEnjoy fresh New Zealand cuisine cooked on a stonegrill at a fine local restaurant.
ATLAS CAFÉDinner at the Novotel’s Atlas Café, a modern restaurant serving great food in a relaxing intimate atmosphere. |
SOUND & LIGHT SHOWEnjoy a sumptuous dinner at the Copthorne’s Waitangi restaurant before watching the Sound and Light show set in the meeting house at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds next to the hotel.
SUGAR BOAT DINNERHave dinner in the hold of the Sugar Boat which has been turned into a stylish restaurant. You will be served a Mediterranean dinner made with fresh New Zealand produce.
WAITANGI RIVER CRUISETake a scenic dinner cruise down the Waitangi River aboard the Ratanui. Enjoy the scenery before arriving at Haruru Falls
where dinner is served. |
TSS EARNSLAW & WALTER PEAK STATIONRelive the elegance of bygone days with a cruise aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, followed by a carvery style buffet dinner at Walter Peak High Country Station.
SKYLINE RESTAURANTEnjoy spectacular views over Queenstown and Lake Wakitipu on your gondola ride up to Skyline Restaurant. Enjoy the ‘Taste of New Zealand’ buffet and feast on seafood, salads, roast meats and delicious desserts.
LOMBARDI’S RESTAURANTOffering a-la-carte dining with an Italian and New Zealand influence, Lombardi’s Restaurant is the perfect way to end the day, with outstanding cuisine to match the spectacular view overlooking LakeWakatipu. |