Tours: ISME20

Welcome to New Zealand, are you ready to explore?

Wednesday, 19 August 2026 has been intentionally set aside as a free day during the symposium, giving you the opportunity to make the most of your time in Aotearoa. Whether you’re looking to discover iconic landscapes or experience the local culture, this is your chance to explore.

We’ve curated a selection of must-do tours in the region, all designed to be enjoyed within a single day, making it easy to take part and return in time for the symposium programme.

We also encourage you to consider arriving earlier or extending your stay to experience even more of what New Zealand has to offer.

Hobbiton Movie Set Signature Tour

Step into the world of Middle-earth™ on a journey to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, one of New Zealand’s most visited attractions. Travel from Auckland through the picturesque Waikato countryside before arriving at Hobbiton, where you can browse the official gift shop and enjoy refreshments at the Shire’s Rest Café.

Your guided tour will take you through the famous movie set, including the Hobbit Holes, The Mill, and the Double Arched Bridge, with plenty of opportunities for photos along the way. Complete your adventure with a complimentary drink at the legendary Green Dragon Inn before returning to Auckland.

Tour Times

First Departure: 6:00 AM | Return: 2:00 PM
Second Departure: 8:00 AM | Return: 4:00 PM

Please note that the tour option above is an additional tour offering and operates separately from the tours previously advertised.

Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo

Combine two of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions in one unforgettable day. Journey into the heart of Middle-earth™ with a guided tour of the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set, exploring the picturesque hobbit holes, gardens, and movie locations before enjoying a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Continue to the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you'll discover stunning limestone formations and glide through the underground river beneath thousands of twinkling glowworms. Return Auckland CBD transfers, water, and snacks are included for a seamless day of adventure.

Tour Times

Option 1: 6:00 AM departure | 6:00 PM return
Option 2: 7:30 AM departure | 7:30 PM return

Please note that the tour option above is an additional tour offering and operates separately from the tours previously advertised.

Waitomo & Rotorua Tour

Experience two of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions in one day. Journey from Auckland to the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you’ll explore the underground grotto and glide beneath thousands of sparkling glowworms. Continue to Rotorua’s renowned Te Puia Geothermal Park to discover bubbling mud pools, the impressive Pohutu Geyser, Māori culture, native wildlife, and the National Wood Carving School before returning to Auckland.

Tour Times

Departure: 6:00 AM
Return: 6:00 PM

Please note that the tour option above is an additional tour offering and operates separately from the tours previously advertised.

Tiritiri Matangi Island - Scenic Cruise to Island Sanctuary

Experience one of New Zealand’s most special conservation success stories with a visit to Tiritiri Matangi Island, a remarkable open sanctuary just off Auckland’s coast. Cruise across the stunning Hauraki Gulf to a pest-free haven where native wildlife thrives, including rare and endangered bird species found nowhere else in such abundance.

Explore at your own pace along regenerating forest trails, dramatic coastal tracks, and quiet beaches, or enhance your visit with an optional guided walking tour (additional cost applies), where an expert will help you spot wildlife and share insights into the island’s remarkable restoration.
This uniquely New Zealand experience offers international visitors a rare opportunity to connect with the country’s natural heritage and witness world-leading conservation in action.

America's Cup Sailing Experience

Guided sailing experience on Auckland’s iconic Waitematā Harbour - one of the world’s most renowned sailing destinations and home of the America’s Cup. Step aboard an authentic race yacht and join a professional crew, with the opportunity to actively participate by steering, trimming sails, or working the grinders, or simply relax and take in the spectacular city skyline from the water.

This uniquely Auckland experience combines hands-on adventure with expert commentary, offering an unforgettable introduction to New Zealand’s proud sailing heritage.

Waiheke Island - Wine Tour

Escape to Waiheke Island with a scenic ferry journey departing from Auckland Ferry Wharf and enjoy a private, guided exploration of this renowned wine destination.

Discover breathtaking coastal views, local history, and island culture as your expert guide brings the landscape to life.

Indulge in tastings at iconic Mudbrick Vineyard, set among beautifully landscaped gardens with sweeping views across the Hauraki Gulf, before heading to Batch Winery — the island’s highest vineyard — for a relaxed, shared-style lunch paired with stunning vistas back to Auckland City.

A perfect blend of fine wine, fresh cuisine, and spectacular scenery, this experience offers an unforgettable taste of Waiheke Island before returning to Auckland in the afternoon.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley Tour -guided by Professor Matthew Stott

Enjoy an immersive journey through Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the world’s youngest geothermal system and one of New Zealand’s most remarkable natural landscapes.

Explore the valley along a network of walking trails suited to all abilities. Along the way, you’ll encounter an incredible variety of geothermal features, including steaming vents, vibrant hot springs, volcanic craters, and diverse native flora and wildlife.
Highlights include the world’s largest hot spring and the striking blue Inferno Crater.

Enhancing your experience, Professor Matthew Stott from the University of Canterbury will accompany the group from Auckland, offering expert insight into the unique geology and ecology of the area.

The trails lead you down to Lake Rotomahana, where you’ll enjoy a 45-minute guided cruise across its tranquil waters. From the boat, you’ll access geothermal features only visible from the lake and observe rare native birdlife. Onboard commentary shares the fascinating stories of the Mount Tarawera eruption, as well as the legendary Pink and White Terraces.

The Full Waimangu Experience allows you to explore every corner of this extraordinary volcanic valley while benefiting from expert guidance in a truly unique setting.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Only

The Hobbiton adventure begins in Auckland, where your guide sets the scene for the day as you journey south toward Matamata. Travel through the scenic Waikato region, known for its rolling farmland and stunning rural landscapes.

On arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, exploring the Shire, visiting hobbit holes, and hearing behind-the-scenes stories from the films, before enjoying a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Afterward, relax on your return to Auckland, with opportunities for scenic stops and photos along the way, completing a memorable and immersive experience.

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves including Lunch Tour

Full-day guided experience departing Auckland, travelling south through the Waikato’s agricultural landscapes. Includes a 2.5-hour guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set, with access to key filming locations and a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Continue via Lake Karapiro and Otorohanga, with a lunch stop included. Additional scenic stops feature opportunities to view local wildlife.

The day concludes with a guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, including a boat ride beneath the glowworms. Return to Auckland with optional scenic stops, depending on timing and conditions.

Waitomo Caves & Rotorua tour including Te Puia Geothermal Park

Full-day guided tour departing Auckland, travelling south through the Waikato region with commentary and scenic stops. Includes a guided experience at Waitomo Glowworm Caves, featuring limestone formations and a boat ride beneath the glowworms. Continue to Rotorua with a stop at Big Bird, followed by a guided visit to Te Puia Geothermal Park, showcasing geothermal activity and Māori cultural experiences.

Concludes with a highlights tour of Rotorua city before returning to Auckland.

Price: $419 per person

Length: 13 Hours

This tour package includes:

Fully guided small group tour from Auckland
Entry to Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a guided tour and boat ride
Visit Te Puia Geothermal Park to see the powerful Pōhutu Geyser in action
Discover Māori traditions, carving and weaving at the National Māori Arts School
Guided Rotorua city highlights tour
Water and snacks
Modern comfortable luxury mini bus with commentary
Return transfers to and from Auckland CBD

Please be aware that while lunch is not provided on this tour, there will be several opportunities for you to purchase food along the way.

ISME Tours Day - Wednesday 19th August