^{Te Ra and his two wives Hine-Takurua and Hine-Raumati.  Stonehenge Aotearoa audio-visual}

Taking a Guided Tour of Stonehenge Aotearoa

Apart from its majestic and mysterious appearance a stone circle has little meaning unless one knows how it works and why people built them eons ago.  The people who built Stonehenge Aotearoa have put together a special presentation that unravels ancient mysteries and takes the visitor on a journey of discovery.  Our tours include tales from antiquity of the solstices and equinoxes and signs of the Zodiac.  You will discover how stones, posts and shadows were used to unlock mysteries of the earth and sky which formed a cornerstone to the rise of civilization.

Allow enough time
A guided tour runs for just over an hour.  Do allow yourself time to check in before the presentation begins. We suggest that you arrive not less than 10 minutes before your tour is scheduled to start.   In addition, it is advisable to allow some free time following your tour.  Visitors often wish to ask questions, take a second look at some of the stone structures, or visit our Stonehenge shop. 

When ?
Stonehenge Guided Tours are available to the public at 11am on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. At other times you may book a private tour - see below. The number of participants on any one tour are limited so bookings are recommended.  

What does it cost?
Adults $16, Senior Citizens (65+) and Students (13-17yrs) $13, Children (pre-teens) $8. Bookings recommended: Phone (06) 377 1600 or book online here.

PRIVATE & GROUP TOURS

may be held on any day at a time by arrangement. The fees per person are the same as those for a public tour:- $16 for adults, $13 for senior citizens (65+) and students (13-17yrs), $8 for children (pre-teens), except that there is a minimum charge of $90 if held within normal opening hours. Thus, if you have 6 adults in your party this will cover the $90 minimum charge. At other times the minimum fee is $200. Phone (06) 377 1600 or book online here.

SPECIAL THEME PROGRAMS FOR PRIVATE TOURS 

In addition to the standard tour, Stonehenge Aotearoa, we can offer private groups the following special programs:

OLD STONEHENGE - Across Europe, Asia and the South Pacific we find mysterious stone circles that pre-date the rise of civilization.  Most famous of these is Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain, England.  Who built Stonehenge and what was its purpose?  The story of old Stonehenge is the central theme of this tour.

WORK OF THE GODS - Before the time of the written word knowledge and information was passed from generation to generation in story form.  In this presentation we explore the Maori stories of the stars, their lore, their meaning and their association with seasonal events.  Discover how the Maori stories of creation and cosmic cycles are interwoven with the stones of Stonehenge Aotearoa.  

Each tour is tailored to the weather conditions. It usually begins in our lecture theatre with an introductory talk on the historical significance of stone circles and the reasons why star-lore formed a cornerstone to the rise of civilization.  This part of the presentation includes an audio-visual.  We then explore the stone circle, listen to tales from antiquity, and discover how stones and shadows can be used to unlock mysteries of the universe.

SUNRISE & SUNSET TOURS

Stonehenge Aotearoa can be magnificent at the time of sunrise or sunset.  These tours include (weather permiting) viewing the sun rise or set over the Henge. Of special interest is the times of the equinoxes and solstices when the sun can be observed to rise or set over one of the heel stones.  At these times we often have a special presentation about the equinox or solstice.  See "Special Events".

Unless otherwise advertised Sunrise and Sunset Tours are only  available by arrangement as private or group bookings.  Allow at least 90 minutes for you visit.  The charge is $16 for adults, $13 for senior citizens (65+) and students (13-17yrs), $8 for children (pre-teens), with a minimum charge of $200.  Phone (06) 377 1600 or book online here.

 SPECIAL EVENTS

Throughout the year special programs are arranged, particularly around the times of ancient festivals.  See 'Special Events'. 

VISITOR CENTRE & SHOP

Cold drinks and other refreshments available.