New Zealand Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- 250+ New Zealand tour packages with 979 reviews
- New Zealand Tour Reviews
- Most popular destinations in New Zealand
- Travel New Zealand your way
- Best tour companies for New Zealand tours
- Best places to start your New Zealand tour
- Discover New Zealand tours for every budget
- New Zealand tours for every type of group
- Top New Zealand travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit New Zealand
- New Zealand travel guides - curated by our experts
- Contact our New Zealand travel experts
- What our customers ask about New Zealand Tours & Trips
250+ New Zealand tour packages with 979 reviews
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
New Zealand South Island Express
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was excellent, a very good itinerary, and the commentary on the road was very good.”
Hilda, traveled in March
New Zealand's iconic South Island unfolds over 9 days, rated 4.3/5 by travelers. Social hostels serve as bases while visiting Christchurch's revival, Lake Tekapo's dark skies, Queenstown's adventures, and Franz Josef's glaciers. Includes local guide, transport, and 7 breakfasts.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Kawarau Gorge, Milford Sound, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Lake Wanaka, Franz Josef, Lake HaweaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,790
25% Off- US$1,343You save $448
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Greymouth, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Premium From $6,660
15% Off- US$5,661You save $999
New Zealand's North to South Island Adventure
73 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The small group size and mostly solo travellers means that a group of strangers leave as close friends after the trip.”
Mark, traveled in February
Duration 11 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Rotorua, Murupara, Taupo, Wellington, Marlborough, Kaikoura, Christchurch Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,290
20% Off- US$1,832You save $458
New Zealand Explorer
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The scenery was beautiful & seeing seals in the wild was great. That was a chance to really appreciate the indigenous wildlife & plants.”
Angela, traveled in January
This grand 19-day tour encompasses both islands, featuring UNESCO-listed Doubtful Sound cruising, Abel Tasman National Park hiking, and Hobbiton movie set tours. Comfortable hotels across 19 cities, from Auckland's Sky Tower views to Christchurch's historic charm, cost approx. $460 per day.
Duration 19 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupo, Napier, Wellington, Picton, Kaikoura, Hokitika, Franz JosefSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From
20% Off- US$8,580
New Zealand South to North Drive, Cruise & Rail
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I was able to experience New Zealand from bottom to top.”
David, traveled in January
Rail and sail link South and North Islands. Highlights include overnight Milford Sound cruise, Franz Josef Glacier exploration, TranzAlpine journey through Arthur's Pass, Coastal Pacific train along Kaikoura coast, and Northern Explorer past volcanic peaks. Includes stays at Quest Hotel and Punga View.
Duration 14 days Destinations Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Greymouth, Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From
20% Off- US$2,945
New Zealand Tour Reviews
Callum was a fantastic tour guide he made our trip memorable beside the hickups he had to fix.
New Zealand South Island Express
- New Zealand's North to South Island Adventure
We went on a seven day tour of the North Island of New Zealand. My husband and I have never been on a bus tour like this, but Haka Tours far exceeded all of our expectations. It was a fantastic road trip through a beautiful landscape with strangers who quickly became our friends. We really like the concept behind Haka Tours, and our tour guides, Katie and Si, were both excellent. They were super friendly and extremely knowledgeable! Haka took care of getting us from place to place and chose the accommodations, but each person in our group had a lot of freedom in deciding what they wanted to do at each of the places where we traveled. Since we were on a bus with a small group of people that allowed us to get to know each other, and on some days we all chose the same activities. On other days, we would split up and some of us would do one thing while others chose to do something else. Throughout the tour, we stayed at hostels, which were not super luxurious, but all of them were very comfortable and clean. At each place, Katie and Si gave us a choice of activities that we could do on the given day. They made sure that we all got to do what we wanted, so if there was any specific activity that one of us wanted to do that was not mentioned, they made sure that they could accommodate all of us. We got to do a lot of activities and enjoyed all of them. We went sea kayaking in Coromandel and black water rafting through a cave in Waitomo; we got to see and walk around the Hobbiton set; we soaked in a natural hot spring; and we went on a couple of bushwalks where we got to see some amazing scenery. We also spend an evening learning about Maori culture in Rotorua and we got to make our own souvenir tiki pendant out of bone. We loved every day on our tour and would gladly do it again. NZ is absolutely stunning and Haka Tours is the best tour you can take to see it. A big THANK YOU to Katie and Si for making sure we enjoyed every minute of our trip! We can't wait to come back to see the South Island!
Very good programme well balanced between visiting cities, coast outings, boat trips, and forests and lakes walk
New Zealand Explorer
Most popular destinations in New Zealand
Our TourRadar customers keep coming back to tell us about three activities they particularly love on the South Island. In Queenstown, even travelers who get nervous about heights end up loving the Canyon Swing - it sends you gliding like a pendulum through a deep gorge in a mix of free-fall and smooth swinging motion. The cycling routes near Wedderburn have gained quite a following; the trails take you through sprawling valleys and past towering mountains that could be straight from a movie set. And right there in Wedderburn, you can try your hand at curling - it's a proper Kiwi tradition where you'll learn to slide stones across ice with surprising skill and strategy. While these spots are excellent year-round, spring and autumn tend to be really pleasant with mild weather and fewer tourists, though winter brings its own magic with snowy peaks and warm, cozy evenings indoors.
See all New Zealand South Island toursThe North Island really delivers on New Zealand's natural marvels and cultural heritage. Our tours regularly get amazing feedback about the Waitomo caves, where tiny glowworms create what looks like an underground starry night in the limestone chambers. Over in Rotorua, you'll find nature at its most active - mud pools bubble away while geysers shoot up from the earth in an impressive display of geological forces. The bright blue waters of Huka Falls thunder through a narrow gorge near Taupo, making quite an impression on visitors. The cultural side comes alive when our guests join Māori communities for traditional hangi feasts and genuine local connections. For both film buffs and casual tourists, the Hobbiton Movie Set offers a remarkably detailed slice of Middle Earth with its cozy hobbit holes and lovingly maintained gardens. Many of our travelers prefer visiting the thermal areas in winter when steam creates mysterious scenes, while summer visitors tend to mix these sites with nearby trails and outdoor activities.
See all New Zealand North Island toursDiscover amazing wildlife and landscapes in Milford Sound. Most travelers enjoy exploring our Milford Sound adventures in October, making it the most popular time of the year.
See all Milford Sound toursDiscover the ideal tour package for you through Wellington. On TourRadar you'll find trips starting from 7 days in length, and the longest tour is 21 days. The most popular month to go is October, which has the most tour departures.
See all Wellington tours
More exciting destinations:
Travel New Zealand your way
Hiking in New Zealand offers breathtaking landscapes, from towering mountains to serene coastlines to majestic fjords. Hike the famous Milford Sound, take on the challenging Tongariro Alpine Crossing, or walk the scenic Abel Tasman Coast Track.
See all Hiking & Trekking toursExperience New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes by hiking in the striking Milford Sound, the gem of Fiordland National Park, boating through the luminous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, or trekking the Franz Josef Glacier.
See all Active toursIf you prefer two wheels, New Zealand's cycling routes show you a completely different side of the country. The Otago Rail Trail is particularly good for multi-day rides, taking you through old gold mining country on gentle gradients. Our cycling groups love how the routes mix exercise with culture - you'll pedal past wooden trestle bridges from the gold rush era and through Ranfurly with its Art Deco buildings. For something quite different, try the Alps to Ocean route that starts near Aoraki/Mt Cook and rolls through Mackenzie Country. These tours work really well because you can choose between guided sections and riding at your own pace, with support vehicles never far away. Daily rides cover between 23 and 55 kilometers, so you'll want to be comfortable on a bike but won't need professional-level fitness.
See all Bicycle toursTake in the picturesque landscapes and remarkable sights on a guided Coach / Bus adventure of New Zealand. There are 44 vacation packages to choose from, that range in length from 5 days up to 23 days. The most popular month for these tours is March.
See all Coach / Bus tours
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for New Zealand tours
Looking at the feedback from people who've taken these tours, Haka Tours comes out really strong - their guide Burto gets mentioned a lot for going above and beyond, especially with travelers who start off a bit nervous about group tours. He's got this way of making history and local stories come alive while keeping everyone comfortable and involved. Wild Kiwi does well too, and their guides Robbie and Jed know their stuff. The tours run smoothly with good transport, but some of our travelers mention you're paying premium prices for fairly basic accommodation and meals. Worth keeping in mind when you're weighing up options. For solo travelers, Backyard Roadies hits a sweet spot - it's got this casual, friendly feel like you're just road tripping with mates. Their guide Ben seems to have mastered creating that laid-back vibe while still running a proper tour. He gets lots of mentions in the reviews for making everyone feel like part of the group right from day one. Each company has its own style: Haka's more about that personal touch, Wild Kiwi focuses on smooth logistics and local knowledge, and Backyard Roadies brings that social, easy-going atmosphere that works really well for people traveling on their own.
Best places to start your New Zealand tour
Most of our New Zealand journeys kick off from Auckland - 47 of our popular routes start there, while Christchurch launches 32 tours and Queenstown handles 11 departures. You'll find some great options from Wellington and Picton too. We've tracked the booking patterns and found that 4 months (128 days) ahead hits the sweet spot for good rates and availability, especially important from December through February when things get busy. Our travelers typically spend 2-3 weeks exploring both islands, and many like to mix guided tours with some independent driving. Those keen on Maori culture often choose Auckland as their starting point before heading south for outdoor activities, while nature buffs tend to begin in Christchurch to get straight to those South Island landscapes.
Discover New Zealand tours for every budget
The South Island Express nails it for budget travelers with smart 8-10 day routes from Christchurch. Our customers really like how it mixes included activities - you'll carve your own pounamu pendant - with optional extras you can add as you go. You'll stay in clean hostels where it's easy to meet people and travel in modern buses with USB ports and WiFi. There's another good route that takes in Lake Tekapo's Dark Sky Reserve for proper stargazing, plus time in Queenstown and walks at Franz Josef Glacier. The guides make a real difference here - they know their stuff about Māori culture and New Zealand history, and keep things fun while they're at it.
The luxury tours focus on comfort without getting stuffy about it. You'll stay in private rooms with proper views of lakes and mountains, and each day is carefully planned out. The food's a highlight - you'll eat at specially picked restaurants that show off local food and wine. Our travelers particularly love the Gem of the Sound cruise through Milford Sound where you get a quality picnic lunch, and the special access to Te Pā Tū Māori experiences with forest kai horotai before properly prepared dinners. The transport really stands out too - think comfortable leather seats that recline and huge windows that are perfect for watching the Southern Alps go by.
New Zealand budget tours- New Zealand luxury tours
New Zealand tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
338 tours in New ZealandGroup tours hit that sweet spot between having things organized but keeping some freedom too. The most popular ones run for 7-14 days, and our customers really go for the itineraries that cover both islands. You'll be with 12-18 others in well-designed coaches, staying at a mix of hotels and good hostels. These tours are clever about giving you choices - like in Queenstown where you can pick between bungy jumping, checking out the wineries or going for a hike. People often tell us how much better their trip was because of the group - whether they're kayaking at Cathedral Cove, wandering around Hobbiton or hiking Franz Josef Glacier together. Lots of lasting friendships start over hangi feasts in Rotorua or while stargazing at Lake Tekapo.
Small Group
92 tours in New ZealandSmall group tours around New Zealand's South Island make perfect sense, with 12-18 travelers creating an intimate vibe while keeping logistics smooth. The mix of hotels and social hostels comes with reliable WiFi, and you'll find yourself moving from guided glacier walks at Franz Josef to hands-on pounamu carving sessions and optional heli trips to the snow. At Lake Tekapo's Dark Sky Reserve, stargazing takes center stage, while Queenstown opens up possibilities for canyon jet boating, wine tasting and outdoor exploration. Our customers often tell us how much they enjoy the blend of culture and active experiences - spending one day crafting traditional greenstone pendants and the next kayaking Lake Wanaka or conquering Mount Iron. The guides get constant mentions for knowing exactly when to catch that perfect shot of #thatwanakatree and how to pivot plans when weather changes. Based on feedback from our travelers, the 7-10 day South Island Express fits well for those seeking active experiences on a budget, while the longer 13-day routes covering both islands give you more time to dive into local culture and linger in key spots.
Private / Personalized
40 tours in New ZealandEnjoy the exclusivity of our private New Zealand tours, tailored to your own group, preferences and pace
Top New Zealand travel itineraries to fit your plans
The 7-day South Island tours really get you into New Zealand's diverse landscapes without feeling rushed. Our travelers tell us they love having scheduled activities mixed with free time - one day you're paddling through Queenstown's waters and the next you're learning traditional pounamu carving in Franz Josef. The routes take in essential spots like Milford Sound where you'll often see dolphins playing near the boat and seals stretched out on the rocks. What works particularly well is how the days flow - you might start with a walk through ancient beech forests and finish soaking in glacier-fed hot pools. Our guides know exactly when to visit places like Lake Tekapo for perfect stargazing conditions and the best photo opportunities.
With 10 days to explore, you really get to know the South Island's character and natural wonders. These routes include nights at Lake Tekapo where you can float in thermal pools while watching stars in one of the world's few Dark Sky Reserves. Our customers consistently mention how valuable those 2-3 nights in Queenstown are - giving them time for jet boat rides through narrow canyons and local trail walking. The Franz Josef section combines guided glacier walks with hands-on pounamu carving sessions led by local artists. Most itineraries dedicate a full day to Milford Sound which our travelers say is perfect for wildlife spotting and getting close to powerful waterfalls.
Two weeks lets you properly experience both islands of New Zealand. Starting from Auckland, you'll move through Rotorua's thermal areas, joining traditional Maori hangi meals and watching geysers shoot skyward. After crossing Cook Strait, the South Island opens up with its varied terrain. These longer tours blend cultural moments with outdoor activities naturally - one morning you're learning about Maori greenstone carving, that afternoon you're walking through glacier valleys. Our guests really value having multiple nights in key places like Queenstown and Wellington, giving them time to explore properly. The pacing works well - active days hiking Tongariro or kayaking Raglan waters mix with relaxed evenings in places like Kaikoura where you can spot whales and also try fresh local seafood.
Demographics
Our solo tours on the South Island mix exploration with good social connections. You'll join 12-16 others on the South Island Express, traveling in modern coaches with solid WiFi and staying at social hostels where meeting people just happens. The mix works really well - you get scheduled activities like pounamu pendant carving plus enough free time to do your own thing. A lot of our travelers go for the Queenstown-Wanaka route, where you can find buddies for everything from bungy jumping right through to wine tasting. The Lake Tekapo portion includes proper dark sky stargazing sessions, while Franz Josef gives you company for glacier walks and also hot spring soaks.
Our South Island tours create intimate moments for couples exploring New Zealand together, with quiet experiences away from the tourist areas. Several routes blend physical activities with peaceful downtime - picture yourselves in Hanmer Springs' thermal pools gazing at snow-capped mountains, or walking together at Lake Matheson when dawn lights up its mirror surface. Our travelers tell us they appreciate having scheduled outings balanced with private time, letting them shape their own experiences. The West Coast journeys include special touches like gazing at stars in Kumara's pristine skies, watching seals at Cape Foulwind or joining small groups to learn gold panning from local miners. Many couples choose longer trips that venture to Stewart Island, where they spot wild kiwis and explore coastal paths past ancient Maori sites. The guided portions maintain a natural rhythm - you'll join intimate workshops for pounamu carving and also local cultural activities, then spend evenings discovering historic towns and dining on regional specialties like fresh seafood, wild venison and local wines.
The young adult routes hit that sweet spot between active days and social evenings. We've crafted paths that blend hiking Mount John and Tongariro with real challenges - you'll jet boat through canyons at 80km/h and paddle kayaks on Lake Wanaka. The hostels are social but not party central, and our guides (mostly young themselves) know exactly where to catch those perfect shots of places like #thatwanakatree. Queenstown works brilliantly with its mix of scheduled time and free periods - our travelers team up for activities from skydiving to mountain biking and also wine tours.
Our senior tours focus on comfort and culture at a proper pace. The favorite route combines TranzAlpine train journeys with Milford Sound overnight cruises - you get private cabins with full bathrooms. The coaches have quality leather recliners, perfect for those long Southern Alps views. We include city stays in Wellington, Auckland with hop-on-hop-off passes so you can move at your own speed. Our travelers really enjoy Christchurch's heritage tram tours, guided walks through historic Arrowtown and also optional add-ons like glacier helicopter flights.
- Solo Travelers351 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples221 tours All tours for Couples
- Young Adults (18 - 39)68 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)181 tours All tours for Seniors
- Family165 tours All tours for Family
Best time to visit New Zealand
- Fall / Autumn 2025
The autumn tours focus on capturing South Island fall colors. The 8-10 day routes between Christchurch and Queenstown make the most of that special autumn light for photos. You'll explore Arthur's Pass when the beech forests turn golden and spend time around Lake Wanaka as the hills take on their fall colors. Our customers really value mixing outdoor activities - like Franz Josef hiking and canyon jet boating - with cultural experiences such as pounamu carving workshops and also nighttime kiwi spotting. With smaller groups of 12-18 people, you can stop for photos whenever the light looks just right.
- popular 141 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Our winter tours hit their stride in the North Island when the crowds thin out and you see a different side of New Zealand. The 7-day routes from Auckland take you through Waitomo's glowworm caves and onto Hobbiton, which looks properly magical with frost coating the ground in the mornings. Our travelers tell us they love how these tours blend cultural experiences like haka dance lessons with outdoor activities. You get to dig your own natural hot tub at Hot Water Beach and kayak to quiet spots around Raglan. The guides know exactly when to adjust the schedule with weather changes, making sure you visit Rotorua's geothermal areas and also Lake Taupo at the best times.
- December 2025 200 tours
- January 2026 229 tours
- February 2026 popular 244 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring opens up some excellent South Island journeys that really work with the changing seasons. The 9-day routes from Christchurch start with Dark Sky Reserve stargazing at Lake Tekapo before heading down to Queenstown. Our customers like how these tours mix scheduled activities with free time - you might spend one day creating your own pounamu pendant in Franz Josef, then choose between glacier walks, natural hot springs and also kayaking trips the next. The Haast Pass drive shows off spring waterfalls at full flow, and you'll get great shots at Lake Matheson and also the Wanaka Tree.
- March 2026 popular 273 tours
- 197 tours
- 125 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer brings our most complete tours, with solid 13-day journeys covering both islands. Starting in Auckland, you explore the Coromandel Peninsula's beaches before heading to Rotorua for Maori culture and traditional hangi meals. These tours nail the variety - your morning might start learning about geothermal features at Te Puia and finish with a sunset sail on Lake Taupo. Our travelers particularly enjoy crossing from Wellington to Picton by ferry, which shows off the Marlborough Sounds before continuing south to Kaikoura for whale watching and also Christchurch for its creative post-earthquake architecture.
- popular 118 tours
- 118 tours
- 115 tours
New Zealand travel guides - curated by our experts
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Contact our New Zealand travel experts
Claire
Expert in New Zealand at TourRadar
Claire is one of our seasoned New Zealand Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about New Zealand tours answered!
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+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about New Zealand Tours & Trips
What's Different About the North and South Islands?
You'll find two distinct experiences waiting for you in New Zealand. Up north there's this amazing cultural vibe centered around Māori heritage plus all these wild geothermal spots especially around Rotorua where you've got bubbling mud pools and geysers going off. Te Puia's a must-visit really - you can see Pohutu New Zealand's biggest geyser doing its thing. Down south it's all about those jaw-dropping landscapes with massive mountains glaciers like Fox and Franz Josef and of course Milford Sound which just takes your breath away.
What Kind of Local Cultural Experiences Can You Get Involved In?
There's nothing quite like diving into Māori culture and one of the best ways is trying a traditional hangi meal that's cooked underground in an earth oven. You'll find these at places like Te Puia in Rotorua and I really recommend checking out Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara. At Kohutapu you can actually learn the haka war dance which is pretty incredible and they'll show you how to weave dinner plates from flax plants. If you're keen to learn more about the haka it's this powerful display of strength and unity and Haka Tours offers some great cultural experiences where you can try traditional flax weaving too.
What About Natural Areas Outside the Cities and How Do You Get There?
Fiordland National Park's probably the big one here home to Milford Sound where you can take these amazing cruises or scenic flights to see glacier-carved valleys and waterfalls. The Milford Mariner does this great overnight cruise with kayaks for exploring and they've got a nature guide on board. Then there's Tongariro National Park with its volcanic landscapes and walking trails including the Tongariro Crossing - it's about 19.4km and people say it's one of the world's best day hikes. Mount Aspiring National Park's another stunner with peaks and glacier-fed lakes perfect for hiking kayaking or just driving through. You can get to these places by rental car guided tour or catching domestic flights.
What's the Best Way to Get Around New Zealand?
Getting around's pretty flexible really. Rental cars give you the freedom to explore at your own pace and campervans are brilliant if you want to save money on accommodation plus you can stay at holiday parks around both islands. For longer distances domestic flights are quick and easy between major cities. The bus networks are extensive and companies like Haka Tours run these comprehensive coach tours covering both islands. Their North to South Island Adventure includes the Cook Strait ferry crossing and takes you to spots like Hot Water Beach and the Hobbiton movie set. The TranzAlpine train's amazing too running through the Southern Alps from Greymouth to Christchurch with some incredible views. And don't forget the InterIslander ferry connecting the islands across Cook Strait though schedules change with the seasons.
Where Can You Find Those Hidden Gems That Tourists Often Miss?
If you're looking to get off the beaten track the Catlins coast down in the southeastern South Island is incredible - we're talking untamed wilderness rugged cliffs and hidden waterfalls that photographers love. Stewart Island's another special spot you can get there by ferry from Bluff and it's perfect if you want pristine nature great hiking and maybe spot some kiwis in their natural habitat especially the brown kiwi and Stewart Island kiwi. Reefton's got this fascinating gold rush history where you can try gold panning and see this cool water-powered gold stamping battery. The West Coast's pretty special too known for lots of rain but amazing experiences like the Nile River Rainforest Train through Paparoa National Park and those unique Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.