New Zealand Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- 250+ New Zealand tour packages with 1,285 reviews
- New Zealand Tour Reviews
- Most popular destinations in New Zealand
- Travel New Zealand your way
- Top operators in New Zealand
- Best places to start your New Zealand tour
- Discover New Zealand tours for every budget
- New Zealand tours for every 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
250+ New Zealand tour packages with 1,285 reviews
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
New Zealand: Best of the North Island
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“My group was phenomenal, we all had a blast together. I should have done a better job researching temperature as well.”
Jeffrey, traveled in August 2023
Mega Sale
The weeklong New Zealand adventure combines surfing at Raglan's iconic breaks, kayaking remote harbors, and exploring Rotorua's geothermal wonders. Visit Te Papa Museum in Wellington, experience Maori culture at Te Puia Village, and marvel at Huka Falls, while staying in social hostels with like-minded travelers.
Duration 7 days Destinations Auckland, Raglan, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Wellington Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operated in English Operator G Adventures From $1,379
20% Off- US$1,103You save $275
New Zealand South Island Express
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Seen great sights!”
Janet, traveled in February 2023
Mega Sale
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, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Greymouth Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,680
15% Off- US$1,428You save $252
Highlights of New Zealand
41 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“New Zealand was on my bucket list for years and did not disappoint. This tour covers a lot of ground and experiences that were wonderful.”
Deborah, traveled in September 2022
Mega Sale
New Zealand's finest unfolds over 15 days, from Waitomo's glowworm caves to Fiordland's Doubtful Sound. Visit the Mitai Maori Village in Rotorua, explore Franz Josef Glacier, and enjoy wine tasting near Kaikoura. Includes comfortable accommodation and transportation for approx. $350 per day.
Duration 15 days Destinations Auckland, Hahei, Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in English Operator G Adventures From $4,399
10% Off- US$3,959You save $439
NZ Adventure South
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic itinerary with a budget. Seen and did both touristy and adventurous itinerary.”
Tan, traveled in November 2022
Mega Sale
South Island adventures stretch from Christchurch to Queenstown over 9 days. Highlights include hiking Hooker Valley track at Aoraki/Mt Cook, kayaking Lake Wanaka, and cruising Milford Sound. Stay at shared hostels with 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and dinner included.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range 18 to 45 year olds Operated in English Operator INTRO Travel From $1,299
10% Off- US$1,169You save $129
NZ Adventure North
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I enjoyed the laughs we all shared and his knowledge of and appreciation for New Zealand.”
Benjamin, traveled in July 2024
Mega Sale
North Island's iconic spots come alive from Rotorua's bubbling Wai o Tapu geothermal park to Hobbiton's enchanting film set. Visit Mitai Māori village for authentic cultural experiences, sail across Lake Taupo, and ride Wellington's famous cable cars, with 8 nights in comfortable hostels.
Duration 9 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington Age Range 18 to 45 year olds Operated in English Operator INTRO Travel From $1,299
10% Off- US$1,169You save $129
New Zealand Tour Reviews
- New Zealand: Best of the North Island
I think it's sad that I only had the option to do the north Island of New-Zealand, while the rest of the people on my tour were continuing. But I did have the best experience of my life because Panda, our tourguide, is the best. Not only as a guide but also as a person.
- New Zealand: Best of the North Island
This trip was more than I expected. First time traveling in a group and I have zero to minimal complains. The guide, Ben, was extremely helpful and always going above and beyond to make sure everyone was having a good time/experience.
- New Zealand: Best of the North Island
Everything on this tour exceeded my expectations! Amazing group, tour guide, attractions and so many optional activities, couldn’t have asked for more!
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 March, making it the most popular time of the year.
See all Milford Sound toursJourney over the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train, let loose in the adventure capital of Queenstown, gaze in awe at the West Coast glaciers, or conquer part of the Te Araroa trail. There's so much to see and do on the pictureque New Zealand South Island.
See all Southern Alps 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 56 vacation packages to choose from, that range in length from 3 days up to 23 days. The most popular month for these tours is March.
See all Coach / Bus tours
More travel styles:
Top operators in New Zealand
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.
- 5.0 (22,795 New Zealand reviews)
"The guide, Josie, was wonderfully knowledgeable and exceptional driver. She kept us not only in the loop all the time, but also used her personal knowledge living in NZ to our advantage throughout the journey. The only drawback that we have seen is the sequence for Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo's planned day is way too consolidated and the accomodation in Lake Tekapo should be changed to a better available option.
- Tours
- 10 New Zealand tours
- Age range
- 12 to 90 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 1h
- Response rate
- 92%
- Average price
- $335
- 4.5 (38 New Zealand reviews)
"we had a fabulous time! If there would be a complaint it would be that we had a lot more meals and fun than what was advertised. Can't compliment this trip enough!
- Tours
- 10 New Zealand tours
- Age range
- 12 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 17h
- Response rate
- 84%
- Average price
- $1849
- 5.0 (15,756 New Zealand reviews)
"Our leader Danny was so welcoming and really looked after us. I really enjoyed my time in New Zealand!
- Tours
- 6 New Zealand tours
- Age range
- 18 to 55 years old
- Adventure type
- Active
- Response time
- 26h
- Response rate
- 96%
- Average price
- $231
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
299 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
110 tours in New ZealandVisit New Zealand with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Private / Personalized
65 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.
Don't miss out on visiting:
Auckland, Coromandel, Hahei, Rotorua, Taupo, Tongariro, Waitomo, Raglan
See all tours
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.
Don't miss out on visiting:
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Wanaka, Arrowtown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Lake Hawea, Haast, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Punakaiki, Castle Hill Peak
See all tours
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.
Don't miss out on visiting:
Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Queenstown
See all toursDemographics
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.
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 Travelers276 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples153 tours All tours for Couples
- Young Adults (18 - 39)57 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)139 tours All tours for Seniors
- Family175 tours All tours for Family
Best time to visit New Zealand
- Spring 2025
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 2025 popular 255 tours
- 224 tours
- 170 tours
- Summer 2025
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.
- 153 tours
- popular 157 tours
- 153 tours
- 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.
- 181 tours
- 198 tours
- popular 205 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.
- January 2025 147 tours
- February 2025 popular 221 tours
- December 2025 171 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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