Christmas & New Year Tours in New Zealand
New Zealand during the festive season is truly magical. The Hobbiton movie set looks exactly like the films, Franz Josef Glacier hiking gets you on actual ice, Milford Sound's fiords are dramatic and steep, and Rotorua's geothermal areas bubble and steam everywhere. Lake Tekapo has some of the darkest skies for stargazing, Cathedral Cove by kayak shows you rock arches from the water, and Waitomo Caves have glowworms lighting up the darkness like stars. It’s unforgettable.
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I went on a wild kiwi tour of New Zealand and had the time of my life. Our guide Bennwas absolutely first class and it is a trip I will never forget.
New Zealand HighlightsTour/Driver guide is ok. All hostels are ok except for the on in Queenstown which can be improved. A couple of nights in Taupo Tekapo and Wanaka is recommended.
The Moa TourGreat "stops" with lots of information and photo opportunities.
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10 best Christmas & New Year New Zealand tour packages
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
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- 9 Days in Christchurch and Queenstown by Bus: Kaikoura, Arthur’s Pass, Mt Cook & Queenstown Skydive
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Duration 20 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau, Twizel, Kawarau Gorge, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, HokitikaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- US$9,520
New Zealand Highlights
“I went on a wild kiwi tour of New Zealand and had the time of my life. It is a trip I will never forget.”
Brendan, traveled in January
Summer festivities across both islands begin at Hobbiton's magical movie set. Tekapo Dark Sky Reserve offers stellar views, while seasonal highlights include Milford Sound cruising and Mt Difficulty wine tasting, all while enjoying premium accommodations.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Karangahake, Waihi, Mount Maunganui, Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Waitomo, HamiltonSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Wild Kiwi From $4,575
5% off- US$4,346+$773 upfront costs
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Arthur's Pass National Park, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown Age Range Ages 2-60 Operator STM Tours LLC From $3,083
30% off- US$2,158
The Gumboot Tour
“The atmosphere on the trip was wonderful - everyone mixing and having fun together.”
Susan, traveled in March
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Kiwi Experience From
30% off- US$1,063
Ring in the new year while traveling through New Zealand's summer, leaving Auckland on December 30th. You'll dig your own hot spa pool at Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula, float beneath glowworms in Waitomo's caves, soak in Rotorua's geothermal pools at Wai Ariki, and celebrate in Queenstown.
Duration 17 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport, Hokitika, Franz JosefSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Kiwi Experience From
30% off- US$1,567
The festive season takes you to Te Puia in Rotorua, where bubbling mud pools and erupting geysers create a geothermal backdrop. Join like-minded travelers for New Year's festivities in Wellington's waterfront bars around Lambton Quay, or ring in the new year lakeside in Taupo. Head to Mitai Māori Village for a traditional hangi feast and cultural performance, then soak beneath the stars at Hot Water Beach. This 8-day adventure runs throughout December and January, with accommodation sorted in Kiwi Experience partner hostels.
Duration 8 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, Karangahake, Waitomo, Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua, Te Puia, TaupoSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Kiwi Experience From
30% off- US$643
Duration 12 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
30% off- US$3,363
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in New Zealand
When is the best time to book a Christmas & New Year tour in New Zealand?
Planning ahead is crucial for New Zealand's festive season. Book your tour 6-8 months before departure to secure spots at popular destinations like Queenstown Milford Sound and Franz Josef Glacier. December marks the peak of summer tourism with limited availability across most destinations. One TourRadar traveler noted "Make all certain that activities and accommodations are included and confirmed well in advance especially around the holiday season when availability can be limited."
What special Christmas & New Year activities are included in New Zealand tours?
The holiday season in New Zealand combines traditional festivities with local culture. Visitors can join hangi dinners at Te Puia in Rotorua watch New Year's Eve fireworks in Auckland or Queenstown and take holiday cruises on Milford Sound. Premium accommodations like the Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook and Novotel in Queenstown prepare special Christmas meals. According to a TourRadar traveler "The TSS Earnslaw cruise on Lake Wakatipu offers magical evening celebrations during the holiday season."
What are the must-see destinations for Christmas & New Year in New Zealand?
Key holiday destinations start with Queenstown's New Year celebrations and extend to Milford Sound's Christmas cruises. Rotorua offers Christmas experiences with Maori communities while Franz Josef Glacier provides summer ice explorations. Wellington's Te Papa Museum and Auckland's harbor feature holiday programs throughout the season. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Spending Christmas Day cruising Milford Sound and New Year's Eve in Queenstown's buzzing atmosphere was absolutely magical."
What's the weather like during Christmas & New Year in New Zealand?
New Zealand's summer coincides with the holiday season creating ideal conditions for outdoor celebrations. Queenstown experiences temperatures of 20-25°C with daylight lasting until 9pm. The Bay of Islands sees warmer weather around 25-28°C perfect for swimming while Rotorua maintains comfortable temperatures of 22-24°C. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The weather was beautiful the people were really nice and the scenery was amazing during the holiday season."
Where are the best places to stay during Christmas & New Year in New Zealand?
Holiday accommodations range from mountain retreats to waterfront hotels. The Scenic Hotel in Franz Josef provides mountain views while the Heritage Queenstown overlooks Lake Wakatipu. Urban options include the Cordis Auckland and InterContinental Wellington with special holiday packages. A TourRadar traveler commented: "Staying at the Heritage Queenstown over New Year's was perfect - we had an amazing view of the fireworks over the lake from our balcony."
How much should I budget for a Christmas & New Year tour in New Zealand?
Ten to fourteen-day tours during the holiday season cost between USD 2500-6500 per person. This covers stays at properties like Quest Queenstown or Ramada Suites plus transportation and guided activities. Extra expenses include optional activities ($150-300 each) daily meals ($50-100) and New Year's Eve events. A TourRadar traveler advised "Budget extra for this period as many restaurants and activities have special holiday pricing."
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