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.
Excellent
- Choose from 100+ New Zealand tours
- 550+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
- T
Trevor • traveled in February, 2026
Heads up: I joined this tour of the South Island having come direct from a tour of the North Island with GAdventures. My review will reflect the comparison between the two as well as the overall Intrepid tour
New Zealand South Island Express - J
James • traveled in January, 2026
Tour/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 Tour - A
Agata • traveled in February, 2025
Had a great time during first visit to South Island, fantastic choice of places to see and experience. Ann Marie has been a great resource of local knowledge, very personable and committed to deliver all or more. Very much recommend!
New Zealand West Coast Adventure
Our traveler's Moments
- Highlights of New Zealand
- Premium - South Island Escape
- New Zealand South Island Express
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
- Northern Voyager
- New Zealand Explorer
- 14 Days Best of New Zealand, Auckland, Christchurch & Queenstown
- New Zealand Explorer
- New Zealand's North to South Island Adventure
- New Zealand Highlights 12 days
- NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands
- Southern Voyager
- New Zealand: Best of the North Island
10 best Christmas & New Year New Zealand tour packages
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
- New Zealand South Island Express
- The Moa Tour
- New Zealand West Coast Adventure
- New Zealand Southern Pioneer
- New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
- 6 Days in Queenstown: Thrills in the Sky & Scenic Trips to Fox & Franz Josef
- A Self-Drive Odyssey Across New Zealand - Private
- Premium - South Island Escape
- 8 Days Queenstown to Wanaka by Bus: Glaciers, Skydives & Alpine Adventures
- 9 Days in Wanaka & Christchurch by Bus: Franz Josef, Kaikoura & Arthur’s Pass Adventure
New Zealand South Island Express
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Loved the whole trip. Our guide Duli was amazing he read our wishes from our lips and made them happen.”
Maximilian, traveled in August
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
- US$1,510
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
- US$1,670
New Zealand West Coast Adventure
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had a great time during first visit to South Island, fantastic choice of places to see and experience.”
Agata, traveled in January
The route from Christchurch to Queenstown sparkles in December. Seals bask at Cape Foulwind, Kumara nights shine with stars, and Lake Matheson mirrors perfect reflections. Westport accommodation and seasonal activities enhance the holiday spirit.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Hanmer Springs, Westport, Cape Foulwind, Punakaiki, Kumara, Hokitika, Okarito, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Fox GlacierSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,595
15% Off- US$2,206You save $389
Visit Christchurch's festive Botanic Gardens and Queenstown's holiday attractions this season. Marvel at summer views from Lake Tekapo's Church of the Good Shepherd, plus seasonal activities at Franz Josef Glacier. Includes 9 breakfasts and 2 special holiday dinners.
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau, Twizel, Kawarau Gorge, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Lake WanakaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,920
10% Off- US$3,528You save $392
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Breathtaking sights, great people and a well put together tour. I felt like I saw the best of what the South has to offer.”
Rebecca, traveled in December
The South Island's summer highlights shine during the holidays. Take in Queenstown's festive atmosphere and stargaze at Lake Tekapo's Dark Sky Reserve. Optional whale watching in Kaikoura ($180) and special group dinners create memorable moments.
Duration 16 days Destinations Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Cape Foulwind, Westport, Punakaiki, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mount Cook National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $2,999
25% Off- US$2,249You save $750
Duration 6 days Destinations Queenstown, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From
25% Off- US$1,792
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Wellington, Rotorua, Napier, Picton, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, WanakaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
25% Off- US$3,045
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."
More about New Zealand
Christmas & New YearNew Zealand Travel Guide | All You Need to KnowBest 2 Week New Zealand Itineraries 2026/2027 (with Reviews)Best 3 Week New Zealand Itineraries 2026/2027 (with Reviews)Weather in New Zealand in 2026/2027What is the best time to visit New Zealand in 2026/2027?