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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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 - P
Peter • traveled in May, 2025
Our guide and itinerary were very good, but accommodations were uneven with the Bealey Quarter Hotel, where the tour began and ended, having substandard accommodations and services.
New Zealand Southern Pioneer - 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
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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
- Premium - South Island Escape
- New Zealand Southern Pioneer
- Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic
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- 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$1,639
Premium - South Island Escape
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We really enjoyed our tour of South Island. It was very well organised and we all had the best time.”
Helen, traveled in February
New Zealand's festive charm shines at premium hotels from Tekapo to Queenstown. Mt Difficulty Vineyard presents holiday dining, Dark Sky Reserve offers New Year stargazing, and Franz Josef Glacier displays winter wonderland views.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Wild Kiwi From
- US$2,392+$409 upfront costs
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
Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The beauty of the the country and the tour organization made it fantastic.”
MONICA, traveled in November
Ring in the season with a festive wilderness cruise in Fiordland National Park and holiday dinner at Queenstown's Skyline Restaurant. The TranzAlpine train through snowy Southern Alps offers magical winter vistas, with special Christmas activities in Franz Josef and Rotorua.
Duration 12 days Destinations Auckland, Waiheke Island, Waitomo, Rotorua, Christchurch, Arthur's Pass National Park, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Wanaka, ArrowtownSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures From $6,419
25% Off- US$4,814You save $1,605
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent tour. Definitely recommend.”
patrick, traveled in February
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 $2,699
25% Off- US$2,024You save $675
Duration 6 days Destinations Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,170
15% Off- US$1,844You save $325
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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