New Zealand Guided Tours & Trips
What if you could explore Christchurch's innovative rebuild after the earthquakes, seeing the city completely transformed? Admire Lake Tekapo's stunning turquoise waters that don't look real, experience Queenstown's endless adventure activities, and discover Wanaka's breathtaking mountain landscapes. Don’t forget to carve your own pounamu (greenstone) in Franz Josef. New Zealand's South Island is pure adventure territory.
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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 (10 destinations)amazing it was! cool acitivities, good advices what to do/where to go and of course, many amazing people to meet! :)
Southern Secrets - Small Group TourI 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 Highlights
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- Highlights of New Zealand
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- NZ: South Island (Westbound)
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10 best fully guided New Zealand tour packages
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
NZ: South Island (Westbound)
“Get more money for activities you will not regret.”
Jinyoung, traveled in January
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Haast, Wanaka, Queenstown, Cardrona, Milford Sound, Te Anau, ManapouriSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $1,825
26% off- US$1,346
Southern Secrets - Small Group Tour
“amazing it was! cool acitivities, good advices what to do/where to go and of course, many amazing people to meet!”
Ariana, traveled in February
Local expertise enriches your journey as Kiwi guides showcase New Zealand's highlights. Tours include Tawanui Farm's 330-hectare estate, Abel Tasman's coastal tracks, and wine tastings in Marlborough, with insider knowledge enhancing each location.
Duration 8 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, Hanmer Springs, Akaroa Age Range Ages 18-49 Operator Kiwi Experience From
26% off- US$1,006
New Zealand South Island Express (10 destinations)
“The trip was amazing. Everything about the whole experience from Day 1 to the end is perfect.”
Elizabeth, traveled in January
Professional guides lead this 4.5/5-rated adventure, combining driving and tour leadership. Benefit from specialized guides for activities like pounamu carving, while your main guide shares cultural insights across South Island's diverse landscapes.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Kawarau Gorge, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
26% off- US$1,965
New Zealand's iconic locations come alive, from Kawarau Gorge's bungy site to Redwood Forest canopy walks in Rotorua and Cathedral Cave in Coromandel. Special tours include Hobbiton Movie Set and cultural performances at geothermal sites.
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 $9,530
20% off- US$7,624
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
Veteran guides present New Zealand's highlights, from Rotorua's geothermal wonders to Franz Josef Glacier. Activities include Waitomo cave tours and Milford Sound cruises, with cultural insights and travel in a luxury vehicle with WiFi and leather seats.
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 $4,571
5% off- US$4,343+$771 upfront costs
Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve and Waitangi Treaty Grounds reveal their stories. Cultural richness at Waitangi includes the world's largest ceremonial war canoe, with detailed commentary throughout.
Duration 5 days Destinations Auckland, Whangarei, Tutukaka, Paihia, Bay of Islands, Waitangi Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,290
20% off- US$1,832
Highlights of New Zealand
“Great Experience. Wonderful Sightseeing Activities.”
Pacifico, traveled in February
Tour specialists showcase Auckland's Domain park, Te Puia's geothermal wonders, and art-deco Napier. Rich commentary accompanies Marlborough Sound ferry crossing and Milford Sound cruise, with insights into Māori culture at performances.
Duration 11 days Destinations Auckland, Te Puia, Rotorua, Hobbiton Movie Set, Marton, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, QueenstownSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos From $3,899
6% off- US$3,649
What our customers ask about New Zealand Guided Tours & Trips
What is the typical duration of fully guided tours in New Zealand?
New Zealand guided tours run between 7 and 21 days with most travelers choosing 14-19 day trips to see both islands. AAT Kings' 17-day routes from Christchurch to Auckland feature stays at quality hotels like the Millennium Hotel Queenstown. Wild Kiwi's 14-day "Big South" tour explores the South Island extensively. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The 14-day trip had the perfect balance of activities and free time to really experience New Zealand's beauty."
What type of accommodation is included on fully guided tours in New Zealand?
Expect well-located 4-5 star hotels and distinctive wilderness lodges on guided New Zealand tours. Properties like Te Waonui Forest Lodge in Mackenzie High Country provide comfortable bases for exploration. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The hotels were perfectly situated for exploring both New Zealand's interesting towns and stunning nature."
What is the best time of year to take a fully guided tour in New Zealand?
December through February brings peak summer crowds and ideal weather for outdoor activities. March-May and September-November offer pleasant temperatures with fewer tourists. Winter tours from June to August showcase snowy peaks and skiing opportunities. As one TourRadar traveler advised: "We went in March and had perfect weather for hiking in Abel Tasman plus got to see the autumn colors in Arrowtown."
What makes a fully guided tour in New Zealand worth choosing over independent travel?
Guided tours provide local expertise and handle all logistics while giving special access to cultural sites like Te Puia Maori village in Rotorua. Guides share historical context at key locations including Milford Sound and Franz Josef Glacier. Quality accommodations like Distinction Te Anau Hotel let you focus on the experience. As one TourRadar traveler noted "The guide's deep knowledge of Maori culture and local insights made every destination come alive."
What meals are typically included in fully guided New Zealand tours?
Tours generally cover daily breakfasts and select dinners at notable venues like Walter Peak High Country Farm in Queenstown and traditional hangi feasts at Te Puia. Lunch times stay flexible for local food exploration. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The included meals were excellent especially the farewell dinner at The Grill in Auckland while having lunch flexibility let us try local specialties recommended by our guide."
What does a typical fully guided tour itinerary include in New Zealand?
Tours cover major highlights like Milford Sound cruise Franz Josef Glacier walks and Rotorua's Te Puia Maori village along with city visits to Auckland Wellington and Queenstown. Natural wonders include Abel Tasman National Park Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook. Stays range from city hotels like Cordis Auckland to remote lodges. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Our guide took us to all the must-see spots but also showed us hidden gems we would never have found on our own."
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