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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Nicolas • traveled in December, 2025
Excellent south islamf tour going to the main spots!
Southern Crossing - Small Group Tour - N
Nigel • traveled in March
Great experience for this tour.. would rate this as 5stars.. made new friends along the way
New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound) - J
Jan • traveled in March, 2026
Slightly more adventurous tour than we were expecting but fantastic as we really enjoyed everything. A range of accommodation from basic to very good and an amazing amount of extra activities to take part in at extra cost. Our guide Michael was fantastic, entertaining, efficient, educational and fun. A really good run through the north and south islands taking in culture, nature, amazing views and lots of hiking. So many highlights to the tour; as a friend said, there were several ‘wow’ moments every day.
19-Day Ruru Select: The Premier New Zealand North & South Island Journey (Auckland Start)
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10 best fully guided New Zealand tour packages
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
- The Moa Tour
- Southern Crossing - Small Group Tour
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
- New Zealand Southern Pioneer
- 19-Day Ruru Select: The Premier New Zealand North & South Island Journey (Auckland Start)
- 9-Day Pukeko Select: The Essential North Island New Zealand Journey (Auckland to Wellington)
- New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound) (16 destinations)
- Southern Secrets - Small Group Tour
- New Zealand Uncovered (Northbound) (30 destinations)
- Premium - South Island Escape
Kiwi driver guides handle all the logistics and share local knowledge as you travel for 17 days. You'll walk through old mining tunnels at Karangahake Gorge, hike about two hours through native bush in Tongariro National Park, check out the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, and take a scenic boat cruise through Milford Sound.
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$1,629
Southern Crossing - Small Group Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Excellent south islamf tour going to the main spots!”
Nicolas, traveled in November
Kiwi guides show you Franz Josef Glacier Valley, Arthur's Pass National Park, and Milford Sound. The tour features cultural experiences like greenstone carving and street art tours in Christchurch, with professional commentary throughout.
Duration 8 days Destinations Christchurch, Arthur's Pass National Park, Castle Hill Peak, Franz Josef, Lake Hawea, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo Age Range Ages 18-49 Operator Kiwi Experience From $1,146
20% Off- US$917You save $229
New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great experience for this tour.. would rate this as 5stars.. made new friends along the way.”
Nigel, traveled in February
Local specialists facilitate Māori cultural experiences in Hokitika's greenstone workshops and Dark Sky astronomy at Lake Tekapo. Farm life comes alive at Kingston's Fairlight Foundation, while nature guides interpret Milford Sound's UNESCO features during scenic cruises.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Haast, Wanaka, Queenstown, Cardrona, Milford Sound, Te Anau, ArrowtownSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $1,746
27% Off- US$1,283You save $464
Cathedral Square's rebuilt church, Lake Tekapo's lupins, and Queenstown's adventures await. Artisans demonstrate pounamu carving in Franz Josef, while Hokitika's greenstone factory and TranzAlpine railway showcase local craftsmanship and scenery.
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
19-Day Ruru Select: The Premier New Zealand North & South Island Journey (Auckland Start)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A range of accommodation from basic to very good and an amazing amount of extra activities.”
Jan, traveled in February
Duration 19 days Destinations Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Hot Water Beach, Lake Aniwhenua, Taupo, Whanganui National Park, Tongariro National Park, Wellington, PictonSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Stray Travel From $4,342
20% Off- US$3,474You save $868
Professional guides run this fully guided trip with special access to Kohutapu Lodge where you'll help prepare a traditional hangi dinner. The tour includes a guided 4WD eco-safari to 'Top of the World' at Blue Duck Station and water taxi rides to Te Rata Bay's geothermal Hot Water Beach. Groups have 6-24 travelers.
Duration 9 days Destinations Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Lake Aniwhenua, Taupo, Whanganui National Park, Tongariro National Park, Wellington Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Stray Travel From $2,267
20% Off- US$1,814You save $453
North Island unfolds from Mission Bay to Te Papa Museum with expert commentary. Guided visits showcase Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary, Hobbiton Movie Set, and traditional Maori cultural performances. Orientation tours enrich stays in Auckland and Wellington.
Duration 10 days Destinations Auckland, Hot Water Beach, Coromandel, Bridal Veil Falls, Raglan, Waitomo, Matamata, Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua, Huka Falls ResortSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,455
20% Off- US$2,764You save $691
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."