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 - H
Hilda • traveled in March, 2025
The tour was excellent, a very good itinerary, our tour leader, Adam had a very good knowledge & his commentary on road while driving from one place to another was very good, he stopped at interesting spots for us to spend time, view & take pictures.
New Zealand South Island Express - 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
- New Zealand South Island Express
- Southern Crossing - Small Group Tour
- 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)
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- Premium - South Island Escape
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New Zealand South Island Express
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was excellent, a very good itinerary, and the commentary on the road was very good.”
Hilda, traveled in March
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, 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
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
- US$1,152
19-Day Ruru Select: The Premier New Zealand North & South Island Journey (Auckland Start)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The 19 day Ruru tour was fantastic! All of the sites and options for activities were great.”
Mary, traveled in January
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 $4,364
20% Off- US$3,491You save $873
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 $2,279
20% Off- US$1,823You save $456
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
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
10% Off- US$1,638
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
Wildlife spotting in Milford Sound and Hokitika's jade galleries reveal South Island's treasures. Local expertise enhances Mt Difficulty wine tasting and Franz Josef Glacier walks, while premium accommodation ensures comfort throughout.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Wild Kiwi From
10% Off- US$2,391+$408 upfront costs
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."