What special events and festivals can I experience in New Zealand during December?

December brings a vibrant mix of summer festivals and holiday celebrations to New Zealand. Major cities like Auckland and Christchurch host open-air Christmas in the Park concerts that draw thousands of locals and visitors. Food enthusiasts can head to Queenstown for the Central Otago Wine & Food Festival. The geothermal city of Rotorua offers holiday-themed Maori performances and traditional hangi feasts at Te Puia. For movie buffs the Hobbiton Movie Set transforms into a festive wonderland with evening tours that show off the decorated Shire.

What are the accommodation options and rates like in December?

December marks the high season in New Zealand with rooms filling up quickly. High-end properties like the Cordis in Auckland and QT Queenstown command $200-500 USD per night. Nature lovers can book stays at places like the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier which puts guests close to natural wonders. Budget-conscious travelers will find hostels and motels available at lower rates though these also require advance booking. Most properties increase their rates during this peak period making early reservations essential.

What kind of weather can I expect in New Zealand's South Island during December?

The South Island enjoys warm summer days in December with temperatures typically reaching 20-25°C (68-77°F). The Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook regions offer clear skies ideal for outdoor activities while coastal areas like Kaikoura maintain comfortable temperatures. Visitors should note that mountain weather can change quickly. The Wild Kiwi tour reports "20 April - 3 May best weather!! First week we had 18 people and the next week 7." Packing layers remains essential especially around glacial areas.

How do transportation costs and availability differ in December?

Peak season pricing affects all transport options in December. Domestic flights connecting Auckland to Queenstown typically cost between $150-300 USD. The scenic TranzAlpine train running from Christchurch to Greymouth costs $160-200 USD per passenger. The Interislander Ferry between the North and South Islands sees high demand. Transport operators recommend booking at least 3-4 months ahead particularly for popular routes during this busy period.

What are the best Christmas-themed experiences in New Zealand?

New Zealand's Christmas celebrations blend traditional holiday customs with local culture. Auckland's Franklin Road becomes a light-filled wonderland while Wellington's Te Papa museum curates special holiday exhibits. In Rotorua Te Puia combines Christmas festivities with Maori cultural experiences. The Walter Peak High Country Farm near Queenstown offers holiday dining with views across Lake Wakatipu creating memorable Christmas experiences for visitors.

What wildlife experiences are available in New Zealand during December?

December's warm weather creates prime conditions for wildlife viewing. Kaikoura's waters attract sperm whales dolphins and seals making it a top spot for marine life encounters. Abel Tasman National Park offers opportunities to spot native birds including the melodious Tui and the ancient Tuatara. Guided tours provide access to these natural habitats while boat excursions along the Kaikoura Coast bring visitors close to thriving seal colonies.

New Zealand Tours in December 2026

10 best New Zealand trips in December 2026

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Explorer
The Moa Tour
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
17 days
Destinations
Auckland, Coromandel, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington,Abel Tasman National Park,Westport,Hokitika,Franz Josef,Wanaka,Queenstown,Milford Sound,Lake Tekapo,Christchurch+9 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Kiwi Experience
From
US$1,628per person
Price based on Shared Room
Sign up and save up to $81
3 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
6 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Premium New Zealand North Island
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"We thoroughly enjoyed our time in New Zealand. We are grateful to Runty for his leadership skills, friendliness and professional guiding."
John, traveled in November
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Auckland, Waiheke Island, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo,Tongariro National Park,Ohakune,Wellington+3 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
New Zealand North Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
From
US$5,390per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $269
3 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
10 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
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Explorer
New Zealand Southern Pioneer
2.3 (4 traveler reviews)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau, Twizel,Kawarau Gorge,Queenstown,Arrowtown,Wanaka,Lake Hawea,Lake Wanaka,Franz Josef,Greymouth,Arthur's Pass National Park+9 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
From
US$3,920per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $196
4 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
19-Day Ruru Select: The Premier New Zealand North & South Island Journey (Auckland Start)
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"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,Picton,Marahau,Abel Tasman National Park,Punakaiki,Hokitika,Franz Josef,Wanaka,Queenstown,Te Anau,Milford Sound,Lake Pukaki,Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park,Mount Cook,Lake Tekapo,Christchurch+20 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Stray Travel
20% Off
From $4,338
US$3,471per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $173
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
The Jandal Tour
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Auckland, Coromandel, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
New Zealand North Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Kiwi Experience
20% Off
From
US$668per person
Price based on Shared Room
Sign up and save up to $33
3 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
6 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
New Zealand South Island Express
4.3 (9 traveler reviews)
"The trip was amazing. Everything about the whole experience from Day 1 to the end is perfect."
Elizabeth, traveled in January
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Kawarau Gorge,Milford Sound,Arrowtown,Wanaka,Lake Wanaka,Franz Josef,Lake Hawea,Haast+7 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From
US$1,510per person
Price based on Shared Room
Sign up and save up to $75
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
8 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
9-Day Pukeko Select: The Essential North Island New Zealand Journey (Auckland to Wellington)
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Lake Aniwhenua, Taupo,Whanganui National Park,Tongariro National Park,Wellington+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
New Zealand North Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Stray Travel
20% Off
From $2,265
US$1,812per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $90
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic
4.7 (9 traveler reviews)
"The beauty of the the country and the tour organization made it fantastic."
MONICA, traveled in November
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Auckland, Waiheke Island, Waitomo, Rotorua, Christchurch,Arthur's Pass National Park,Lake Tekapo,Mount Cook,Wanaka,Arrowtown,Queenstown,Fiordland National Park+7 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures
15% Off
From $5,899
US$5,014per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $250
6 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
13 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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Explorer
Southern Secrets - Small Group Tour
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"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
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park,Hanmer Springs+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-49
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Kiwi Experience
15% Off
From
US$1,017per person
Price based on Shared Room
Sign up and save up to $50
7 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Premium - South Island Escape
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"We really enjoyed our tour of South Island. It was very well organised and we all had the best time."
Helen, traveled in February
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Te Anau, Milford Sound,Queenstown,Franz Josef+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Wild Kiwi
26% Off
From $2,709
US$2,015per person
+$406 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $121
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
19 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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$New Zealand\'s North to South Island Adventure Tour$
$New Zealand\'s North to South Island Adventure - 9 destinations$
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Explorer
New Zealand's North to South Island Adventure
4.5 (75 traveler reviews)
"great trip with an excellent tour guide."
Sonja, traveled in March
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Auckland, Coromandel, Rotorua, Murupara, Taupo, Wellington,Marlborough,Kaikoura,Christchurch+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
26% Off
From
US$2,190per person
Price based on Shared Room
Sign up and save up to $109
5 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
19 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
11-Day Takahe Select: The Ultimate South Island New Zealand Loop (Christchurch Start)
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"The tour was well-organized, with comfortable hotels, and a great group of like-minded tourists."
Tammy, traveled in November
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Marahau, Hokitika, Franz Josef,Milford Sound,Te Anau,Mount Cook+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
New Zealand South IslandSouthern Alps+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Stray Travel
20% Off
From $2,731
US$2,185per person
Price based on Private Single Room
Sign up and save up to $109
10 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Auckland Explorer New Zealand City Stay
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Four tours with time to ourselves. great vacation."
Marc, traveled in July
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Auckland, Rotorua
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
New Zealand North IslandBay Of Plenty+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Made Easy Pty Ltd
20% Off
From
US$1,481per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $74
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Active
Southern Voyager
4.7 (111 traveler reviews)
"Overall excellent tour, fantastic tour guide, great recommendations and overall great care provided."
Akhil, traveled in April
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound,Franz Josef+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Physical Rating
Active
Regions
New Zealand South IslandMilford Sound+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wild Kiwi
10% Off
From $1,138
US$1,024per person
+$170 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
Sign up and save up to $59
5 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
12 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
The Gumboot Tour
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The atmosphere on the trip was wonderful - everyone mixing and having fun together."
Susan, traveled in March
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park,Westport,Hokitika,Franz Josef,Wanaka,Queenstown,Milford Sound,Lake Tekapo+7 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Kiwi Experience
10% Off
From
US$1,105per person
Price based on Shared Room
Sign up and save up to $55
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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