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

View Map
Explorer
Southern Crossing - Small Group Tour
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Excellent south islamf tour going to the main spots!"
Nicolas, traveled in November
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+8 more
Age Range
Ages 18-49
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Kiwi Experience
15% Off
From $1,149
US$977per person
Price based on Shared Room
14 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
29 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic Journeys
4.7 (9 traveler reviews)
"The tour bus was very clean and our driver/guide kept us entertained during the entire trip."
Andy, traveled in September
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Auckland, Waitemata Harbour, Waiheke Island, Waitomo,Rotorua,Christchurch,Arthur's Pass National Park,Lake Tekapo,Mount Cook,Wanaka,Arrowtown,Queenstown,Fiordland National Park+9 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures
25% Off
From $6,419
US$4,814per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
$19 Day \'Ruru\' National Select Tour Tour$
$19 Day \'Ruru\' National Select Tour - 29 destinations$
View Map
Explorer
19 Day 'Ruru' National Select Tour
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"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,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
25% Off
From
US$4,365per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
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
25% Off
From
US$5,390per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
10 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
View tour
View Map
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 $1,021
US$867per person
Price based on Shared Room
7 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
22 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
$9 Day \'Pukeko\' North Island Select Tour Tour$
$9 Day \'Pukeko\' North Island Select Tour - 8 destinations$
View Map
Explorer
9 Day 'Pukeko' North Island Select Tour
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
15% Off
From
US$2,279per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Southern Wonders of New Zealand – 10 Day Journey
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Ohau, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
New Zealand South IslandTe Araroa Trail+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
10% Off
From $6,053
US$5,448per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
7 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
$6 Days in Christchurch: Explore Kaikoura, Arthur\'s Pass & Mt Cook with Guided Day Tours Tour$
$6 Days in Christchurch: Explore Kaikoura, Arthur\'s Pass & Mt Cook with Guided Day Tours - 7 destinations$
View Map
Explorer
6 Days in Christchurch: Explore Kaikoura, Arthur's Pass & Mt Cook with Guided Day Tours
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Kaikoura, Arthur's Pass National Park,Lake Tekapo+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
East Gate Tours LTD
27% Off
From $1,818
US$1,327per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Epic South Island Hiking & Walking Small Group Tour
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"We really packed it in and enjoyed great hikes and incredible scenery."
Lynda, traveled in February
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Punakaiki,Westland Tai Poutini National Park,Franz Josef,Wanaka,Mount Aspiring National Park,Te Anau,Milford Sound,Fiordland National Park,Queenstown,Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park,Lake Tekapo+10 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Fresh Adventures
27% Off
From
US$4,908per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
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
27% Off
From
US$2,391per person
+$359 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
19 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
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
27% Off
From
US$1,482per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour
$11 Day \'Takahe\' South Island Select Tour Tour$
$11 Day \'Takahe\' South Island Select Tour - 10 destinations$
View Map
Hiking & Trekking
11 Day 'Takahe' South Island Select Tour
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Well planned. Very interesting tour."
phil, traveled in March
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Picton, Marahau, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau,Milford Sound,Mount Cook,Christchurch+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Stray Travel
27% Off
From
US$2,712per person
Price based on Private Single Room
10 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Highlights of New Zealand
4.6 (47 traveler reviews)
"The trip exceeded our expectations, providing excellent value for money for a diverse group."
Lynette, traveled in October
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Auckland, Hahei, Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura,Christchurch,Franz Josef,Queenstown,Milford Sound+4 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $5,299
US$3,974per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Dec, 2026
1 space left
10 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Active
Southern Voyager
4.7 (111 traveler reviews)
"It was a great way to experience the South Island! I would always do it again!"
Nele, traveled in December
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
25% Off
From
US$1,145per person
+$171 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
5 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
12 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
14 Days Best of New Zealand, Auckland, Christchurch & Queenstown
3.5 (4 traveler reviews)
"A huge variety of activities including city tours, boat rides, wine tasting and adventure."
Allison, traveled in December
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Auckland, Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua, Te Puia,Christchurch,Springfield,Arthur's Pass National Park,Queenstown,Arrowtown,Kawarau Gorge,Glenorchy,Mount Aspiring National Park,Te Anau,Fiordland National Park,Milford Sound+11 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Made Easy Pty Ltd
25% Off
From
US$4,448per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour