New Zealand Tours for Young Adults
New Zealand for young travelers delivers adventure in the extreme! Imagine exploring Auckland's harbors, visiting Rotorua's geothermal wonders, discovering Queenstown's adrenaline activities, touring Milford Sound's fjords, and hiking Franz Josef Glacier. Try bungy jumping, skiing, and hiking, all while meeting backpackers. New Zealand's built for young travelers wanting adventure mixed with stunning landscapes.
10 best trips for '18 to 30 Somethings' in New Zealand
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
- The Moa Tour
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
- Southern Crossing - Small Group Tour
- New Zealand North Island: Haka & Hot Springs
- New Zealand South Island: Alps & Adrenaline
- New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
- Southern Secrets - Small Group Tour
- 9-Day Pukeko Select: The Essential North Island New Zealand Journey (Auckland to Wellington)
- Premium - South Island Escape
- New Zealand Explorer
Built for ages 20-35, you'll surf Westport's rugged coastline, mountain bike around Wanaka, and tackle Roy's Peak for sunrise views. Check out Christchurch's street art, photograph That Wanaka Tree, and jet boat across Queenstown's lakes before hitting Wellington's Cuba Street nightlife and soaking in Tekapo's hot springs.
Duration 17 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport, Hokitika, Franz JosefSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Kiwi Experience From
- US$1,631
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
Adrenaline seekers can bungy jump at Kawarau Bridge, take helicopter rides over Franz Josef Glacier, and party in Queenstown. Young travelers around 26 years old, mostly solo adventurers, share hostel stays and group dinners at Skyline Restaurant by Lake Wakatipu.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Haast, Wanaka, Queenstown, Cardrona, Milford Sound, Te Anau, ArrowtownSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Contiki From $1,746
27% Off- US$1,283You save $464
Southern Crossing - Small Group Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Excellent south islamf tour going to the main spots!”
Nicolas, traveled in November
Adventurous souls aged 18+ can dive into Queenstown's adrenaline activities like bungy jumping and skydiving. Social vibes flourish at Nomads Queenstown and Rainforest Retreat, with optional heli-hikes at Franz Josef Glacier.
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 Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Shared Operator Kiwi Experience From $1,147
20% Off- US$918You save $229
New Zealand North Island: Haka & Hot Springs
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Awesome experience, gave us a good taste of the north island. Definitely recommend taking the 'Rock the Boat' optional and doing the night kayaking.”
Katherine, traveled in July
Young adventurers aged 18+ can go blackwater rafting at Waitomo Caves, tackle whitewater rafting in Rotorua (around $140), and hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The trip features craft beer tasting in Wellington and optional skydiving in Bay of Islands, plus vibrant nightlife in Auckland and Rotorua.
Duration 10 days Destinations Auckland, Whangarei, Paihia, Bay of Islands, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Wellington Age Range Ages 18-32 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Topdeck From $2,099
5% Off- US$1,994You save $105
Adrenaline seekers aged 20-35 tackle Queenstown's bungy jumping and Franz Josef's heli-hikes. World Bar's teapot cocktails, Fergburger feasts, and optional skydiving over The Remarkables round out the adventure.
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Okarito, Wanaka, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Te AnauSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-32 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Topdeck From
5% Off- US$2,269
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Breathtaking sights, great people and a well put together tour. I felt like I saw the best of what the South has to offer.”
Rebecca, traveled in December
Thrill-seekers aged 20+ can join Queenstown activities like bungee jumping (around $270-450), party in Wellington's Courtenay Place, and visit Franz Josef Glacier. Social hostels and group dinners create lasting friendships.
Duration 16 days Destinations Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Cape Foulwind, Westport, Punakaiki, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mount Cook National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Shared Operator G Adventures From $2,699
25% Off- US$2,024You save $675
Southern Secrets - Small Group Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“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
Travelers averaging 31 years old can spot whales in Kaikoura, kayak in Abel Tasman, and enjoy hydroslides at Hanmer Springs' thermal pools. Nights feature stays at vibrant spots like Dusky Lodge and social drinks in Christchurch's local bars.
Duration 8 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, Hanmer Springs Age Range Ages 18-49 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Kiwi Experience From
25% Off- US$1,019
Made for the 20-35 age group, this North Island trip has white water rafting in Rotorua, optional bungy jumping at Huka Falls in Taupo, and the challenging Tongariro Alpine Crossing through volcanic terrain. You'll learn haka and weaving at Kohutapu Lodge, then spot rare whio on the Kaiwhakauka waterfall hike.
Duration 9 days Destinations Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Lake Aniwhenua, Taupo, Whanganui National Park, Tongariro National Park, Wellington Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Stray Travel From $2,270
20% Off- US$1,816You save $454
Premium - South Island Escape
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything is set safe in mind before my trip starts. This was my best experience with Tour Radar!”
YAJUAN, traveled in November
Luxury meets adventure with optional bungy jumping and skydiving in Queenstown, glacier hiking at Franz Josef, and jet boating thrills. Social wine tasting at Mt Difficulty Vineyard and Dark Sky stargazing at Tekapo round out the experience.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Wild Kiwi From $2,714
26% Off- US$2,019+$407 upfront costsYou save $695
New Zealand Explorer
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had the best experience in South and North Island for different reasons. The group and the guides were amazing and good sports.”
David, traveled in January
Young adventurers tackle Queenstown bungy jumping, Raglan surfing, and Franz Josef glacier hiking. Nights come alive in Queenstown and Taupo, while RockSolid hostel's climbing wall in Rotorua adds extra excitement.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Hahei, Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo, Raglan, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Wild Kiwi From $2,300
10% Off- US$2,070+$345 upfront costsYou save $230
What people love about New Zealand Tours for Young Adults
- New Zealand North Island: Haka & Hot Springs
Where do I begin describing this trip?? This trip was absolutely amazing, from the countries that we visited right down to the Topdeck crew!! Our trip leader was a bloody legend and had a wicked sense of humour! Our cook was beyond great considering all the diet requirements that he had to cook for. And our bus driver drove through Scandinavia as if he knew the roads off the back of his hands. All up I could not recommend this tour enough...from the midnight sun in Nordkapp and the bobsledding in Lillehammer to the Sea Fortress and markets in Helsinki this trip I would do all over again in a heartbeat!! I have defintely made friends and family jealous after showing them all the amazing photos!!
- New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
Fantastic trip with a great group and an outstanding leader, who kept us entertained throughout the trip! Everything was planned and detailed for you. Any queries, you could just ask.
- Southern Voyager
Tegan made this trip one to remember!!! She truly made it so easy for us to enjoy the South Island stress free, and had amazing tunes of course!! Got to meet the most amazing group of people and had so much fun spending the week exploring, partying and everything in between!
What our customers ask about New Zealand Tours for Young Adults
Where are the best places for nightlife and socializing with other young travelers?
Queenstown stands out as New Zealand's nightlife hub with more than 100 bars and clubs around the lake area. World Bar and Cowboys draw regular crowds of travelers. For those heading north Wellington's Cuba Street offers a mix of craft beer spots and music venues while Auckland's Viaduct district features waterfront bars popular with locals and visitors alike. One TourRadar reviewer mentioned: "The nightlife in Queenstown was incredible - our whole tour group would meet up at Fergburger then hit the bars together. Such great memories!"
Are solo travelers common on New Zealand young adult tours?
Solo travelers dominate the young adult tour scene in New Zealand with statistics showing they make up to 83% of tour participants. The tours cater well to independent travelers through shared rooms at places like YHA hostels and group activities that create natural opportunities to meet others. A TourRadar traveler confirmed: "I don't usually choose organised tours as they are too busy but with Wild Kiwi we were like a little family."
What type of accommodation can I expect on young adult tours in New Zealand?
The accommodation mix typically includes hostels lodges and hotels that foster social interaction. JUCY Snooze Christchurch provides modern pod-style rooms while The Barn in Abel Tasman offers beachfront stays with shared spaces for group gatherings. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The accommodation was social but comfortable - we had movie nights in the common rooms and made friends with other young travelers staying there."
What are the best adventure activities for young adults in New Zealand?
Queenstown leads the way for adventure seekers with options from bungy jumping at Kawarau Bridge to white water rafting on the Kaituna River. Beyond Queenstown travelers can try skydiving over Lake Taupo surfing in Raglan kayaking through Abel Tasman National Park or taking on the Tongariro Crossing. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "I've never had so much fun in my life and I never imagined I'd get to push myself to do 6 new things I've never done before (white water rafting zip lining sky diving bungee jumping cave exploring and surfing)."
How long should young adults plan to stay in New Zealand?
Most visitors need 8-14 days to properly explore either the North or South Island. Tour options like Wild Kiwi's "Big South" 14-day journey or Stray's 11-day "Weka" route provide enough time to see key sites and enjoy activities without rushing. As one TourRadar traveler said: "Two weeks was perfect - enough time to do all the activities we wanted without rushing plus make great friends along the way."
What's the best time of year for young adults to visit New Zealand?
Summer months (December to February) bring the best weather but also peak crowds and prices. Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) offer pleasant temperatures fewer tourists and good conditions for outdoor activities. One TourRadar reviewer recommended: "We went in April and it was perfect - warm enough for activities but not too crowded plus we got amazing photos of the autumn colors around Lake Tekapo."
More about New Zealand
New Zealand South Island toursNew Zealand North Island toursNew Zealand Northland toursMilford Sound toursNew Zealand Travel Guide | All You Need to KnowBest 2 Week New Zealand Itineraries 2026/2027 (with Reviews)Best 3 Week New Zealand Itineraries 2026/2027 (with Reviews)Weather in New Zealand in 2026/2027What is the best time to visit New Zealand in 2026/2027?Solo/Single toursCouplesBudget tours