New Zealand Tours for Young Adults
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10 best trips for '18 to 30 Somethings' in New Zealand
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
- New Zealand North Island: Haka & Hot Springs
- Premium - South Island Escape
- New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
- Southern Crossing - Small Group Tour
- Northern Crossing - Small Group Tour
- New Zealand South Island: Alps & Adrenaline
- 9 Day 'Pukeko' North Island Select Tour
- New Zealand Explorer
- Premium - North Island Escape
- Big South
New Zealand North Island: Haka & Hot Springs
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This trip was absolutely amazing, from the countries that we visited right down to the Topdeck crew!!”
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 $1,999
13% Off- US$1,749You save $250
Premium - South Island Escape
1 Review 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
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
13% Off- US$2,621+$393 upfront costs
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great trip, highly recommend as a fun way to see the South Island.”
Julie, traveled in February
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, Westport, Paparoa National Park, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau, Christchurch, KaikouraSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Shared Operator G Adventures From $2,699
10% Off- US$2,429You save $270
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, Franz Josef, Lake Hawea, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range Ages 18-49 Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Shared Operator Kiwi Experience From
10% Off- US$1,108
Northern Crossing - Small Group Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The group was warm and inclusive, and we enjoyed the rest of the activities very much.”
Katie, traveled in October
Thrill-seekers aged 18+ dive into black water rafting in Waitomo caves, optional Rotorua Canopy Tours, and Taupo skydiving. Sunset sailing with BYO drinks on Lake Taupo and Wellington's hidden bars create perfect evenings. Social hostels connect like-minded travelers.
Duration 7 days Destinations Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington Age Range Ages 18-45 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Kiwi Experience From
10% Off- US$1,182
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, Lake Wanaka, Arrowtown, Queenstown, The Remarkables, Te AnauSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-32 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Topdeck From $2,199
11% Off- US$1,949You save $250
Duration 9 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Lake Aniwhenua, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Wellington Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Stray Travel From
11% Off- US$2,193
New Zealand Explorer
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The group setting was fun and a nice bonding expensive of people from around the world.”
Lindale, traveled in August
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
11% Off- US$2,221+$333 upfront costs
Young thrill-seekers tackle Kaituna River white water rafting and Tongariro Crossing hikes. Lake Taupo sunset cruises, Rotorua's geothermal wonders, and optional jet boating or e-bike tours through Redwoods complete the adventure.
Duration 7 days Destinations Auckland, Mount Maunganui, Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo, Cambridge, Raglan Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Wild Kiwi From
11% Off- US$2,460+$369 upfront costs
Big South
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“If you like smaller groups, then this is definitely the best way to explore the south island while making friends along the way.”
Richard, traveled in November
Action-packed tour for ages 20-35 features Queenstown's bungy jumping, skydiving over Southern Alps, and Franz Josef glacier hikes. Nights filled with group dinners, Marlborough wine tastings, and Queenstown's legendary bar scene.
Duration 14 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, Marlborough, Kaikoura Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Wild Kiwi From
11% Off- US$2,148+$322 upfront costs
What people love about New Zealand Tours for Young Adults
- New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
Worth the price, great itinerary, Summer was an excellent guide. Breakfast could have been a bit more "colourful", but still did it. Regrettably weather is out of anyone's hand, but Summer made sure, that we have alternative options and activities. Would recommend.
- New Zealand Explorer
Knowledgeable, friendly and fun! What more can you ask for?
- NZ Intro North
I had a fantastic time on this tour. Sean was a brilliant guide and so helpful with everything. The places we saw were amazing and I enjoyed every second of it!
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."
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