Christmas & New Year Tours in New Zealand
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10 best Christmas & New Year New Zealand tour packages
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
- New Zealand Uncovered (Southbound) (36 destinations)
- Queenstown Southern Loop
- New Zealand Southern Pioneer (including Arrowtown)
- New Zealand Explorer
- New Zealand South Island Adventure (26 destinations)
- Big South
- Premium New Zealand South Island (9 destinations)
- Iconic North (3 destinations)
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Eastbound)
New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Get more money for activities you will not regret.”
Jinyoung, traveled in January
Toast the holidays with a Skyline Restaurant Christmas dinner overlooking Queenstown. Marvel at seasonal magic at Milford Sound's waterfalls, take Franz Josef Glacier walks, and join festive gatherings at Lake Ōhau Lodge with views of snow-capped Mt. Cook.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Haast, Wanaka, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, ManapouriSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $2,135
20% Off- NZ$1,708You save $427
Ring in the festive season across New Zealand's summer highlights. From Auckland's Mission Bay to Queenstown's vibrant scene, 4 December departures feature Christmas markets and New Year celebrations. Visit seasonal activities at Lake Wanaka, Cathedral Cove, and Wellington's harbor festivities.
Duration 20 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Raglan, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Wellington, Kaikoura, ChristchurchSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $11,390
20% Off- NZ$9,112You save $2,278
Duration 6 days Destinations Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Stewart Island Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,725
25% Off- NZ$2,794You save $931
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Ohau, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,895
20% Off- NZ$4,716You save $1,179
New Zealand Explorer
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had such an amazing time! The tour was flexible, and everyone was so nice and accommodations were solid.”
Daiva, traveled in April
New Zealand's summer landscapes unfold from Rotorua's geothermal wonders to Queenstown's adventure scene. December brings unique Christmas experiences at Milford Sound and Franz Josef Glacier.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Hahei, Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo, Raglan, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator Wild Kiwi From $3,946
10% Off- NZ$3,551+$592 upfront costsYou save $395
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Westport, Punakaiki, Kumara, Hokitika, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$6,795
Big South
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The South Island is beautiful. T made the trip by doing the things we wanted to do.”
Stephan, traveled in August
South Island holiday magic includes Christmas stargazing at Lake Tekapo's Dark Sky Reserve, festive Queenstown feasts, and New Year celebrations in the Southern Alps, plus seasonal Marlborough wine tastings.
Duration 14 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, Marlborough, Kaikoura Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator Wild Kiwi From
10% Off- NZ$3,816+$572 upfront costs
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Greymouth, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Makarora, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Premium From
10% Off- NZ$9,235
Iconic North (3 destinations)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Northern discovery tour was informative and fun.”
Marigold, traveled in February
Duration 7 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From $4,585
15% Off- NZ$3,897You save $688
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau, Ohau, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Manapouri, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $2,135
20% Off- NZ$1,708You save $427
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in New Zealand
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
Trip was good overall. EVERYTHING was practically an add on so budget at least $1600 extra and the guide was not the best.
- New Zealand Explorer
The tour was amazing. A very memorable one. Had a blast with others and places we visited were amazing. I wish we'd stayed a night in Lake tekamo. It's looks amazing so Def feel like I missed out
- New Zealand Panorama (Southbound)
I couldn't have asked for a better tour! It was fun, exciting, well organised and full of great people.
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in New Zealand
When is the best time to book a Christmas & New Year tour in New Zealand?
Planning ahead is crucial for New Zealand's festive season. Book your tour 6-8 months before departure to secure spots at popular destinations like Queenstown Milford Sound and Franz Josef Glacier. December marks the peak of summer tourism with limited availability across most destinations. One TourRadar traveler noted "Make all certain that activities and accommodations are included and confirmed well in advance especially around the holiday season when availability can be limited."
What special Christmas & New Year activities are included in New Zealand tours?
The holiday season in New Zealand combines traditional festivities with local culture. Visitors can join hangi dinners at Te Puia in Rotorua watch New Year's Eve fireworks in Auckland or Queenstown and take holiday cruises on Milford Sound. Premium accommodations like the Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook and Novotel in Queenstown prepare special Christmas meals. According to a TourRadar traveler "The TSS Earnslaw cruise on Lake Wakatipu offers magical evening celebrations during the holiday season."
What are the must-see destinations for Christmas & New Year in New Zealand?
Key holiday destinations start with Queenstown's New Year celebrations and extend to Milford Sound's Christmas cruises. Rotorua offers Christmas experiences with Maori communities while Franz Josef Glacier provides summer ice explorations. Wellington's Te Papa Museum and Auckland's harbor feature holiday programs throughout the season. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Spending Christmas Day cruising Milford Sound and New Year's Eve in Queenstown's buzzing atmosphere was absolutely magical."
What's the weather like during Christmas & New Year in New Zealand?
New Zealand's summer coincides with the holiday season creating ideal conditions for outdoor celebrations. Queenstown experiences temperatures of 20-25°C with daylight lasting until 9pm. The Bay of Islands sees warmer weather around 25-28°C perfect for swimming while Rotorua maintains comfortable temperatures of 22-24°C. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The weather was beautiful the people were really nice and the scenery was amazing during the holiday season."
Where are the best places to stay during Christmas & New Year in New Zealand?
Holiday accommodations range from mountain retreats to waterfront hotels. The Scenic Hotel in Franz Josef provides mountain views while the Heritage Queenstown overlooks Lake Wakatipu. Urban options include the Cordis Auckland and InterContinental Wellington with special holiday packages. A TourRadar traveler commented: "Staying at the Heritage Queenstown over New Year's was perfect - we had an amazing view of the fireworks over the lake from our balcony."
How much should I budget for a Christmas & New Year tour in New Zealand?
Ten to fourteen-day tours during the holiday season cost between USD 2500-6500 per person. This covers stays at properties like Quest Queenstown or Ramada Suites plus transportation and guided activities. Extra expenses include optional activities ($150-300 each) daily meals ($50-100) and New Year's Eve events. A TourRadar traveler advised "Budget extra for this period as many restaurants and activities have special holiday pricing."
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