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 Uncovered (Southbound) (34 destinations)
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
- Premium New Zealand Encompassed (45 destinations)
- New Zealand Explorer
- New Zealand Southern Pioneer (including Arrowtown)
- New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound) (12 destinations)
- New Zealand Uncovered (Northbound) (34 destinations)
- Iconic North (3 destinations)
- Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic Journeys
- Premium - South Island Escape
New Zealand Uncovered (Southbound) (34 destinations)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was an amazing experience in an amazing country and I would highly recommend Haka.”
Duration 20 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Raglan, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Marlborough, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Lake TekapoSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $11,390
20% Off- NZ$9,112You save $2,278
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 $2,385
15% Off- NZ$2,027You save $358
Duration 18 days Destinations Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Ohakune, Wellington, Christchurch, Greymouth, PunakaikiSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Premium From $16,190
10% Off- NZ$14,571You save $1,619
New Zealand Explorer
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Wild Kiwi tours was the best decision I made coming to New Zealand. I got to see all the beauty that NZ has to offer without the stress of planning it all.”
Geetha, traveled in March
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
10% Off- NZ$3,946+$592 upfront costs
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Ohau, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,690
25% Off- NZ$4,268You save $1,422
Duration 10 days Destinations Wellington, Taupo, Rotorua, Raglan, Coromandel, Auckland Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
25% Off- NZ$4,990
New Zealand Uncovered (Northbound) (34 destinations)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Outstanding overview of the entire country. Provided numerous activities at all locations.”
Tim, traveled in March
Duration 20 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Ohau, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Greymouth, Kaikoura, WellingtonSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
25% Off- NZ$11,135
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
Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic Journeys
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“great trip and tour of NZ”
PAUL, traveled in February
Ring in the season with a festive wilderness cruise in Fiordland National Park and holiday dinner at Queenstown's Skyline Restaurant. The TranzAlpine train through snowy Southern Alps offers magical winter vistas, with special Christmas activities in Franz Josef and Rotorua.
Duration 12 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Fiordland National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $8,999
25% Off- NZ$6,749You save $2,250
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
New Zealand's festive charm shines at premium hotels from Tekapo to Queenstown. Mt Difficulty Vineyard presents holiday dining, Dark Sky Reserve offers New Year stargazing, and Franz Josef Glacier displays winter wonderland views.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Wild Kiwi From
25% Off- NZ$4,086+$613 upfront costs
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.
Haka Plus was amazing. I fell in love with New Zealand. Simon was great guide and the small tour group made it even better as we all became close friends. I would highly recommend Haka Tour to all my friends and Family. I loved every moment that I was in New Zealand. I would come back in a heart beat and travel with Haka Tours again!
New Zealand Uncovered (Southbound) (34 destinations)
- New Zealand Explorer
The trip was 100% what I expected, and was exactly how it is described .. both the tour guides I had were extremely knowledgable, friendly and helpful. There were always activities to do some which you have to pay for but if you didn't want to do those, than the tour guide would say other things you could do , mainly hikes or walks but with the scenery around you these Walks are beautiful .. the accommodation we stayed in was great. You can rent a towel in almost all of them. The transport is great, it's comfy, has wifi, USB ports , and is a great way to get chatting with your group:) Would definitely reccommend
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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