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
- Highlights of New Zealand
- Northern Spotlight (2026/2027, Best Buys)
- New Zealand Explorer
- Southern Spotlight (2025/2026, Best Buys)
- Northern Wonders (2025/2026, Best Buys)
- Southern Wonders (2025/2026, Best Buys)
- Southern Wonders (2026/2027, Best Buys)
- Southern Loop
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Eastbound)
- Premium - South Island Escape
Highlights of New Zealand
42 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“If you're looking for a way to fit in as many sights and experiences as possible in a fairly short amount of time, this is a fantastic trip.”
Colleen, traveled in October
Toast the holidays with December departures featuring festive experiences across New Zealand. Savor traditional hangi feasts in Rotorua, celebrate the season in Queenstown, and join summer activities in Franz Josef and Mount Cook. Perfect timing for peak season exploration.
Duration 15 days Destinations Auckland, Hahei, Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $6,459
20% Off- NZ$5,167You save $1,291
Te Puia hosts a hangi-inspired feast with cultural performances in Rotorua. The Bay of Islands offers summer activities, while Waitomo's glowworm caves mesmerize visitors before Wellington's vibrant restaurant scene provides festive celebrations from comfortable city-center hotels.
Duration 8 days Destinations Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings From $5,030
10% Off- NZ$4,527You save $503
New Zealand Explorer
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I had such an amazing time exploring the North and South Islands that I'm hoping to come back.”
ChloeCamsell, traveled in November
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 18 to 39 year olds Operator Wild Kiwi From
10% Off- NZ$3,946+$592 upfront costs
Christchurch's festive markets, Lake Tekapo's winter stargazing, and Queenstown's New Year celebrations highlight the season. Holiday dinners include a special BBQ at Walter Peak Farm among South Island's winter landscapes.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Omarama, Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings From $5,570
15% Off- NZ$4,735You save $835
Wellington's Mount Victoria views launch holiday festivities, followed by traditional hangi dinner at Te Puia and New Year's celebration in Auckland's harbor. Bay of Islands provides summer entertainment while Waitomo's glowworm caves create magical moments during this 8-day celebration.
Duration 8 days Destinations Wellington, Rotorua, Auckland, Bay of Islands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings From $4,790
15% Off- NZ$4,072You save $718
Ring in the New Year in Queenstown after festive dining at Walter Peak Farm. Snow-capped peaks frame Christmas celebrations, while Milford Sound cruises and holiday shopping in Arrowtown's boutiques round out the seasonal festivities.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, Omarama Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings From $5,570
15% Off- NZ$4,735You save $835
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, Omarama Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings From $5,850
10% Off- NZ$5,265You save $585
Southern Loop
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“This tour blew all my expectations and it was awesome to check out the Upper South Island.”
Anna, traveled in May
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, Blenheim, Kaikoura Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator Wild Kiwi From
10% Off- NZ$1,912+$287 upfront costs
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau, Ohau, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Manapouri, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range up to 35 year olds Operator Contiki From $2,385
15% Off- NZ$2,027You save $358
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 18 to 100 year olds Operator Wild Kiwi From
15% Off- NZ$4,086+$613 upfront costs
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in New Zealand
- Highlights of New Zealand
Excellent whirlwind tour of New Zealand showcasing its natural beauty, history, and friendly people. We packed so much into 15 days and made so many fun memories along the way. Lots of optional activities mean you can make the tour your own whether you prefer adrenaline-fueled adventure or relaxation.
- 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.
- Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic Journeys
Tour was a nice mix of beautiful landscape and fun physical activities, accommodations were clean and comfortable, overall great experience. Would recommend to friends!
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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