Private New Zealand Tours
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10 best Private tours of New Zealand
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
- Milford Sound Spectacular - 7 Day Self Drive tour
- 5 Day North Island Highlights Self Drive Tour
- Southern Icons - 9 Day Self Drive Tour
- Auckland to Christchurch Highlights - 9 Day Self Drive Tour
- Southern Lakes (with TranzAlpine) - 6 Day Self Drive Tour
- 8 Day Discover Middle Earth
- 5 Day Southern Experience Tour
- Trains, Fiords and Glaciers
- North Island Explorer - 7 Day Self Drive Tour
- Auckland to Queenstown Highlights - 11 Day Self Drive Tour
Milford Sound Spectacular - 7 Day Self Drive tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The concept is a great stress free way to see all the sites and scenery with minimal planning. Fabulous!!”
Garry, traveled in November
Private Christchurch airport transfers launch your independent Toyota Corolla adventure. Set your own tempo through Mount Cook National Park, along Milford Road, and returning via Moeraki Boulders.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Mount Cook, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Moeraki Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$2,319
5 Day North Island Highlights Self Drive Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The New Zealand tour comp did a fine job booking hotels, car rental and activities. Their app was great.”
David, traveled in January
North Island delights await with private transfers and personal guides. Savor exclusive wine tastings in Hawke's Bay while enjoying flexible scheduling and dedicated service throughout your romantic escape.
Duration 5 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Napier, Masterton, Wellington Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$2,005
Southern Icons - 9 Day Self Drive Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The experience was seamless from start to finish. The accommodations were simply beautiful, everything we needed and more.”
Barbara, traveled in March
Luxury awaits with private transfers in Christchurch and South Island highlights. Move at your own pace through Mt. Cook National Park, Milford Sound, and Queenstown, adapting your schedule as desired.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Mount Cook, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$3,500
Auckland to Christchurch Highlights - 9 Day Self Drive Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Truly central locations, nice, safe and clean places to stay. We had a wonderful wonderful time in beautiful New Zealand.”
Madellaine, traveled in November
Your Auckland adventure starts with private airport transfer and harbor dinner cruise. The tour features exclusive Hobbiton Movie Set access, intimate Te Pō Indigenous Evening, and leisurely exploration of Rotorua's geothermal wonders.
Duration 9 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$3,399
Southern Lakes (with TranzAlpine) - 6 Day Self Drive Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was worth the extra money. The recommended itinerary helped so much and the tour operators couldn't have been more helpful if they tried.”
Jola, traveled in September
Private airport transfers in Christchurch set the tone for independent adventures. Take in Mt Cook National Park, browse craft shops in Hokitika, and ride the TranzAlpine train with attentive service throughout.
Duration 6 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$2,025
8 Day Discover Middle Earth
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Saw the most beautiful places in New Zealand, great tour guides, relaxed pace, and good balance of activities and free time.”
Stephen, traveled in February
Private transfers connect Wellington station to hotel and Queenstown airport to lodging. Local experts guide visits to Hobbiton Movie Set, Wellington's film locations, and 4WD adventures in Wakatipu Basin.
Duration 8 days Destinations Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Wellington, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Christchurch Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operator Thrifty Tours From
- NZ$5,515
Private transfers from Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station set the tone. The tour includes semi-private coach travel, intimate glacier valley tours, and free time to discover Queenstown's attractions.
Duration 5 days Destinations Christchurch, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operator Thrifty Tours From
- NZ$2,600
Trains, Fiords and Glaciers
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“South Island, in August is a treasure! An unforeseen 3rd party accident meant a reshuffle which was catered for, without a drama.”
ANDREW, traveled in August
This 6-day adventure features private Dunedin transfers and exclusive glacier viewing. Guides narrate your journey through Canterbury Plains, Otago Goldfields, and Southern Alps, with leisure time in Queenstown and Franz Josef.
Duration 6 days Destinations Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operator Thrifty Tours From
- NZ$3,545
The 7-day tour includes private Wellington airport transfer and adaptable scheduling. Visit Te Papa Museum, tour Cape Kidnappers gannet colony, and choose your timing for Huka Falls jet boat and Rotorua Forest Canopy adventures.
Duration 7 days Destinations Wellington, Napier, Taupo, Rotorua, Auckland Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$2,350
Private Auckland airport transfers lead to intimate Hobbiton tours, Te Pō cultural evening, whale watching in Kaikoura, and stargazing at Mount Cook. Perfect for couples ages 5+.
Duration 11 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Picton, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Mount Cook, Queenstown Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$4,515
Private New Zealand Tour Reviews
- Southern Icons - 9 Day Self Drive Tour
We thoroughly enjoyed our self-driving tour. The experience was seamless from start to finish. Once we signed up, we received communication within minutes putting our hearts at ease. When we reached our destinations, we would simply give our names and the rest would be taken care of. Any questions or changes we had we're dealt with quickly and efficiently. The accommodations were simply beautiful, everything we needed and more. I also enjoyed using the app, especially being able to keep a travel journal and a list of our expenses. We would recommend this service to others who would like to explore an area with all the work taken care of at a reasonable price.
overall, this was an outstanding tour! amanda, our tour representative, had everything perfectly organized. there was one day we had a snag on the bus from Rotorua to Wellington, but it was not the fault of Tourradar, but more with the staff at the Rororua bus station. but all of the activities and sights were first rare!
8 Day Discover Middle Earth
- 5 Day Southern Experience Tour
was great everyone should do it
What our customers ask about Private New Zealand Tours
What's the best duration for a Private tour in New Zealand?
New Zealand private tours work best when planned between 3 and 14 days with most travelers choosing 5-10 day itineraries. The Southern Experience Tour takes 5 days to explore Christchurch Mt Cook National Park Queenstown and Franz Josef Glacier. The 10 Day South Island National Parks tour provides a slower pace allowing deeper exploration of each location. Recent travelers report smooth logistics with one noting "Everything went like clockwork and we saw beautiful and interesting scenery."
What accommodation options are available on New Zealand Private tours?
Private tours in New Zealand typically use 3-4 star properties ranging from well-appointed motels to upscale hotels. Queenstown accommodations include Quest Hotel and Ramada Suites while Franz Josef offers spots like Punga View and Glacier View Motel. Some tours add special stays such as the South to North Drive & Rail tour's night aboard the Milford Mariner in Milford Sound. A recent guest noted "We stayed at a very nice hotel in the centre of Paihia everything was well organized."
What's the recommended season for a Private tour in New Zealand?
Summer months from December to February bring peak tourist season with temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. Queenstown sees temperatures around 20-25°C during these months. Spring (September-November) and fall (March-May) mean fewer tourists but equally good views. The Franz Josef area has its clearest weather from December through April. One traveler shared: "We got lucky with the weather and could do all planned activities."
How much cultural immersion is included in New Zealand Private tours?
Rotorua serves as the hub for Maori cultural experiences on private tours. Visitors get direct access to traditional villages private hangi feasts and one-on-one time with local guides. Many tours use the Millennium Hotel Rotorua as a base given its proximity to Te Puia cultural center. According to one visitor: "The Maori cultural experiences were authentic and personal - a highlight of our trip."
What unique experiences are included in Private New Zealand tours?
Private tours unlock exclusive access across New Zealand. This includes special Maori cultural evenings in Rotorua private glacier walks in Franz Josef and customized Lord of the Rings filming location visits. Tours often include private entry to Te Puia geothermal park and secluded trails with expert guides. Most stays feature upscale properties like the Carnmore Hotel in Christchurch. As one traveler put it: "Jaw dropping scenery amazing food friendly people. This is hands down the best family vacation we have ever had!"
What types of accommodation can I expect on a Private tour in New Zealand?
Accommodations range from boutique lodges to high-end hotels. Notable stays include The Crown Hotel on Napier's waterfront and the Colonial Lodge in Taradale. Queenstown properties offer views across Lake Wakatipu to The Remarkables mountains. In Rotorua accommodations blend Maori architectural elements with modern amenities. A recent guest noted "The accommodations were consistently excellent especially the lakeside properties in Queenstown which offered incredible privacy and views."
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