New Zealand Tours & Trips
Wonder awaits in New Zealand. Imagine canyon jet boating, zip lining, bungee jumping, and whitewater rafting. Try R&R at Lake Wanaka, explore the glowing Waitomo Caves, and visit Lord of the Rings locations. Christchurch’s architecture opens your eyes, while Queenstown is the adventure capital. For stunning views, head to the fjords of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. New Zealand is too beautiful.
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R • traveled in February
It was a good tour spoilt by the fact that it was NOT as described . It is a 17 Not a 19 day Tour - day 1 you meet the tour guide and fellow travellers, NO tour!. Day 19 you have breakfast - NO tour! The brochure says "1 night comfortable boat" - NO overnight on a boat Age 16- 85 This tour involves hiking definitely not suited to 80 year olds - my fellow travellers were experienced hikers fully equipped for hiking. The tour operator ( Not Tourradar ) was excellent, the tour guide fantastic and my fellow travellers were a delight but I could not keep up with the physical side.
New Zealand Explorer - L
Lizzy • traveled in January
Absolutely fabulous North Island Haka tour with guide Katie. Locations and activities chosen were ideal and the group a perfect size of 14. Some of the accommodation could have been a little better (for the amount paid for the tour) but otherwise a fantastic experience. Katie was a superb guide with excellent knowledge, awesome bus driving skills and sensational social skills. Highly recommend Haka tours!!
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure - A
Ania • traveled in November
We went on a seven day tour of the North Island of New Zealand. My husband and I have never been on a bus tour like this, but Haka Tours far exceeded all of our expectations. It was a fantastic road trip through a beautiful landscape with strangers who quickly became our friends. We really like the concept behind Haka Tours, and our tour guides, Katie and Si, were both excellent. They were super friendly and extremely knowledgeable! Haka took care of getting us from place to place and chose the accommodations, but each person in our group had a lot of freedom in deciding what they wanted to do at each of the places where we traveled. Since we were on a bus with a small group of people that allowed us to get to know each other, and on some days we all chose the same activities. On other days, we would split up and some of us would do one thing while others chose to do something else. Throughout the tour, we stayed at hostels, which were not super luxurious, but all of them were very comfortable and clean. At each place, Katie and Si gave us a choice of activities that we could do on the given day. They made sure that we all got to do what we wanted, so if there was any specific activity that one of us wanted to do that was not mentioned, they made sure that they could accommodate all of us. We got to do a lot of activities and enjoyed all of them. We went sea kayaking in Coromandel and black water rafting through a cave in Waitomo; we got to see and walk around the Hobbiton set; we soaked in a natural hot spring; and we went on a couple of bushwalks where we got to see some amazing scenery. We also spend an evening learning about Maori culture in Rotorua and we got to make our own souvenir tiki pendant out of bone. We loved every day on our tour and would gladly do it again. NZ is absolutely stunning and Haka Tours is the best tour you can take to see it. A big THANK YOU to Katie and Si for making sure we enjoyed every minute of our trip! We can't wait to come back to see the South Island!
New Zealand's North to South Island Adventure
Table of contents
- 250+ New Zealand tour packages with 988 reviews
- Most popular destinations in New Zealand
- Travel New Zealand your way
- Best tour companies for New Zealand tours
- Best places to start your New Zealand tour
- Discover New Zealand tours for every budget
- New Zealand tours for every type of group
- Top New Zealand travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit New Zealand
- New Zealand travel guides - curated by our experts
- Contact our New Zealand travel experts
- What our customers ask about New Zealand Tours & Trips
250+ New Zealand tour packages with 988 reviews
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
New Zealand South to North Drive, Cruise & Rail
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I was able to experience New Zealand from bottom to top.”
David, traveled in January
Rail and sail link South and North Islands. Highlights include overnight Milford Sound cruise, Franz Josef Glacier exploration, TranzAlpine journey through Arthur's Pass, Coastal Pacific train along Kaikoura coast, and Northern Explorer past volcanic peaks. Includes stays at Quest Hotel and Punga View.
Duration 14 days Destinations Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Greymouth, Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From
- NZ$5,157
New Zealand's North to South Island Adventure
73 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“There are so many extra activities to choose from. The Māori cultural stay was probably my favourite stop.”
Isabelle, traveled in December
Duration 11 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Rotorua, Murupara, Taupo, Wellington, Marlborough, Kaikoura, Christchurch Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,810
15% Off- NZ$3,239You save $572
New Zealand South Island Express
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was amazing. Everything about the whole experience from Day 1 to the end is perfect.”
Elizabeth, traveled in January
New Zealand's iconic South Island unfolds over 9 days, rated 4.3/5 by travelers. Social hostels serve as bases while visiting Christchurch's revival, Lake Tekapo's dark skies, Queenstown's adventures, and Franz Josef's glaciers. Includes local guide, transport, and 7 breakfasts.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Kawarau Gorge, Milford Sound, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Lake Wanaka, Franz Josef, Lake HaweaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,730
20% Off- NZ$2,184You save $546
Three iconic rail routes link Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch: Northern Explorer through Tongariro National Park, Coastal Pacific along Kaikoura Coast, and TranzAlpine through Southern Alps. Nine nights at VR Auckland Hotel and Carnmore Hotel Christchurch provide comfortable bases.
Duration 10 days Destinations Auckland, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Greymouth Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From
20% Off- NZ$3,208
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Greymouth, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Premium From $10,390
10% Off- NZ$9,351You save $1,039
9 Day 'Kaka' South Island Select Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The whole trip had such a good balance of included activities and optional extras, so you could make the experience your own.”
Lauren, traveled in November
New Zealand's finest landscapes await on this tour costing around $2,400. Milford Sound's fjords, Franz Josef Glacier, and the TranzAlpine scenic train feature prominently. Stays at 3-4 star accommodations including Hokitika Beachfront Hotel and Mercure Queenstown, with daily breakfast included.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Mount Cook Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Stray Travel From
10% Off- NZ$4,195
New Zealand: Best of the North Island
22 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I couldn't believe how much we packed into 7 days! 100% recommend Waitomos glow worms cave to anyone that visits!”
Caitlin, traveled in October
The weeklong New Zealand adventure combines surfing at Raglan's iconic breaks, kayaking remote harbors, and exploring Rotorua's geothermal wonders. Visit Te Papa Museum in Wellington, experience Maori culture at Te Puia Village, and marvel at Huka Falls, while staying in social hostels with like-minded travelers.
Duration 7 days Destinations Auckland, Raglan, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Wellington Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $1,979
20% Off- NZ$1,583You save $396
Southern Voyager
109 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Absolutely amazing! The group were amazing and this trip will be one of the biggest highlights of my year living in New Zealand!”
Molly, traveled in November
Natural wonders of New Zealand unfold in 7 days, featuring Lake Tekapo stargazing, Queenstown adventure sports, and Franz Josef Glacier hiking. Includes luxury transport with WiFi, 6 nights accommodation, daily breakfast, and expert guide, maintaining a stellar 4.7/5 rating from 100+ reviews.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator Wild Kiwi From
20% Off- NZ$1,956+$300 upfront costs
11 Day 'Takahe' South Island Select Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well planned. Very interesting tour.”
phil, traveled in March
Eight iconic destinations unfold from Picton, including glacial hikes in Franz Josef, stargazing at Mt Cook, and Milford Sound cruise. Relax at beachfront Hokitika Hotel and Mercure Queenstown. Daily breakfasts and expert guides share Maori culture across 11 memorable days.
Duration 11 days Destinations Picton, Marahau, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Christchurch Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Stray Travel From
20% Off- NZ$4,635
New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great experience for this tour.. would rate this as 5stars.. made new friends along the way.”
Nigel, traveled in February
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 $2,365
10% Off- NZ$2,129You save $236
Most popular destinations in New Zealand
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Travel New Zealand your way
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Best tour companies for New Zealand tours
Looking at the feedback from people who've taken these tours, Haka Tours comes out really strong - their guide Burto gets mentioned a lot for going above and beyond, especially with travelers who start off a bit nervous about group tours. He's got this way of making history and local stories come alive while keeping everyone comfortable and involved. Wild Kiwi does well too, and their guides Robbie and Jed know their stuff. The tours run smoothly with good transport, but some of our travelers mention you're paying premium prices for fairly basic accommodation and meals. Worth keeping in mind when you're weighing up options. For solo travelers, Backyard Roadies hits a sweet spot - it's got this casual, friendly feel like you're just road tripping with mates. Their guide Ben seems to have mastered creating that laid-back vibe while still running a proper tour. He gets lots of mentions in the reviews for making everyone feel like part of the group right from day one. Each company has its own style: Haka's more about that personal touch, Wild Kiwi focuses on smooth logistics and local knowledge, and Backyard Roadies brings that social, easy-going atmosphere that works really well for people traveling on their own.
Best places to start your New Zealand tour
Most of our New Zealand journeys kick off from Auckland - 47 of our popular routes start there, while Christchurch launches 32 tours and Queenstown handles 11 departures. You'll find some great options from Wellington and Picton too. We've tracked the booking patterns and found that 4 months (128 days) ahead hits the sweet spot for good rates and availability, especially important from December through February when things get busy. Our travelers typically spend 2-3 weeks exploring both islands, and many like to mix guided tours with some independent driving. Those keen on Maori culture often choose Auckland as their starting point before heading south for outdoor activities, while nature buffs tend to begin in Christchurch to get straight to those South Island landscapes.
Discover New Zealand tours for every budget
New Zealand tours for every type of group
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Top New Zealand travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Best time to visit New Zealand
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Our winter tours hit their stride in the North Island when the crowds thin out and you see a different side of New Zealand. The 7-day routes from Auckland take you through Waitomo's glowworm caves and onto Hobbiton, which looks properly magical with frost coating the ground in the mornings. Our travelers tell us they love how these tours blend cultural experiences like haka dance lessons with outdoor activities. You get to dig your own natural hot tub at Hot Water Beach and kayak to quiet spots around Raglan. The guides know exactly when to adjust the schedule with weather changes, making sure you visit Rotorua's geothermal areas and also Lake Taupo at the best times.
- December 2025 84 tours
- January 2026 212 tours
- February 2026 popular 241 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring opens up some excellent South Island journeys that really work with the changing seasons. The 9-day routes from Christchurch start with Dark Sky Reserve stargazing at Lake Tekapo before heading down to Queenstown. Our customers like how these tours mix scheduled activities with free time - you might spend one day creating your own pounamu pendant in Franz Josef, then choose between glacier walks, natural hot springs and also kayaking trips the next. The Haast Pass drive shows off spring waterfalls at full flow, and you'll get great shots at Lake Matheson and also the Wanaka Tree.
- March 2026 popular 257 tours
- 194 tours
- 120 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer brings our most complete tours, with solid 13-day journeys covering both islands. Starting in Auckland, you explore the Coromandel Peninsula's beaches before heading to Rotorua for Maori culture and traditional hangi meals. These tours nail the variety - your morning might start learning about geothermal features at Te Puia and finish with a sunset sail on Lake Taupo. Our travelers particularly enjoy crossing from Wellington to Picton by ferry, which shows off the Marlborough Sounds before continuing south to Kaikoura for whale watching and also Christchurch for its creative post-earthquake architecture.
- 115 tours
- popular 118 tours
- 115 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
The autumn tours focus on capturing South Island fall colors. The 8-10 day routes between Christchurch and Queenstown make the most of that special autumn light for photos. You'll explore Arthur's Pass when the beech forests turn golden and spend time around Lake Wanaka as the hills take on their fall colors. Our customers really value mixing outdoor activities - like Franz Josef hiking and canyon jet boating - with cultural experiences such as pounamu carving workshops and also nighttime kiwi spotting. With smaller groups of 12-18 people, you can stop for photos whenever the light looks just right.
- 159 tours
- 198 tours
- popular 228 tours
New Zealand travel guides - curated by our experts
New Zealand Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
Get inspired by New Zealand while learning everything you need to know to travel this stunning island nation like a pro. Learn the basics, discover the highlights and more.
Best 2 Week New Zealand Itineraries 2026 (with Reviews)
Planning to spend 7 days in New Zealand? Discover itinerary inspiration to help make your trip-planning a breeze with TourRadar!
Best 3 Week New Zealand Itineraries 2026 (with Reviews)
Whether you're enjoying the nightlife in Wellington, going bungee jumping in Queensland, or spotting wildlife in stunning national parks, we have the best itineraries for three weeks in New Zealand here.
Weather in New Zealand in 2026
Uncover the diverse weather patterns of New Zealand with TourRadar. From the sunny beaches to the snowy peaks, New Zealand's climate offers year-round adventures. Discover the best times to visit and explore the unique charm of each season. Start planning your New Zealand journey today!
Contact our New Zealand travel experts
Claire
Expert in New Zealand at TourRadar
Claire is one of our seasoned New Zealand Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about New Zealand tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about New Zealand Tours & Trips
What's Different About the North and South Islands?
You'll find two distinct experiences waiting for you in New Zealand. Up north there's this amazing cultural vibe centered around Māori heritage plus all these wild geothermal spots especially around Rotorua where you've got bubbling mud pools and geysers going off. Te Puia's a must-visit really - you can see Pohutu New Zealand's biggest geyser doing its thing. Down south it's all about those jaw-dropping landscapes with massive mountains glaciers like Fox and Franz Josef and of course Milford Sound which just takes your breath away.
What Kind of Local Cultural Experiences Can You Get Involved In?
There's nothing quite like diving into Māori culture and one of the best ways is trying a traditional hangi meal that's cooked underground in an earth oven. You'll find these at places like Te Puia in Rotorua and I really recommend checking out Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara. At Kohutapu you can actually learn the haka war dance which is pretty incredible and they'll show you how to weave dinner plates from flax plants. If you're keen to learn more about the haka it's this powerful display of strength and unity and Haka Tours offers some great cultural experiences where you can try traditional flax weaving too.
What About Natural Areas Outside the Cities and How Do You Get There?
Fiordland National Park's probably the big one here home to Milford Sound where you can take these amazing cruises or scenic flights to see glacier-carved valleys and waterfalls. The Milford Mariner does this great overnight cruise with kayaks for exploring and they've got a nature guide on board. Then there's Tongariro National Park with its volcanic landscapes and walking trails including the Tongariro Crossing - it's about 19.4km and people say it's one of the world's best day hikes. Mount Aspiring National Park's another stunner with peaks and glacier-fed lakes perfect for hiking kayaking or just driving through. You can get to these places by rental car guided tour or catching domestic flights.
What's the Best Way to Get Around New Zealand?
Getting around's pretty flexible really. Rental cars give you the freedom to explore at your own pace and campervans are brilliant if you want to save money on accommodation plus you can stay at holiday parks around both islands. For longer distances domestic flights are quick and easy between major cities. The bus networks are extensive and companies like Haka Tours run these comprehensive coach tours covering both islands. Their North to South Island Adventure includes the Cook Strait ferry crossing and takes you to spots like Hot Water Beach and the Hobbiton movie set. The TranzAlpine train's amazing too running through the Southern Alps from Greymouth to Christchurch with some incredible views. And don't forget the InterIslander ferry connecting the islands across Cook Strait though schedules change with the seasons.
Where Can You Find Those Hidden Gems That Tourists Often Miss?
If you're looking to get off the beaten track the Catlins coast down in the southeastern South Island is incredible - we're talking untamed wilderness rugged cliffs and hidden waterfalls that photographers love. Stewart Island's another special spot you can get there by ferry from Bluff and it's perfect if you want pristine nature great hiking and maybe spot some kiwis in their natural habitat especially the brown kiwi and Stewart Island kiwi. Reefton's got this fascinating gold rush history where you can try gold panning and see this cool water-powered gold stamping battery. The West Coast's pretty special too known for lots of rain but amazing experiences like the Nile River Rainforest Train through Paparoa National Park and those unique Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.