New Zealand Tours in December 2025
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10 best New Zealand trips in December 2025
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
- Premium New Zealand North Island (14 destinations)
- New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure (9 destinations)
- New Zealand's North to South Island Adventure (9 destinations)
- New Zealand Explorer
- New Zealand Uncovered (Southbound) (34 destinations)
- New Zealand Amplified (Southbound) (14 destinations)
- Southern Loop
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Eastbound)
- Queenstown Southern Loop
- Budget North Island Adventure - 7 days
Duration 8 days Destinations Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Ohakune, Wellington Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Premium December departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 Dec, 2025 5 spaces left 11 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
- NZ$6,860
Duration 11 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Marlborough, Wellington, Taupo, Murupara, Rotorua, Coromandel, Auckland Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates21 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 28 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $3,505
5% Off- NZ$3,330You save $175
Duration 11 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Rotorua, Murupara, Taupo, Wellington, Marlborough, Kaikoura, Christchurch Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel December departure dates
4 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $3,505
20% Off- NZ$2,804You save $701
New Zealand Explorer
22 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The group setting was fun and a nice bonding expensive of people from around the world.”
Lindale, traveled in August
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates6 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 13 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
20% Off- NZ$3,946+$592 upfront costs
Duration 20 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Raglan, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Marlborough, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Lake TekapoSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates5 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 10 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $11,135
25% Off- NZ$8,351You save $2,784
Duration 19 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Rotorua, Murupara, Taupo, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, QueenstownSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel December departure dates
4 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $5,770
10% Off- NZ$5,193You save $577
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates13 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 27 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates7 Dec, 2025 8 spaces left 15 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left From $2,630
19% Off- NZ$2,135You save $495
Duration 6 days Destinations Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Stewart Island Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates13 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 27 Dec, 2025 5 spaces left From
19% Off- NZ$3,650
Duration 7 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Hahei, Rotorua, Taupo, Tongariro, Waitomo, Raglan Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator On The Go Tours December departure dates
See All Departure Dates6 Dec, 2025 4 spaces left 13 Dec, 2025 4 spaces left From
19% Off- NZ$3,345
What people love about New Zealand Tours in December
- New Zealand Explorer
Amazing experience - would highly recommend Wild Kiwi. Mark was a great tour guide, and always made sure there was something to do when activities were affected by the weather. The value of the trip was well worth it, with breakfast, accommodation and all travel included and there was also a good mix of planned activities and free time. Will hopefully be booking another trip in the future!
We had the best week on the Southern Voyager trip! Our guide, Mark, was so informative and really showed us the best the South Island had to offer. The van is probably the best we've been on as far as buses go, the leather seats recline, USB ports to charge your phone and unlimited wifi. It's perfect. Everything is explained at the beginning and then again as you go. Plenty of stops to enjoy the scenery and Mark was happy to stop each time someone on our bus asked for a quick photo stop. He was very accommodating and gave us heaps of recommendations. There are so many optional activities to fill your days in NZ, all of which are fantastic. Keep an eye on our blog The Well Travelled Man for our full review, photos and videos to help convince you to book your trip now!!
Southern Voyager
My trip to New Zealand will forever go down as one of the best vacations of my entire life. I was able to go on crazy amazing adventures with crazy amazing people (bungy jumping, white water rafting, caving rafting, kayaking). And I was luck to have Tolan as my guide. He was so knowledgeable, heartwarming and nice. He immediately made me feel at ease when he happily introduced himself to the group and took a selfie haha. He was so accommodating and made certain everyone got to experience what they wanted. Thanks Wild Kiwi and Thanks New Zealand for the trip of a lifetime!
Northern Voyager
What our customers ask about New Zealand Tours in December 2025
What special events and festivals can I experience in New Zealand during December?
December brings a vibrant mix of summer festivals and holiday celebrations to New Zealand. Major cities like Auckland and Christchurch host open-air Christmas in the Park concerts that draw thousands of locals and visitors. Food enthusiasts can head to Queenstown for the Central Otago Wine & Food Festival. The geothermal city of Rotorua offers holiday-themed Maori performances and traditional hangi feasts at Te Puia. For movie buffs the Hobbiton Movie Set transforms into a festive wonderland with evening tours that show off the decorated Shire.
What are the accommodation options and rates like in December?
December marks the high season in New Zealand with rooms filling up quickly. High-end properties like the Cordis in Auckland and QT Queenstown command $200-500 USD per night. Nature lovers can book stays at places like the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier which puts guests close to natural wonders. Budget-conscious travelers will find hostels and motels available at lower rates though these also require advance booking. Most properties increase their rates during this peak period making early reservations essential.
What kind of weather can I expect in New Zealand's South Island during December?
The South Island enjoys warm summer days in December with temperatures typically reaching 20-25°C (68-77°F). The Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook regions offer clear skies ideal for outdoor activities while coastal areas like Kaikoura maintain comfortable temperatures. Visitors should note that mountain weather can change quickly. The Wild Kiwi tour reports "20 April - 3 May best weather!! First week we had 18 people and the next week 7." Packing layers remains essential especially around glacial areas.
How do transportation costs and availability differ in December?
Peak season pricing affects all transport options in December. Domestic flights connecting Auckland to Queenstown typically cost between $150-300 USD. The scenic TranzAlpine train running from Christchurch to Greymouth costs $160-200 USD per passenger. The Interislander Ferry between the North and South Islands sees high demand. Transport operators recommend booking at least 3-4 months ahead particularly for popular routes during this busy period.
What are the best Christmas-themed experiences in New Zealand?
New Zealand's Christmas celebrations blend traditional holiday customs with local culture. Auckland's Franklin Road becomes a light-filled wonderland while Wellington's Te Papa museum curates special holiday exhibits. In Rotorua Te Puia combines Christmas festivities with Maori cultural experiences. The Walter Peak High Country Farm near Queenstown offers holiday dining with views across Lake Wakatipu creating memorable Christmas experiences for visitors.
What wildlife experiences are available in New Zealand during December?
December's warm weather creates prime conditions for wildlife viewing. Kaikoura's waters attract sperm whales dolphins and seals making it a top spot for marine life encounters. Abel Tasman National Park offers opportunities to spot native birds including the melodious Tui and the ancient Tuatara. Guided tours provide access to these natural habitats while boat excursions along the Kaikoura Coast bring visitors close to thriving seal colonies.