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
- New Zealand's North to South Island Adventure (from Auckland to Christchurch)
- New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound) (from Auckland to Wellington)
- New Zealand Uncovered (Southbound) (from Auckland to Christchurch)
- New Zealand Southern Pioneer
- New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound) (from Auckland to Wellington)
- New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure (from Christchurch to Auckland)
- New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure (from Christchurch to Auckland)
- Queenstown Southern Loop
- New Zealand Explorer
- New Zealand South Island Adventure (from Christchurch to Queenstown)
New Zealand's North to South Island Adventure (from Auckland to Christchurch)
73 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was actually the most epic trip I have ever had the opportunity to go on.”
Nicole, traveled in December
Duration 11 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Rotorua, Murupara, Taupo, Wellington, Marlborough, Kaikoura, Christchurch Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel December departure dates
4 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $3,635
25% Off- NZ$2,726You save $909
Duration 10 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Raglan, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Wellington Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates5 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 10 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left From $5,145
20% Off- NZ$4,116You save $1,029
Duration 20 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Raglan, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Wellington, Kaikoura, ChristchurchSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates5 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 10 Dec, 2025 5 spaces left From $11,690
10% Off- NZ$10,521You save $1,169
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Ohau, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Dec, 2025 4 spaces left 15 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $5,895
10% Off- NZ$5,306You save $590
Duration 10 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Raglan, Rotorua, Waitomo, Matamata, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Tongariro, Wellington Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates5 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 10 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left From $5,145
15% Off- NZ$4,373You save $772
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure (from Christchurch to Auckland)
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“love it, Simon was our guide and he was great.”
Duration 11 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Marlborough, Wellington, Taupo, Murupara, Rotorua, Coromandel, Auckland Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates21 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 28 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $3,635
25% Off- NZ$2,726You save $909
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure (from Christchurch to Auckland)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was exactly as advertised. Harry made it the best!”
Marian, traveled in December
Duration 11 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Wellington, Taupo, Murupara, Rotorua, Coromandel, Auckland Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates21 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 28 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
25% Off- NZ$3,505
Duration 6 days Destinations Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Stewart Island Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates13 Dec, 2025 5 spaces left 27 Dec, 2025 1 space left From $3,725
20% Off- NZ$2,980You save $745
New Zealand Explorer
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was very immersive, active, and fun. There was a great mix of activities and lot of adrenaline!”
Deepta, traveled in May
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 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 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Westport, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Stewart Island Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates7 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 14 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
20% Off- NZ$6,990
What people love about New Zealand Tours in December
- New Zealand's North to South Island Adventure (from Auckland to Christchurch)
I did the 3-day Bay of Islands tour and the 7-day North Island Adventure Tour with Burto, and they were both fantastic trips! Burto was the best guide we could have asked for. New Zealand is awesome - that's a given. But my trip wouldn't have been half so awesome without Burto as a guide. His extensive local knowledge and commitment to giving everyone the best experience possible ensured that we had an amazing time. He encouraged us to make the most of the adventure we were all on, and encouraged us to stretch ourselves. His unfailingly positive attitude and joi de vivre (even while quitting smoking!) combined with his humour and people skills to make everyone feel at home, such that by the end of the trip, a bunch of strangers had transformed into a tight-knit bus family. Thank you Burto for making my trip to New Zealand the experience of a lifetime - I'm so glad you talked me off that ledge!
- NZ Adventure South
The tour had it all! Incredible scenery, fun activities and very enthuasiastic guide(s).
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
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.