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
- Highlights of New Zealand
- New Zealand Highlights 12 days
- 14 Days Best of New Zealand, Auckland, Christchurch & Queenstown
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
- New Zealand Explorer
- New Zealand's North to South Island Adventure (9 destinations)
- Iconic North (3 destinations)
- Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic Journeys
- New Zealand Northern Trail (Southbound) (16 destinations)
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Eastbound)
Highlights of New Zealand
42 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Would recommend the trip to anyone and our CEO was excellent.”
Emily, traveled in October
Duration 15 days Destinations Auckland, Hahei, Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures December departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left 11 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $7,199
25% Off- NZ$5,399You save $1,800
Duration 12 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From
25% Off- NZ$4,865
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Arthur's Pass National Park, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
25% Off- NZ$6,612
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates13 Dec, 2025 8 spaces left 29 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left From $2,385
15% Off- NZ$2,027You save $358
New Zealand Explorer
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Both weeks were excellent, the accommodations are basic but fair for the price.”
Paul, traveled in February
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 $3,946
10% Off- NZ$3,551+$592 upfront costsYou save $395
New Zealand's North to South Island Adventure (9 destinations)
73 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Perfect to see as much as possible in 7 days. We really enjoyed all of the activity options and freedom to pick and choose what you like.”
Blaise, traveled in January
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 $3,505
25% Off- NZ$2,629You save $876
Iconic North (3 destinations)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Northern discovery tour was informative and fun.”
Marigold, traveled in February
Duration 7 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar December departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Dec, 2025 9 spaces left 9 Dec, 2025 1 space left From $4,435
10% Off- NZ$3,992You save $444
Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic Journeys
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“great trip and tour of NZ”
PAUL, traveled in February
Duration 12 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Fiordland National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures December departure dates
See All Departure Dates7 Dec, 2025 8 spaces left 14 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left From $8,999
25% Off- NZ$6,749You save $2,250
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 10 spaces left From $4,930
20% Off- NZ$3,944You save $986
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau, Ohau, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Manapouri, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki December departure dates
See All Departure Dates15 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left 23 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left From $2,135
5% Off- NZ$2,028You save $107
What people love about New Zealand Tours in December
- New Zealand Explorer
Great tour and amazing guides!
- New Zealand's North to South Island Adventure (9 destinations)
I was recommended Haka Tours by a good friend who I was visiting in NZ and I booked a week tour of the North Island. It didn't disappoint. You would probably think that a lot of tour companies are the same, but my experience with Haka was brilliant. I was anxious about joining the tour and what it would be like. But our tour guide, Burto (Mike Burton) really made it so easy for us. I felt at ease and in safe hands the whole time. Burto shares so much knowledge and enthusiasm about NZ and was always suggesting ways the group could get the most out of their tour, even for the time they were spending in NZ after they said goodbye to the bus! He was incredibly patient even after a million questions. Haka Tours was perfect for me, good size group, really good mix of ages and home countries and brilliant guide with lots of fun stops along the way that wouldn't be possible with a huge group. Thank you to Burto and to my tour buddies for making it such a fun week, I felt really sad to leave! I would definitely recommend.
- NZ Adventure South
Our leader Danny was so welcoming and really looked after us. I really enjoyed my time in New Zealand!
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.