New Zealand Tours in January 2026
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10 best New Zealand trips in January 2026
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
- New Zealand Uncovered (Southbound) (36 destinations)
- New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure (9 destinations)
- New Zealand Southern Pioneer (including Arrowtown)
- Queenstown Southern Loop
- New Zealand Explorer
- New Zealand South Island Adventure (26 destinations)
- New Zealand Northern Trail (Northbound) (16 destinations)
- Big South
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
- New Zealand Amplified (Southbound) (14 destinations)
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 Jan, 2026 9 spaces left 6 Jan, 2026 3 spaces left From $11,390
20% Off- NZ$9,112You save $2,278
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure (9 destinations)
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Activities and experiencing the culture was amazing. Loved sailing on Lake Taupo and Kayaking and Bush Walks.”
Debbie, traveled in January
Duration 11 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Marlborough, Wellington, Taupo, Murupara, Rotorua, Coromandel, Auckland Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel January departure dates
29 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $3,635
25% Off- NZ$2,726You save $909
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Ohau, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel January departure dates
See All Departure Dates13 Jan, 2026 9 spaces left 16 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left From $5,895
20% Off- NZ$4,716You save $1,179
Duration 6 days Destinations Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Stewart Island Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel January departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 10 Jan, 2026 8 spaces left From $3,725
25% Off- NZ$2,794You save $931
New Zealand Explorer
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had the best experience in South and North Island for different reasons. The group and the guides were amazing and good sports.”
David, traveled in January
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 10 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $3,946
10% Off- NZ$3,551+$592 upfront costsYou save $395
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Westport, Punakaiki, Kumara, Hokitika, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel January departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 Jan, 2026 8 spaces left 11 Jan, 2026 3 spaces left From
10% Off- NZ$6,795
Duration 10 days Destinations Wellington, Tongariro National Park, Taupo, Rotorua, Waitomo, Raglan, Coromandel, Auckland Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel January departure dates
6 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From
10% Off- NZ$4,960
Big South
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The South Island is beautiful. T made the trip by doing the things we wanted to do.”
Stephan, traveled in August
Duration 14 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, Marlborough, Kaikoura Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator Wild Kiwi January departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 10 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From
10% Off- NZ$3,816+$572 upfront costs
New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Get more money for activities you will not regret.”
Jinyoung, traveled in January
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates10 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 14 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $2,135
20% Off- NZ$1,708You save $427
Duration 19 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Rotorua, Murupara, Taupo, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, QueenstownSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 8 spaces left 6 Jan, 2026 9 spaces left From $6,090
25% Off- NZ$4,568You save $1,522
What people love about New Zealand Tours in January
This tour was an amazing way to see the main highlights of the North Island. I really enjoyed learning more about Maori culture, the great selection of activities on tour and seeing all of the unique landscapes like volcanoes and geysers. My tour guide Summer was also the best! Always full of energy and joy and this really reflected on our group's mood too. Highly recommend!
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure (9 destinations)
- New Zealand Explorer
Amazing trip. Had the best experience in South and North Island for different reasons. Mark our guide in the South Island was terrific, he managed logistics well, hung out with the group gave us great knowledge of New Zealand and was very relaxed helping to strengthen the morale within the group. The tour itself was amazing enjoyed helihiking in Franz Josef glacier, seeing Milford Sound, sky diving, jetboating and partying in Queenstown. The group also were good fun so friendly and helped to male the trip even more enjoyable than it was. The goods times continued to Lake Tekapu. The North Island was good too though it suffered from adverse weather conditions that were outside the control of Wild Kiwi Tours. The group and the guides first Tom doing a sterling job at managing our group and his last group through the weather chaos and then Ben who was so energetic and cool. Though some activities in the North were curtailed due to the weather we still enjoyed Taupo, Rotorua, Hobbiton (highlight of the North) Hotel Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. The group again here were amazing and good sports they didn't let the bad weather get their spirits down and were very welcoming to me as a latecomer (due to bad weather). Would highly recommend this trip.
Brilliant experience with great people and tour guide
NZ Adventure South
What our customers ask about New Zealand Tours in January 2026
What is the weather like in New Zealand during January?
New Zealand's summer peaks in January with reliable conditions for outdoor exploration. The North Island sees temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F) while the South Island stays slightly cooler at 18-22°C (64-72°F). Coastal regions like Abel Tasman National Park offer warm swimming conditions. According to TourRadar travelers "January offered perfect weather for hiking the Tongariro Crossing and exploring outdoor attractions." Mountain areas including Mount Cook remain cool enough to warrant bringing extra layers.
What are the most popular activities to do in New Zealand during January?
The warm January weather opens up classic New Zealand experiences. Visitors can join glacier walks at Franz Josef trek through Fiordland National Park or go kayaking in Abel Tasman. The Marlborough wine region welcomes tasters while Rotorua's thermal springs provide year-round warmth. A TourRadar traveler notes "spending time on the water in January whether it's kayaking in Raglan's black sand beaches or taking a scenic cruise through Milford Sound - the waterfalls are spectacular this time of year." Key lodging options range from the urban QT Auckland to the nature-focused Te Waonui Forest Retreat near Franz Josef.
Are there any special events or festivals in New Zealand during January?
The summer calendar fills with festivals across New Zealand during January. Highlights include Christchurch's World Buskers Festival the Auckland Folk Festival and food and wine celebrations in Marlborough and Central Otago. According to a TourRadar review "The summer festival atmosphere in January really adds to the experience especially in places like Queenstown where there's live music and events happening outdoors." Festival-goers often base themselves at the Furneaux Lodge in Marlborough Sounds or Edgewater Lake Wanaka.
What are the best regions to visit in New Zealand during January?
January brings optimal conditions to several key regions. The Coromandel Peninsula offers prime beach time at Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. Queenstown buzzes with summer adventure sports while the Bay of Islands presents ideal sailing weather. Glacier hiking peaks at Franz Josef under clear summer skies. As one TourRadar reviewer shared: "The South Island was particularly breathtaking in January - we had crystal clear views of Mount Cook and perfect conditions for the Milford Sound cruise." Consider stays at Franz Josef's Rainforest Retreat or YHA Queenstown Central.
How crowded are major tourist attractions in January?
Peak season crowds gather at popular sites like Hobbiton Milford Sound and the TranzAlpine train during January. Advance booking becomes essential for activities at Franz Josef Glacier and Rotorua's Te Puia. A TourRadar reviewer observed "Popular spots like Queenstown and the Bay of Islands were bustling in January but staying at hotels like QT Queenstown or The Duke of Marlborough in Russell helped us escape the crowds."
What wildlife encounters are best in New Zealand during January?
January creates prime conditions for marine wildlife viewing especially in Kaikoura where sperm whales dolphins and seals frequent the waters. The Bay of Islands' warm waters attract diverse sea life while Wellington's Zealandia sanctuary offers excellent bird watching. The Kaikoura Waterfront Hotel provides a strategic base for wildlife enthusiasts. As shared by a TourRadar reviewer: "The wildlife spotting in Kaikoura was incredible in January - we saw multiple whale breaches and huge pods of dolphins."