New Zealand Tours for Young Adults
4.6 stars on(8,683 reviews)- Choose from 50+ New Zealand tours
- 400+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
10 best trips for '18 to 30 Somethings' in New Zealand
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
- Delve Deep: New Zealand North Island (11 destinations)
- Delve Deep: New Zealand South Island
- 7-Day Northern Crossing Small Group Tour
- New Zealand Adventure
- New Zealand Explorer
- Southern Loop
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Eastbound)
- Premium - South Island Escape
- New Zealand Panorama (Southbound)
New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Get more money for activities you will not regret.”
Jinyoung, traveled in January
Adrenaline seekers can bungy jump at Kawarau Bridge, take helicopter rides over Franz Josef Glacier, and party in Queenstown. Young travelers around 26 years old, mostly solo adventurers, share hostel stays and group dinners at Skyline Restaurant by Lake Wakatipu.
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 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Contiki From $2,385
15% Off- NZ$2,027You save $358
Delve Deep: New Zealand North Island (11 destinations)
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Taimi had all the answers to every question we had and just such an extensive knowledge of everything.”
angiehumphrys@y7mail.com, traveled in June
Young adventurers aged 18+ can go blackwater rafting at Waitomo Caves, tackle whitewater rafting in Rotorua (around $140), and hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The trip features craft beer tasting in Wellington and optional skydiving in Bay of Islands, plus vibrant nightlife in Auckland and Rotorua.
Duration 10 days Destinations Auckland, Whangarei, Paihia, Bay of Islands, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Wellington Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Topdeck From $3,499
15% Off- NZ$2,974You save $525
Adrenaline seekers aged 20-35 tackle Queenstown's bungy jumping and Franz Josef's heli-hikes. World Bar's teapot cocktails, Fergburger feasts, and optional skydiving over The Remarkables round out the adventure.
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Lake Wanaka, Arrowtown, Queenstown, The Remarkables, Te AnauSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Topdeck From $3,939
20% Off- NZ$3,151You save $788
7-Day Northern Crossing Small Group Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The group was warm and inclusive, and we enjoyed the rest of the activities very much.”
Katie, traveled in October
Thrill-seekers aged 18+ dive into black water rafting in Waitomo caves, optional Rotorua Canopy Tours, and Taupo skydiving. Sunset sailing with BYO drinks on Lake Taupo and Wellington's hidden bars create perfect evenings. Social hostels connect like-minded travelers.
Duration 7 days Destinations Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington Age Range Ages 18-45 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Kiwi Experience From
20% Off- NZ$2,169
Duration 13 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Waitomo, Taupo, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator TruTravels From $4,190
20% Off- NZ$3,352You save $838
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
Young adventurers tackle Queenstown bungy jumping, Raglan surfing, and Franz Josef glacier hiking. Nights come alive in Queenstown and Taupo, while RockSolid hostel's climbing wall in Rotorua adds extra excitement.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Hahei, Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo, Raglan, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Wild Kiwi From
20% Off- NZ$3,946+$592 upfront costs
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
Adventurous spirits aged 18+ can try Abel Tasman skydiving (around $290) and swimming with Kaikoura dolphins (around $180). Most travelers are around 28, sharing hostel accommodations and included breakfasts.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, Blenheim, Kaikoura Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Wild Kiwi From
20% Off- NZ$1,912+$287 upfront costs
Young travelers aged 18+ can tackle Kawarau Bridge bungy jump and Queenstown's adventure activities. The trip includes Lake Tekapo's Dark Sky show, optional glacier heli-rides at Franz Josef, and vibrant evenings at Skyline Restaurant overlooking Queenstown.
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 Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Contiki From $2,135
5% Off- NZ$2,028You save $107
Premium - South Island Escape
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We really enjoyed our tour of South Island. It was very well organised and we all had the best time.”
Helen, traveled in February
Luxury meets adventure with optional bungy jumping and skydiving in Queenstown, glacier hiking at Franz Josef, and jet boating thrills. Social wine tasting at Mt Difficulty Vineyard and Dark Sky stargazing at Tekapo round out the experience.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Wild Kiwi From
5% Off- NZ$4,086+$613 upfront costs
New Zealand Panorama (Southbound)
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Best trip I'd ever been on! Susie was the best tour guide anyone could ask for.”
Mark, traveled in February
Thrilling adventures await at Kawarau Bridge bungy and Franz Josef Glacier heli-hikes. Queenstown's Skyline Restaurant, traditional Māori performances in Rotorua, and Lake Taupō sunset cruises provide evening entertainment.
Duration 16 days Destinations Auckland, Waikato, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Kaikoura, Picton, Christchurch, Arthur's Pass National Park, HokitikaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Contiki From $4,215
15% Off- NZ$3,583You save $632
What people love about New Zealand Tours for Young Adults
- Delve Deep: New Zealand North Island (11 destinations)
Our guide aND driver was amazing The tour was exactly as described. However, tongariro park should be an optional excursion. Not everyone wants to hike 19km and there were no other options for the day. Also, the skotel should not be used for accommodation. The skotel was the worst. There were two bathrooms and two showers for thirty women. Also, there was nothing to keep anyone entertained at the skotel.
- New Zealand Explorer
Ben is amazing!!!! If you have him as your guide you’re in for a great trip
- NZ Adventure South
Definitely enjoyed this trip, and strongly recommend. Sean and Alex were terrific group leaders who are extremely knowledgeable about New Zealand and its traditions, customs, and places. We covered a ton of ground in a relatively short amount of time.
What our customers ask about New Zealand Tours for Young Adults
Where are the best places for nightlife and socializing with other young travelers?
Queenstown stands out as New Zealand's nightlife hub with more than 100 bars and clubs around the lake area. World Bar and Cowboys draw regular crowds of travelers. For those heading north Wellington's Cuba Street offers a mix of craft beer spots and music venues while Auckland's Viaduct district features waterfront bars popular with locals and visitors alike. One TourRadar reviewer mentioned: "The nightlife in Queenstown was incredible - our whole tour group would meet up at Fergburger then hit the bars together. Such great memories!"
Are solo travelers common on New Zealand young adult tours?
Solo travelers dominate the young adult tour scene in New Zealand with statistics showing they make up to 83% of tour participants. The tours cater well to independent travelers through shared rooms at places like YHA hostels and group activities that create natural opportunities to meet others. A TourRadar traveler confirmed: "I don't usually choose organised tours as they are too busy but with Wild Kiwi we were like a little family."
What type of accommodation can I expect on young adult tours in New Zealand?
The accommodation mix typically includes hostels lodges and hotels that foster social interaction. JUCY Snooze Christchurch provides modern pod-style rooms while The Barn in Abel Tasman offers beachfront stays with shared spaces for group gatherings. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The accommodation was social but comfortable - we had movie nights in the common rooms and made friends with other young travelers staying there."
What are the best adventure activities for young adults in New Zealand?
Queenstown leads the way for adventure seekers with options from bungy jumping at Kawarau Bridge to white water rafting on the Kaituna River. Beyond Queenstown travelers can try skydiving over Lake Taupo surfing in Raglan kayaking through Abel Tasman National Park or taking on the Tongariro Crossing. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "I've never had so much fun in my life and I never imagined I'd get to push myself to do 6 new things I've never done before (white water rafting zip lining sky diving bungee jumping cave exploring and surfing)."
How long should young adults plan to stay in New Zealand?
Most visitors need 8-14 days to properly explore either the North or South Island. Tour options like Wild Kiwi's "Big South" 14-day journey or Stray's 11-day "Weka" route provide enough time to see key sites and enjoy activities without rushing. As one TourRadar traveler said: "Two weeks was perfect - enough time to do all the activities we wanted without rushing plus make great friends along the way."
What's the best time of year for young adults to visit New Zealand?
Summer months (December to February) bring the best weather but also peak crowds and prices. Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) offer pleasant temperatures fewer tourists and good conditions for outdoor activities. One TourRadar reviewer recommended: "We went in April and it was perfect - warm enough for activities but not too crowded plus we got amazing photos of the autumn colors around Lake Tekapo."
More about New Zealand
New Zealand South Island toursNew Zealand North Island toursMilford Sound toursNew Zealand Travel Guide | All You Need to KnowBest 2 Week New Zealand Itineraries 2025/2026 (with Reviews)Best 3 Week New Zealand Itineraries 2025/2026 (with Reviews)Weather in New Zealand in 2025/2026What is the best time to visit New Zealand in 2025/2026?Solo/Single toursCouplesBudget toursLuxury tours