New Zealand Tours & Vacation Packages 2023/2024

New Zealand Travel Guide

New Zealand Tours Things To Do

• 
  Abel Tasman National Park

  New Zealand's smallest national park still packs a lot of punch. Abel Tasman National Park was founded in 1942 and is named for Abel Tasman, who was the first European explorer to see New Zealand in 1642. You can spot plenty of birds here, including herons, gulls, penguins, herons, and more.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Many enjoy visiting the Park in the summertime, which brings big crowds. For a less crowded experience, summer and fall are the best times to explore.  

   

  You Should Know

  The Park can actually be reached in a number of ways. People come in via land, water, and air! If you're interested in marine life, keep a lookout for blue penguins, seals, and bottlenose dolphins.

• 
  Christchurch

  Christchurch is the biggest city on New Zealand's South Island, home to over 375,000 people. It has a strong English influence and is believed to have been first settled around 1250. It officially became the first established city in New Zealand in 1856. Today, you can find attractions like the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Most visitors love coming to Christchurch in the autumn between March and May. It's still warm enough to swim, but the weather is more pleasurable than it is in summer.  

   

  You Should Know

  Christchurch is considered a "gateway city" for exploring the Antarctic, one of five such cities in the world. Christchurch suffered a number of earthquakes from September 2010 to January 2012, and restoration efforts are ongoing even close to a decade later.

• 
  Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland

  Waiotapu is a truly one-of-a-kind experience located in the country's Taupo Volcanic Zone. This geothermal area spans over 18 square kilometers and provides a stunning view of the colorful surroundings. You can also find the Champagne Pool, Lady Knox Geyser, and several boiling mud pools.  

  Best Time To Visit

  May and November tend to see the smallest crowds at Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland.  

   

  You Should Know

  Before Europeans occupied this area, it was home to the Ngati Whaoa tribe. This area has been considered a scenic reserve since 1931. You may also see the name of this park spelled as "Wai-O-Tapu." The name translates as "sacred waters" from the Maori language.

• 
  Queenstown

  The resort town of Queenstown is a popular attraction for those visiting New Zealand's South Island. It's a town that particularly draws visitors interested in skiing. The area was first settled by Maori until European explorers showed up in 1853. If you're really into adventure, come here to bungee jump!   

  Best Time To Visit

  Especially since Queenstown is known for its outdoor activities, it's a popular destination in the summer months from December to February. There will be more crowds, but it's worth the visit regardless.  

   

  You Should Know

  From Queenstown, you can see nearby mountains like Walter Peak, Cecil Peak, and The Remarkables. It's not exactly clear how the town was named, but many believe it came from a miner stating that the town was "fit for a Queen" during an 1863 meeting to name the town.

• 
  Fiordland National Park

  On the southwest corner of New Zealand's Southern Island, you'll find Fiordland National Park. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Te Wahipounamu. This is the largest of New Zealand's 14 national parks, stretching over 12,600 square kilometers. Here, you'll find plenty of lakes, waterfalls, rain forests, and tons of other natural attractions.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Many people consider winter (June through August) to be the best time to hike around this national park.  

   

  You Should Know

  Fiordland National Park is home to the majority of New Zealand's unmodified vegetation and is also a large refuge for threatened animals like reptiles, dolphins, bats, and more. This park is an incredible destination for brown trout and rainbow trout fly fishing, as well as other outdoor activities like guided walks, camping, and mountain climbing. Fiordland National Park is New Zealand's most popular national park for international visitors.

• 
  Auckland

  During your time on New Zealand's North Island, spend some time in Auckland. It's the most populous urban area in all of New Zealand and is home to over 1.4 million people. It's also home to the world's largest Polynesian population, and the influence of the culture can be felt all over the city. Popular Auckland attractions include the Museum of Transport and Technology, the Ferry Building, and the Auckland War Memorial Museum.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Most people enjoy a visit to Auckland in the shoulder seasons from March to May or from September to November.  

   

  You Should Know

  Auckland is called "Tamaki Makaurau" in the Maori language, which translates to "Tamaki desired by many." Auckland has been named one of the world's most liveable cities by the 2019 Mercer Quality of Living Survey.  People who live in Auckland are sometimes casually referred to as "Jafa."

• 
  Sky Tower

  Though located in Auckland, the Sky Tower deserves a highlight on its own. This incredible attraction stands 328 meters high and is an icon of the Auckland skyline, offering an unmatched view of the city. It serves as a telecommunication tower and provides stunning 360-degree views from the top observation deck.  

  Best Time To Visit

  If your tour allows, it's best to visit the Sky Tower after 5 p.m. You'll have a beautiful view of the city lights and can avoid the biggest crowds.   

   

  You Should Know

  The base of the Sky Tower is home to the SkyCity Auckland entertainment complex, featuring two hotels, the city's premier dining precinct, a 700-seat theater, and a casino. The Sky Tower brings in around 1,100 visitors every day for a total of over 415,000 people every year.

• 
  Wellington

  You simply can't have a tour of New Zealand without visiting the capital city of Wellington. It's located at the western tip of the country's North Island and is home to around 212,000 people.   

  Best Time To Visit

  Most visitors enjoy Wellington in the shoulder season from March through May. Winter (June through August) usually isn't preferable due to the strong winds.  

   

  You Should Know

  Wellington earned the title of "the coolest little capital in the world" from Lonely Planet in 2013. The city was named for Arthur Wellesley, who served as the first Duke of Wellington and was the victor of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The city is nicknamed "Windy Wellington" thanks to the strong gales. It sits close to the mouth of the Cook Strait, which is narrow and often attracts these strong winds.

New Zealand Tour Packages

• Summer - December to February

  The months of December through March are considered the summertime and tend to be the warmest. The days are long and sunny, perfect for visiting the beach or partaking in other outdoor activities. That's why this is considered the best time to visit New Zealand.

• Spring/Autumn - September to November & March to May

  The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are excellent times to visit New Zealand. There are always indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy, and the weather is temperature and enjoyable. Be prepared, though, for a few rain showers during these times of the year.

• Winter - June to August

  June through September is the winter in New Zealand, so you might experience some snow. If you're looking to ski while you're on your trip, this is a great time to visit. The weather is milder, which typically doesn't attract tourists, but if you do decide to visit during this season, you'll have the land virtually to yourself.

New Zealand Tours Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a New Zealand Tour?

  A New Zealand tour will take you and a small group throughout the stunning country of New Zealand. You'll get to experience a brand-new culture in big cities like Christchurch and Wellington, then you can get into nature in the national parks. Most tours will last around 14 days, and some will also take you into nearby Australia.

• What’s Included on a New Zealand Tour?

  Your New Zealand tour will include all of your accommodations as well as most meals. Typically, breakfast is included every day, but you will be left on your own for some lunches and dinners to give you a chance to experience the local cuisine on your own. You'll also be provided with entrance into many of the major attractions as well as guides throughout your tour. Finally, many companies give you the option to purchase additional excursions tailored to your interests. 

• What’s the Best Tour for a New Zealand Tour?

  New Zealand tours are a staple for many group tour companies, so you'd be hard-pressed to find a tour company that doesn't offer one. Some of the most popular tour companies for excursions to New Zealand include Globus Journeys, Tauck, Collette, and Trafalgar. Some companies offer packages that strictly take you throughout New Zealand, while some will also include several attractions throughout Australia.

• How Much Does a New Zealand Tour Cost?

  The typical New Zealand tour will cost around $3,000 per person for a 10-day trip. Keep in mind that this does not include the cost of travel to get you to your starting destination or to get you back home after the tour is over. If you select a longer tour, your cost will be more expensive; many 14-day tours can cost upwards of $4,000-$5,000.