Get exclusive travel offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
By signing up, you agree to the Finder
Privacy & Cookies Policy
and
Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy.
Best Tour Deals
Top Tour Companies
Top Travel Booking Sites
Travel Guides
New Zealand tours and companies for your big Kiwi adventure 2021
Explore the Land of the Long White Cloud led by the best guides in the country.
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Adventurous activities such as bungee jumping and canyoning blend with a landscape of mountains, volcanoes, rivers and glaciers in the captivating country that is New Zealand.
Ideal for relaxation, road trips and adrenaline fixes, whatever your flavour, New Zealand has something for everyone.
Not sure where to start? We've rounded up the top tour companies and tours that can help you savour the experience.
Our top 3 sites to book New Zealand tours
1. Contiki
Explore the nation from top to bottom with an array of in-depth tours each armed with free time add-ons such as canyon swinging and ice climbing so you leave with no regrets.
- Best for: Youths aged 18–35 years old
- Cost: Mid-range
- Our favourite itinerary: The 'Sweet As' South tour is a traveller's favourite that focuses on the South Island and its iconic sites, such as Milford Sound and optional adrenaline-pumping activities, such as the canyon swing in Queenstown.
2. Haka Tours
With New Zealand tour names such as "Adrenalin Junkie Tour" and "Dirt Seeker MTB Tour", these experiences are for those seeking all the best thrills and spills.
- Best for: Adventure and thrill seekers aged 18+
- Cost: Budget to mid-range
- Our favourite itinerary: The Legendary NZ Tour is a crowd pleaser that blitzes across the North and South Islands over 21 days. Sandy beaches, calm lakes and Lord of the Rings movie set backdrops pepper the itinerary, which isn't without it's heart-pumping activities including the chance to abseil, jump off the highest commercial waterfall drop in the world and hike mountains for views over the Southern Alps.
3. Scenic
All-inclusive luxury comes standard with your Scenic tour. That's stylish accommodation, a wide range of dining options and exclusive activities such as America's Cup Sailing experiences. Tours of New Zealand feature a combination of land, boat and air transportation to whisk you away in the most memorable way.
- Best for: Luxury tourists and families
- Cost: High-end
- Our favourite itinerary: Scenic Splendour carries you across the landscape with little physical activity, making it ideal for all ages. In it, you'll dine on an authentic hangi dinner, stay overnight in award-winning wineries, marvel over Franz Josef Glacier and be enchanted by glow worms. Optional extras are available for more exceptional experiences such as flying over volcanoes and glaciers.
Other companies that offer tours of New Zealand
Compare tours in New Zealand
Best for Lord of the Rings tours:
- Hobbiton Tours: For the full movie set experience, you can't go past Hobbiton tours. Its located in Hobbiton on the North Island and includes the iconic "Movie Set" tour. Stick around for an Evening Banquet tour or make yours a special one with a private tour.
- Discover New Zealand: For a more in-depth lay of the land, Discover New Zealand offers tours across the country and highlights the landscape locations from the films.
- Viator: For tours as short at 70 minutes to as long as 2 days, Viator houses a range of tours throughout the country so you can pick and choose your favourites while exploring the nation your own way.
Best for glacier tours:
- Stray Tours: Hit up Stray Tours' winter expeditions for gnarly treks on New Zealand's most famous glaciers.
- G Adventures: Adventure is G Adventures' last name… literally! Hone in on its active offerings for thrills like hiking, biking, horseback riding and glacier trekking all in one tour package.
- Viator: For day trips up to specific glaciers, Viator collects the best and lets you book up-to-the-wire. Tours include helicopter rides, heli hikes and kayak adventures near the glaciers.
Best for singles:
- Contiki: Travel with like-minded souls aged 18 to 35 years old on adventure-filled itineraries.
- G Adventures: With tour groups no larger than 16 people, expect tight friendships to be made on G Adventures tours.
- Intrepid: People of all ages book Intrepid for its welcome atmosphere and adventurous mentality. Solo travellers are offered single supplements for a fee.
Best for winter and snow trips:
- Haka Tours: Spend seven days on a snow safari, hopping between resorts. There's even a heli tour for those keen to explore backcountry.
- Contiki: Plant yourself in Queenstown for a week to hone your skills on New Zealand's most renowned slopes.
- Flying Kiwi: With a snow tour that's been top rated by National Geographic, expect unique accommodation, most meals and board and the chance to push the powder of four ski fields.
Popular New Zealand tour routes
New Zealand is broken up into two islands, the North Island and the South Island. In the North you'll find Auckland, WETA Studios/Hobbiton, Rotorua and Wellington. In the South is Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, Lake Tekapo and Milford Sound.
Most people choose to focus their holiday on one or the other, although it's possible to see and do it all with enough time as the islands are connected by ferry.
North Island
New Zealand's North Island is the choice for Lord of the Rings fanatics, volcanic encounters such as mud pools and crater hikes and uniquely Kiwi sports like Zorbing which can only be done in the North.
Although glow worms can be seen in the South Island, they're more famous in the North in Waitomo due to its extensive cave network.
Northern Choice: Wellington to Auckland from Contiki
Spend 10 days as a culture vulture, indulging in traditional dance and meals, biking picturesque tracks, climbing volcanic peaks and gazing upon imposing Kauri trees which stand 50 metres tall.
- Tour company: Contiki
- Best for: Youths, first-timers, those who love the great outdoors
- Length of tour: 10 days
South Island
When people say New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world, they're really talking about the South Island. It's where Queenstown and its bevy of activities like canyon swinging, white water rafting, skiing and glacier hiking are.
South Island Lick Tour from TourRadar
Lick the tip of the South Island's iceberg which hits Christchurch, MacKenzie Country, Queenstown, Wanaka and Franz Josef armed with a knowledgeable guide and enjoyable activities.
- Tour company: Haka Tours
- Best for: Adventure seekers, families
- Length of tour: 7 days
North to South (or vice versa)
Is FOMO getting the better of you? An all-encompassing North and South Island tour lets you see and do it all (or at least the important highlights) so you can leave feeling confident you can tick New Zealand off your bucket list. That, or use it as a taster for a more in-depth trip next time round!
Ultimate Explorer from Auckland from TourRadar
Highly rated by National Geographic, the Ultimate Explorer doesn't miss a beat capturing the landscape in all its glory from Fox Glacier and Abel Tasman National Park to Rotorua and Mount Cook.
- Tour company: Flying Kiwi
- Best for: In-depth discovery
- Length of tour: 28 days
How long do I need in New Zealand?
Depending on your agenda, you could spend 3 to 7 days exploring a section of New Zealand, 10 days dedicated to one island or 14+ days taking in all the country has to offer.
Our pick: Best 5 day tour:
Queenstown Otago Rail Trail from TourRadar
When in Queenstown, the thing to do is be active and this 5-day cycling tour does just that, letting you explore the lay of the land on two wheels. It travels from Queenstown to Christchurch via Dunedin.
- Tour company: Adventure South
- Best for: Active adventures
- Places visited: Queenstown, Clyde, Ranfurly, Dunedin, Christchurch
Our pick: Best 7 day tour
Ultimate NZ Ski from Contiki
Tired of the Aussie ski fields? Searching for a fresh run? New Zealand is home to some of the Southern Hemisphere's best ski resorts and with Contiki you can hit the slopes with like-minded travellers, accommodation and meals all in tow.
- Tour company: Contiki
- Best for: Snow trips
- Places visited: Queenstown
Our pick: Best 10 day tour
North Island encompassed from G Adventures
Forest walks, snorkelling, glow worm hunting, white water rafting and spa relaxing await you on the country's North Island.
- Tour company: G Adventures
- Best for: Small groups and in-depth tours
- Places visited: Auckland, Bay of Islands, Raglan, Rotorua, Lake Taupo and Wellington.
Our pick: Best 14+ day tour
Amplified New Zealand tour from TourRadar
Blaze across the country, starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch, ticking off all the bucket-list items from the geysers and mud pools in Rotorua and the Church of the Good Shepherd to the waterfalls of Milford Sound and the glaciers of Franz Josef.
- Tour company: Haka Tours
- Best for: In-depth discovery
- Places visited: Auckland, Coromandel, Waitomo, Rotorua, Murupara, Taupo, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, MacKenzie Country, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef.
Latest deals for New Zealand tours, flights and more
DriveNow
Campervan hire from $5/day
Available on select routes, dates and locations in Australia, including Darwin, Alice Springs, Cairns and Brisbane, and New Zealand.
Last verified
P&O Cruises
$1 deposits + up to $500 credit on Australia and South Pacific cruises
Plus get up to $500 OBC on select voyages in 2021 and 2022. Destinations include Brisbane, Sydney, New Zealand, Vanuatu, Fiji and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Accor Hotels
Up to 30% off worldwide stays
Available on select dates when you stay a minimum of 3 nights. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Auckland, Paris, London and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Trafalgar Tours
Up to 15% off last-minute trips
Valid for travel on select dates in 2020 and 2021. Destinations include Europe, UK, the Middle East, Argentina, India, Asia, New Zealand, Australia and Africa and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Otel.com
Extra 9% off hotel bookings
Valid on select hotel stays worldwide like Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Thailand, USA, Europe and more on all dates, including over holidays like Easter, Christmas and New Year's Eve. Some restrictions apply.
Last verified
Marriott
Up to 50% off room upgrades + free breakfast on stays
Available on upgrades to premium rooms and suites on stays until 30 April 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast, New Zealand, Fiji and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
G Adventures
Up to 30% off Australia and New Zealand tours
Lock your tour with $1 deposit plus get an extra 21% off when you choose My Own Room. Available on select travel dates in 2021. Destinations include Cairns, Uluru, Sydney, Brisbane, Wellington and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Europcar
Up to 20% off base rate
Available on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday pick up dates until 11 December 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Auckland and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
G Adventures
Up to 30% off tours + $1 deposits
Available on select travel dates in 2021 and 2022. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA and more. T&Cs apply
Last verified
Deal ends
Priceline.com
Up to 60% off express deals
Available on select dates in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and more. T&Cs apply
Last verified
Hotels.com
Extra 8% off hotel bookings
Save on hotel stays until 30 June 2021 in Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Fiji, Thailand, Singapore, USA and more. Available at select hotels.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Agoda
Up to 66% off New Zealand hotels
Available on select stay dates in Auckland. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Swiss BelHotel
Stay for 3, Pay for 2
Available on stays until 30 June 2021 in Indonesia and New Zealand. Minimum of 3 nights stay required. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Contiki
Up to 20% off New Zealand tours
Available for travel until 6 March 2021 to Queenstown, Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Luxury Escapes
Up to 37% off New Zealand retreat w/ breakfast + flights
Available for travel until 31 December 2021. Includes return airfare, $50 spa credit, welcome drink, complimentary tour of the wine-making facilities and Wine Cave, wine-tasting and lunch. Valid for 2 persons. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Luxury Escapes
New Zealand: Up to 32% off QT Auckland escape + flights
Available for travel until 30 December 2021. Includes return airfare, breakfast daily drinks and late check out. Valid for 2 persons. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Wotif
Up to 20% off Christchurch getaways
Available on select travel dates. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Stayz
New Zealand stays from $28/night
Available on select stay dates in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown and more. Sample stay is in Waihi Beach Village. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Bookabach NZ
New Zealand stays from NZD$30/night
Available on select stay dates in Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch, Waihike Island, Rotorua and more. Sample stay is at Waihi Beach Village. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Bookabach NZ
Auckland stays from NZD$45/night
Available on select dates in 2021. Sample stay is in Auckland CBD. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Bookabach NZ
Queenstown stays from NZD$82/night
Available on select stay dates in 2021. Sample stay is near Queenstown centre. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Swiss BelHotel
Up to 15% off Auckland stay
Available for stays until 28 February 2021 at Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park, Auckland. Minimum 2 night stay required. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Airbnb
New Zealand stays from $16/night
Available on select dates for Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch stays. Sample stay is for a campsite in Hokitika. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Skyscanner Car Hire
Auckland car hire from $31
Available for travel on select dates in 2021 with Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Flights to New Zealand from $265 return
Available on select flights in 2021 to Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington and more. Sample fare is Gold Coast-Auckland with Jetstar. Other airlines include Air New Zealand from $555 and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels
Up to 10% off rooms + 2,000 bonus points for members
Available on stays until 31 March 2021 in Auckland, Queenstown, Dunedin, Taupo, Wellington and more. Membership is free. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Hotels.com
Up to 47% off New Zealand getaways
Available on select stays until December 2021 in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Rotorua and more. Sample stay is at Chalet Queenstown. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Europcar
Up to 15% off prestige car rentals
Available on rentals until 11 December 2021 across Australia and New Zealand including Sydney, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Auckland and more. Minimum of 5 days rental required. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Europcar
Up to 20% off 2+ days rentals
Available on select rental dates until 11 December 2021 across Australia and New Zealand. Must book 21 days in advance. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
OneTravel
Up to USD$100 off business class flights
Available on booking fees on select flight dates. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands, London and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
OneTravel
Up to USD$25 off booking fees
Available on select travel dates. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and more. Maximum of 5 travelers. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Destination International
$1,599: New Zealand ski holiday with car hire
Available on stays from 12 June - 3 October 2021. Includes stay in Queenstown, tour pack, transfers and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Cheap Flights
New Zealand flights from $307 return
Available on select flights in 2021 to Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington and more. Sample fare is Melbourne-Auckland with Jetstar. Other airlines include Air New Zealand from $542 return and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Trip.com
Up to 68% off worldwide stays + guaranteed flexibility
Available on select stay dates in New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand and Japan. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseDirect
Up to $550 savings + up to 40% off Australia cruises
Available on select cruises departing from 2021-2022 with Royal Caribbean Cruises. Destinations include Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Vanuatu, New Zealand and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Motorhome Republic
5% off Cheapa Campa international rentals
Available for rentals until 31 March 2021. Destinations include Auckland, Christchurch and more. Must book at least 180+ days prior to the start of your rental. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Skyscanner
Auckland flights from $265 return
Available on select dates in 2021 to Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown and more. Sample fare departs from Coast with Jetstar. Other airlines include Air New Zealand from $549 and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Motorhome Republic
5% off New Zealand campervan rentals
Available on rentals until 31 March 2021 with Apollo Motorhomes. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
World2Cover Travel Insurance Deals
Get 25% Off World2Cover Travel Insurance
Save on your next policy to destinations including Bali, Thailand, USA, Europe, Japan, New Zealand, Vietnam and more. Terms and conditions apply.
Last verified
TourRadar
Up to 50% off advance purchase
Available on select dates in 2021 and 2022 when you book 90 days in advance. Destinations include Maldives, Lisbon, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and more.
Last verified
Popular Travel coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Jan 2021 | Up to 15% off Australia rentals | HOL**** |
| 14 Dec 2020 | Get $20 credit | FIN**** |
| 2 Dec 2020 | Up to 10% off international flights with code | MAS**** |
| 23 Oct 2020 | $1 wine tastings in the Hunter Valley | WIN**** |
| 22 May 2020 | Extra 9% off hotel bookings | AUT**** |
Feature image: Contiki
More guides on Finder
-
Campervan hire in New Zealand | Where to book, what to know
Take your exploration to the next level with this guide to campervan hire in New Zealand.
-
Where to buy sporting and recreational products with Zip Pay | Full list 2021
Get a head start on your next adventure thanks to the online retailers offering Zip Pay.
-
9 Northern Territory road trip itineraries for epic outback adventures
Hit the open outback road and explore some of the NT's most scenic national parks, waterfalls and hot springs.
-
8 picture-perfect Cairns resorts to book for 2021
Lose yourself in the top accommodation tropical north Queensland has to offer.
-
Best places to visit in the Northern Territory in 2021
Unique cultural experiences and picturesque natural wonders await in these six destinations. Plus, our top picks on the territory's best camp sites.
-
Where to book virtual tours and experiences
Travel the world from your living room with online tours and experiences hosted by locals and experts. Here’s where to book them.
-
Best places to visit in South Australia
Discover tourist hotspots like Adelaide and Kangaroo Valley and best kept secrets such as the Yorke Peninsula and Mount Gambier on your next trip around South Australia.
-
Guided virtual tours: Reviewed | A couple of travel makers
Armchair around the world with these virtual tours, complete with tour guides that answer your questions in real time. Here's seven that we tested out and loved.
-
11 remote Airbnbs you can work from in 2021
From tiny houses to luxurious beachfront properties and rainforest cottages, see our top choices for remote Airbnbs to work from in Australia.
-
8 travel companies where your deposit lasts a lifetime (or at least a long time)
Lock in your next adventure today with a tour deposit that you can use towards another date or a different destination if you need to change your plans later.
Ask an Expert
