What to do and see in New Zealand, New Zealand: The Best Tours

March 26, 2022 Nobuko Falco

New Zealand (/njuːˈziːlənd/ ( listen); Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui), and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and around 600 smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometres (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. During its long period of isolation, New Zealand developed a distinct biodiversity of animal, fungal and plant life. The country's varied topography and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.
Restaurants in New Zealand

1. Ulva Island Explorer from Stewart Island

Visitor Terminal - Stewart Island Experience, Southland 9818, New Zealand Real Journeys
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Take a leisurely cruise around Paterson Inlet and a 45-minute walking tour in the bird sanctuary of Ulva Island. Your 2.5-hour itinerary departs from Stewart Island and includes a visit to the historic whaler’s base at Prices Inlet and the hidden coves and unspoiled beaches of Paterson Inlet. Your guide provides informative commentary during the scenic cruise. While on board, keep a lookout for New Zealand fur seals and penguins. Please be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Catamaran cruise and island tour, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Picnic lunch (must contact operator directly after booking to purchase)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By fionanNZ

Wonderful full day of exploring Lake Manapouri & Doubtful Sound. The team are passionate about their work and their backyard and we saw so much because of their knowledge. The trip was adjusted based on the weather & what was around - the Dolphins were a special treat and beautifully managed. Our driver, Tony was very accommodating for the wide age group & special requirements. The facilities were very good considering how remote we were. This was so wonderful - PLEASE don't tell anyone about this! Keep it our secret of wonderfulness!

2. Sailing and Wildlife Tour Akaroa Fox II Sailing

Ecoseaker - Dolphin Swimming & Harbour Adventure Cruises, Dalyʼs Wharf, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand Fox II
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5.0 based on 16 reviews

Sail in the crater of an extinct volcano with the rarest dolphins in the world. Long encounters and beautiful scenery. 3 hour trip on a quiet sailboat in nature. You can also see penguins, seals and albatross. The Fox II is a vintage sailboat, almost 100 years old! Made from wood, 2 masts and 6 sails. It is the oldes ketch in New Zealand. Has been in movies, TV shows and is famous all over the world. Visit amazing sea caves, cliffs, waterfalls and venture out into the pacific on this safe, quiet, truely memorable experience. Eco friendly, with minimal carbon footprint. Make the choice for a better future.

Inclusions: Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate and Biscuits, Local wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages for purchase

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Reviewed By Amer-wi

What a fantastic way to spend a day! Our friendly and knowledgeable hosts made the trip enjoyable and interesting. I have been on many similar trips and this one felt the most personal and friendly; more like spending the afternoon on a friend’s boat enjoying offers of wine and hot chocolate. It was an excellent experience for the whole family. I was with a large family group and we were all catered for, from my 3 year old nephew to my 17 year old son.

3. Wine Sampler Tour

The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown, Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Altitude Wine Tours
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5.0 based on 264 reviews

We’re not everyone’s cup of tea. But we are your glass of wine. Join us on a classic and fun top-rated wine tour in the Gibbston region. Visit four of Central Otago’s finest and off the beaten track cellar doors, including a visit to the famous Gibbston Valley underground wine cave. Taste over 18 spectacular cool-climate wines whilst your charismatic guide and knowledgeable cellar staff educate and amuse you with local winemaking facts and stories. Travel in style in a luxury Mercedes van, enjoy learning how to taste wine through onboard videos and make use of our WiFi and Spotify playlists. We are all about pairing good people with good wine so whether you are an adventure junkie recharging your batteries, an avid sightseer hunting more jaw-dropping views, or a wine enthusiast eager to taste some world-class wines, a wine tour with Altitude Tours is a must. The 5.5 hour Wine Sampler tour departs Queenstown at 10 am and returns around 3:30 pm.

Inclusions: Wine tastings at 4 cellar doors, Guided tour of New Zealand's largest underground wine cave, Optional lunch at a premier cellar door (at your expense), Complimentary bottled water, Complimentary Queenstown hotel transfers, Free Onboard Wifi, Complimentary branded wine glass, Fun Onboard videos

Exclusions: Lunch at a premier cellar door is at your expense

Reviewed By Jazzwhenua

We went out today with Aliah who was truely awesome and great at her job ! She made us feel safe through the drive and was very welcoming from the get go . It almost felt like we were touring with a friend. This product is well worth the money and all the staff along the journey were polite funny and very informative! Thanks Altitude we will definitely be recommending this to everyone we meet! ????

4. Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Queenstown

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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4.9 based on 153 reviews

Premium small group tour including boutique Milford Sound cruise with Cruise Milford, the number 1 Trip Advisor rated cruise company, and picnic lunch from Queenstown. There is no better way to see this most famous of attractions. Highlights: • Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford • Fiordland National Park • Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak • Wildlife Spotting While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and little details that set our tours apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Cruise Entry, Picnic Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages (available to purchase), Gratuities, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

Reviewed By tinanU2049PP

Lance was an excellent driver/Guide. He was patient and kept us entertained throughout-Thanks Lance!

5. Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Day Trip from Auckland

Auckland Scenic Tours
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4.9 based on 687 reviews

Join this tour to visit two of New Zealand’s most famous attractions, Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves, in one easy day trip from Auckland. Be fascinated as the magical world of Hobbiton comes to life and take photos in front of your favourite places like the Hobbit Holes, the Shire and the Green Dragon Inn. Then journey to the World Famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and be captivated by the thousands of magical glowworms twinkling in the Grottos, the stalactites and stalagmites as you glide silently through the cave by boat. Marvel at the stunning scenery en route as we journey off the motorways into the real hinterland of New Zealand. All admission fees and lunch included.

Inclusions: Small-group tour (maximum of 14), Kiwi café-style lunch , Local driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off from downtown Auckland City, Local taxes, Admission ticket: Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By emilyz906

Auckland Scenic Tours was outstanding. I really appreciate their no cancellation policy as I was only there for a few days and had wanted to organise a trip to Hobbiton. David, my guide for the day was excellent. We definitely took the scenic route and I got to see some stunning scenery. Thank you for the great experience and I would definitely recommend them to family and friends wanting to explore Auckland and beyond.

6. Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

Cruise Milford, 1 Milford Sound Highway, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand Cruise Milford
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4.9 based on 1,022 reviews

Rated as one of the Top 10 Experience in New Zealand for 2019 & 2020. Join this tour for an uncrowded boutique small boat cruise on Milford Sound. The only cruise company at Milford Sound to limit passenger numbers on-board, they offer comfortable luxury lounge style seating and superb customer service, an unforgettable experience is guaranteed. The smaller boats will get you up close and personal with the local wildlife like seals, dolphins and penguins in their marine habitat.

Inclusions: Complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits on-board all sailings

Exclusions: No food sold on-board the cruise, Parking fee ($20 for 5 hours)

Reviewed By fabianabG5262MV

The 2 hours cruise was amazing, the place is beautifull and for sure is a must do in NZ. I really recomend go from Te Anau not from Queenstown to have time to stop along the Milford road.

7. Milford Sound Sightseeing Cruise with Scenic Round-Trip Flight from Queenstown

39 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Milford Sound Scenic Flights
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4.8 based on 97 reviews

Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound and enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains, lakes and waterfalls of Fiordland National Park. Surrounded by some of the most magnificent scenery in the world, you’ll board your cruise and travel the length of the fiord out to Tasman Sea. Complete your journey with an unforgettable flight over the dramatic Southern Alps back to Queenstown.

Inclusions: Flight and Cruise, Light refreshments, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Lunch - Picnic Lunch available for purchase for $21 per person

Reviewed By deborahdO4528WT

Had an awesome day with our pilot James - confident, professional and knowledgeable regarding fiordland and the Milford Sound. Will be recommending him definitely.

8. Milford Sound Coach and Nature Cruise with Picnic Lunch from Queenstown

Southern Discoveries - Queenstown Visitor Centre, St Omer Wharf 110 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises
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4.8 based on 36 reviews

Journey in comfort with Milford Sound's original cruise operator on one of our low emission coaches. Take in the incredible, panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound. Enjoy entertaining commentary, and let us show you the best stops and short walks along the way as you connect seamlessly to your Milford Sound cruise. Discover native wildlife, towering waterfalls and majestic mountains on our extended Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Get within touching distance of impressive rock walls and close enough to feel the full force of the powerful 15,000-year-old Stirling Falls waterfall. Specialist nature guide on board sharing their local knowledge with lively and informative commentary. Delicious and freshly prepared Picnic Lunch alongside complimentary tea and coffee included on the cruise, with a licensed bar on board.

Inclusions: Return transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound on premium coach, USB charging ports on board coach, Informative commentary provided by local coach driver, Headset commentaries in several languages available, Milford Sound Nature Cruise, Specialist nature guide providing informative commentary on board cruise, Freshly prepared Picnic Lunch , FREE Tea & Coffee

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By yvonnerkh23

Wow! What a huge day filled with the most stunning scenery and landscape. We chose to travel with southern discoveries to experience the knowledge of the local drivers, and we were not disappointed. Our driver kept us entertained and shared more local knowledge with us than we could have ever hoped for! All the stories and facts made the drive and scenery that much more stunning. We travelled on the smaller bus which was very comfortable, made even better by the skilled driving of our guide. The views out of the bus were amazing, with the large windows and skylight we got to see the mountains and scenery in a way that’s just not possible when driving in a car. The stops along the way were beautiful, and we were spoilt to get to see them during this very quiet post covid time. We even got to see a kea along the way which was a definite highlight of the trip. Finally boarding the cruise we spent almost every second enjoying the views from outside. Milford sound on a rainy day feels like a movie! We will never forget our trip that, thanks to southern discoveries, was the most special experience during our first visit to the South Island.

9. Milford Sound Experience Full Day from Queenstown

Milford Sound Experience by Altitude Tours
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4.8 based on 681 reviews

Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveller. Whether seen in sunshine or rain, the incredible views are guaranteed to leave you awe-struck. This is a small group tour for travellers seeking an all-inclusive, uniquely-kiwi, personalized trip to Milford Sound.  We keep things personal using our fleet of modern Mercedes vans. Enjoy your journey with no more than 16 people, in a vehicle with luxury features such as leather seats, panoramic scenic windows, Wi-Fi and Spotify playlists. Let your Altitude Tours guide entertain and amaze you with their in-depth knowledge of the area, as we travel from Queenstown through Te Anau and into the Fiordland National Park on the famous Milford Road. Enjoy many scenic photo-stops at both famous locations, as well as our guide's favourite off-the-beaten-track spots. Enjoy a picnic lunch on a 2-hour small uncrowded cruise while taking in the incredible beauty that Milford Sound has to offer!

Inclusions: Hotel pick-up from select Queenstown based accommodations, 2-Hour nature cruise on Milford Sound., Knowledgable and friendly local driver/guides, Off-the-beaten track scenic photo stops en route, Picnic Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities, Additional Snacks (we provide lunch, but it is a long day)

Reviewed By Alan C

We did a tour to Glenorchy guided by Eric. His local knowledge was impressive and pointed out interesting facts of areas we traveled through. This is a must do travel experience His luxury vehicle was spotless. Refreshments were provided.

10. Central Otago Wine Tour from Queenstown - Includes 4 Vineyards, Lunch & Wine

Appellation Wine Tours
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4.8 based on 259 reviews

Experience the beauty of Central Otago, its fine wines, rich gold history and welcoming people. This tour will take you to visit two of Central Otago's wine sub-regions, allowing you to taste the difference! Visit 4 vineyards, enjoying tastings at three vineyards and then indulge in a light platter lunch with a glass of premium wine at a fourth vineyard.

Inclusions: All wine tastings, Local guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Light platter lunch & glass of premium wine

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By dan_fell_nz

Our tour guide, Gary, was so knowledgeable and friendly! Would recommend to anyone visiting Queenstown!

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