Explore New Zealand, Region by Region
488 itineraries across both islands, with the accommodation, transport and activities arranged before you land. Start with the island, then the places: 44 of them have their own guide, with what there is to do, how the tours get there and how long they stay.
The South Island
Alps, glaciers, fiords and lakes: where most itineraries spend most of their nights.
The Southern Alps run the length of the island, so the tours here are shaped by a few mountain crossings: Arthur's Pass on the TranzAlpine, the Haast Pass between the glaciers and Wānaka, and the road into Fiordland for Milford Sound. Queenstown is the busiest base, with Christchurch the usual arrival point. Drives are scenic and slower than the distance suggests, which is why the best itineraries stay two or three nights in the key places rather than moving on every morning.
223 itineraries stay on the South Island, and 174 more cover both islands.
South Island tours- QueenstownAdventure, lake cruises and skiing366 tours
- ChristchurchGardens, a rebuilt city and the way south363 tours
- Franz Josef GlacierGlacier heli hikes and rainforest walks235 tours
- Milford SoundFiord cruises and the Milford Road231 tours
- Aoraki / Mount CookThe Hooker Valley and the country's highest peak205 tours
- GreymouthThe TranzAlpine and the wild West Coast190 tours
- WānakaRoys Peak, the lake and skiing184 tours
- Te AnauGlowworm caves and the Milford base179 tours
- DunedinAlbatross, penguins and the Otago Peninsula152 tours
- KaikōuraWhale watching and seafood under the mountains135 tours
- PictonThe Cook Strait ferry and the Sounds121 tours
- Lake TekapoDark-sky stargazing and the lakeshore lupins99 tours
- MarlboroughSauvignon blanc and the Marlborough Sounds85 tours
- HokitikaHokitika Gorge and pounamu greenstone84 tours
- InvercargillBluff, oysters and the far south78 tours
- TwizelA quiet base for Aoraki / Mount Cook50 tours
- ArrowtownGold-rush streets and autumn colour37 tours
- Fox GlacierHeli hikes and Lake Matheson reflections36 tours
- PunakaikiPancake Rocks and blowholes35 tours
- NelsonSunshine, makers and the Abel Tasman gateway33 tours
- OamaruBlue penguins and Victorian stone33 tours
- AkaroaHector's dolphins and a French-settled harbour32 tours
- Manapouri and Doubtful SoundDoubtful Sound cruises26 tours
- Abel Tasman National ParkCoastal walks, kayaking and golden beaches21 tours
- Arthur's PassAlpine walks and the TranzAlpine crossing16 tours
- HaastThe Haast Pass drive, waterfalls and rainforest14 tours
- Stewart IslandWild kiwi and quiet walks11 tours
- Hanmer SpringsHot pools and an alpine village8 tours
The North Island
Geothermal valleys, Māori culture, film sets and subtropical coast.
Most North Island itineraries start in Auckland and run a loop or a line south: Waitomo's glowworm caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set on the way to Rotorua, then Taupō and the volcanic plateau of Tongariro, and on to Wellington for the ferry across Cook Strait. North of Auckland, the Bay of Islands is sailing and Waitangi history. Distances are shorter than in the south, so it suits a week, or the first half of a trip that ends in Queenstown.
91 itineraries stay on the North Island, and 174 more cover both islands.
North Island tours- AucklandHarbour islands, volcanoes and your arrival242 tours
- RotoruaGeothermal parks and Māori culture203 tours
- WellingtonTe Papa, food and the ferry south197 tours
- Bay of IslandsSailing, dolphins and Waitangi history106 tours
- HobbitonThe Hobbiton Movie Set91 tours
- TaupōHuka Falls and the great lake84 tours
- Waitomo CavesGlowworm caves65 tours
- NapierArt Deco streets and Hawke's Bay wine63 tours
- Tongariro National ParkThe Tongariro Alpine Crossing38 tours
- Waipoua ForestTāne Mahuta and ancient kauri35 tours
- Coromandel PeninsulaBeaches, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach33 tours
- Ninety Mile BeachCape Rēinga and the far north dunes30 tours
- MartinboroughWalkable wineries near Wellington28 tours
- HamiltonHamilton Gardens and Waikato day trips19 tours
- Waiheke IslandVineyards and beaches by ferry17 tours
- TaurangaMount Maunganui and the beach16 tours
Featured itineraries
Browse every tour
Journey from Queenstown to Christchurch, with Glaciers and TranzAlpine Train
3 days across the South Island, from Queenstown through to Christchurch, no driving and no guide, with every connection booked for you. Strong on family touring.
Mt Hutt Break Escape
3 days across the South Island, starting and ending in Christchurch, lift passes, lessons and lodging in one booking.
Treasures of the North
5 days across the North Island, starting and ending in Auckland, self drive, with every night booked ahead. Strong on classic driving tours.
Queenstown Ski Escape
5 days across the South Island, a loop from Queenstown, built around the winter season. Strong on adventure.
Short & Sweet South Island
5 days across the South Island, from Christchurch through to Queenstown, no driving and no guide, with every connection booked for you. Strong on scenic cruises.
Southern Lakes and TranzAlpine Circuit
6 days across the South Island, round trip out of Christchurch, driving yourself, with the route planned for you. Strong on adventure.
