New Zealand · TOUR REVIEWS

The 15 Best Tours in New Zealand

2,060 tours  ·  from $7

Three weeks or ten days, the problem never changes: two islands, one flight home. The 15 below are the days out that earn their place, priced and timed, with the full catalogue underneath when you want to go deeper.

Hobbiton Movie Set: Guided Tour Ticket - Starting at Shire’s Rest near Matamata
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Hobbiton Movie Set: Guided Tour Ticket

1.Hobbiton Movie Set: Guided Tour Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 8,167 reviews · 2h 30m · from $71Our pick

Walk through the 12-acre Hobbiton Movie Set with an English-speaking guide, visiting Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn. Guides such as James, Sam, Wyatt, and Melissa are praised for lively film stories. The 150-minute tour includes a drink, photo stops, and a bus ride from the car park.

“Great tour. Glad I came to see it, but the cost was really high and being a pensioner, I won't be able to afford to come back. Good day, excellent guide, thoroughly enjoyed it.”

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Rotorua Canopy Tours: 2.5Hour Native Forest Zipline Adventure - Arriving at Fairy Springs Road
Rotorua Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Zip Lines

Rotorua Canopy Tours: 2.5Hour Native Forest Zipline Adventure

2.Rotorua Canopy Tours: 2.5Hour Native Forest Zipline Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,563 reviews · from $123Top rated

Spend 2.5 hours above Rotorua’s ancient native forest with two local guides, safety gear, six ziplines, bridges, and conservation stories. Guides such as Josh, Dylan, Travis, and Emma are praised for calm instruction and humor. Free digital photos and wet-weather gear are included.

“Amazing adventure, instructors were brilliant and very reassuring. Had a fantastic time exploring the forest. Super insightful information about wildlife and just a general fab thing to do. Will book again when we come back to NZ”

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Hobbiton™ Movie Set Walking Tour from Shires Rest - Starting at Shire’s Rest
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Walking Tour from Shires Rest

3.Hobbiton™ Movie Set Walking Tour from Shires Rest

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,577 reviews · from $74

Explore Hobbiton’s 12-acre Shire set with a professional guide, passing Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn. The 2.5-hour tour includes shuttle rides within the grounds and a complimentary Southfarthing drink. Guides such as Dan, James, Georgia, and Liam bring film details to life.

“Fabulous experience. Difficult to believe you were on a film set. The attention to detail was unbelievable.”

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Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet - A forest walk with a sacred spring and glow worms
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Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet

4.Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,575 reviews · 3 hours · from $101

Spend three hours at Mitai Maori Village near Rotorua, where a Maori guide explains customs, warriors paddle a waka down the Wai-o-whiro stream, performers present songs and haka, and a generous hangi buffet follows. The bush walk includes a sacred spring and, when conditions allow, glow worms.

“It was brilliant learning about different cultures. The food was excellent ( top marks ). Show was also very good and explained very clearly on the Māori culture.”

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Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets - Starting at Auckland Ferry Terminal
Auckland Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets

5.Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,311 reviews · 1 day · from $59

Take the ferry from Auckland’s Quay Street terminal to Waiheke Island, then use the Explorer Bus to visit 16 stops at your own pace. Expect winery views, beaches, galleries, shops, and nature walks, with helpful guides such as Ruth, Aaron, Minnie, and Chris sharing island stories along the way.

“Fun and easy way to see Waiheke without the expense of a private tour. Stop off as much as you like, do a few wine tastings (we just walked in-no reservations) and see the sights. Note we did make a reservation for lunch at The Heke which we also highly recommend!”

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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise - Check-in, the bus ride, and the first look at the vessel
Cruises & Boat Tours, Kaikoura Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Kaikoura

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise

6.Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,089 reviews · 3h 30m · from $104

Set out from Whale Watch Kaikōura for just over two hours at sea, guided by an English-speaking crew such as Caolan, Mikayla, or Captain Jack. Search for sperm whales with onboard tracking and commentary, then watch for dolphins, seals, albatross, and other marine life from a spacious catamaran.

“Whales made it great, dolphins were an added bonus!”

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Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown - From Queenstown to Lake Te Anau
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Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

7.Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,001 reviews · from $216

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a small group of up to 15, with hotel pickup, live commentary, scenic stops, snacks, lunch, and a two-hour Cruise Milford sailing. Guides such as Andy, Jess, Joe, and Danny bring Fiordland’s geology and Māori stories to life.

“The day started early and it's quite a long drive there and back but we did get to stop along the way to grab a quick bite. Our guide/driver was Jess and she was awesome! She provided lots of information and history about New Zealand and tried to keep us interested during our long journey. Once we arrived, we did the Milford Sound cruise (which includes lunch on the boat). It was an amazing experience and the views are incredible. This tour provides an easy way to see Milford Sound although if you're prone to car sickness, I would recommend taking something for that as as times it is quite…”

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Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience - The first views: cliffs, water, and Mitre Peak
Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland Tours, Tour Reviews

Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

8.Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,930 reviews · from $111

Cruise Milford NZ takes you around Milford Sound for about 1 hour 45 minutes on a boat limited to half capacity. Expect lounge-style cabin seating, skipper commentary, tea, coffee, biscuits, close views of waterfalls, Mitre Peak, seals, dolphins, and possible penguins.

“Difficult to get from free car park to ferry - you need to set up a mini bus or similar to assist GCT”

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Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat - From Whaleway Station Road to the marina
Cruises & Boat Tours, Kaikoura Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Kaikoura

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

9.Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,906 reviews · from $111

Spend about three and a half hours with Whale Watch Kaikoura, including transfers, safety briefing, and up to 2.5 hours at sea. A marine guide and captain such as Malena or Fred explain sperm whales, dolphins, seabirds, and Kaikoura’s underwater canyons.

“Was amazing seeing a sperms whale, friendly helpful staff and awesome boat. Nice that you are indoors during the boat ride.”

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Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise - The two-hour stop at Walter Peak
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Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise

10.Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,713 reviews · 3h 30m · from $95

Take a 210-minute RealNZ outing from Queenstown to Walter Peak on the TSS Earnslaw steamship or Spirit of Queenstown catamaran. Expect a lakeside BBQ buffet, farm animals, sheep shearing, and a sheepdog display. Guides such as Pete, Joe, Josh, Mia, and Echo have helped make the farm show a highlight.

“Amazing views and food — the sheep-shearing part of the farm show wasn’t my favorite, but everything else was absolutely spectacular.”

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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch - The 6:30 a.m. departure from Auckland
1-Day Tours, Auckland Tours, Day Trips in Auckland, Guided, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Waitomo Tours

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch

11.Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,677 reviews · from $229

Travel from Auckland to Hobbiton and Waitomo with guides such as Liam, Shelley, Martin, or Matt. Walk through the Shire, enjoy a Green Dragon drink and café lunch, then glide beneath Waitomo’s glowworms on a boat tour.

“Well managed, very informative tour guide, ran on schedule, and delivered on what was promised in the viator agenda. Hobbiton was super cool even if you don’t know the movies, and having a driver to get you there was worth every penny. Only complaint was lunch - which was overall unsatisfying.”

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Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour - The 30-minute cruise across Lake Te Anau
Fiordland Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waitomo Tours

Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

12.Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,611 reviews · 2h 15m · from $77

Cruise from Te Anau across Lake Te Anau, walk through young limestone caves with waterfalls and whirlpools, then ride a small boat beneath the glowworms. Guides such as Emma, Nathan, and Alex have led recent departures. Allow 135 minutes, bring sturdy shoes, and leave your camera behind.

“Enjoyed the whole experience our guide was very informative. The only downside was the sand flies but i would recommend this activity.”

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Rotorua: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park Entry Ticket - Start with Lady Knox at 10:15am
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Rotorua: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park Entry Ticket

13.Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,601 reviews · 3 months · from $28Best value

Walk three marked trails through Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, seeing Champagne Pool, Artist’s Palette, Devil’s Bath, bubbling mud, and steaming ground. Arrive by 10:15am for Lady Knox Geyser, then return to explore at your own pace. Parking, a map, café, toilets, and picnic areas are provided.

“Very well organized. The staff was friendly and helpful. The park is maintained very well and easy to walk. Beautiful sights.”

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Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip - Queenstown Pickup and the Early Coach Ride
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Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip

14.Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,592 reviews · from $144

Ride from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound with local guide commentary, scenic stops, a packed lunch, and a cruise with three viewing decks. Guides such as Brendan, Brian, and Robben are known for lively stories, careful driving, and helpful photo stops. Expect a long but rewarding day.

“love love loved the tour. Pick up effortless driver full of knowledge cruise amazing. If you have never been to milford sounds do your best to get there it is so beautiful and serene.”

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Milford Sound: 2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise - From Milford Sound Wharf to Mitre Peak
2-Hour Experiences, Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews

Milford Sound: 2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise

15.2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,561 reviews · 2 hours · from $101

Cruise Milford Sound aboard Mitre Peak Cruises’ smaller vessel for two hours of close-up views of Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, seals, dolphins, and seasonal penguins. Your skipper provides live commentary, with indoor seating, outdoor decks, and complimentary tea, coffee, and hot chocolate.

“Our boat trip was absolutely sensational! The skipper was amazing - so entertaining and not to mention the driving skills - we got sooo close to the falls and cliffs it was edge of the seat breathtaking!! We even spotted seals and took off to see them slumming it out in the rocks. An overall gorgeous trip we will never forget.”

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Milford Sound Cruises106Hobbiton Movie Set Tours105Māori Cultural Tours83Helicopter Tours98Wine Tours184Waitomo Tours104
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