New Zealand tours

Most tours of New Zealand’s North Island kick off in Auckland – the country’s most populous city. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore the glittering waterfront and also climb volcanic Mount Eden, which offers spectacular panoramic views. Your next stop is then likely to be the beautiful Bay of Islands, where you can learn about Maori history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, spend some time out on the water, or even journey to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s most northerly accessible point.

Rotorua and Wellington are other hotspots that usually feature on a North Island tour. Geothermal Rotorua is a fascinating place, packed full of boiling mud pools, steam vents and active geysers – and it’s also possible to take in an authentic Maori performance or enjoy a traditional hangi feast. Wellington, meanwhile, is a little different. New Zealand’s compact capital, it’s got endless bars and restaurants, heaps of cultural attractions, lovely botanic gardens, and a delightful setting overlooking the Cook Strait. There’s even the odd beach or two where you might be able to squeeze in a bit of downtime during your New Zealand tour.

New Zealand’s South Island’s a real scene stealer, delivering jaw-dropping views round every corner. On the east coast lie the island’s biggest cities – artsy Christchurch, the most English of all New Zealand’s urban centres, and historic Dunedin, famed for its Edwardian and Victorian architecture. And between the two, you’ll find the lush vineyards and braided rivers of the pastoral Canterbury Plains.

Things get more dramatic on the west side, though, and – depending on the length of your New Zealand tour – this is likely where you’ll spend most of your time. The Southern Alps run like a spine from north to south, providing a magnificent backdrop for many a photo. In Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, snow-dusted peaks are surrounded by mirror-like lakes, while over on the coast you can get up close and personal with Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier – the two most accessible glaciers in the country. Also on this side of the South Island, you’re likely to visit the unusual Pancake Rocks near Punakaiki; the resort of Queenstown, which offers up endless adventure activities; and majestic Milford Sound – which is actually a fjord, surrounded by craggy cliffs and thundering waterfalls.

Most New Zealand tours include a range of activities, but you’ll also have the option to add on extras. On the North Island, you might cruise the Bay of Islands and sail out to the iconic Hole in the Rock, or take a boat trip through the magical glowworm caves in Waitomo. In Rotorua, you can ride in a gondola, watch a farm show at the Agrodome or tour the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, before unwinding at the Polynesian Spa. And Lord of the Rings fans won’t want to skip the nearby Hobbiton™ Movie Set. If your New Zealand tour passes through Taupo, you could spend a day hiking the incredible Tongariro Alpine Crossing, or take a thrilling ride on the Huka Falls jet.

On the South Island, Queenstown in particular offers heaps of adrenaline-inducing activities. Bungee jumping, skydiving and white-water rafting are all possibilities, while in Glacier Country you can go heli-hiking, if you fancy it. In Fiordland National Park, there’s the chance to cruise across Milford Sound, while in Aoraki Mount Cook you can take a scenic flight above the mountains. And if your New Zealand tour takes you to Kaikoura, why not find time to go whale-watching?

Like the UK, New Zealand has four distinct seasons. And although there isn’t actually a bad time of year for a New Zealand tour, most people prefer to go when it’s warm. Summer here runs from December to February, and during these months most of the country sees highs of low- to mid-twenties – although in subtropical Northland things can get up to 30°C.

Unsurprisingly, summer’s the most popular time of year for a New Zealand tour. So while you’re likely to have good weather, it’s also when visitor numbers are at their highest. If you’d prefer to travel when it’s a little quieter, you might want to wait until autumn, when the crowds tend to thin out, or you could always book your New Zealand tour in spring. From September to November, the days are warm and the nights are cool nights – and it’s also when calves, lambs and daffodils start making an appearance. But whichever month you choose for your New Zealand tour, you’ll generally find that things get slightly cooler the further south you go. And it’s worth noting that rain is common throughout the year, so it’s always a good idea to pack a waterproof.