New Zealand · FULL-DAY
The good ones go weeks ahead and the rest fill in behind them. Below: 15 full-day tours, what each includes and where they genuinely differ.
Ride from Queenstown to Milford Sound with local guides such as Brian, Brendan, and Carl sharing stories along the way. Stop for photos and short walks before a scenic cruise past waterfalls, rainforest, seals, dolphins, and possibly penguins. Lunch, tea, hot water, three viewing decks, and central pickup are included.
“So so so so good, the tourguide is eloquent and funny”
Fly from Queenstown across the Southern Alps and Fiordland, land near Milford Sound, and cruise the fiord for two hours. Every seat has a window, and the outbound and return flights use different routes. Pilots such as Jared, Andy, and Kirk are known for friendly commentary, though weather can delay or cancel the trip.
“Highlight of our month spent touring NZ so far. Blessed with stunning weather of clear blue skies which showed off the incredible scenery perfectly. The scenery on the flight was spectacular and the pilot provided great commentary with friendly approach. Wonderful to then see Milford Sound on a boat, again great commentary and real up close experiences of waterfalls. Yes expensive…but worth it 🤩”
Travel from Te Anau to Milford Sound in a small Mercedes Sprinter with guides such as Tania, Andy, Gary, and Allan. Stop at Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel, The Chasm, and other Fiordland viewpoints before a two-hour cruise past waterfalls, seals, dolphins, and possible penguins. Pickup, park fees, commentary, and morning tea are included.
“Small group, we saw many full size bus tours and we were glad to be on our small Mercedes Sprinter Van. Our tour guide Gary was great. He is very knowledgeable about geography and the area. We enjoyed his commentary a lot. The tour stoRead more”
Travel from Te Anau to Milford Sound with Trips & Tramps in a small group of up to 15, stopping at Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, and the Eglinton Valley. Guides such as Jacob, Geoff, Helen, and Hari add local stories, while the cruise reaches toward the Tasman Sea. Short forest and alpine walks break up the scenic drive.
“We travelled to Milford Sound with Geoff and his minivan yesterday and it was up there with the top highlights from our NZ trip. Travelling from Te Anau meant we could take our time there and back to stop off at different locations that were almost more impressive than Milford. Geoff's local knowledge, dad jokes and the beautiful scenery made for a brilliant road trip. The small size of the group (inc the small boat) was just what we were looking for as well. Thanks Geoff!”
Spend eight hours touring Wellington’s Lord of the Rings locations with guides such as Marc, Dixie, Grant, and Gina. Visit Mt Victoria, the Outer Shire, Kaitoke’s Rivendell, Isengard, and Wētā Workshop, with transport, forest walks, and lunch included. Expect film stories, camera recreations, and some uneven paths.
“We had a wonderful time with Mark, our guide. Chewy was very quick to respond to questions and inquiries about the tour. The tour hits wonderful filming locations and leans heavily toward the production side of the films.”
Travel from Auckland in a 16-seat minibus to Hobbiton Movie Set, with hotel pickup, snacks, water, and commentary along the way. An official Hobbiton guide leads you past 44 Hobbit Holes and through the gardens before a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn. Drivers such as Grant, Don, and John are known for lively local stories.
“Enjoyed the trip and Grant was an excellent guide. He was very informative and a proud Aucklander. Thank you Grant!”
From Picton or Blenheim, spend about six hours visiting several Marlborough wineries in an air-conditioned vehicle. Expect tastings of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and local specialties, plus a lunch stop at Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen, usually. Guides may include Gavin, Hamish, Lynley, James, Keith, or Phil.
“Gavin made a brilliant day even better! Worth the fee alone, his knowledge, humour and interpersonal skills were second d to none. The wine was awesome too, 5 different locations all really engaging and pleased to have us there. A superb day with new friends made and memories for ever.”
Travel Auckland with guides such as Danny, Mike, or Brenda in a small air-conditioned minibus. You’ll cross the Harbour Bridge, visit North Head, Mount Eden, Auckland Domain, Muriwai Beach, Riverhead, and Soljans Estate Winery. Wine tasting is included, lunch is extra, and easy walking is required.
“Even on a rainy day this was a great tour! We got a lot of interesting and useful information from a knowledgeable guide and saw parts of Auckland we might otherwise have missed.”
Join Ross, Mark, or Kelly Foot aboard the Pelorus Mail Boat from Havelock for a full day through Kenepuru Sound. You will watch mail, groceries, and freight reach remote homes, hear lively local commentary, and look for dolphins, seals, and blue penguins. Bring lunch and warm layers.
“The whole trip was brilliant from start to finish . Skipper’s dry sense of humour was entertaining as well”
Spend about six and a half hours exploring Marlborough with a small group of up to 11 people. Guides such as Darlene, Cameron, Amanda, Doug, and Maurice share local wine knowledge while you visit four to six wineries, sample premium pours, stop for lunch, and possibly add beer, cider, or chocolate.
“Amazing day, full of laughter and enjoyable. Darlene was informative, explained the region and about the wine industry in the region.”
Travel from Te Anau to Milford Sound in a small group of up to 14, stopping at Mirror Lakes, Eglinton Valley, Lake Gunn, Monkey Creek, and The Chasm. Guides such as Nicky, Andres, and Murray add local stories and photo help before a 2.5-hour Milford Sound cruise. Expect a long but well-paced day with optional walks and frequent scenery stops.
“This was the most comfortable excursion mini-van of my trip with thoughtful extras such as charging stations, towels, and water bottles. What I loved was stopping every 15 to 30 minutes to get out and experience the gorgeous landscape Read more”
Travel from Christchurch to Akaroa by air-conditioned coach, passing Lake Ellesmere, Lake Forsyth, Gebbies Pass, and Little River. Enjoy views over Banks Peninsula, taste cheese at Barry’s Bay, stroll Akaroa’s colonial village, and take a two-hour catamaran cruise for Hector’s dolphins, seals, birds, and possible penguin sightings. Lunch is available as an upgrade.
“I was unwell and was not able to have the lunch or the boat trip. I contacted Viator many times asking for a refund of just the lunch and the cruise which they would not have paid for. This was August and I have never had a reply or refund.”
You’ll collect a bike, helmet, lock, and local wine map, then set your own route among 12 wineries within 3 kilometers of the base. Staff such as Rory or Roo can help with planning, while Blenheim and Renwick hotel pickup removes the need to drive. Tastings, lunch, and electric bikes cost extra.
“Great wine tour! We got a map and some information about the wineries and some recommendations before getting on the bikes which was really helpful.”
Join a small group of up to 10 aboard Vigilant from Russell at 10am. Nat, Dallas, Anita, or Nick may guide the day, shaped by the wind. Sail among the Bay’s 144 islands, stop for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or a beach walk, then enjoy lunch, tea, coffee, and local commentary before returning to Russell.
“Unfortunately our cruise ship notified us within the 24 hours that they weren’t able to dock at Bay of Islands. The tour provider kept the entire amount. It was their right under the Viator agreement. However, this happened at another port and the tour provider gave back a portion of the cost—that is providing excellent customer service.”
Set out from Queenstown at 7:30 am for a full day through Cromwell, Lindis Pass, Omarama, Lake Pukaki, and Aoraki Mount Cook. Your guide drives while you enjoy the scenery, stories, and photo stops. You get about 3 to 3.5 hours at Mount Cook Village, with time for the Hooker Valley Track, Lake Mueller, the Alpine Centre, or an added activity.
“Very fun interactive trip! Our guide Sean was brilliant very informative and friendly. Very good knowledge of history and areas we visited. The views were outstanding, Hooker Valley walk was beautiful, walk was worth all the views! Walk mostly flat with some stairs. Brilliant day over all!”
Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.
