New Zealand · TOUR REVIEWS

The 15 Best Tours in New Zealand

1,910 tours  ·  from $7

Three weeks or ten days, the problem is the same: two islands, one itinerary. The 15 below are the days that earn their place, priced and timed, with the full catalogue underneath when you want to go deeper.

Hobbiton Movie Set: Guided Tour Ticket - Getting from Shire’s Rest to the film set
Guided, Hobbiton Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours

Hobbiton Movie Set: Guided Tour Ticket

1.Hobbiton Movie Set: Guided Tour Ticket

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

Join an English-speaking guide for a 150-minute walk through Hobbiton’s 12-acre Shire set near Matamata. See Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn, then enjoy a complimentary drink. Guides such as Sam, Wyatt, James, and Liam are known for lively stories, while new interior spaces add extra detail. Wear sensible shoes and prepare for changeable weather.

“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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rotorua Canopy Tours: 2.5Hour Native Forest Zipline Adventure - From Fairy Springs Road to the forest
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 on several ziplines and high bridges. Two local guides, such as Josh, Dylan, Travis, or Emma, handle safety, share stories about native birds and restoration, and help first-timers feel at ease. Gear, wet-weather clothing, return transport, and digital photos are included.

“We were hosted by Danny, Lachie and Matthew and they were absolutely excellent. From the moment Danny picked us up from our accomodation, right through to Lachie and Matthew making sure all the harnesses and gear was fitted correctly and we understood all the safety stuff, everything was beautifully smooth. We loved the environmental focus and learned so much. I was a total beginner and flat out scared of heights, whereas my partner was quite experienced having worked at heights. We both really enjoyed it and were well taken care of.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Walking Tour from Shires Rest - Starting at Shire’s Rest and riding into the set
Hobbiton 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

Walk through Hobbiton’s 12-acre film set from Shire’s Rest with a professional guide, passing Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn. The 2.5-hour visit includes a grounds shuttle and a complimentary Southfarthing beverage. Morning and afternoon departures are available, and the experience is wheelchair accessible.

“Probably the best tour we have ever been on, the place is stunning. The magic is real. Don’t want to give too much away, but if you have the opportunity, you have to visit (even if you don’t know or seen the films, it’s still magical.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet - A welcoming introduction to Māori customs
Dining Experiences, Maori Culture Tours, Maori Culture Tours in Rotorua, Rotorua Tours, Tour Reviews

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 Māori Village in Rotorua, where you’ll enter a bush setting, watch warriors paddle a waka down the Wai-o-whiro stream, learn about Māori customs, enjoy songs and haka, and eat a generous hāngī buffet. The forest walk includes a sacred spring and, when conditions allow, glow worms.

“The leader was great and the dancers were fantastic”

Check availability →Read our full review

Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets - How the 16-stop Explorer Bus works
Ferry Tickets, Hop-On Hop-Off Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Waiheke Island Tours

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

Ride from Auckland to Waiheke Island, then use the Explorer Bus to reach 16 wineries, beaches, shops, galleries, restaurants, and nature stops. Guides such as Kira, Ruth, Aaron, and Chris add local commentary, while the bus tracker helps you plan each stop. Tastings, meals, and tours cost extra.

“Wonderful day spent at our own pace and not a long wait for the next bus to hop on.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise - The ride out to the whale grounds
Cruises & Boat Tours, Kaikoura Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

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 on a spacious, wheelchair-accessible catamaran. Expect expert English commentary, Māori knowledge, marine animations, and a search for sperm whales, dolphins, seals, and albatross. The crew may include guides such as Caolan or Mikayla, with whale sightings shaped by weather and nature.

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

Check availability →Read our full review

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown - Leaving Queenstown beside Lake Wakatipu
Boat Tours in Milford Sound, Cruises & Boat Tours, Luxury Tours, Milford Sound Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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 no more than 15 people, with hotel pickup, a picnic lunch, scenic stops, live commentary, and a two-hour cruise. Guides such as Andy, Jess, Danny, Joe, and Dean share local stories, Māori traditions, and practical help along the long, winding drive.

“We absolutely Loved our day trip to Fjordland National Park/Milford Sound, which we booked through viator, with Cheeky Kiwi. Our coach was very clean, nice comfortable seats, and our driver Jess was Fantastic! She’s vivacious and friendly, an excellent driver, and knows So Much about the area, as well as stories from the Māori culture, and she’s a Great story-teller! She made the long trip very enjoyable. We appreciated the numerous stops along the way, where we could observe nature, such as various birds, as well as the Incredible geologic features. We were provided with a delicious box lunch to enjoy on the cruise. The cruise itself was nice, with…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience - The 1-hour-45-minute route through the fiord
Boat Tours in Milford Sound, Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound 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 Sound for about 1 hour 45 minutes aboard a smaller boat with lounge-style seating, live skipper commentary, and tea, coffee, and biscuits. You may spot fur seals, dolphins, and Fiordland-crested penguins, while the skipper brings you close to waterfalls, Mitre Peak, and the sheer cliffs of this UNESCO World Heritage area.

“Great cruise! Much smaller than the others which was very enjoyable. The staff was so kind and the captain very funny and entertaining. Also, great views of waterfalls! Highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat - What happens during the 2.5 hours on the water
Cruises & Boat Tours, Kaikoura Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

9.Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

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

Ride a purpose-built catamaran from Kaikoura into the rich marine waters beyond the coast. Your crew tracks sperm whales year-round, with chances to see dusky dolphins, seals, albatross, and other wildlife. Plan for up to 2.5 hours on the water, cold air, possible rough seas, and a strong need for motion-sickness medicine.

“A very nice and very well organised tour. The atmosphere was great. The running commentary was fantastic and very informative. Highly recommended”

Check availability →Read our full review

Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise - The 45-minute cruise from Steamer Wharf
BBQ, Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Food & Drink, Food Tours in Queenstown, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

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

Cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak on the TSS Earnslaw steamship or Spirit of Queenstown. Enjoy a generous local BBQ buffet, gardens beside Lake Whakatipu, and a lively farm show with sheep shearing and working dogs. Presenters and dogs vary, with past shows featuring Pete, Josh, Joe, Echo, Mia, and Kim.

“The gourmet BBQ was insane! So much food available and lots of different cuisines to choose from. Highly recommend. ☺️ Staff were all lovely too.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch - The 6:30 am start from Auckland
1-Day Tours, Glowworm Cave Tours, Glowworm Cave Tours in Hobbiton, Guided, Hobbiton Tours, Tour Reviews

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

Leave Auckland early for Hobbiton’s movie set, where you’ll tour Hobbit holes, the Mill, and Green Dragon Inn before a Kiwi-style café lunch. Continue to Waitomo for a guided boat ride beneath thousands of glowworms. Guides such as Shelley, Liam, Martin, and Matt add local insight along the long scenic drive.

“Hobbiton was great. Tour met all our expectations. Stephen was a fun host and shared a lot of details about New Zealand culture and life style. I would recommend this tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour - Crossing Lake Te Anau to the Murchison Mountains
Glowworm Cave Tours, Guided, Te Anau Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

12.Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

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

Cruise Lake Te Anau for 30 minutes, then follow an English-speaking guide through young limestone caves with waterfalls, whirlpools, and low passages. A small boat carries you into a silent glowworm grotto. Allow 135 minutes, wear sturdy shoes, use insect repellent, and leave your camera behind.

“An Amazing and romantic experience, indescribable ! Definitely a Must-Do in any visit to New Zealand, either on the Northern or Southern island. Don’t be afraid, the track through the cave is perfectly maintained, so anyone can do it ;) Thanks to our lovely guides !”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rotorua: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park Entry Ticket - Start at Lady Knox Geyser, not the main entrance
Geothermal Tours, Geothermal Tours in Rotorua, Rotorua Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

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

Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland near Rotorua with a full-day entry ticket, self-guided map, parking, and access to the Lady Knox Geyser presentation. Arrive early for the eruption, then follow three walking loops past Champagne Pool, Artist’s Palette, Devil’s Bath, bubbling mud, native bush, and steaming pools.

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

Check availability →Read our full review

Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip - Entering Fiordland National Park
1-Day Tours, Boat Tours in Milford Sound, Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Milford Sound Tours, Tour Reviews

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 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”

Check availability →Read our full review

Milford Sound: 2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise - From Milford Wharf to Mitre Peak
2-Hour Experiences, Boat Tours in Milford Sound, Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound Tours, 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 for two hours aboard Mitre Peak Cruises’ smaller boat, with open viewing decks, indoor seating, hot drinks, and live commentary. The skipper takes you past Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, Seal Rock, and the fiord’s cliffs, often close enough to feel waterfall spray. Keep watch for seals, dolphins, and Fiordland penguins.

“Really good! Very easy to book and super fun and informative experience. Loved the views and the wtaerflass spray! Highly recommend, 8th wonder of the world.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Tour Reviews

★ 4.5Cruise, Walk, and Sail in Abel Tasman National ParkFrom $12729 reviews
★ 5.0Heli-Picnic Alpine Lake Kahurangi National Park4 reviews
★ 5.0Half Day Sightseeing and Taste TourFrom $9935 reviews
★ 5.0Wine Tour and Tastings in Hawkes BayFrom $15267 reviews
★ 5.0Small group – Napier Premium Winery , Beer & Cider + 5.5h to 6h.From $12143 reviews
★ 5.0Taste Hawke’s Bay – A Sweet treat food TourFrom $1193 reviews
★ 5.0Napier and Hawkes Bay Scenic and Art Deco Tour by VW KombiFrom $14221 reviews
★ 4.0National Aquarium of New Zealand in Napier General AdmissionFrom $1841 reviews
★ 5.0Napier Gourmet Winery Luncheon + tastings at 3 Great WineriesFrom $15481 reviews
★ 4.5Shore excursion – Napier sight seeing/Art Deco Tour,From $613 reviews
★ 4.5Deco Napier, Te Mata Peak, Garden Walk and Wine Tasting TourFrom $9292 reviews
★ 5.0Napier Bike HireFrom $3440 reviews
★ 4.5Napier Shore Excursion: Wine & Art Deco TourFrom $1026 reviews
★ 3.5Napier Shore Excursion: City Sights and Hawke’s Bay TourFrom $936 reviews
★ 4.5Discover Napier Earthquake: Self-Guided Audio TourFrom $154 reviews

Keep browsing

Cruises & Boat Tours267Wine Tours182Geothermal Tours74Scenic Flights128Maori Culture Tours82Walking Tours100
Scroll to Top

Explore New Zealand

Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.

On the water

Boat TripsWhale WatchingJet BoatsKayakingSailing Trips

Volcanic country

Geothermal ParksMaori ExperiencesHot PoolsGlowworm CavesRafting

The alps

Glacier ToursScenic FlightsHelicopter TripsStargazingGuided Walks

Food and wine

Wine TastingsFood ToursBreweriesGin DistilleriesDining