New Zealand · TOURS

The 15 Best Tours & Day Trips in New Zealand

999 tours  ·  from $12

Everything with a guide, a boat or a minibus attached, in one list. The 15 below are the ones worth a whole day, priced and timed, with the rest of the catalogue underneath.

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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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

4.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…”

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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

5.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 !”

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Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown - From Queenstown to the Southern Alps
Boat Tours in Milford Sound, Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown

6.Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,792 reviews · from $462

Fly with True South Flights from Queenstown over the Southern Alps to Milford Sound, then take a 1-hour-45-minute cruise beneath cliffs and waterfalls. Your pilot provides commentary, and every plane passenger gets a window seat. Selected central Queenstown pickup and drop-off are included, with a maximum of 13 people.

“Such a great way to enjoy the scenery in New Zealand through flying and get to Milford Sound for the cruise. Micheal, the pilot made sure we had an enjoyable and safe flight over. One of the highlights of our NZ trip!”

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Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland - Waikato farmland and Matamata
Hobbiton Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland

7.Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,380 reviews · from $183

Travel from Auckland to Matamata in a small group of up to 15, with local commentary, snacks, and scenic countryside stops. At Hobbiton, join a 2.5-hour guided walk through hobbit holes, gardens, and the Green Dragon Inn, with a themed drink included. Guides such as Grant, Wyatt, Geoff, and Simon add local context along the way.

“Excellent day, tour of hobbiton was fun, and enjoyed by all. Our tour guide was informative and gave us ample time to look at everything. Definitely recommend”

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Waiheke island Wine Tours - PREMIUM wine tasting MAX 11 clients ! - The scenic island drive before the wine
Luxury Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waiheke Island Tours, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Waiheke Island

Waiheke island Wine Tours – PREMIUM wine tasting MAX 11 clients !

8.Waiheke island Wine Tours – PREMIUM wine tasting MAX 11 clients !

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,378 reviews · from $155

Meet your guide at Matiatia Wharf after the ferry from Auckland, then tour Waiheke’s scenic roads and three boutique vineyards. Guides including Oliver, Glenn, and Melita provide island stories and wine commentary. Premium tastings, a food pairing, water, and transfers are included. Ferry tickets and lunch are separate.

“Great day with or guide/driver Oliver. Great communication with the company from start to finish. Oliver was at the dock to pick us up just as described. As a resident of Waiheke Island he was knowledgeable of the area and gave us insight inRead more”

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Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown - Bennets Bluff gives you the first big view
Half-Day, Hobbiton Tours, Lord of the Rings Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

9.Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,285 reviews · from $123

This 4.5-hour small-group tour takes you from central Queenstown along the Glenorchy road to Lord of the Rings locations, Mt. Aspiring National Park, and Isengard viewpoints. Guides such as Amy, Tristan, Dan, Max, and Solomon combine film facts with local history. Picnic food, costumes, swords, and central transfers are included.

“Amy is wonderful!!! She was very informative about New Zealand and The Lord of the Rings. The tour showed me parts of New Zealand I would have not seen otherwise. The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings are favorites so it was great to see the location sites and hear stories about the production.”

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Queenstown Segway Tour - Starting at One Mile Car Park
Queenstown Tours, Segway Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Queenstown Segway Tour

10.Queenstown Segway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,235 reviews · from $61

Learn to ride a Segway, then follow guide Kevin along Queenstown Bay, Lake Wakatipu, Marine Parade, and Queenstown Gardens. The two-hour option adds farther lakeside paths, gentle hills, botanical sights, local history, and a short off-Segway activity. Small groups, morning and afternoon departures, helmets, jackets, and gloves available.

“This was such a great way to see the town. Kevin was a fabulous guide and we truly got to take in the whole lakefront, the views, the gardens, etc. A little rain didn’t slow us down! So fun.”

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Award Winning Milford Sound Full Day Tour & Cruise from Te Anau - Mirror Lakes gives you an easy first walk
Boat Tours in Milford Sound, Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Milford Sound Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Award Winning Milford Sound Full Day Tour & Cruise from Te Anau

11.Award Winning Milford Sound Full Day Tour & Cruise from Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,198 reviews · from $185

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”

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Auckland Explorer: Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Tour - Starting downtown at Customs Street
Auckland Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Auckland Explorer: Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Tour

12.Auckland Explorer: Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,180 reviews · from $43

Explore Auckland by air-conditioned hop-on hop-off bus, with English commentary, WiFi, and one or two days to visit Sky Tower, Auckland Museum, Mount Eden, Parnell, Bastion Point, and Kelly Tarlton’s. Stay aboard for the city loop or hop off at major sights. Seasonal schedules apply.

“Easy to redeem voucher at one of two places in the city. Great way to get around and learn about a new city.”

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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour W Lunch from Auckland - Hobbiton: more than a film set
Glowworm Cave Tours, Glowworm Cave Tours in Hobbiton, Hobbiton Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour W Lunch from Auckland

13.Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour W Lunch from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,117 reviews · from $235

Leave Auckland at 6 a.m. for a full-day small-group trip to Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Ride with a guide such as Timmy, Pearl, Simon, or Grant through Waikato farmland, visit Karapiro, enjoy included lunch in Otorohanga, and see glowworms by boat and on foot. Expect about 12 hours, with several hours of driving.

“The combined experiences were well planned, very interesting and we would booked them again. Highly recommend The guides were all engaging.”

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Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour - Harbour Bridge views at Westhaven Marina
Auckland Tours, City Tours, City Tours in Auckland, Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours

Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour

14.Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,080 reviews · from $46

This four-hour Auckland tour uses a small, air-conditioned vehicle for up to 18 people. Guides such as Josh, John, and Paul combine city history with local stories, taking you from the Ferry Building and Harbour Bridge to Mt Eden, Mission Bay, and Achilles Point.

“Paul was our guide, and the tour was fantastic. Paul really knew so much about New Zealand and Auckland and was eager to share.it. We were sent a picture of where to meet with a reminder of the date and time beforehand. The vehicle for the tour was clean, comfortable and reliable. I’d highly recommend this tour !”

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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour - Cathedral Cave and the first half of the tour
Glowworm Cave Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waitomo Tours

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

15.Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,027 reviews · from $50

Walk through Waitomo’s Cathedral Cave, then take a quiet boat ride beneath thousands of Arachnocampa luminosa glowworms. Guides such as Cohen and Corey explain the cave’s geology, Māori connections, and the insects’ strange light. The 45-minute tour costs $50.27, allows no photography, and requires stairs and a 30-minute check-in.

“Beautiful place, awesome experience for kids. Feel like we were in the Jurassic movie where dinosaurs lives there. Awesome 💓”

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