New Zealand · TOUR REVIEWS

The 15 Best Tours in New Zealand

617 tours  ·  from $7 a head

Two islands, one road down the middle and never enough days. The 15 below are the ones that earn a slot in a short itinerary, priced and timed, with the full catalogue underneath when you want to go deeper.

Hobbiton Movie Set: Guided Tour Ticket - The short bus ride sets the mood
Guided, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Matamata

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, see Hobbit Holes and the Mill, enter a Hobbit house, and finish with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn. The 150-minute tour includes a short bus ride from the car park and works well for film fans, families, and curious first-time visitors.

“We liked everything. Our guide was lovely and very informative. An excellent tour and highly recommended”

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Waitomo: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat - Starting on foot in the upper cave
Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Waitomo, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

Waitomo: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat

2.Glowworm Caves Guided Tour by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,908 reviews · 1 hour · from $48

Walk through Waitomo’s limestone chambers with an English-speaking guide, then board a boat beneath a ceiling of glowworms. The tour includes Cathedral Cave, famous for its acoustics, and guides such as Ace, George, and Big T are known for adding Māori stories, songs, and humor. Cameras and phones must stay outside.

“As always, wonderful guide and always amazing to see the lovely caves and their glow worms.”

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Rotorua Canopy Tours: 2.5Hour Native Forest Zipline Adventure - What happens before the first zipline
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Rotorua, Zip Lines

Rotorua Canopy Tours: 2.5Hour Native Forest Zipline Adventure

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

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

Spend 2.5 hours moving through Rotorua’s 1,000-year-old native forest on ziplines and canopy bridges. Two local guides, such as Josh, Dylan, Travis, or Emma, handle safety and explain the forest, birdlife, and restoration work. Expect a small group of up to 10, short walks, stairs, wet-weather gear when needed, and free digital photos.

“Such a fun and meaningful experience! I came for the thrill, but left with a deep appreciation for this ancient forest and the incredible conservation work the team is doing to protect and restore it. Highly recommend!”

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Hobbiton™ Movie Set Walking Tour from Shires Rest - Seeing inside a furnished Hobbit home
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Walking Tour from Shires Rest

4.Hobbiton™ Movie Set Walking Tour from Shires Rest

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

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

“Absolutely wonderful experience…can’t say enough about it. If you love Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit, or even just know about the movie/book, the tour and the delightful tour guides (in our case Taylor) will fill you with wonder and wanting to read the books or see the movies all over again. The Hobbit holes are great fun and the stories behind the movie set fascinating. Beautiful grounds (100s of acres) and lots of picture-ready opportunities. We even got to go into a fully imagined and decorated Hobbit Hole. Just wonderful. We took the evening tour and it was great because it wasn't too hot and the lights and…”

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Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet - The waka arrival on the Wai-o-whiro stream
Buffet Experiences, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Maori Cultural Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Rotorua

Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet

5.Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet

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

Spend three hours at Mitai Maori Village in Rotorua, where a guide introduces Maori customs, warriors paddle a waka along the Wai-o-whiro stream, and performers present songs, dances, and haka. You will also watch a hangi lifted from the earth, eat a generous buffet, and walk through native bush to a sacred spring and, when conditions allow, glow worms.

“Overall experience was fantastic! We were concerned because we had received an email stating that there would be no glowworms and that had been a highlight my friend had been looking forward to! Fortunately, we did get to see them and the rest of the show was fantastic. The food was great as well, especially considering it was a buffet.”

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Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets - The ferry from Auckland to Mātiatia
Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Auckland

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

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

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

Take a Fullers360 ferry from Auckland to Waiheke, then use the Explorer Bus to visit 16 stops at your own pace. Choose wineries such as Mudbrick, Batch, Cable Bay, or Stonyridge, plus Oneroa shops, beaches, galleries, olive groves, and forest walks. Guides including Kira, Ruth, Aaron, and Chris add useful island commentary.

“The proximity to the ferry is great!. If you have mobility issues there is a lot of walking to really enjoy all the stops.”

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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise - Check-in, buses, and the first part of the morning
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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise

7.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, searching for giant sperm whales with an English-speaking crew. You may also see dusky dolphins, fur seals, albatross, orcas, and other marine life. The catamaran has outdoor viewing decks, air-conditioned seating, wildlife animations, and space for wheelchair users.

“Incredible. We saw 2 different whales and we saw one of them twice as well as a great dolphin show!”

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Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown - Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes bring the best photo stops
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Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

8.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, water, lunch, and a two-hour cruise. Guides such as Andy, Jess, Joe, Danny, and Dean bring local stories and Maori folklore to the long road journey. The drive is winding but avoids the stress of self-driving.

“Excellent small group tour . Felt more intimate Excellent guide Drop off and pick up excellent Guide Dean was excellent”

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Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience - Boarding at Milford Sound, not Queenstown
Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Milford Sound

Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

9.Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

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

Cruise Milford takes you across Milford Sound for about 1 hour 45 minutes on a smaller boat capped at half capacity. Expect lounge-style seating, live skipper commentary, tea, coffee, biscuits, and close views of Mitre Peak, waterfalls, seals, dolphins, and possibly penguins. You board at Milford Sound and return to the same point.

“Excellent views of the fjord. Easy check in. Accommodate at least 30 mins prior to boat time to walk from the parking lot to the boat terminals. Otherwise, check in process was smooth.”

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Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat - Commentary That Adds Meaning to the Sighting
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kaikoura, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Kaikoura

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

10.Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

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

Cruise from Kaikoura into whale-rich offshore waters aboard a purpose-built catamaran. Your crew, including captains such as Malena or Fred and an onboard marine biologist, tracks sperm whales and other wildlife while explaining the area’s unusual ocean currents. Allow 3.5 hours, prepare for rough seas, and bring motion sickness medicine.

“We opted for the 07:30 departure which was not too busy so there was plenty of space for everyone to get a good view of everything. We were also lucky with the weather as early mist cleared as we left the marina. About 20 minutes out we came across a pod of pilot whales around 50 metres off and stayed with them for a while. Shortly afterwards we saw a sperm whale spouting and the captain moved us fairly close to the magnificent creature who was kind enough to show a beautiful tail flick as he dived once more. Within half an hour we had a second encounter which was…”

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Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise - The 45-Minute Crossing Across Lake Whakatipu
BBQ, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Queenstown

Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise

11.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 BBQ buffet, lakeside gardens, and a working-farm show with sheep shearing and dogs such as Echo, Mia, or Kim. The 210-minute trip suits families, food lovers, and anyone wanting a slower day between Queenstown adventures.

“Lovely trip and very sociable. The food was fantastic and the sheep shearing and sheepdog show very entertaining.”

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Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch - Leaving Auckland over the Bombay Hills
1-Day Tours, Guided, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Auckland, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch

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

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

Travel from Auckland to Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves with a local guide such as Liam, Shelley, Martin, or Matt. Tour Hobbit holes, enjoy a Green Dragon drink and café lunch, then glide beneath glowworms by boat. Expect an early start, long driving stretches, walking, and a full 11-hour day.

“Fun and engaging tour! Our guide, Shelly was absolutely wonderful! She kept us entertained and informed through out the tour.”

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Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour - Starting at RealNZ on Lake Te Anau
Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Te Anau, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

13.Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

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

Take a scenic catamaran across Lake Te Anau, then follow a guide through young limestone caves shaped by fast-flowing water. After an underground waterfall and low passages, board a small boat in total darkness to see New Zealand glowworms. Guides such as Emma and Nathan have led recent tours, with tea or coffee served afterward.

“What a great experience… I think everyone should know and experience this. Can’t describe more coziness I’d spoil it for you. Do yourself a favor. Book n experience it for yourself. Today is summer 7th Jan 2026”

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Rotorua: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park Entry Ticket - Choose one loop or walk all three
Spa & Hot Springs, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Rotorua

Rotorua: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park Entry Ticket

14.Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park Entry Ticket

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

Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland at your own pace, with full-day park access, three walking loops, a map in 11 languages, and the Lady Knox Geyser presentation. Arrive by 10:15 AM for the geyser, then return to the main park for Champagne Pool, Artist’s Palette, Devil’s Bath, bubbling mud, and well-marked trails through native bush.

“The commentary at Lady Knox Geyser was excellent. We also loved wandering through the park, with its amazing natural features, at our own pace.”

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Milford Sound: 2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise - Lady Bowen Falls and the first close look at the cliffs
2-Hour Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Milford Sound

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 with Mitre Peak Cruises, the fiord’s smallest operator. Your skipper points out Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, Seal Rock, and more while the boat gets close enough for waterfall spray. You can move between indoor and outdoor decks, use free hot drinks, and watch for seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins.

“Was really good, want to go back when it's raining also.”

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New in Tour Reviews

★ 5.0Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour to Motukorea IslandFrom $1166 reviews
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★ 5.0‘Express’ Wine Tour & Māori Culture Wānaka85 reviews
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★ 5.0Waiheke Island Double Headland Coastal WalkFrom $26036 reviews
★ 4.0Tongariro Alpine Crossing One Way Shuttle from KetetahiFrom $3768 reviews
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★ 4.5Tauranga Private Excursion: Rotorua -Te Puia-Geysers & Kiwi’s115 reviews
★ 4.5Rotorua via Kiwi/lakes country & a visit to iconic WhakarewarewaFrom $18266 reviews
★ 4.5Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise – TaurangaFrom $108103 reviews
★ 5.0Afternoon Wine Tasting + visit Silky Oaks ChocolatesFrom $121135 reviews

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Milford Sound Cruises61Hobbiton Movie Set Tours37Wine Tours54Scenic Helicopter Flights34Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours30Walking Tours40
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Two islands, end to end

Pick a coast, a summit or a cellar door.

The set pieces

HobbitonGlowworm CavesMaori EveningsLarnach CastleRail Journeys

On the water

Milford CruisesHole in the RockSea KayakingWhale WatchingSailing Days

In the air

Helicopter FlightsSkydiving & BungyGlacier CountryDark Sky NightsAoraki & Tekapo

Slow days

Cellar DoorsFood WalksHot SpringsWildlife ToursCycle Trails