If you prefer to let someone else take care of the planning, look for one of the many guided tour options available.

Single-day tours

If you’re heading to a new area of Aotearoa, it’s great to book a few short sightseeing trips with local guides. You’ll get an in-depth look at the area’s must-see spots, and you might check out some hidden gems you wouldn’t have stumbled over yourself.

You could be whipping around on a tour of Rotorua’s geothermal areas, or on a small-group day tour of Dunedin’s wildlife (and its seriously steep street, of course). For something energetic, you’ll find bike tours around some of New Zealand’s most stunning wine regions or day trips to the best surf beaches, with lessons included.

Multi-day tours

Forget about booking accommodation and transport entirely and join a multi-day tour. Options range from packaged group trips covering key destinations to inexpensive backpacker tours that take you well off the beaten track. You’ll also find customised deluxe itineraries and luxury multi-day cruises.

Thrifty Tours offers tours lasting between two and 17 days, from Bay of Islands short escape tours out of Auckland, to Christchurch adventures. There’s something to suit all interests, like a Tolkien’s New Zealand trip for serious Lord of the Rings fans, or scenic South Island tours for absolute view-fiends.

For a different take on your New Zealand adventure, why not take a Māori cultural tour? You can book the exclusive services of a Māori guide, join a one-day guided walk or experience your whole trip under the light of Māori tradition and heritage. 

Travel Passes

For ultimate convenience and savings, bus and rail passes are a great option. InterCity has a FlexiPass that allows you to hop on and hop off wherever you want, and it includes Interislander ferry travel. For more of a party vibe, Kiwi Experience has a ton of different itineraries in both hop-on/hop-off and guided trips.