NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand's best.
New Zealand's 15 most popular national parks tours, in one place. What each one is actually like, who runs it, and what you will pay.
Doubtful Sound from Manapouri in one long day: Lake Manapouri cruise, Wilmot Pass rainforest bus ride, and guided fjord catamaran.
“Great people taking us to/through beautiful places and sharing their knowledge with us.”
Jet boat from Te Anau through Fiordland’s Upper Waiau River with Lord of the Rings stops, then silent Lake Manapouri.
“This experience was very fun and informative. Alex was a terrific guide. I highly recommend this venue!”
Dart River jet boat thrills from Glenorchy with naturalist stories, Mt Aspiring National Park views, and optional spray jackets from Queenstown.
“Our guide, Dean, gave a wonderful description of the scenery and the unique properties of the rivers and it was an exciting experience. It gave me an appreciation of the constantly changing forces of nature. Definitely recommend.”
Full-day Doubtful Sound cruise from Manapouri with Lake Manapouri boat, Wilmot Pass coach, catamaran fjord ride, and sound-of-silence moment.
“It is well worth the experience. The whole set-up was well organised and all the staff were fantastic.”
Half-day Auckland tour through Waitakere Ranges rainforest and Piha’s black sand beaches with kiwi-style tea and small-group guide.
“The tour was amazing! Our guide Isla was very knowledgeable and professional and took great care of our group on a rainy day. I would definitely recommend the tour.”
Queenstown day trip to Doubtful Sound: cruise Lake Manapouri, ride Wilmot Pass rainforest, then enjoy 3 hours on the fiord.
“We can’t fault anything on our Doubtful sound trip. It was excellent.”
Cruise Doubtful Sound from Te Anau via Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass. Dolphins, seals, penguin chances, and misty fjord views.
“The Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise was absolutely breathtaking! The whole experience was very organised and well planned — from the check-in to the transfers and the cruise itself. At one point, the current was quite strong, but the captain calmly assured us of our safety and announced that he would do his best to make…”
Jet boat thrills on the Matukituki River plus a guided 50-minute walk in Mount Aspiring National Park from Wanaka, small group tour.
“This tour was a lot of fun and the guide was lovely. However, it is overpriced. It would be good to extend the tour for an extra hour and do a longer walk. The jet boat was great and I had full trust in the guide's skills.”
Full-day Doubtful Sound cruise from Queenstown with coach, Lake Manapouri ferry, Wilmot Pass views, and wildlife spotting by catamaran.
“On the long bus ride from Queenstown, Pete kept us occupied with a lot of interesting and humorous commentary. There was good food and great hospitality on both boat rides. We enjoyed the fiord, the mountains, ocean, seals, clouds, rainbows, and the mighty peacefulness.”
Sail Abel Tasman from Kaiteriteri to Anchorage Bay, then hike back to Marahau on a self-guided coastal track. Full-day $80.
“Overall the trip met our expectations. There was very little information given about the walk to those of us who were on the “walk back” trip - the company does both one way and round trip sailing options. Do your own research on the walk as they give the walkers nothing in terms of track…”
A scenic catamaran cruise up Paterson Inlet and a guided Ulva Island walk for native birds, seals, and expert nature stories.
“Definitely worth it. The Island and bird life, so beautiful. The staff were all so friendly. Karen our guide on Ulva Island was so knowledgeable/friendly/great sense of humour, she made our trip.”
Jet boat skim on glacier-fed Dart River from Glenorchy: Maori legends, LOTR filming spots, expert guides, optional Queenstown transfers.
“It was spectacular in every way - we didn’t want it to end.”
Cruise to Anchorage Bay, hike Pitt Head Loop, relax at Te Pukatea Bay, then sail in the afternoon with New Zealand fur seals.
“A fabulous day! What a beautiful part of the world and a great mix of walking, swimming and a walk.”
Guided Abel Tasman day hike with a Kaiteriteri water-taxi cruise, lunch at Torrent Beach, small group size, and Nelson hotel pickup.
“My walking tour with Al was fantastic! It was great not having to worry about navigating Abel Tasman, getting to the correct ferries on time, etc. Al was so knowledgeable and shared really interesting details about the park, wildlife, and local culture. The views were stunning, this tour is a must-do for anyone traveling through…”
Full-day catamaran sailing in Abel Tasman from Kaiteriteri. See fur seals, Split Apple Rock, Anchorage Beach lunch, and swim.
“Captain Stef and Claudia gave us a 5 star experience. Awesome narration. Knowledgeable. Super friendly and fun. Extra stop for swimming off the boat. Thanks Stef and Claudia!!!”
