NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand's best.
New Zealand's 15 most popular shore excursions tours, in one place. What each one is actually like, who runs it, and what you will pay.
Full-day Rotorua from Tauranga: Whakarewarewa geysers, Māori welcome, kiwifruit, redwoods, gardens, and a guaranteed ship return.
“We thoroughly enjoyed this tour. The geothermal visit was excellent. Then tall trees and a visit to a kiwi farm. Excellent trip.”
A fast, guided Bay of Islands shore trip with Haruru Falls, Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, kauri trees, and chocolate tasting from Waitangi.
“Because of circumstances beyond our control, we missed this tour. The company was gracious enough to give us a full refund because of our issue. We were very greatful for that.”
Rotorua from Tauranga in a small group: Kuirau hot pools, Māori insights, Redwoods rope bridges, Glow Worm Cave, and a snack.
“Thank you for an outstanding day we thoroughly enjoyed it. The company provided excellent communication from the time of the booking prior to joining the tour. I loved that it was a small tour group which is what we like. We recommend this tour”
Small-group half-day tour from Port Chalmers: Dunedin highlights, St. Clair, and the Otago Peninsula sea-lion beach walk.
“Four of us had a great day filled with fantastic commentary from Chris. We had plenty of b time at Dunedin Railway station ( what a great piece of history). We visited Baldwin Street, the steepest Street in the world. Then on to the sea lions , they were so lazy and to get so…”
Hobbiton from Tauranga: scenic coach ride, 2.5-hour guided movie-set tour, Shires Rest cafe time, and free ale at Green Dragon.
“Hobbiton was amazing!! Exceeded expectations. Our driver was great and has us a wonderful tour on the way.”
Akaroa to Christchurch via Banks Peninsula and the Southern Alps. Botanic Gardens, earthquake sights, Sumner & Lyttelton in one day.
“Very informative & engaging representative. Gave personal insight into sights & went out of his way to accommodate wishes.”
Port pickup and a half-day loop through Christchurch highlights, from Mona Vale Gardens to Summit Road views and earthquake rebuilding stories.
“Be sure of dates and weather. Tour provider is confusing. Booked tour. Received email correcting date but tickets with wrong date. Took several attempts to get ticket corrected. When weather interfered with ability to do our tour there was no consideration despite having booked several other tours. Enquired about change in time of tour without…”
Ride a V8 trike through Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula in about an hour. Small-group attention, gear provided, big views.
“An amazing way to see Dunedins beautiful spots, beaches, country side and things you would never get to see on a normal sightseeing tour…all at an adrenaline pace, wind in your hair experience. Myself, my wife and my 2 teenage kids loved this experience!!! Definitely recommend!!!”
Christchurch quake-rebuild sights and gardens plus the International Antarctic Centre with penguins and a Hagglund ride.
“Great commentary on board. Some of the seats in the bus don't recline properly. Some of the spots were a bit rushed. The Antarctic Center, which is the highlight was really a must.”
Scenic Mohaka River rafting from Napier with pickup, grade 2 rapids, included lunch, and a guide-led history stop over 5.5 hours.
“It was absolutely awesome! Great communication before we got there, picked up just as we were told from our cruise ship, the river was beautiful & suitable for our family (3 kids, 16, 14 & 11) very friendly. Definitely recommend it!!! So much fun!”
Picton to Marlborough by small-group minivan for 4–5 winery tastings, vineyard tours, and a chocolate stop, with port pickup.
“Good variety of wineries and one served a delicious lunch. Nice to start with sparkling wine from a french family. Guide was informative and engaging. Good way you see the geography of the area.”
Guided sea kayaking in Akaroa’s volcanic crater reserve: small group paddling, gear included, and wildlife chances like Hector dolphins.
“John was a great guide. Sights were amazing. He shared local knowledge and assisted less abled members of our group without drawing undue attention.”
A small-group half day in Tauranga with rainforest waterfall walking, Bay views, and kiwi fruit, honey, and hokey pokey ice cream.
“We had a fantastic tour with Marina. She was very knowledgeable about the area and she took us to every place advertised in the tour description plus so much more. She allowed time for my husband to walk in the water so he could Read more”
3-hour Auckland small-group city tour: Harbour Bridge, Ponsonby, Devonport beach, Mount Victoria views, and Viaduct Harbour.
“It turns out Auckland is a lot bigger and hillier than we expected(!) so this was a fabulous way to get to know the city on our first day, while waiting for our accommodation to be ready. The tour gets out to some of the further away suburbs to give you a great understanding of…”
Half-day Tauranga shore excursion with Mt Maunganui, harbour views, Minden Lookout tea, and orchard kiwi/avocado tastings.
“Fab tour with Wicked Wonders! Russel was great and had interesting historical stories and loved the kiwi tasting.”
