Premium New Zealand Tours | Travel Tides

Exclusive Small Group Journeys

Luxury New Zealand Curated Experiences

Bespoke 2–8 guest tours with premium stays, seamless transport, and insider access

Fjords and Mountains
Epic Landscapes
Fiords, glaciers & alpine lakes
Adventure Activities
Adrenaline Adventures
Bungee, skydiving & jetboats
Wildlife Encounters
Wildlife Encounters
Whales, penguins & seals
Food and Wine
Food & Wine
Fresh seafood & boutique wine

September Booking Special

  • Your info: travel dates, group size, hotels, must-see activities, special requests.
  • Our service: full itinerary, exact costs, flight & private car booking, 24/7 expert support.
New Zealand Travel Features
Why TravelTides
Local Expertise Insider routes, best seasons, hidden gems.
Tailored Trips Flexible, private, built around you.
Seamless Planning Transfers, stays & activities handled.
Concierge Care Round-the-clock support on the road.
Start Planning
Luxury Accommodation

3–5 Star Stays

Premium hotels & lodges included

Mercedes Fleet

Mercedes Fleet

Comfortable, private transport

Tailored Itineraries

Tailored Itineraries

All sights & activities covered

Popular New Zealand Routes
Four ready-to-use itineraries — swap days and stops as you like.
North & South Panorama route map
A — North & South Panorama (12–14 days)
Best for first-time visitors who want a complete NZ overview.
Focus
Cities, mountains, fiords, wildlife
Pace
Balanced sightseeing
  • Auckland — city & harbour, Waiheke wine
  • Rotorua — geothermal parks, Māori culture
  • Wellington — museums & waterfront
  • Picton & Kaikōura — ferry crossing, whale watching
  • Christchurch — gardens & local life
  • Queenstown — adventure & Milford Sound
Plan This Trip
South Island Wilderness route map
B — South Island Wilderness
For nature lovers: glaciers, fjords, and alpine hikes.
Focus
Hikes, glaciers, fiords
Best season
Nov–Mar or snow in winter
  • Nelson & Abel Tasman — coastal kayaking
  • West Coast — Pancake Rocks
  • Franz Josef Glacier — guided tours
  • Wanaka — alpine lakes
  • Queenstown & Milford Sound
Plan This Trip
North Island Culture & Coast route map
C — North Island Culture & Coast
Cultural experiences, hot springs, scenic coasts.
Focus
Māori culture, beaches
Family friendly
Yes — gentle pace
  • Auckland — harbour & Waiheke Island
  • Coromandel — Cathedral Cove
  • Rotorua — geysers & Māori culture
  • Tongariro — alpine walks
  • Wellington — Te Papa museum
Plan This Trip
Wildlife & Māori Insights route map
D — Wildlife & Māori Insights
Marine life, native wildlife & authentic culture.
Focus
Whales, penguins, Māori culture
Best for
Wildlife & culture seekers
  • Kaikōura — whale watching
  • Christchurch — wildlife reserves
  • Dunedin & Otago — albatross & penguins
  • Stewart Island — kiwi spotting
Plan This Trip
Travel Specialists | TravelTides
Adventure Travel Specialist

Michael

“I’ll guide you through every step.”

Luxury Travel Consultant

Sarah

“Tell me your dream, we’ll shape it.”

Cultural Tour Expert

Akhil

“I’ll make sure it’s smooth & fun.”

Destination Specialist

Olivia

“Relax—we’ll plan this together.”

Itinerary Planner

Lucas

“Step by step, no rush.”

Luxury Travel Specialist

Laura

“Your ideas, my expertise.”

New Zealand Must-See Highlights

Discover the breathtaking filming locations of The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit across New Zealand.

Milford Sound
Milford Sound

Towering cliffs, waterfalls, and fjords — a world-famous natural wonder.

Queenstown
Queenstown

Adventure hub with alpine views, lakefront charm, and endless activities.

Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo

Turquoise waters, lupin flowers, and world-class stargazing skies.

Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier

Unique glacier nestled in rainforest, accessible via guided hikes or heli-tours.

Whale Watching Kaikoura
Whale Watching in Kaikoura

Spot sperm whales, dolphins, and seabirds along the Pacific coast.

Bungy Jumping Queenstown
Bungy Jumping

Leap from Kawarau Bridge or Nevis Canyon — pure adrenaline.

Skiing
Skiing & Snowboarding

World-class slopes near Queenstown and Wanaka.

Hobbiton
Hobbiton Movie Set

Step into Middle-earth on this iconic film set tour.

Rotorua
Rotorua

Geothermal wonders, geysers, hot springs, and Māori culture.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Magical caves illuminated by thousands of glowworms.

Māori Cultural Experience
Māori Cultural Experience

Enjoy haka, hangi feasts, and storytelling traditions.

Bay of Islands Cruise
Bay of Islands Cruise

Explore 140 islands, dolphins, and Hole in the Rock.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Tongariro Alpine Crossing

New Zealand’s most famous day hike with volcanic peaks and emerald lakes.

Inquiry & Customize
Optional Activities

Add Extra Magic to Your Trip: Optional Activities

Choose from unique experiences designed to add unforgettable moments to your trip.

Punting on the Avon
Christchurch - Punting on the Avon

Experience a classic punt ride along the picturesque Avon River, admiring the charming cityscape and natural beauty. Service language: English.

Stargazing Tour
Tekapo - Stargazing Tour

Gaze at the mesmerizing Southern Hemisphere night sky in an international Dark Sky Reserve. Pickup included, service language: Chinese/English.

Mt. Cook - Helicopter + Glacier Hike
Mt. Cook - Helicopter + Glacier Hike

Combine a thrilling helicopter ride with an unforgettable glacier hike on New Zealand's highest peak. Service language: English.

Mt. Cook - Scenic Helicopter/Plane
Mt. Cook - Scenic Helicopter/Plane (45 min)

Witness the breathtaking alpine landscapes of Mount Cook from above on a spectacular scenic flight. Service language: English.

Te Anau - Glowworm Caves
Te Anau - Glowworm Caves

Journey into a magical underground world illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. Pickup included, service language: English.

Queenstown - Skydiving
Queenstown - Skydiving

Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with a skydive over Queenstown, offering incredible panoramic views. Heights vary.

Queenstown - Bungy Jump
Queenstown - Bungy Jump

Take the leap with a thrilling bungy jump from iconic locations around Queenstown. Various jump sites available.

Queenstown - Tandem Paragliding
Queenstown - Tandem Paragliding

Soar high above Queenstown with a tandem paragliding experience, enjoying unparalleled views of the landscape.

Queenstown - TSS Steamship & Activities
Queenstown - TSS Steamship & Activities

Step back in time aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship, offering scenic cruises and optional farm tours or dining experiences.

Queenstown - Jetboat & Shark Boat
Queenstown - Jetboat & Shark Boat

Thrill-seeking on the water with a high-speed jetboat adventure or a unique ride in the semi-submersible Shark Boat.

Please Note: We recommend confirming your preferred optional activities with your advisor as early as possible to ensure availability. Activities are subject to weather conditions and operational requirements.

Get More Information & Customization

Best Time to Travel to New Zealand

Overall Best Time
  • November to April for comfortable weather and varied scenery.
  • Flowers: November (lupins, lavender)
  • Snow sports: June – August
  • Peak season: December – February (book early for tours & hotels).
Spring (September – November)
  • Climate: Mild temperatures, nature awakening.
  • Highlights: Lupins blooming around Lake Tekapo (especially in November), baby lambs on farms.
  • Activities: Light hikes, farm visits, flower viewing.
  • Best for: Travelers who prefer fewer crowds and fresh scenery.
Summer (December – February, peak season)
  • Climate: Warmest season; North Island ~20–25°C, South Island slightly cooler.
  • Highlights: Fiords, glaciers, turquoise lakes, endless blue skies.
  • Activities:
  1. World-famous hikes (Milford, Routeburn, Tongariro Crossing)
  2. Water sports (kayaking, sailing, surfing)
  3. Whale & dolphin watching
  4. Stargazing in Tekapo or Mt Cook
  • Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts and active families.
Autumn (March – May)
  • Climate: Cool and crisp, clear skies, comfortable weather.
  • Highlights: Arrowtown & Queenstown covered in golden autumn leaves.
  • Activities:
  1. Photography & scenic drives
  2. Wine tours during grape harvest
  3. Hot springs retreats
  • Best for: Romantic getaways, travelers seeking quieter experiences.
Winter (June – August)
  • Climate: Cold, with snow in the South Island mountains.
  • Highlights: Snowcapped Alps, glaciers, winter wonderland.
  • Activities:
  1. Skiing & snowboarding (Queenstown, Wanaka, Mt Hutt)
  2. Soak in hot pools surrounded by snow
  3. Whale watching in Kaikoura

Best for: Ski lovers and those who enjoy serene winter landscapes.

Customer Reviews

Based on 8 reviews
75%
(6)
25%
(2)
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M
Mark T.

This New Zealand tour was absolutely perfect. We designed our itinerary to hit all the highlights. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so much local insight. The pacing was great, allowing us to truly soak in the beauty without feeling rushed. The accommodations were top-notch.

C
Chloe W.

We did the customizable tour and it was a solid experience. We got to see a lot of New Zealand in the time we had. The flexibility to tweak things was nice. Some of the drives were a bit long, but that's to be expected in NZ. Overall, a good trip that covered the essentials.

H
Hannah M.

Loved our custom New Zealand tour! We got to see exactly what we wanted, and our guide was fantastic at suggesting local experiences we wouldn't have found on our own. Everything was perfectly arranged. Couldn't have asked for more!

B
Ben S.
New Zealand Customization Worked Well

We really appreciated the ability to customize our New Zealand trip. It meant we focused on the things we were most interested in. The local contacts were helpful, and the overall flow of the trip was smooth. Good value for money.

A
Alex G.
A Truly Customized NZ Trip

We had a specific list of places we wanted to see, and they built the perfect tour for us. The communication before the trip was amazing, and our guide was a true professional. It felt like we had a personal concierge for our entire vacation.

12

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