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New Zealand Tours May 2023

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New Zealand Travel Guide

Located in the southwestern Pacific, New Zealand is a stunning destination that you simply have to see to believe. New Zealand has two main landmasses referred to as the North Island and the South Island. On your New Zealand tour, you'll be able to see the best of both of them. Explore the stunning nature and wildlife, get to know the friendly locals, and experience a completely new way of life. With tour operator volume buys plus our low everyday prices you can save up to 40% versus assembling the same itinerary on your own! Book your New Zealand tour today with AffordableTours.com, your discounted tour headquarters. View New Zealand Tour Deals and Discounts

New Zealand Travel Guide
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New Zealand Travel Guide

New Zealand Tours Highlights

  • Discover the wonder of the nation's capital city, Wellington.
  • Watch unique wildlife at Abel Tasman National Park.
  • Get a panoramic view of Auckland from the top of Sky Tower.
  • Witness the stunning colors all around you at Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland.
  • Wander through New Zealand's largest city, Christchurch.
  • Discover the country's largest national park, Fiordland National Park.
  • Get your adrenaline rush by bungee jumping in Queenstown.
  • Explore tons of cultures in one place with a visit to Auckland.

New Zealand Tours Travel Tips

  • New Zealand takes a lot of pride in its Flat White coffee drinks, so be sure to have one while you're in the country! 
  • Wine is another huge draw to New Zealand. You can experience delicious wine in any region of the country, so even if you're not a huge wine fan, there's sure to be something that suits your palate.
  • As far as cuisine, don't miss out on New Zealand's seafood. Scallops, oysters, and mussels are local delicacies. 
  • Sheepdog shows are incredibly popular around the country. There are actually more sheep than people! Try to catch a sheepdog show if you can.
  • Don't worry about running into any major predators. There aren't any poisonous insects, snakes, or large predatory animals in the entire country.

New Zealand Tours Things To Do

  • Abel Tasman National Park
    Abel Tasman National Park

    New Zealand's smallest national park still packs a lot of punch. Abel Tasman National Park was founded in 1942 and is named for Abel Tasman, who was the first European explorer to see New Zealand in 1642. You can spot plenty of birds here, including herons, gulls, penguins, herons, and more.  

    Best Time To Visit

    Many enjoy visiting the Park in the summertime, which brings big crowds. For a less crowded experience, summer and fall are the best times to explore.  

     

    You Should Know

    The Park can actually be reached in a number of ways. People come in via land, water, and air! If you're interested in marine life, keep a lookout for blue penguins, seals, and bottlenose dolphins.

  • Christchurch
    Christchurch

    Christchurch is the biggest city on New Zealand's South Island, home to over 375,000 people. It has a strong English influence and is believed to have been first settled around 1250. It officially became the first established city in New Zealand in 1856. Today, you can find attractions like the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.  

    Best Time To Visit

    Most visitors love coming to Christchurch in the autumn between March and May. It's still warm enough to swim, but the weather is more pleasurable than it is in summer.  

     

    You Should Know

    Christchurch is considered a "gateway city" for exploring the Antarctic, one of five such cities in the world. Christchurch suffered a number of earthquakes from September 2010 to January 2012, and restoration efforts are ongoing even close to a decade later.

  • Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
    Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland

    Waiotapu is a truly one-of-a-kind experience located in the country's Taupo Volcanic Zone. This geothermal area spans over 18 square kilometers and provides a stunning view of the colorful surroundings. You can also find the Champagne Pool, Lady Knox Geyser, and several boiling mud pools.  

    Best Time To Visit

    May and November tend to see the smallest crowds at Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland.  

     

    You Should Know

    Before Europeans occupied this area, it was home to the Ngati Whaoa tribe. This area has been considered a scenic reserve since 1931. You may also see the name of this park spelled as "Wai-O-Tapu." The name translates as "sacred waters" from the Maori language.

  • Queenstown
    Queenstown

    The resort town of Queenstown is a popular attraction for those visiting New Zealand's South Island. It's a town that particularly draws visitors interested in skiing. The area was first settled by Maori until European explorers showed up in 1853. If you're really into adventure, come here to bungee jump!   

    Best Time To Visit

    Especially since Queenstown is known for its outdoor activities, it's a popular destination in the summer months from December to February. There will be more crowds, but it's worth the visit regardless.  

     

    You Should Know

    From Queenstown, you can see nearby mountains like Walter Peak, Cecil Peak, and The Remarkables. It's not exactly clear how the town was named, but many believe it came from a miner stating that the town was "fit for a Queen" during an 1863 meeting to name the town.

  • Fiordland National Park
    Fiordland National Park

    On the southwest corner of New Zealand's Southern Island, you'll find Fiordland National Park. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Te Wahipounamu. This is the largest of New Zealand's 14 national parks, stretching over 12,600 square kilometers. Here, you'll find plenty of lakes, waterfalls, rain forests, and tons of other natural attractions.  

    Best Time To Visit

    Many people consider winter (June through August) to be the best time to hike around this national park.  

     

    You Should Know

    Fiordland National Park is home to the majority of New Zealand's unmodified vegetation and is also a large refuge for threatened animals like reptiles, dolphins, bats, and more. This park is an incredible destination for brown trout and rainbow trout fly fishing, as well as other outdoor activities like guided walks, camping, and mountain climbing. Fiordland National Park is New Zealand's most popular national park for international visitors.

  • Auckland
    Auckland

    During your time on New Zealand's North Island, spend some time in Auckland. It's the most populous urban area in all of New Zealand and is home to over 1.4 million people. It's also home to the world's largest Polynesian population, and the influence of the culture can be felt all over the city. Popular Auckland attractions include the Museum of Transport and Technology, the Ferry Building, and the Auckland War Memorial Museum.  

    Best Time To Visit

    Most people enjoy a visit to Auckland in the shoulder seasons from March to May or from September to November.  

     

    You Should Know

    Auckland is called "Tamaki Makaurau" in the Maori language, which translates to "Tamaki desired by many." Auckland has been named one of the world's most liveable cities by the 2019 Mercer Quality of Living Survey.  People who live in Auckland are sometimes casually referred to as "Jafa."

  • Sky Tower
    Sky Tower

    Though located in Auckland, the Sky Tower deserves a highlight on its own. This incredible attraction stands 328 meters high and is an icon of the Auckland skyline, offering an unmatched view of the city. It serves as a telecommunication tower and provides stunning 360-degree views from the top observation deck.  

    Best Time To Visit

    If your tour allows, it's best to visit the Sky Tower after 5 p.m. You'll have a beautiful view of the city lights and can avoid the biggest crowds.   

     

    You Should Know

    The base of the Sky Tower is home to the SkyCity Auckland entertainment complex, featuring two hotels, the city's premier dining precinct, a 700-seat theater, and a casino. The Sky Tower brings in around 1,100 visitors every day for a total of over 415,000 people every year.

  • Wellington
    Wellington

    You simply can't have a tour of New Zealand without visiting the capital city of Wellington. It's located at the western tip of the country's North Island and is home to around 212,000 people.   

    Best Time To Visit

    Most visitors enjoy Wellington in the shoulder season from March through May. Winter (June through August) usually isn't preferable due to the strong winds.  

     

    You Should Know

    Wellington earned the title of "the coolest little capital in the world" from Lonely Planet in 2013. The city was named for Arthur Wellesley, who served as the first Duke of Wellington and was the victor of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The city is nicknamed "Windy Wellington" thanks to the strong gales. It sits close to the mouth of the Cook Strait, which is narrow and often attracts these strong winds.

New Zealand Tour Packages

Quick Facts

Since New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, their seasons are reversed from what most of the world is used to. The temperatures do not change throughout the country but the weather can change unexpectedly during the day.

  • Summer - December to February

    The months of December through March are considered the summertime and tend to be the warmest. The days are long and sunny, perfect for visiting the beach or partaking in other outdoor activities. That's why this is considered the best time to visit New Zealand.

  • Spring/Autumn - September to November & March to May

    The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are excellent times to visit New Zealand. There are always indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy, and the weather is temperature and enjoyable. Be prepared, though, for a few rain showers during these times of the year.

  • Winter - June to August

    June through September is the winter in New Zealand, so you might experience some snow. If you're looking to ski while you're on your trip, this is a great time to visit. The weather is milder, which typically doesn't attract tourists, but if you do decide to visit during this season, you'll have the land virtually to yourself.

New Zealand Tours Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a New Zealand Tour?

    A New Zealand tour will take you and a small group throughout the stunning country of New Zealand. You'll get to experience a brand-new culture in big cities like Christchurch and Wellington, then you can get into nature in the national parks. Most tours will last around 14 days, and some will also take you into nearby Australia.

  • What’s Included on a New Zealand Tour?

    Your New Zealand tour will include all of your accommodations as well as most meals. Typically, breakfast is included every day, but you will be left on your own for some lunches and dinners to give you a chance to experience the local cuisine on your own. You'll also be provided with entrance into many of the major attractions as well as guides throughout your tour. Finally, many companies give you the option to purchase additional excursions tailored to your interests. 

  • What’s the Best Tour for a New Zealand Tour?

    New Zealand tours are a staple for many group tour companies, so you'd be hard-pressed to find a tour company that doesn't offer one. Some of the most popular tour companies for excursions to New Zealand include Globus Journeys, Tauck, Collette, and Trafalgar. Some companies offer packages that strictly take you throughout New Zealand, while some will also include several attractions throughout Australia.

  • How Much Does a New Zealand Tour Cost?

    The typical New Zealand tour will cost around $3,000 per person for a 10-day trip. Keep in mind that this does not include the cost of travel to get you to your starting destination or to get you back home after the tour is over. If you select a longer tour, your cost will be more expensive; many 14-day tours can cost upwards of $4,000-$5,000.

Learn More About New Zealand Tours

Reviews for New Zealand Tours and Vacations

I enjoyed the Gate 1 16 Day Australia and New Zealand with Cairns and Ayers Rock trip. The trip had fascinating included and optional excursions, was reasonably priced, and the tour guides were good. There were several intraflights and a day-long journey in the tour bus to the Bay of Islands. All of the accommodations were great with the exception of Novotel Rotorua Lakeside. Although the hotel was convenient to restaurants, I did not have the cleanest hotel room. Also, it would have been great if more time was allowed to explore Auckland, New Zealand.

Kimberley S

After the second night in Auckland (Rydges), my medical CPAP would no longer register my sleep time, and events per hour. I left the CPAP on the desk next to the bed but locked all my other valuables in the room safe. During the rest of the trip, my CPAP would not register. As soon as I got back home, I called my son (he has a CPAP) to see if he might know what was wrong with my CPAP. He indicated that I should check to see if my SD card was in place. To my surprise, someone stole my SD card out of the machine. The only time the machine was out of my possession was in the hotel room on the desk. It could only have been one of the housekeeping staff. The SD card is a really inexpensive item (my son said it costs about $10 at Walmart) so I believe this was someone who knew about CPAP machines, knew where the SD card is stored, and was just being mean spirited. I've already contacted my sleep cardiologist and he said I will now have difficulty getting my health care insurer to pay for routine supplies because there is a requirement for continuous use and the telemetry download isn't available because the SD card wasn\'t in the machine to save the data. I have no proof I was using the machine:-((( This was really unfortunate because everyone was so nice at the Rydge. The young Brazilian man at the front desk and service desk went above and beyond to assist us during our stay and with local attractions. The hotels throughout the trip were generally very nice accommodations. However while a nice clean room, the Movenpick in Wellington was such a small room that it was almost impossible to open my suitcase. The tour guide and the bus drivers were superb! I would recommend Gate1 to my friends. I'm already scheduled for another Gate1 trip in November. Since this was my first trip with Gate1, I unfortunately learned during the tour that "options" should be purchased when making the original package. This is different from some other travel companies. Gate1 did not notify me or send any information that this was the process. The only reason we got to take the optional tour to Hobbiton was because there was a cancellation at the last minute. I appreciate the Tour Manager working extra hard to get us on the optional trip because it was one of the highlights.

James B

Trip was too long - the best parts were Auckland, Rotorua, and Queenstown/Milford sound. A better trip would have included only those cities and flights from Auckland to/from Queenstown.

Richard S

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