NEW ZEALAND · 1-DAY TOURS
A South Island fortnight has room for only so much. These 15 1-day tours earn their slot, each with its price, its rating and the detail that decides it.
Review of Auckland’s Hobbiton and Waitomo day trip, with transport, lunch, movie-set details, glowworms, costs, timing, and practical tips.
“Very good experience overall helped by the wonderful bus tour guide we had in Matt and the guides at both the Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves tours. Lovely weather for it on the day too definitely helped.”
Review of Auckland’s Hobbiton and Waitomo day trip, with lunch, transport, guide tips, highlights, drawbacks, and value advice.
“a long day but a highly enjoyable one, Matt our driver and guide was a true gentleman he was welcoming and knowledgeable about the trips and New Zealand a great guide. Hobbiton was awesome and a must for lord of the rings fans, the glow worm cave were good but your not aloud to take pics. both guides on the excursions were funny and New their stuff.”
Review of the Doubtful Sound day trip from Manapouri, with Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, wildlife, waterfalls, costs, tips, and practical advice.
“Brilliant experience and so pleased we did it as it is different to Milford Sound trip.”
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound, cruise beneath waterfalls, spot wildlife, and return over Fiordland in a weather-dependent five-hour trip.
“An excellent day trip which took the pain of a long bus ride to Milford Sound out of the way and provided an incredible experience by plane! would highly recommend!”
Review of Auckland’s Hobbiton day trip, with coach transfer, guided movie set tour, Green Dragon drink, and festive buffet lunch.
“Excellent trip. Well organised. The bus driver Marty was informative and helpful. The guide at Hobbiton was really good too. Local man who had lots of knowledge about the site and lots of anecdotes.”
Review of Southern Discoveries’ Queenstown to Milford Sound coach tour, with scenic stops, a two-hour cruise, costs, tips, and honest drawbacks.
“Shale our driver was outstanding! Went above and beyond for all aboard the coach. Highly recommend.”
Review of RealNZ’s Te Anau to Milford Sound coach and cruise trip, with scenic stops, waterfalls, wildlife, costs, tips, and practical advice.
“The trip was amazing and our guide Brad/Brandon did an excellent job! we had our 7 months old daughter with us and he made sure that we had a good seat with a bit extra leg-room, he checked up on us during the trip and the information and story telling during the trip was both funny and informative. best guide we have had in a long time!”
Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, hike to waterfalls, visit Castle Hill, and enjoy guided Southern Alps scenery.
“This was an amazing day trip! We saw so many beautiful sights. Our guide was so prepared with umbrellas and ponchos. Even though we spent a lot of time in the bus, we had multiple stops, including 2 for short hikes. Our guide was kind and knowledgeable. The train was beautiful, so scenic. Loved this day trip-we got to see so much, especially with our limited time here!”
Review of RealNZ’s 13-hour Doubtful Sound day trip from Queenstown, with Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, wildlife, tips, costs, and honest drawbacks.
“Beautiful, stunning, fab day. Long day but well worth it.”
Cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail from Auripo through Poolburn Gorge, Omakau, Ophir, and Chatto Creek on a scenic six-hour day tour.
“Lots of fun riding the old rail trail. The country side can be a bit bleak in parts and in others the view across the mountains is spectacular. We had electric bikes which I would recommend , not for hills but your on holiday right ! A few nice cafe and a great pub along the way. We rode the one day from Auripo to Clyde. Great fun”
Review of a small-group Abel Tasman day cruise from Kaiteriteri, with wildlife, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, lunch, and drinks.
“Captain Tim was the highlight of our excursion, very capable, kind, comfortable, fun yet very professional - in addition to - and of course - the stunning scenery, incredible views, a great boat cruise, delicious lunch, great service, entertaining and intriguing other guests in a preferred small group. Thank you for a wonderful day exploring Abel Tasman and more!”
Review of Auckland’s Hobbiton and Waitomo day tour, with luxury transport, movie-set magic, glowworms, guide tips, timing, and value advice.
“Hobbiton is very magical for any level of Lord of the Rings or Hobbit fans. The caves are very cool but not as friendly for small children as you are asked to be quiet for an extended period of time.”
Travel Christchurch to Queenstown through Fairlie, Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Mt Cook, Lindis Pass, and Kawarau Gorge in one scenic day.
“Dear guide, I really want to say thank you so much for this wonderful trip. As a solo traveler, I felt so well taken care of by you. You always paid attention to me, told funny jokes, and made the whole tour enjoyable. I’m not a native English speaker, but you kept smiling and spoke slowly to make sure I could understand. Your patience and kindness made this trip really special for me. Thank you for everything you’ve done. I really appreciate you and hope to see you again soon!”
Paddle Abel Tasman at your own pace, visit Adele Island, find coastal caves, and enjoy a flexible one-day kayak adventure from Marahau.
“De dag begon met goede uitleg over het gebruik van de kajak. Het is fijn dat er een groot waterdicht opbergvak in de kajak zit. Ideaal voor een rugzak met lunch. Vervolgens werden we naar het water gebracht en na een kleine instructie mochten we volledig zelfstandig aan de gang. De kaart die we mee kregen was fijn om de weg te weten op het water. Leuke toevoeging was het zeehonden spotten.”
Trade Christchurch sights for a working sheep farm, picnic lunch, trained dogs, and Waipara wine on this authentic seven-hour day trip.
“Everything went well. Simon was a great driver / guide. James at the sheep farm was excellent in showing the sheep sheering and explaining about the farm… the visit to the winery was also good with 5 different wine tasting … for those with young kids (who can’t drink wine) there were also some board games that kids were happy to play”
Sorted by what you actually want to do that morning.
