NEW ZEALAND · FULL-DAY
A South Island fortnight has room for only so much. These 15 full-day tours earn their slot, each with its price, its rating and the detail that decides it.
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 the Te Anau Milford Sound day tour, with small groups, scenic stops, wildlife, morning tea, and a two-hour cruise.
“A wonderful tour of Milford Sound. Stephen gave us a great description of all the places on the way to the boat, and regaled us with great stories. The boat ride was amazing; we saw seals, a penguin, and close up views of the waterfalls. We opted for lunch, which was tasty and very generous. Highly recommend this tour for an awesome day.”
Review of the Te Anau Milford Sound tour with cruise, short walks, picnic lunch, small-group transport, and practical booking tips.
“Fantastic Milford Sound tour! We can’t recommend this tour enough. We had a fantastic day with our guide, Jeff. He was super knowledgable about the area and had a great sense of humour. He really made this day memorable!”
Explore Wellington’s Lord of the Rings film sites, Wētā Workshop, Rivendell, scenic forests, and a Hobbit-style lunch on an 8-hour tour.
“This trip was great! Our guide, Hamish was very knowledgeable about all things LOTR, and was very friendly. He made the best out of a very rainy day!”
Review of the six-hour Marlborough wine tour from Picton or Blenheim, with five wineries, small groups, tastings, lunch, and practical tips.
“An exceptional day with tour guide Gavin. He was outstanding and really made the day with our family. The tour was comfortable, giving us time when we needed it and unpretentious if you are new to wine. Gavin really made the day with our group!”
See Auckland’s volcanoes, coast, countryside, Muriwai Beach, and a West Auckland winery on this full-day small-group tour.
“This is a great tour for families and get a good view of the Auckland. Our tour guide Michael was very knowledgeable, guided us through the city very well and a great sense of humor.”
Review the Pelorus Mail Boat Cruise in Marlborough Sounds, with wildlife, remote homes, local stories, practical tips, price advice, and honest drawbacks.
“All round this was a really neat day trip. Stunning scenery, very interesting hearing about the local area’s. You have 3 options for lunch, 1/ take your own lunch and sit, swim in the lovely bay, 2/ Farm tour, with own lunch. I choose this option. I thought it was super interesting. 3/ Restaurant for lunch, where I heard had delicious food and beverages.”
Explore Marlborough’s wineries on a small-group tour with tastings, vineyard lunch, cellar insights, chocolate, and optional craft beer.
“Excellent tour by Darlene, very knowledgeable and brought us to many great wineries with friendly wine makers as well as a chocolate shop”
Explore Milford Sound from Te Anau on a small-group tour with scenic stops, a fjord cruise, expert guides, and free cancellation.
“Small group numbers in a smaller vehicle (not 44 sister bus) made the trip more interactive and enjoyable. It had lots of scenic stops along ghe way. Luxe Tours also adopt and promote strong environmental practices which will help to preseRead more”
Review of the Akaroa day tour from Christchurch, with volcanic scenery, a Barry’s Bay cheese tasting, village time, and a Hector’s dolphin cruise.
“Akaroa is very scenic area. The cruise was nice no dolphins but that isn't typically. Lunch option are good. Scott was an excellent informative guide.”
Cycle Marlborough’s flat wine country at your own pace, with bike hire, hotel transfers, a useful wine map, and up to 12 nearby wineries.
“Roo was a fantastic driver/bicycle set up & tour/map guide! Even though it was cold and rainy, we had a great time, got some exercise and drank good wine. 🍷 Cheers!!”
Sail from Russell through the Bay of Islands for island walks, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, lunch, and hands-on sailing.
“The whole day was great. Safe,fun, and the owner was confident, knowledgeable and professional in a nice way.”
Review of Altitude Tours’ full-day Mount Cook trip from Queenstown, with route details, hiking tips, value advice, weather notes, and FAQs.
“The hike was slippery and tricky due to the snow storm the day before our tour. However, the stunning views made you forget the treacherous hike. Awe is not enough to describe. It's absolutely gorgeous! Sean our guide, was very informative and made sure that we all have our stick when we hike Mt. Cook.”
Cycle Marlborough’s flat vineyard roads on a self-guided wine tour with hotel pickup, bike choice, local tips, and free bottle collection.
“A very good way to do the tastings. pre-Bookings at vineyards just needed for lunch or at Cloudy Bay and Fromm.”
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.”
Sorted by what you actually want to do that morning.
