NEW ZEALAND · NATIONAL PARKS
The 15 best national park tours you can book today, with the price, the run time and who each one suits. The first is first for a reason.
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.”
Ride a jet boat from Te Anau through Fiordland, with river spins, Lord of the Rings sites, Lake Manapouri, and a guided forest walk.
“A very experienced and friendly guide with local knowledge along with being a fantastic jet boat driver responding to our enjoyment and thrill of the ride. Smooth operation, running on time and preparing us with all requirements for the ride: warm clothing and sunscreen. Would definitely recommend this wonderful journey.”
Ride the Dart River through Mt. Aspiring National Park with scenic transfers, Māori stories, thrilling spins, and practical tips for Queenstown.
“Beautiful ride down the river. The views are spectacular. Our guide was interesting. I think it's important to know this is a more leisurely experience (lots and lots of time stopped on the banks chatting), versus the wild rides closer to town. We Read more”
Cruise Lake Manapouri, cross Wilmot Pass, and explore remote Doubtful Sound with wildlife, rainforest, waterfalls, and expert commentary.
“Its a full day activity including boat+bus+ bigger boat and return wonderfull views and animals at sea”
Explore Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges, rainforest tracks, Arataki views, and Piha’s black sand beach on a guided half-day nature tour.
“We loved this tour! It was great to see some of the beautiful wilderness in Auckland and Piha beach was the most stunning beach I’d ever seen. Kevin and Isla were great and informative guides. I definitely recommend this tour.”
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.”
Review of the Doubtful Sound cruise from Te Anau, with Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, wildlife, costs, timing, and practical tips.
“Very expensive & majority of time spent on a bus or 1st ferry . Virtually no wildlife or waterfalls scenery more of the same . Disappointing”
Ride the Matukituki River, hike to waterfalls, and see Mount Aspiring National Park on Wanaka’s lively half-day adventure.
“Fabulous tour! Had a blast on the jet boat and walk. Loved the Captain - very interactive. Highly recommended tour!”
Review of the 12-hour Doubtful Sound cruise from Queenstown, with transport details, wildlife tips, costs, weather advice, and honest value guidance.
“Our driver/guide Blake was very knowlegeable about the history of the sheep and deer farms. The stories about trying to catch the deer to lure them into farms were very entertaining. I’d call those men who hunted or tried various daring ways to help reduce the overwhelming number of deer, deer boys. In spite of the wind, clouds and rain, the spectacular boat trip through the fiord and the Doubtful Sound with the roaring sound of the magnificent waterfalls, had a mystic vibe.”
Sail Abel Tasman’s golden coast, spot seals, then walk from Anchorage Bay to Marahau on this value-packed 8-hour trip.
“The captain of the boat was friendly and knowledgeable. When boarding the boat you are asked to remove your shoes as you will be wadding in about 2 to 3 inches of water so dress accordingly. You are able to sit at the bow or the stern. We did the trip where you are dropped off at Anchorage and made the hike back to Marahau ( entry to Abel Tasman Nat'l Park). The hike takes you along a ridge by the shoreline and offers treks down to the beach in about four different parts of the hike. It took us about 3 1/2 hours which included 2 treks down to…”
Cruise Paterson Inlet, walk Ulva Island with a nature guide, and seek rare birds, seals, penguins, and native plants on Stewart Island.
“Very enjoyable and information cruise and guided walk around Ulva Island.”
Review of Abel Tasman’s cruise, Pitt Head walk, beach stop, and yacht sailing tour, with practical tips on timing, lunch, swimming, and value.
“Good captain/ guides (Inky and Claudia), beautiful area, good company, nice hike and sail! Highly recommend! Lynn”
Review of Nelson’s Abel Tasman hiking and cruise tour, with forest trails, golden beaches, lunch, small groups, guides, pricing, and practical tips.
“My walking tour with Al was fantastic! It was great not having to worry about navigating Abel Tasman, getting to the correct ferries on time, etc. Al was so knowledgeable and shared really interesting details about the park, wildlife, and local culture. The views were stunning, this tour is a must-do for anyone traveling through the area!”
Sail Abel Tasman’s golden coast, spot fur seals, picnic at Anchorage Beach, and enjoy a relaxed full-day trip from Kaiteriteri.
“Loved our time sailing along the Abel Tasman coast. Marco was knowledgeable and entertaining. It's very apparent that he loves what he does and where he does it, which made for a great day. Would definitely recommend!!”
Review of a 30-minute helicopter flight from Te Anau over the Kepler Mountains, with a mountain landing, alpine lakes, and Fiordland views.
Sorted by what you actually want to do that morning.
