NEW ZEALAND · TOUR REVIEWS
Three weeks sounds like plenty until you look at the map: two islands, 1,600 kilometres, and a ferry in the middle. The 15 below are the days worth building the drive around, priced and timed, with the full catalogue underneath.
Tour Hobbiton’s 12-acre Shire set, hear film secrets, photograph Hobbit Holes, and enjoy a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
“We liked everything. Our guide was lovely and very informative. An excellent tour and highly recommended”
Glide beneath thousands of glowworms at Waitomo, with a guided cave walk, Cathedral acoustics, and a silent underground boat ride.
“It was absolutely amazing! I did not expect a lot on this activity but we were in awe. It was almost magical. It’s definitely one of the highlights of our trip and highly recommended.”
Zip through Rotorua’s ancient native forest with expert guides, conservation stories, free photos, and wet-weather gear included.
“I was a bit hesitant to book this at first, but I’m so glad I did! Easy to find a car spot at the Centre, the team were easy to chat with, professional and always ensured we felt comfortable at all times. Travis and Emma were fabulous guides and fRead more”
Tour Hobbiton from Shire’s Rest, see detailed Hobbit Holes, visit the Green Dragon Inn, and enjoy a complimentary Southfarthing drink.
“The walk is out in the open so make sure you are prepared. There is umbrellas provided for the sun & rain.”
Review of Mitai Māori Village in Rotorua, with waka arrival, haka, glow worms, hangi buffet, practical tips, access notes, and value advice.
“Food was amazing and loads of it! Whole experience was incredible”
Explore Waiheke Island by ferry and hop-on hop-off bus, with flexible stops for wineries, beaches, villages, galleries, and nature walks.
“It was raining the entire time we were there, so the tour bus was super helpful! They have a bus tracker so you know when and where the bus is. The ferry was also convenient”
Review of Kaikoura’s 210-minute whale cruise, with sperm whales, dolphins, seals, albatross, practical tips, value, and seasickness advice.
“Whales made it great, dolphins were an added bonus!”
Review of the 13-hour Milford Sound tour from Queenstown, with small-group transport, scenic stops, picnic lunch, and a two-hour cruise.
“This was a great experience. Scenic drive with gorgeous vantage points/stops along the way. Comfortable transit that’s worry free. Jacob was an awesome guide!!”
Review of Cruise Milford’s small boutique boat trip, with close waterfall and wildlife views, hot drinks, practical parking tips, and honest value advice.
“Nothing special.or boutique about the experience. Their boat is bigger than many other cruise provider and fully packed. The the audio narration couldn't be heard clearly due to poor quality stereo system. They definitely don't go as close to the falls or as many compared to southern discovery cruises. It's not a rip off but extra price is not justified.”
Review of Kaikoura’s 3.5-hour whale-watching cruise, with sperm whales, dolphins, seals, sea birds, practical tips, pricing, and seasickness advice.
“Took 40 mins or so to get out to the whale area. Interesting commentary and good graphics. Glad we took the sea sickness pills as sea was described as moderate - I would have said quite choppy. Saw a sperm whale for at least 5 minutes before it dived. All worth it. Sea birds were fantastic too esp the acrobatics of the albatross. Crew all kind and helpful too”
Cruise Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak for a generous local BBQ, farm dog show, mountain views, and a memorable Queenstown afternoon.
“The BBQ was amazing! So much food and choices! Absolutely one of the best meals I. Queenstown. The farm show was also very enjoyable!”
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 the Te Anau Glowworm Caves tour, with a scenic lake cruise, limestone caves, underground waterfalls, glowworms, tips, and honest value advice.
“I highly recommend taking the nighttime tour of this cave. It was absolutely stunning to see all the glow worms. Me and my husband thought this tour was more spectacular than the north island caves too! Very intimate and intense with the water rushing inside. You also get to see the glow worms very close up.”
Explore Wai-O-Tapu’s colorful hot pools, three walking trails, and Lady Knox Geyser with flexible, all-day Rotorua admission.
“Good park and routes around. Geyser performed an amazing show”
Review of Milford Sound’s intimate 2-hour small boat cruise, with waterfalls, wildlife, close-up views, hot drinks, and practical planning tips.
“Pros: Good value for money Smaller boat avoided big tour groups Plenty of space for individual views of the area and main sights Cons: Smaller boat is more prone to the chop of waves once out to the Tasman sea. Not tour operators fault but there are a lot of boats out on the sound. If you want more privacy consider doubtful sound”
Sorted by what you actually want to do that morning.
