The short answer
- Most comfort
- Classic coach or premium small group
- Most active
- Small group adventure tour
- Most social
- 18 to 35 tour
- Cheapest
- Hop on hop off bus
Tours in New Zealand range from 50 seat coaches with hotel stays to 12 person adventure groups and backpacker buses you can hop off for days. Picking the right type matters more than picking the operator.
The tour types
Which describes you?
Choose an answer to see what we recommend.
See all 5 recommendationsHide the list
- Over 50, comfort first: A classic coach tour
- Good hotels, luggage handled and a driver guide; check for two night stops.
- Active, any age: A small group adventure tour
- Walks, kayaking and fewer people, in a minibus.
- Aged 18 to 35: An 18 to 35 tour
- Lively groups, good value and plenty of free time.
- On a tight budget: A hop on hop off bus
- Book a pass, then add hostels and activities as you go.
- Love hiking: A guided Great Walk
- Skip the booking race and the heavy pack.
| Type | Typical travellers | Group size | Per day | Pace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic coach tour | Mostly over 50s | 30 to 50 | About NZ$380 to 560 | Relaxed, early starts, many one night stops |
| Small group adventure | All ages, active | 12 to 18 | About NZ$330 to 480 | Busy, with walks and activities |
| 18 to 35 group tour | Young travellers | Up to about 50 | About NZ$230 to 330 | Social, with nightlife |
| Hop on hop off bus | Backpackers | Varies | About NZ$110 to 160 with hostels | Flexible; stay longer where you like |
| Guided walks | Hikers | Up to about 20 | About NZ$500 to 900 | A Great Walk with lodges and meals |
| Premium small group | Comfort seekers | Up to about 16 | NZ$750 or more | Unhurried, with boutique lodges |
Questions to ask before you book
- How many nights are one night stops?
- Is Milford Sound by coach, flight or both, and is the cruise included?
- What's the maximum group size and the typical age?
- Which activities are included, and which are optional extras?
- Do you cross Cook Strait by ferry or fly?
Rather have a trip to New Zealand made just for you?
Answer a few quick questions and a local specialist will send you a free, no-obligation itinerary and price.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best tour company in New Zealand?
It depends on the type of tour you want. Compare small group, coach and 18 to 35 tours by reviews, group size and what's included.
Are coach tours in New Zealand good value?
Yes for comfort and ease, especially for solo travellers, though many involve early starts and one night stops.
Is a hop on hop off bus worth it in New Zealand?
For budget travellers with time, yes. You still book your own beds and most activities.
New Zealand month by month
More New Zealand guides
Best time to visit New Zealand: seasons, weather and what to do by month
December to March is the best time for most of New Zealand: long days, warm weather and the Great Walks open. March and April are the sweet spot, still warm but quieter. June to September is for skiing and the southern lights.
Updated 17 October 2026
New Zealand: guided tour or self drive? An honest comparison
Self drive is usually cheaper for two or more people and gives total freedom, but you plan everything and drive long, winding roads on the left. A tour costs more per person, but removes the driving, planning and booking, and suits solo travellers, first timers and anyone who'd rather look at the scenery.
Updated 17 October 2026
How much does a New Zealand tour cost? Prices by tour type and a calculator
Expect about NZ$330 to 480 per person per day on a small group tour, NZ$380 to 560 on a classic coach tour and NZ$750 or more on a premium tour. Driving yourself costs about NZ$250 to 330 a day each for two sharing, including activities. Add NZ$117 for the NZeTA and visitor levy unless you're Australian.
Updated 17 October 2026
New Zealand itineraries: 7, 10, 14 and 21 days
With a week, stay in the South Island. Ten days adds Milford Sound and Mount Cook at a better pace; two weeks covers the highlights of both islands; three weeks adds the West Coast glaciers and Abel Tasman.
Updated 17 October 2026