New Zealand · 1-DAY TOURS
Good 1-day tours fill up over summer; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Guided Hobbiton and Waitomo glowworm caves from Auckland with hotel pickup, lunch, and a Green Dragon drink, all in one long day.
“Great day led by Martin our tour guide. Who was very informative. Hobiton tour was exceptional and Glowworm Caves very interesting”
Auckland day trip to Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves with guided tours, lunch, and a Green Dragon Inn drink.
“Had a great tour from Liam. I feel like I gained a better understanding of the culture and loved all the recommendations he gave(foods, activities in Auckland/queenstown, etc). 10/10 would recommend”
Cruise Lake Manapouri, ride over Wilmot Pass, then sail Doubtful Sound on a guided day trip from Manapouri in Fiordland National Park.
“The commentary was valuable and informative, the views were amazing, staff all pleasant and helpful.”
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound with guaranteed window seats, then enjoy a 2-hour cruise close to waterfalls and wildlife.
“One of the best experiences of our holiday. only way to do Milford sound i think. Amazing”
Official Hobbiton day trip from Auckland with round-trip coach, guided set walk, Green Dragon drink, and Hobbit-style buffet lunch.
“Liam was a very good guide of the Hobbiton movie set.”
Premium glass-roof coach to Milford Sound from Queenstown, with scenic stops, a 2-hour cruise, wildlife spotting, and multilingual commentary.
“Our guide Yoda was phenomenal and was a walking encyclopedia. Definitely recommend this amazing experience !!!”
Milford Sound from Te Anau by glass-roof coach and guided cruise. Waterfalls, wildlife, and major scenery, packed into one smooth day.
“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!”
TranzAlpine train to Arthur’s Pass with easy walks, Otira Viaduct views, Castle Hill time, and hotel pickup, plus snacks and WiFi.
“Great day out. Our guide was really helpful and knowledgeable. He did a great job explaining about the train journey and Arthur's Pass national park.”
13-hour Doubtful Sound day trip from Queenstown with Lake Manapouri cruises, Wilmot Pass rainforest drive, and a 3-hour fiord cruise.
“Although it was an extremely wet day and we couldn’t see all of the scenic views on the way, the extra water contributed to some truly spectacular waterfalls.”
Cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail from Clyde to Auripo, past Poolburn Gorge, stop for Omakau coffee, then choose your ride back.
“No better way to see and experience the Central Otago region - the team at BikeItNow were brilliant, the bikes were all set up perfectly and ready to go. Couldn’t ask for a better day. Thanks to Lisa and all the crew.”
A small-group Abel Tasman day trip from Nelson with wildlife spotting, free snorkels and kayaks, and a lunch with beer and wine.
“This was without doubt the best day trip I’ve ever done. We sailed on the most beautiful boat exploring Abel Tasman. There were only 7 people on my trip so it was very intimate. Brett and Ella who led the trip were so informative and gave Read more”
Luxury day trip from Auckland to Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves, with guided tours, scenic Kaimai views, and hassle-free comfort.
“Nancy our guide was simply amazing, she made our experience much more memorable. Thank you.”
One-way Christchurch to Queenstown in a small group via Tekapo, Mt Cook, Lindis Pass and the Kawarau Gorge, with lunch included.
“It was smooth ride, thanks to Marina and Holly from Cheeky kiwi who kept us safe while on the road. The tourist spots are all fantastic. Highly recommended!”
Queenstown to Glenorchy jet boat and Funyak paddle in Mount Aspiring National Park, plus Paradise Valley film backdrops and lunch.
“A sensational day out on the jetboat and funyaks. This is a 'must do' for anyone in Queenstown. We are a retired couple and found the whole day to be a well planned fun day full of adventure. Well done guys. This was the highlight of our holiday.”
Relax in Lake Tekapo’s hot pools with lake views, 3 soak areas, and stargazing at Tekapo Springs. One-day multi entry pass.
“it was OK. Couldn't physically sit and really see Lake Tekapo, but it was sort of visible.I was looking forward to a bit more of a relaxing bit of downtime after a long drive, but just a wee bit frustrated at the kids using as a swimming pool. had to retreat to the hotter pool, which was OK for a while, but needed to go into cooler pills, which were busier and noisier.”
From the fiords to the geothermal belt, sorted by what you want to do with the day.
