New Zealand · SELF-GUIDED TOURS
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 self-guided tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part of planning.
Cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound to Ship Cove, then hike the Queen Charlotte Track on a self-guided route from 12.7 to 17 km.
“A lot of people skip this activity thinking there isn't much in Picton, don't do it! The Queen Charlotte track is one of the best I did in NZ, the transport is very good and the cost is good. It’s so worth it!”
Self-guided wine tour by bike in Renwick, Marlborough with Lorelle and Greg. Includes bikes, cellar map video, shuttle, and support.
“Very well organized and friendly staff. The day was amazing from the beginning until the end. I would definitely recommend booking this activity with them!”
Self-guided Waimangu Volcanic Valley hike in Rotorua with geothermal stops, trail choices, and shuttle return, from $46.54.
“Definitely it was marvellous. The weather was perfect, the driver and the plane were perfect and it was so marvellous the views the pictures we took. A must !”
Sail Abel Tasman from Kaiteriteri, spot seals near Split Apple Rock, then hike the coastal track from Anchorage Bay to Marahau.
“Great day! We had booked for the day after we went but after looking at the weather changed this last minute to the day before, they were very helpful and professional with changing the day which was great! The boat was fabulous and clean. The crew and skipper were very friendly and knowledgeable about the national park and surrounding areas! The wall was fabulous, the views are just incredible, such a beautiful place! The walk took 3 hours and we went off path to lots of the look out points and beaches! Really glad we had hiking boots with us!”
Flat, self-guided biking in Marlborough with hotel transfers, a wine map, and easy access to 12 nearby cellar doors.
“A lovely day with nice bikes and so well organised. Thank you so much! Jessicka”
Self-guided bike wine tour from Blenheim with e-bikes, pickup, and a wine map. Cycle Marlborough vineyards and taste at your pace.
“A very good way to do the tastings. pre-Bookings at vineyards just needed for lunch or at Cloudy Bay and Fromm.”
Self-guided Orakei Korako geothermal walk in Taupo with ferry crossings and Ruatapu Cave sights, plus up to 23 natural geysers.
“This was the BEST geothermal walk in the region! We were lucky enough to see 2 x geysers while there (they occur randomly from 35 mins to months apart) and one of only 2 geothermal caves in the world! If you only see one geothermal area - pick this one!”
Self-guided Milford Track walk with a short water taxi ride, easy terrain, and a hike to Giant Gate Falls in Fiordland.
“Excellent transportation with good instruction to location and times.”
Bike through Hawke's Bay wine country near Hastings, stop at your choice of wineries, and ride flat trails with helmet, map, and support.
“Fabulous bike rental company in the middle of Hawke’s Bay wine region. Great bikes which were easy to ride on the flat bike paths. Fabulous scenery and close to lots of wineries.”
28 km self-guided cycle from Napier, with Atea a Rangi and up to 4 wineries, plus a 4pm shuttle from Black Barn.
“Staff were great and the e bike was top notch with suspension and a bag on the back rack to stow things. All but one of the wineries was closed. If you really want to visit wineries then call each one first about its hours.”
Ride from Nelson to Mapua on a self-guided coastal route with a quality bike, included ferry, and handy snack and winery stops.
“This is a great ride with lots of different views along the way. We enjoyed lunch in Mapua at the end and the company employees are very friendly.”
Self-guided e-bike or standard bike ride from Napier with route maps and 6 winery stops, plus optional tastings along scenic trails.
“Great day out! Must do if you’re in the region & willing and able. E-bike option makes it easy! We bought wine and just put it in the little bags on the bike which were fine. Only thing to note is that some wineries were already in Winter mode in May (either shut or opening later) so keep that in mind!”
Bike Marlborough vineyards with a guided morning, then explore wineries on your own in the afternoon. Small group, tastings included.
“Fantastic. Our guide, Innes, was superb and made the day more special than we had ever expected. All staff at the wineries were helpful, social and informative. Would give 6 stars if possible.”
Self-guided Hawke’s Bay e-bike winery tour from Hastings, with route maps, easy flat riding, and summer wine pickup included.
“This was a great experience. The bikes were really well maintained and safe, Phil provided maps that gave us plenty of flexibility on our route, and he also picks up any purchased wine so we didn’t need to ride with it. The trails were well maintained and it was easy to get around to the wineries. I would recommend this to friends.”
Cycle Nelson’s Great Taste Trail on an e-bike, then enjoy a wine tasting at Seifried Winery, with options to eat or shorten the ride.
“Absolutely beautiful trail. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the wine tasting was a nice add on. Would definitely recommend anyone who is coming to Nelson to give it a try.”
From the fiords to the geothermal belt, sorted by what you want to do with the day.
