Discover 20+ Kaikoura trips in December 2025 with 90+ verified reviews. Crafted by vetted tour operators, these Kaikoura December 2025 tours showcase the country at its seasonal best.
We were able to see and enjoy a large range of events, sites and experiences, that made this trip one of our most memorable. There were a number of optional experiences which enabled us to access opportunities to engage in our interests.
Local cultureCity sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin
Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura, Twizel
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Step into a captivating world of volcanic mountains, icy blue lakes and misty rainforests on a 20-day adventure through New Zealand. Visit Mou Waho Island, travel through the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and learn about the cultural significance of pounamu at a local gallery in Franz Josef. Stop by Christchurch Cathedral, which once stood as a symbol of the city before collapsing in the earthquake, relax on the beaches of Coromandel and Raglan and explore the diverse landscapes of Tongariro National Park.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Christchurch, Kaikoura
Auckland, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Wellington, Taupo, Rotorua, Coromandel Peninsula, Ohau, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef
18% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
The tour operator was amazing. I fell in love with New Zealand. Simon was great guide and the small tour group made it even better as we all became close friends. I would highly recommend the tour operator to all my friends and Family. I loved every moment that I was in New Zealand. I would come back in a heart beat and travel with the operator again.
National parksCity sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Christchurch, Franz Jo
Auckland, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Coromandel Peninsula, Raglan, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Wellington, Kaikoura, Ohau, Queenstown, Wanaka
Fall in love with the highlights of this 10 day South Island itinerary that takes you on a circuit of spectacular mountains, lakes, rivers, glaciers, waterfalls and rainforests and gives you the opportunity to enjoy all the bucket list adventures you could wish for.
Created for travellers in their mid-thirties and upwards, on this New Zealand South Island itinerary you’ll visit Christchurch, Queenstown, Lake Wanaka, Lake Tekapo (and Lake Wakatipu, Lake Mapourika, Lake Hawea, plus more lakes!), the Mackenzie Country, and Franz Josef, plus you’ll get to take one of the world’s greatest train rides! Your comfortable 3–4 star accommodation on tour includes a boutique hotels and a rainforest retreat.
We’ll travel from the wide plains of Canterbury, through the mountains and lakes of Central Otago, to the glaciers and pristine rainforest of the West Coast via the spectacular Haast Pass. By the end of this New Zealand South Island itinerary, you will have lost count of the number of times you’ve uttered the words: “Wow!”, “So beautiful!” and “It’s breathtaking!”.
You’ll have the opportunity to swim, kayak, jet boat, skydive, hike, bike, see kiwis, relax in hot pools, eat and drink like a local, and more.
But only if you want to; this is your trip, and it’s designed to be flexible. Across this 10 day South Island itinerary we include some of the things that we reckon are absolute essentials, but rather than force you into activities you’re not so sure of, we leave the choice up to you. You can pre-book activities that you definitely want to do before the trip starts, and then add more while you’re on tour.
As our tours are made up of a combination of tours, the composition of your group may change throughout your tour (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch are the hubs where the group may change).
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Christchurch, Kaikoura, Aoraki
Christchurch, Kaikoura, Aoraki, Ohau, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef
From north to south, east to west, Auckland to Christchurch, New Zealand is a country of contrasts. And that’s why we love it. One minute you’re drifting through World Heritage-listed gorges on a Milford Sound/Piopiotahi tour, then next you’re scaling ice on a Franz Josef/Waiau tour. Sometimes there’s a Maori-inspired feast on the menu; at others there’s award-winning wine. Spanning 17 days, two islands and countless things to do in New Zealand – both city and country – this trip is one for the record books.
Local cultureWaterfalls
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin
Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura, Twizel
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Wherever you lay your eyes in New Zealand, there’s something remarkable to look at. On this adventure from the South Island through the beauty of the North, spend 11 unforgettable days soaking up sunshine and hopping between beaches, lakes, villages and cities. A local leader will show you the best bits of this spectacular island as you jump off from Christchurch, head to seaside Kaikoura, explore trendy Wellington, marvel at the sight of Lake Taupo, learn about local culture in a Maori village, take in the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and chill out on the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula before wrapping up in lively Auckland. Of all New Zealand’s assets, its people top the list, so embrace a warm welcome from the locals as you explore their beautiful backyard.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Accommodation on this trip is in mixed-gender multi-share dormitory style hostels with shared facilities. We are aware of a system functionality limitation incorrectly indicating "twin-share" when you manage your booking on our website.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cairns, Christchurch, Blue Mount
Cairns, Christchurch, Blue Mountains, Sydney, Auckland, Hahei, Maori Village, Wellington, Cape Tribulation, Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Twizel, Airlie Beach, Byron Bay, Port Macquarie
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
For departures from June 2025.
The North Island is full of fun and fabulous contrasts! Up North you’ll find the idyllic Coromandel where you can soak in a hot pool that you’ve dug in the sand or venture through a geothermal wonderland of geysers. Enjoy the real Middle Earth countryside and explore a Hobbit Hole, admire lush rainforests and marvel at a volcanic desert – you’ll be amazed by the variety of experiences and landscapes on offer.
This small-group guided tour of the North Island will visit Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupō, and Wellington, Hobbiton, and the Tongariro Crossing along the way. We’ve also extended the North Island trip so we can head down to the South Island and visit Kaikoura and Christchurch – a great win for those looking to visit the South Island but are short on time! Plus, an ideal for those looking to end their time in Aotearoa at an international airport.
As with all our tours, we do include a few 'must-do' events including a Māori cultural night and traditional Māori hāngī dinner cooked in an underground oven.
You’ll see a massive range of optional activities available to add to your tour, from bungy jumping and white-water rafting to canopy forest zipline tours and scenic flights. None of these are compulsory; you can just add in the ones you want.
Looking to extend your time in New Zealand? We can book a few extra nights for you at the beginning or end of your trip, so you can explore further.
New Zealand’s North Island Adventure Tips:
- All activities can be purchased on the road – just let your tour guide know and we can book them in for you.
- Our tour starts in the evening, so you can spend the day exploring Christchurch at your leisure. You can check out our website for recommendations on what to do and where to explore!
- The tour price includes dorm share accommodation but if you would prefer your own space, you have the option to upgrade to a private room. You can select this upgrade when you start building your tour online. Please note: private room upgrades are not available for one night on this tour: the cultural experience at Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara
As our tours are made up of a combination of tours, the composition of your group may change throughout your tour.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
For departures from June 2025.
From Auckland to Christchurch (or, from Christchurch to Auckland – please see the reverse New Zealand itinerary), you’ll soon see that New Zealand is filled with many different landscapes and opportunities for adventure!
This small-group guided tour of the North and South Island will visit Auckland, Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupō, Wellington, Kaikōura, Wanaka, Queenstown, Lake Tekapo (an International Dark Sky Reserve), and Franz Josef, with the option to visit Hobbiton, The Tongariro Crossing and Milford Sound along the way.
The New Zealand's Amplified Tour comes with some very special inclusions: experiencing a Māori cultural night and traditional hāngī meal, learning haka and poi dance, and carving your very own pounamu (greenstone/jade) pendant in Franz Josef. Join this Haka Tour for an action packed two and a half weeks in New Zealand!
Keen to explore further? If you'd like to extend your time in New Zealand after the tour has finished, our team can book a few extra nights for you.
*New Zealand Amplified Tour Tips*
- All activities can be purchased on the road – just let your tour guide know and we can book them in for you.
- Our tour starts in the evening, so you can spend the day exploring Auckland at your leisure, you can check out our website for recommendations on what to do and where to explore!
- The tour price includes dorm share accommodation but if you would prefer your own space you have the option to upgrade to a private room for the duration of your tour. You can select this upgrade when you start building your tour online. Please note: private room upgrades are not available for the one-night shared cultural experience (Murupara).
- If you arrive in Auckland with a few days to spare either before or after your tour, we have a great three-day Bay of Islands Tour which showcases the Northland region of New Zealand.
As our tours are made up of a combination of tours, the composition of your group may change throughout your tour (Auckland and Christchurch are the hubs where the group may change).
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Between old forest landscapes, mountainscapes and glacial hikes, you’ll journey through New Zealand’s diverse natural beauty on this 24-day adventure. Explore sub-tropical islands and soak up the coastal beauty of Tutukaka – home to one of the world’s most gorgeous coastlines (as voted by National Geographic Traveller). Cruise through the scenic Poor Knights Islands, visit a hot water beach for a swim in Coromandel and ride a train across the Southern Alps. Learn about local cultural history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, spot wildlife in Wellington and live it up in the South Island’s ‘adventure capital of the world’ (Queenstown) during your free time.
Walking toursCity sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
