The Prices of Adventure Tours to New Zealand
Jump to: Best Tours | Tour Prices
If you're looking to add some thrill to your travels, look no further than adventure tours around New Zealand. Whether you're conquering mountains, tackling challenging treks, or diving into water sports, these tours make it easy to experience the best of the outdoors.
In this article, we'll take a close look at the costs of adventure tours through New Zealand, recommend the best tours, and highlight the destinations that promise to get your pulse racing. We've done all the hard work for you by comparing prices, quality, and activities, so you can find the best deal for the adventure of a lifetime. It's time to pack your bags and get ready for the journey of your dreams!
Why does New Zealand appeal to adventure travelers?
New Zealand offers endless adventures for thrill-seekers looking to experience exciting activities and dynamic destinations. Fiordland National Park, Queenstown, and Nelson are world-renowned for hiking, with gorgeous trails and stunning natural landscapes. Paihia, Nelson, and Napier are popular with beach lovers. You can't miss the nightlife of Auckland, Queenstown, and Napier, either. Budget travelers love Fiordland National Park, Queenstown, and Nelson because of the affordable activities and social vibe. Skiers and snowboarders love Queenstown, Taupo, and Arrowtown because of the thrilling runs and stunning views. With its variety of ecosystems and outdoor activities, New Zealand is a playground for adventure travelers.
How much do Adventure Tours in New Zealand cost?
The average price per day for adventure tours in New Zealand is $326, based on our analysis of 175 tours. While the overall prices can vary greatly, when we look at the daily price of these tours, the costs range from $118 to $741 per day.
Budget-friendly tours average around $174 per day, while higher-end luxury tours average about $479 per day.
Budget tours will usually provide less luxurious accommodation, have larger group sizes, and visit less expensive destinations. They will also sometimes have you pay for more activities on your own instead of including everything up front.
Mid-range tours often provide a step up in accommodation and transportation, and include more guided activities.
Luxury tours usually provide the highest levels of service, luxury hotels, more gormet food choices, comfortable transportation, and offer more all-inclusive payment options.
We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.
The Best Tours in New Zealand
Budget-Friendly Tours
Budget-friendly and affordable adventure tours in New Zealand average $174 per day, with daily prices from $118 to $220. Budget tours usually include hotels, meals, and activities that are not quite as nice as other tours. Often, they might only include transportation, lodging, and some activities, leaving you on your own to pay for meals and other attractions during the tour. This can be a very convenient and economical way to visit France without spending too much money, as it gives you control over the amount you spend on meals and extra services. If you're looking for a really great option, check out New Zealand Adventurer here.
Mid-Range Tours
For typical adventure tours in New Zealand that fall in the middle range of prices, the average cost is $324 per day. Daily prices range from $221 to $395. Taking this step up in price from the cheaper tours to mid-range will often get you plenty of extra amenities and service for a great price. These tours usually include very comfortable hotels, meals at delicious local restaurants, comfortable transportation, knowledgable guides, and entry to many of the top attractions. One of the best tours is New Zealand Grand - 14 Day Self Drive Tour.
Luxury Tours
Luxury adventure tours in New Zealand average around $324 per day, with daily costs ranging from $398 to $741. At this price, you'll be very well taken care of and pampered on your journey through the scenic destinations. Knowledgable guides, the best accommodation options, the finest restaurants, comfortable transportation, and quick entry into attractions are all part of the itinerary. Every luxury and detail has been planned and thought about so that you don't have to deal with any hassle, you simple show up and enjoy your vacation. One of the best luxury tours here is Scenic Splendour 2025-2026|2026-2027.
Which tour companies offer adventure tours?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer adventure tours in New Zealand. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.
AAT Kings
AAT Kings is a smaller tour company that focuses on Australia and New Zealand. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. The tours offered by AAT Kings are usually luxurious, high-end, and provide a top-tier level of service. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as wine tasting, snorkelling, diving, dolphin watching, and island hopping.
Thrifty Tours
Focusing on New Zealand, Thrifty Tours is a smaller tour company which provides a personalized level of service to customers. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category.
See All Tours from Thrifty Tours
Globus
Globus is a large multi-national travel company which offers tours to destinations around the world. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Great Britain, Italy, and Canada. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. Travelers usually enjoy the tour activities such as wine tasting, island hopping, snorkelling, and whale watching.
Adventure South
Adventure South offers local bicycle tours through New Zealand. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 5 days to 8 days. Despite being priced a bit higher, the small group sizes create a more personal and unique experience for travelers. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. Their main focus is bike tours, and they offer a wide range of adventures to bike enthusiasts.
See All Tours from Adventure South
Adventure Destinations in New Zealand
Wondering where adventure tours visit in New Zealand? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city on New Zealand's South Island. It's a nice city with amazing hikes and biking trails. There are beautiful outdoor spaces, parks, and gardens. Many visitors enjoy the city's rich English heritage, and punting along the Avon River is a favorite activity.
Queenstown
Queenstown is located on the banks of Lake Wakatipu near the Southern Alps in New Zealand. It is a high adventure destination with many activities for thrill seekers. There are also vineyards in the area, bungee jumping, and world class hikes. Whether you want to enjoy skiing in the winter or boating in the summer, there is no shortage of activities here.
Auckland
Auckland is a waterfront city that is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in New Zealand. It's spread out between the Manukau Harbour and the Waitemata Harbour, and there's a compact city centre with a number of landmarks and attractions. For many visitors, it's the point of arrival or departure to the country.
Rotorua
Rotorua is a town on New Zealand's North Island that is surrounded by geothermal activity and is filled with Maori culture. There are geysers, hot springs, and cultural villages in the area that make this a highlight for any traveler. Many visitors also enjoy a visit to the charming and whimsical Hobbiton, from the Lord of the Rings movies.
More
Other popular destinations for adventure tours through New Zealand include Franz Josef, Wanaka, Hokitika, Greymouth, and Coromandel.
Adventure Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
Choosing whether to join a guided tour or organize your own adventure? Be sure to think about the unique benefits of each option.
Organized Tours
Pros- Experts ensure safety and guide the activities.
- Equipment and gear are provided.
- Access to remote or restricted areas.
- Travel with a group of like-minded adventurers.
- No need to research or plan logistics.
- Guides share knowledge about the environment.
- Transportation is handled for you.
- Perfect for beginners needing guidance.
- Fixed schedules limit your freedom.
- Activities might not match your preferences.
- Strict itineraries may limit spontaneity.
- Physical demands may vary within the group.
- Less opportunity to explore independently.
Independent Travel
Pros- Total control over your itinerary.
- Choose activities that suit your skill level.
- Flexibility to change plans on the go.
- Travel at your own pace without a group.
- Explore lesser-known or unique spots.
- Customize your gear and adventure style.
- Requires time and effort to plan.
- Researching safety and risks can be tough.
- Navigating remote areas may be stressful.
- Finding quality gear can be expensive.
- Risk of missing important permits or rules.
- Emergencies are harder to manage solo.
- May miss out on local insights from guides.
- No backup support if something goes wrong.
Which is cheaper?
Are guided adventure tours more expensive than independent travel? It depends. Tours typically bundle accommodations, transportation, meals, tickets, guides, and activities into one price, while independent travel requires paying for these elements separately. To understand the cost difference, compare the total price of a tour with the estimated cost of handling all arrangements yourself. Personal preferences, like staying in budget accommodations or dining at upscale restaurants, could tip the balance either way. Always check what's covered in the tour to make an informed comparison.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
More Tour Options
See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Historical Tours in New Zealand, The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, The Best 3-Day Tours in New Zealand, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, The Best 3-Week Tours in New Zealand, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in New Zealand, The Best Coach Bus Tours in New Zealand, The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in New Zealand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in New Zealand, The Best Cultural Tours in New Zealand, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in New Zealand, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in New Zealand, The Tours for Animal Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Photography Tours in New Zealand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, The Best Self Drive Tours in New Zealand, The Best Walking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand, The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand, or The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.
Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Auckland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Christchurch, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Wellington, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Queenstown, The Best 10-Day Tours from Christchurch, The Best 10-Day Tours from Auckland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Wellington, The Best 2-Week Tours from Auckland, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Christchurch for more package tour options.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.