New Year group tour of New Zealand, 17 December 2025 - 2 January 2026
- JustGoThere
- Jul 10
- 14 min read
Updated: Jul 13
This south-to-north tour in a small group of up to 16 people will allow you to see all the most interesting sights in New Zealand and celebrate the New Year 2026 in Auckland - the City of Sails. You will celebrate Christmas in the capital of Aotearoa - Wellington. The trip is planned for 15 days with a guide, and January 1st and 2nd are free days in Auckland. Thus, if you wish, you can leave New Zealand as early as January 1st, reducing your tour expenses. We await you on the other side of the Earth!
Tour's cost
Included services
Excluded services
Booking & Cancellation T&Cs
Important to read - New Zealand Memo
17 days/16 nights
Route: Queenstown – Milford Sound - Mount Cook – Tekapo – Christchurch – Kaikoura – Picton – Wellington – Tongariro National Park – Taupo – Wai-O-Tapu –Rotorua – Hobbiton – Waitomo - Auckland
Day 1
December 17
Location: Queenstown
Program:
Group gathering in Queenstown. You can fly here from Australia or Auckland. Passing passport control and biometric control.
Please read the information here carefully.
Transfer to the hotel by taxi (payment on site) and check-in. Check-in is possible from 15:00. Rest.
Free time in the adventure capital.
Day 2
December 18
Location: Queenstown
Program:
Today, an adventure awaits you in a lost world amidst pristine nature. Kayaking on the Dart River with an upstream transfer by motorboat. No kayaking skills are required. The river will do most of the work for you. In the evening, you will take a ride on an old-fashioned steamship to Walter Peak Farm, where a delicious buffet dinner and a sheep shearing show await you.
Itinerary:
08:15 – 09:15 Transfer to Glenorchy, where famous scenes for the "Return of the King" from the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy were filmed.
09:15 - 15:30 Dart River Safari on inflatable kayaks. You will raft on crystal clear green waters.
The excursion includes a ride on a speed boat. A light lunch is included in the tour price. You will be provided with wetsuits.
Expected return time to Glenorchy is around 15:30. Actual completion time may depend on river conditions and group paddling speed.
15:30 – 16:30 Return to Queenstown.
16:30 – 18:30 Shower and change at the hotel.
18:30 – 19:00 Tour registration, boarding.
19:00 – 23:00 Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw steamboat. Buffet dinner at Walter Peak farm. Sheep shearing show.
You will see how quickly and skillfully New Zealand shearers shear a sheep, and specially trained Border Collies herd the flock.
Day 3
December 19
Location: Queenstown – Milford Sound – Queenstown
Program:
According to many visitors to New Zealand, Milford Sound fjord is one of the most beautiful places in the country. That's exactly where you'll go today. The journey to Milford from Queenstown is not short – 5 hours one way, so we recommend flying back on a scenic flight – just 30 minutes. The plane excursion is optional – 575 NZD per person, but it will give you a lot of positive emotions and significantly save travel time. When booking, please specify if you wish to take it.
Itinerary:
07:00 – 12:30 Transfer to Milford Sound by bus. We visit all the beautiful places and guarantee our visit to Milford even in bad weather.
12:30 – 13:00 Check-in for the cruise and subsequent flight to Queenstown. You will be weighed. You can take a small backpack with you.
13:00 – 15:00 Cruise on Milford Sound, including a cold lunch.
15:00 – 16:00 Transfer to Milford Airport, flight check-in.
16:00 – 16:35 Flight to Queenstown by small plane (or helicopter). This is an amazing flight over the magnificent Fiordland.
You will even see New Zealand's highest waterfall – Sutherland Falls, which cascades from Quill Lake.
In case of bad weather, the entire group will travel to Queenstown by bus, and the flight cost will be reimbursed 100%.
Day 4
December 20
Location: Queenstown – Arrowtown – Clay Cliffs – Twizel
Program:
Today we pack our bags and move to a new location - the town of Twizel, the gateway to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. On the way, we'll visit the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown - a very atmospheric place, and see a disappearing masterpiece of nature - the Clay Cliffs.
Itinerary:
Breakfast at the hotel
09:00 – 09:15 Luggage loading into the minivan.
09:15 – 09:45 Trip to the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown.
09:45 – 11:00 Free time in Arrowtown: we recommend visiting the local museum, trying chocolate at the local chocolatier, buying local gold jewelry, and enjoying Arrowtown cafes.
11:00 – 11:30 Trip to Gibbston Valley winery and cheese factory. This is the oldest winery in the Otago region.
11:30 – 12:00 Cave tour where wine ferments, with tasting.
12:00 – 13:30 Lunch at Gibbston Valley winery restaurant.
13:30 – 16:00 Transfer to the Clay Cliffs.
16:00 – 16:40 Walk among disappearing natural masterpieces.
16:40 – 18:00 Trip to Twizel. Hotel check-in.
18:00 – 19:30 Dinner at Top Hut Bar & Bistro (at your own expense).
Day 5
December 21
Location: Twizel - Mount Cook - Tekapo Lake
Program:
Mount Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand, at 3724 meters. Its snow-capped head proudly rises above the local landscape, reflected in the turquoise Lake Pukaki. The view is truly magnificent! Today, a simple but very beautiful trek through the Hooker Valley awaits you, and everyone who wishes can survey this majestic landscape from a helicopter.
Itinerary:
09:00 – 10:00 Transfer to Hooker Valley with stops near stunning Lake Pukaki.
10:00 – 13:30 Hike in Hooker Valley, a route with 3 suspension bridges. Lunch on the trail with packed food.
Optional helicopter excursion:
Mountain Heights (40 min) with one landing on snow in the mountains with views of Mount Cook – 655 NZD per person.
This is a very beautiful excursion that 100% of tourists who take it enjoy.
13:30 – 15:00 Transfer to turquoise Lake Tekapo, which is located in a UNESCO-protected dark sky reserve.
Hotel check-in. Rest. You can independently walk to the Church of the Good Shepherd and the sheepdog monument.
Dinner at a local restaurant (payment on site).
Day 6
December 22
Location: Tekapo Lake - Christchurch
Program:
Lake Tekapo is one of New Zealand's most beautiful turquoise lakes. On its shores stand the Church of the Good Shepherd and a monument to a sheepdog. In December, colorful lupins grow along the lake's banks, interspersed with bright orange California poppies. It's incredibly beautiful! You will have a whole free morning to enjoy the unique beauty of this place. In the evening, you will arrive in Christchurch and have dinner at a most unusual restaurant, located in a historic tram, which will take you through the city center while you enjoy New Zealand cuisine and wine.
Itinerary:
Until 12:00 All interested parties will go on the Mt John trek with stunning views of Lake Tekapo (average fitness level).
Others can check out of the hotel at 10 AM and spend time at the lake, where you can rent a kayak or paddle board.
12:00 – 17:00 Transfer to Christchurch with lunch along the way (payment on site)
17:00 – 19:00 Hotel check-in.
19:00 – 19:30 Walk to Cathedral Junction, tour registration and tram boarding.
19:30 – 21:00 Dinner in a tram restaurant that rides through the city center. Tables for two.
A welcome glass of champagne is included, other alcohol is paid additionally on site.
Day 7
December 23
Location: Christchurch - Kaikoura
Program:
08:00 – 12:00 Transfer to Kaikoura. On the way, we will visit this beautiful place, which is called Cathedral Gully:
Tours of your choice (please inform us when booking what you are interested in)
Whale watching from a boat. Usually, you can only see the whale's back, at best its tail (175 NZD per person)
Whale watching from a plane for 30 minutes (250 NZD per person)
Whale watching from a helicopter for 45 minutes with one landing on the shore (825 NZD per person). Opportunity to see the entire whale from head to tail.
Swimming with dolphins in the open sea. You must be a confident swimmer. You will be provided with wetsuits, masks, fins, snorkels (245 NZD per person).
All excursions are highly dependent on weather and may be cancelled by tour operators. In this case, 100% of the excursion cost is reimbursed.
Late lunch. Hotel check-in.
Day 8
December 24
Program:
If you love wine, then New Zealand is definitely associated for you with the name Marlborough. This is the most famous wine region of our country. It is located in the very north of the South Island, next to the Marlborough Sounds fiords. This is exactly where you will go today, after visiting a unique farm in the morning that cultivates blue pearls.
Itinerary:
07:30 – 07:45 Luggage loading into the van. Hotel check-out.
07:45 – 10:15 Transfer to Picton, Beachcomber Cruises – 1 London Quay. On the way, we will stop at a seal colony.
10:15 – 10:30 Tour registration
10:30 – 14:30 Excursion to Paua Pearls farm: you will learn how the unique New Zealand blue pearls, grown in paua shells (a New Zealand endemic), are cultivated and harvested.
The farm is located in the fiords. We will travel there and back by boat. The journey takes 1 hour one way.
On the way, there is a high probability of encountering dolphins. At the farm, we will be greeted by its owners. After the tour, we will have a seafood lunch.
14:30 – 15:00 Transfer to Cloudy Bay winery
15:00 – 16:45 Local wine tasting, photoshoot with the vineyard and swings.
Overnight in Blenheim.
Day 9
December 25
Location: Blenheim - Picton – Cook Strait - Wellington
Program:
09:30 – 13:00 Ferry to the North Island (3.5 hours).
City sightseeing tour: external viewing of the Parliament buildings and the White House (the largest wooden building, listed in the Guinness Book of Records), walk along Lambton Quay with the opportunity to visit local souvenir shops, visit the observation deck on Mount Victoria.
Today is Christmas and almost no one is working. Free evening in the capital.
Day 10
December 26
Location: Wellington - Tongariro National Park
Program:
Representatives of the film industry call the New Zealand capital "Wellywood," and that's because the well-known Weta Cave film studio is located here. This is where The Lord of the Rings, Avatar, King Kong, and other blockbusters were animated. Today, you will visit this dreamland along with Aotearoa's best museum, Te Papa Tongarewa. In the evening, you will head to the volcanoes in Tongariro National Park.
Itinerary:
09:30 – 10:00 Luggage loading into the van. Transfer to the museum.
10:00 – 11:30 Excursion to the country's main museum - Te Papa Tongarewa.
The most interesting exhibits are dedicated to the nature and history of New Zealand, as well as the Battle of Gallipoli during World War I.
This hall features wax figures of real historical figures, twice human size, whose diaries and letters formed the basis of the exhibition.
11:30 – 12:00 Transfer to Weta Cave film studio. Tour registration.
12:00 – 13:30 Excursion to Weta Cave film studio, where The Lord of the Rings, Avatar, King Kong, and other blockbusters were animated.
13:30 – 13:45 Transfer to the restaurant.
13:45 - 15:00 Lunch (payment on site).
15:00 – 19:00 Transfer to Ohakune.
Hotel check-in. Dinner at your leisure.
Day 11
December 27
Location: Tongariro National Park
Program:
Tongariro National Park is famous for its three volcanoes – Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu. The latter, by the way, is a supervolcano, meaning that in the event of an eruption, it could destroy the entire planet. Many tracks have been laid in these areas, and today we will dedicate the day to walks according to your fitness level. Another option for spending time is rafting on the Tongariro River (optional activity, 199 NZD pp).
Trekking in the national park. Your choice:
Tongariro Crossing (6-9 hours)
Old Coach Road (3 hours)
Taranaki Falls (1.5-2 hours)
Part of the Round the Mountains track from Whakapapa via Taranaki Falls to Tama Lake and back (5 hours).
Day 12
December 28
Location: Tongariro National Park - Taupo
Program:
Today you move to the largest lake in all of Australasia - Taupō. Its area is comparable to Singapore, and its beauty can only be matched by its size. Please note that you will need towels and a change of dry clothes after riding motorboats near Huka Falls, New Zealand's most voluminous waterfalls. In the evening, relaxation awaits you in the healing blue waters of New Zealand's Pumukale.
Itinerary:
Today we will need towels and dry change clothes for after riding motorboats near Huka Falls.
09:30 – 11:30 Transfer to Taupo.
11:30 – 12:30 Walk along the easy and scenic track along the Waikato River to Huka Falls.
12:30 – 13:00 Overview of New Zealand's most powerful waterfalls from various viewing platforms.
13:00 – 13:30 Transfer to Hukafalls Jet base. Tour registration.
13:30 – 14:00 Speedboat ride along the Waikato River, flying close to New Zealand's most powerful Huka Falls.
Hold on tight – the boat reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h and can fly close to obstacles.
14:00 – 15:30 Lunch with king prawns at the shrimp farm restaurant (payment on site).
15:30 – 16:30 Visit to the honey center, where you can taste Manuka honey and buy New Zealand souvenirs.
16:30 – 18:30 Hotel check-in and rest.
18:30 – 19:00 Transfer to Wairakei Terraces complex.
19:00 – 20:30 Walk through the local geothermal area, observing a powerful continuously active geyser, and then relaxing in the blue healing waters of local terraced pools.
Sunset is at 20:21, so no need to arrive earlier – it will be too hot.
20:30 – 21:00 Return to Taupo.
21:00 – 22:00 Dinner (payment on site).
Day 13
December 29
Location: Taupo - Wai-O-Tapu - Rotorua
Program:
You are entering a geothermal area, full of thermal lakes, geysers, and mud pools. The first stop on your journey is Wai-O-Tapu (Sacred Waters) geothermal park. After this, you will see the cutest representative of New Zealand's fauna - the kiwi bird. You will stroll through a beautiful park with blue springs and giant redwoods and end the day as guests of New Zealand's indigenous people - the Maori. Please keep in mind that there will be no lunch today, but there will be a hearty and varied buffet dinner.
Itinerary:
We will not have lunch today due to the hearty buffet dinner. Please bring a snack with you.
08:00 – 09:00 Transfer to Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park.
09:00 – 10:30 Walk through one of the most surreal places on the planet with Champagne Pool and Devil's Bath.
10:30 – 11:15 Transfer to National Kiwi Hatchery.
11:15 – 11:30 Tour registration.
11:30 – 12:30 Visit to the reserve where kiwi birds are bred. You will see not only an adult bird but also a chick.
Unfortunately, live birds cannot be photographed.
12:30 - 13:00 Transfer to Hamurana Springs.
13:00 – 14:00 Walk through sacred Maori land with beautiful blue springs (no swimming) and giant redwoods.
14:00 – 15:45 Transfer to Te Puia through the city center. Visit souvenir shops.
15:45 – 16:00 Tour registration.
16:00 – 20:00 Excursion to the Maori complex Te Puia, where you will be introduced to Maori culture, shown the highest geyser in Australasia, a song and dance show, and served a delicious buffet dinner.
Day 14
December 30
Program:
Today will be overflowing with emotions and impressions. You will visit the magical Hobbiton, where Shire scenes for "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies were filmed, and also see an incredible starry sky underground – New Zealand's unique glowworms inhabiting the Waitomo Caves. In the evening, you will arrive in Aotearoa's largest city – Auckland.
Itinerary:
08:45 – 09:45 Transfer to Hobbiton.
09:45 – 10:10 Tour registration.
10:10 – 13:30 Hobbiton tour, including lunch on Hobbiton grounds (included in price). Immerse yourself in the world of the world-known fairy tale.
13:30 – 15:00 Transfer to Waitomo. Tour registration.
15:00 – 16:30 Visit to the glowworm cave with a boat ride through the underground grotto.
You will see an amazing "starry sky" underground.
16:30 – 19:00 Transfer to Auckland city center.
Hotel check-in.
Day 15
December 31
Location: Auckland
Program:
The City of Sails, Auckland, is located in a subtropical climate zone, making it an ideal place for beach relaxation after 15 days of intensive travel around New Zealand. Furthermore, it is the only city in our country where the New Year is truly celebrated with fireworks, and it arrives here earlier than anywhere else on the planet. All of this means that Auckland is the best place to be on December 31st!
Itinerary:
09:00 – 17:00 City sightseeing tour: Mount Eden, Albert Park and Auckland University, Domain Park, yacht marina and Harbour Bridge.
In the afternoon, we will go to the black sand beach with a gannet colony at Muriwai.
On the way, we will have lunch at Soljans Estate winery and taste local wine (payment on site).
In the evening, New Year's Eve celebration, which is widely celebrated only in Auckland in New Zealand. Please book your own restaurant.
Day 16
January 1
Location: Auckland
Program:
Free day in the City of Sails. You can leave New Zealand today.
Standard hotel check-out time is 10:00.
Day 17
January 2
Location: Auckland
Program:
Self-arranged departure from New Zealand.
New Year Group Tour of New Zealand in December 2025
Tour's cost:
4,980 EUR per person in double/twin occupancy
6,610 EUR per person in single occupancy
Included services:
Date | Number of days/nights | Place | Item | Meal |
Accommodation: | ||||
17-20 Dec | 3 | Queenstown | Ramada Queenstown (4.5*). All rooms are with laundry facilities and kitchennet. | Breakfast |
20-21 Dec | 1 | Twizel | The Lakes Motel (4*) | No |
21-22 Dec | 1 | Tekapo | Peppers Bluewater Resort (4,5*) | Breakfast |
22-23 Dec | 1 | Christchurch | Carnmore Hotel (4*) | Breakfast |
23-24 Dec | 1 | Kaikoura | Sudima Kaikoura (4.5*) | Breakfast |
24-25 Dec | 1 | Blenheim (Marlborough) | Scenic Hotel Marlborough (4.5*) | Breakfast |
25-26 Dec | 1 | Wellington | Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street (4*). All rooms are with laundry facilities and kitchennet. | No |
26-28 Dec | 2 | Ohakune (Tongariro National Park) | Rocky Mountain Chalets Ohakune (4*). All rooms are with a kitchen. | No |
28-29 Dec | 1 | Taupo | Beechtree Motel (4*) | No |
29-30 Dec | 1 | Rotorua | Millennium Hotel Rotorua (4*) | Breakfast |
30 Dec - 2 Jan | 3 | Auckland | Mercure Auckland Queen Street (4*) | Breakfast |
Transport and guide | ||||
17-31 Dec | 15 |
| Services of Russian guide-driver incl accommodation and meal |
|
17-31 Dec | 15 |
|
| |
25-Dec |
|
| Ferry Picton - Wellington |
|
Activities: | ||||
18-Dec | 8:30 | Queenstown | Dart River Funyaks |
|
18-Dec | 19:00 | Queenstown | Walter Peak High Country Farm experience + dining + return steam ship | Dinner |
19-Dec | 13:00 | Queenstown | Milford Sound: cruise incl cold lunch | Lunch |
19-Dec | 16:00 | Queenstown | Scenic flight Milford - Queenstown by plane | OPTIONAL - 550 NZD pp |
20-Dec | 11:30 | Queenstown | Private Cave tour and wine tasting at Gibbston Valley |
|
20-Dec | 12:00 | Queenstown | Lunch at Gibbston Valley | Lunch |
21-Dec | 10:00 | Mt Cook | Mountain’s Heigh heli-tour | OPTIONAL - 655 NZD pp |
22-Dec | 19:30 | Christchurch | 4-set dinner at a unique Tramway-restaurant | Dinner |
23-Dec |
| Kaikoura | Whale Watch Kaikoura from a boat | OPTIONAL - 175 NZD pp |
23-Dec |
| Kaikoura | Whale Watch by plane | OPTIONAL - 250 NZD pp |
23-Dec |
| Kaikoura | Whale Watch by helicopter | OPTIONAL - 825 NZD pp |
23-Dec |
| Kaikoura | Swimming with dolphins | OPTIONAL - 245 NZD pp |
24-Dec | 10:30 | Picton | Paua Perl farm Tour | Lunch |
24-Dec | 15:00 | Blenheim (Marlborough) | Cloudy Bay wine tasting |
|
26-Dec |
| Wellington | Te Papa Tgongarewa Museum |
|
26-Dec | 12:00 | Wellington | Weta Cave tour |
|
27-Dec |
| Tongariro NP | Tongariro Rafting | OPTIONAL - 199 NZD pp |
28-Dec | 13:30 | Taupo | Huka Jet ride |
|
28-Dec | 19:00 | Taupo | Wairakei Terraces: walk + pool |
|
29-Dec | 9:00 | Rotorua | Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park |
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29-Dec | 12:00 | Rotorua | National Kiwi Hatchery |
|
29-Dec | 13:30 | Rotorua | Hamurana Springs |
|
29-Dec | 16:00 | Rotorua | Te Puia Maori Village incl guided tour, Pohutu geyser, Maori show and buffet dinner | Dinner |
30-Dec | 10:10 | Hobbiton | Hobbiton Movie Set tour incl lunch | Lunch |
30-Dec | 15:00 | Waitomo | Spellbound Waitomo |
|
Excluded services:
Domestic flight Auckland - Queenstown (if you need it)
Travel insurance
Meals that are not listed as included
Souvenirs
Booking and Cancellation Terms and Conditions:
1. The main currency for settlements is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
2. Payment is made by the Customer in NZD/USD/EUR to the Contractor's account in a New Zealand bank.
3. However, the invoice is issued at the exchange rate on the day of invoicing and must be paid by the Customer within 3 banking days.
4. To book a tour the Customer must pay 25% of the total tour cost to the Contractor's bank account.
5. The remaining amount must be paid no later than 30 days before the start of the tour.
6. All changes to this Agreement must be made in writing as appendices to the Agreement, signed by the Customer and the Contractor.
7. In case of tour cancellation initiated by the Customer after obtaining a New Zealand visa, the following penalties apply:
7.1. 31 or more days before the start of the tour: a penalty of 500 EUR per person.
7.2. 30-15 days before the start of the tour: 50% of the tour cost is withheld.
7.3. 14 or fewer days before the start of the tour: 100% of the tour cost is withheld.
8. Paid but unused services by tourists are not refunded.
9. In case of tour cancellation initiated by the Contractor, the Contractor returns 100% of the paid services to the Customer.
10. In case of excursion cancellation during the tour due to weather conditions, the service provider's rules apply. Usually, in such cases, 100% of the excursion cost is refunded.
11. Dispute resolution shall be carried out in New Zealand in accordance with the requirements of the Government Dispute Resolution Centre of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
New Year group tour of New Zealand in December 2025.
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