New Zealand is such an amazing country to visit. It's safe, friendly, and full of nature and you'll never be short of things to do. If you're planning a trip to New Zealand, here are 5 recommended New Zealand tours that you definitely should not miss.

 

New Zealand Tours

Hobbiton Movie Set Guided Tour

It’s no wonder that director Peter Jackson chose the stunning landscapes of New Zealand to recreate The Shire setting for The Lord of The Rings film trilogy. Stepping onto the movie set and seeing where the famous scenes were filmed has become one of the most popular attractions for visitors to experience during their trip.

The only way to explore the 12-acre set is by guided tour so this is a great option for all you movie enthusiasts. You’ll even get to experience some Middle-Earth hospitality when you receive a drink in The Green Dragon Inn. What’s more this 2-hour tour is available with either an English or Mandarin speaking guide.

New Zealand Tours

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a truly magical place on the South Island, which is best explored by joining a cruise of the fjord. This trip picks you up from Queenstown and then whisks you to the cruise point on a glass-roofed coach, so that you can start appreciating the scenic views straight away.

On the 1.45 hour cruise, you’ll be able to snap impressive photos of mountains, waterfalls and probably a fair few seals basking on the rocks. An audio guide is included in order to share interesting facts about the animals and area of natural beauty. An added bonus is the hot buffet lunch, which will be freshly prepared for you by onboard chefs. Overall, this is one day trip not to be missed!

New Zealand tours

Photo @ David Schmitz

Waitomo Glowworm Caves 

There are not many people who can say that they’ve experienced seeing a cave illuminated by glowworms, but if you take this tour you can become one of the lucky few. Waitomo Glowworm caves are a world-famous cave system, which spans two levels.

A knowledgeable guide will walk you through the upper chambers whilst explaining the history of this natural wonder, which is over 30 million years old. Once you reach the lower level, you’ll take an unforgettable small boat trip to float peacefully through the cave, which is lit by millions of glowworms on the rocky ceiling above.

New Zealand Tours

 

Skyline Queenstown Gondola and Luge Rides

New Zealand is best known for its adventure activities, but not everyone may feel like throwing themselves out of a plane or bungee jumping off a huge cliff. However, if you still want to take in some spectacular views and also get an adrenaline fix, then this might just be the tour for all our adventurous Girls About the Globe.

This tour includes a scenic journey on Queenstown’s Skyline Gondola, followed by a fast-paced downhill experience at the Skyline luge at Bob’s Peak. You can choose between taking the gentler scenic track or the more thrilling advanced track. And if all that fun helps you to work up an appetite you can also add a meal option to refuel before you take the return chairlift down the mountain.

Check prices and dates: Skyline Queenstown Gondola and Luge Rides

 New Zealand Tours

Waiheke Island 

Perhaps after partaking in the adventurous side of New Zealand you will be ready for something more relaxed, so why not treat yourself to a food and wine experience to view picturesque landscapes whilst sampling the local wine and food. This 5.5 hour coach tour takes you across the water from Auckland to Waiheke Island to explore 3 of the island’s best vineyards.

At the second stop at Stonyridge Vineyard you'll enjoy a tour and tastings, as well as a light lunch where you’ll have a stunning view of the harbour. Further stops on the tour will allow you to taste homegrown olive oils, as well as a global award-winning gin. A complimentary all-day bus pass will also mean that you can continue to enjoy the beauty of Waiheke Island after the tour.

Have you been to New Zealand? What are your highlights of New Zealand?