New Zealand Tours in December 2025
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10 best New Zealand trips in December 2025
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
- Southern Wonders (Base, 2025/2026, Best Buys, 9 Days)
- New Zealand Marvel (Base, 2025/2026, Best Buys, 14 Days)
- 14 Days Best of New Zealand, Auckland, Christchurch & Queenstown
- New Zealand Panorama (With Internal Air, 2025/2026, 7 Days)
- Best of New Zealand: Mountain Biking & Black-Sand Beaches
- New Zealand Vista (Base, 2025/2026, Best Buys, 14 Days)
- New Zealand Magic (Base, 2025/2026, Best Buys, 17 Days)
- New Zealand Explorer
- Auckland Explorer New Zealand City Stay
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound, 9 Days) (15 destinations)
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, Omarama Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings December departure dates
See All Departure Dates8 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 29 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left From $3,845
10% Off- US$3,461You save $384
Duration 14 days Destinations Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, Omarama, Oamaru, Picton, Wellington, RotoruaSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings December departure dates
See All Departure Dates8 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 29 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left From $5,785
10% Off- US$5,207You save $578
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Arthur's Pass National Park, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range 5 to 80 year olds Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
10% Off- US$3,783
Duration 7 days Destinations Queenstown, Auckland, Rotorua Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings December departure dates
5 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From $3,610
15% Off- US$3,069+$197 upfront costsYou save $541
Best of New Zealand: Mountain Biking & Black-Sand Beaches
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was an amazing trip, with a really cool group and a lot of adventures.”
Bastian, traveled in September
Duration 21 days Destinations Auckland, Raglan, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te AnauSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator G Adventures December departure dates
See All Departure Dates6 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 13 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $3,899
15% Off- US$3,314You save $584
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Omarama, Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings December departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Dec, 2025 9 spaces left 9 Dec, 2025 8 spaces left From $5,785
10% Off- US$5,207You save $578
Duration 17 days Destinations Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, Omarama, Picton, Wellington, Rotorua, AucklandSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings December departure dates
See All Departure Dates8 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 29 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left From $6,795
10% Off- US$6,116You save $679
New Zealand Explorer
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great tour and amazing guides!”
Madeleine, traveled in February
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Hahei, Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo, Raglan, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator Wild Kiwi December departure dates
See All Departure Dates6 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 13 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
10% Off- US$2,087+$313 upfront costs
Duration 6 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua Age Range 6 to 84 year olds Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
10% Off- US$1,261
New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound, 9 Days) (15 destinations)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great experience for this tour.. would rate this as 5stars.. made new friends along the way.”
Nigel, traveled in February
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Haast, Wanaka, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, ManapouriSee all destinations Age Range up to 35 year olds Operator Contiki December departure dates
See All Departure Dates13 Dec, 2025 8 spaces left 21 Dec, 2025 9 spaces left From $1,635
20% Off- US$1,308You save $327
What people love about New Zealand Tours in December
- New Zealand Explorer
This tour was one of the best experience of my life!! It was my first time travelling alone but you make friends since the first minute on the bus. New Zealand is beautiful wherever you go, specially the South Island. Well organized and the drivers (Ben and Hendrick) were very friendly and profesional. They like theirs job and you can feel it! I'm not giving 5 stars because I think that the price is very high for the type of accomodation & breakfast. Another thing that Wild Kiwi should improve is to get better prices for the activities because you pay the same amount that if you go by your own.
This tour was INCREDIBLE! Our mandatory fun activities were incredible and pushed me to do things I wouldn't otherwise (surfing). Our CEO, Rachel, made booking the extra activities super easy (Tubing with the glowworms was the best). Rachel was phenomenal and gave us fun facts as we drove into the different cities, showed us great places to eat, and was overall a wonderful person to tour North Island with.
New Zealand: Best of the North Island
An awesome way to see the best of the South Island, it was amazing how much we saw in 7 days! I was looking for a smaller group tour with other solo travellers and this was perfect, I got to meet other travellers and were like family at the end of the week. Robbie was an awesome guide and knew so many little secrets gems! Franz Josef and Milford Sound are definite highlights for me, especially with all the snow on the peaks.
Southern Voyager
What our customers ask about New Zealand Tours in December 2025
What special events and festivals can I experience in New Zealand during December?
December brings a vibrant mix of summer festivals and holiday celebrations to New Zealand. Major cities like Auckland and Christchurch host open-air Christmas in the Park concerts that draw thousands of locals and visitors. Food enthusiasts can head to Queenstown for the Central Otago Wine & Food Festival. The geothermal city of Rotorua offers holiday-themed Maori performances and traditional hangi feasts at Te Puia. For movie buffs the Hobbiton Movie Set transforms into a festive wonderland with evening tours that show off the decorated Shire.
What are the accommodation options and rates like in December?
December marks the high season in New Zealand with rooms filling up quickly. High-end properties like the Cordis in Auckland and QT Queenstown command $200-500 USD per night. Nature lovers can book stays at places like the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier which puts guests close to natural wonders. Budget-conscious travelers will find hostels and motels available at lower rates though these also require advance booking. Most properties increase their rates during this peak period making early reservations essential.
What kind of weather can I expect in New Zealand's South Island during December?
The South Island enjoys warm summer days in December with temperatures typically reaching 20-25°C (68-77°F). The Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook regions offer clear skies ideal for outdoor activities while coastal areas like Kaikoura maintain comfortable temperatures. Visitors should note that mountain weather can change quickly. The Wild Kiwi tour reports "20 April - 3 May best weather!! First week we had 18 people and the next week 7." Packing layers remains essential especially around glacial areas.
How do transportation costs and availability differ in December?
Peak season pricing affects all transport options in December. Domestic flights connecting Auckland to Queenstown typically cost between $150-300 USD. The scenic TranzAlpine train running from Christchurch to Greymouth costs $160-200 USD per passenger. The Interislander Ferry between the North and South Islands sees high demand. Transport operators recommend booking at least 3-4 months ahead particularly for popular routes during this busy period.
What are the best Christmas-themed experiences in New Zealand?
New Zealand's Christmas celebrations blend traditional holiday customs with local culture. Auckland's Franklin Road becomes a light-filled wonderland while Wellington's Te Papa museum curates special holiday exhibits. In Rotorua Te Puia combines Christmas festivities with Maori cultural experiences. The Walter Peak High Country Farm near Queenstown offers holiday dining with views across Lake Wakatipu creating memorable Christmas experiences for visitors.
What wildlife experiences are available in New Zealand during December?
December's warm weather creates prime conditions for wildlife viewing. Kaikoura's waters attract sperm whales dolphins and seals making it a top spot for marine life encounters. Abel Tasman National Park offers opportunities to spot native birds including the melodious Tui and the ancient Tuatara. Guided tours provide access to these natural habitats while boat excursions along the Kaikoura Coast bring visitors close to thriving seal colonies.