NEW ZEALAND · NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL PARK TOURS
The 15 best new zealand national park tours you can book today, with what each costs per head, how long it runs and how much walking it expects of you. Number one is first for a reason; start there.
Review of RealNZ’s Doubtful Sound day trip from Manapouri, with Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, wildlife, costs, tips, and practical advice.
“Real NZ staff are amazing. dedicated to the cause they sell. shame as I was aNZMCA member I didn't get the discount”
Ride a jet boat from Te Anau through Fiordland, with river spins, Lord of the Rings locations, Lake Manapouri, and a guided forest walk.
“Alex was awesome. Such a good time and informative. We really enjoyed the trip and it was well worth it :)”
Review of the Dart River jet boat tour from Queenstown, with Mt Aspiring views, transport tips, costs, family details, and honest advice.
“Fantastic experience. It was raining and we were skeptical, but it turned out to be an awesome experience with waterfalls and swirling currents we otherwise wouldn't have experienced. The views were amazing. And Dan, our guide was masterful on the boat and extremely friendly. Highly recommend this to anyone.”
Review of RealNZ’s 7-hour Doubtful Sound cruise from Manapouri, with Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, wildlife, costs, and practical tips.
“It's a hidden gem, expensive yet worth taking this trip but as good as Milford Sound, where I have been many times but Doubtful Sound could also be an activity which can be explored during Queenstown trip.”
Review of the Waitakere Ranges and Piha Beach tour from Auckland, with rainforest walks, black sand, Māori culture, tea, tips, and value advice.
“It was delightful. The bus was early and we managed to get on our way on time. Our guide Warren and Tomo were really nice. They kept us well informed with facts about NZ culture. We had a lovely afternoon tea as well as part of the tour at Piha beach. Would have been nice if we went to the kite kite falls. Overall it was a very pleasant experience.”
Review of RealNZ’s 13-hour Doubtful Sound trip from Queenstown, with Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, wildlife, costs, tips, and practical advice.
“This whole day was exceptional. Driver/guide Danny was brilliant; knowledgeable, friendly and funny-the total package. Bus rides, boats rides and the cruise on the sound well coordinated, and unforgettable. Highlight for us was the cruise captain turning off the engines for a while so that we could FEEL the place. Absolute magic, and could have floated in this sense of pure joy for a very long time. There is something special happening in Doubtful Sound, and should be on every nature lover's list of things to experience. Highest recommendation possible.”
Review of the 9-hour Doubtful Sound cruise from Te Anau, with Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, wildlife, costs, tips, and honest drawbacks.
“Fantastic day viewing the wonders of Lake Manapouri and Doubtful Sound. All staff involved were well-informed, helpful and friendly.”
Review of Wanaka’s jet boat and wilderness walk, with Matukituki River thrills, Mount Aspiring scenery, practical tips, and value advice.
“A wonderful fun half day with our very knowledgable guide James. Fantastic scenery, great spins in the boat and a lovely sense of peace and tranquillity, when not spilling that is”
Review of RealNZ’s 12-hour Doubtful Sound cruise from Queenstown, with transport details, wildlife tips, costs, weather advice, and honest value notes.
“The physical geography of the Fiordland is picturesque, and this guided tour provides one of the few ways that you can see this part of New Zealand. The Manapouri Ferry and Doubtful Sound Catamaran have great viewing from the top deck, side decks or even from the inside when it was too rainy and windy for comfort outside. Video monitors inside show a real time map of the route, supplemented by the tour guide/naturalist on board who talks about the sites and regions, projecting over loudspeakers that are clear and easy to hear. On Doubtful Sound you travel all through the areas and up to the edge of the Tasmanian…”
Sail Abel Tasman’s golden coast, spot seals, enjoy Anchorage Bay, then walk the scenic Great Walk back to Marahau.
“A fantastic day on the water. A lot of time to take in the sights along the way.”
Cruise Paterson Inlet and walk Ulva Island with a nature guide, spotting rare birds, seals, penguins, native plants, and local history.
“Very enjoyable and information cruise and guided walk around Ulva Island.”
Cruise, walk, and sail through Abel Tasman National Park, with Pitt Head views, Te Pukatea Bay, fur seals, and a 6-hour coastal adventure.
“Great , knowledgeable commentary . Brilliant scenery. Sign posting on the walk was confusing and in some cases inaccurate.”
Sail Abel Tasman National Park from Kaiteriteri, spot seals and Split Apple Rock, enjoy lunch at Anchorage Beach, and swim or stroll ashore.
“Such an incredible way to see the Abel Tasman. Enjoyed the hour on the beach at anchorage for lunch with a little wander around. Great skipper and comfortable catamaran.”
Walk from Marahau to Anchorage through native forest, then sail past Abel Tasman beaches to Kaiteriteri for $88.
Fly over Aoraki/Mt Cook, Tasman and Murchison Glaciers, then land on the ice during this 40-minute scenic helicopter tour.
“A thrilling experience for us as it was our 1st time in a helicopter. The view from the chopper soaring alongside the mountains & views of Mt Cook, the landing on a glacier being able to get down & walk about taking pics, the Pilot's niceness, etc was simply fabulous.”
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