New Zealand Historic sightseeing Tours & Trip Packages

New Zealand Historic sightseeing Tours & Trips

273 New Zealand trips. Tours from 115 tour companies. 444 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

33 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Historic sightseeing
Australia and New Zealand
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3.8/5 Great
18 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Alice Springs, Auckland, Cairns, Christchurch, Dunedin, Great Barrier Reef, Queenstown, Sydney, Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Highlights

  • Visit charming Dunedin to see historic Larnach Castle.
  • Opportunity to cruise the Great Barrier Reef in tropical Cairns, enjoy a scenic train
  • Explore Auckland
  • Visit the magical Ruakuri Cave for a subterranean tour.
  • Discover Queenstown
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I went on a Grand Tour of Italy with my husband and we had the trip of our lives. Senior Discovery Tours took care of everything so we just got to enjoy ourselves. Would highly reccomend!"

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New Zealand - Aotearoa - The Natural Elements
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Enjoy breathtaking alpine scenery and pass through the remarkable 1,200 metre Homer Tunnel before emerging to unforgettable views of Milford Sound’s Mitre Peak
  • The deepest of the sounds, Doubtful was named by Captain Cook in 1770 and is often described as Fiordland’s most spectacular waterway
  • The expedition crew on an exploratory cruise through rarely visited Dusky Sound, among an array of islands, marine and bird life
  • Discover the natural delights and scenic beauty of Stewart Island, a large island that is almost totally wilderness and home to a vast number of seals, birds and other wildlife
  • Dunedin offers a great diversity of experiences from abundant wildlife to the historic Edwardian and Victorian architecture, the Otakou Maori Marae, the famous Speights Brewery, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Settlers Museum and New Zealand’s oldest botanical gardens.

Themes

Family Friendly, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

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Australia & New Zealand
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5/5 Excellent
35 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Auckland, Brisbane, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Queenstown, Sydney

Highlights

  • Explore Sydney
  • Visit a local winery, sampling vintages and learning about the wine-making process in New Zealand
  • Visit Rotorua Museum
  • Explore Queensland you'll discover the spectacular Twin Rivers on a thrilling hour-long optional jet-boat ride.
  • Experience an amazing Milford Sound cruise

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Overland Journeys

What travelers are saying

"I've traveled with this company 4 times and find the value and service outstanding. If you are on a slim budget try the " last minute" opportunities. We got an incredible deal on a river cruise two months out."

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New Zealand: Untamed Landscapes
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Abel Tasman National Park, Auckland, Nelson, Queenstown, Tongariro National Park

Highlights

  • Stunning volcanic landscapes
  • The intriguing Maori culture
  • The South Island’s beautiful bays & beaches
  • The spectacular Milford Sound
  • Sharing a home-cooked meal with a Kiwi family

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I made a reservation last Thursday (11/16/2023) for a trip to Iceland from 12/02/2023-12/07/2023 and then I was told that I can’t have my refund back. When I called on last Thursday (11/16/2023) to place my reservation, the agent (Kathy) I talked to stressed about she "cannot" guarantee that I will be able to go on the trip. Before I provided the payment information, I specifically asked if I will be able to get the refund because the trip is coming up so soon. The agent ensured that I will be able to get a full refund back within 60 days if I decided to cancel the trip. I was also told that I am basically on a wait list and someone will contact me once I can go on the trip. No one contacted me about whether the agency was able to process my information at all, so I've been left in the dark about this trip since the beginning. I called the help line this morning (11/20/2023) around 9:00 Eastern Standard Time to cancel my reservation. I was informed by the agent that I will not be able to get my full refund back since it's too close to the trip date. Basically I was told that Kathy gave me the wrong information, so I will have to pay the cancellation fee. The only reason I provided my payment information is because Kathy specifically stated that I will be able to cancel the trip and receive a full refund. I've never been so frustrated with a traveling agency. I made sure to ask this agent regarding the refund policy twice before giving her my payment information, and she still couldn't provide me with the correct information. It's unbelievable that such a big traveling agency cannot uniformly train their employees with the correct set of information."

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New Zealand Adventure
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5/5 Excellent
50 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Auckland, Christchurch, Fiordland National Park, Hawke’s Bay, Queenstown, Wellington

Highlights

  • New Zealand’s unspoiled natural scenery
  • Auckland sightseeing and harbour cruise
  • Geothermal Rotorua
  • Art Deco walking tour in Napier
  • Wellington’s Te Papa national museum
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Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We just finished our Tanzanian Adventure tour to Tanzania and Zanzibar. It was a dream come true trip! On safari, our guide Augustine, was stellar, and our driver, Meshak was wonderful! The lodges on safari were wonderful, food excellent. The Breezes resort on Zanzibar was lovely and the Indian Ocean is sooooo warm! Thank you, Odyssey, for delivering on all counts!"

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New Zealand Winter Adventure
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5/5 Excellent
78 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Fiordland National Park, Queenstown

Highlights

  • Hike the fabulous Kepler Track, Fiordland National Park
  • Copland Valley, Westland National Park
  • West Coast beaches and rainforest
  • Fox Glacier
  • Mt Aspiring National Park
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Themes

High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"New Zealand is one of the more remarkable locations I have had the opportunity to visit. It is truly a magical kind of place for me and seems to have had all the landscapes I love. Mountains that rise up out of the sea, beaches that you can have all to yourself and walk on for miles, forests that change as you travel around the island; you would find it hard to get bored with this mix. If that is not enough, there is our guides. The two drove us, inspired us, cooked fantastic meals for us and had answers to all our myriad of questions. I simply cannot say enough about Claire and Mel!"

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New Zealand Family Adventure
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5/5 Excellent
78 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown

Highlights

  • Hike Franz Josef Glacier
  • Hike South Westland World Heritage Area
  • Hike Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
  • Hike Mt Aspiring National Park
  • Hike Beaches and rainforests of the West Coast
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Themes

Birding, Climbing & Mountaineering, Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Family Friendly, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Transformative, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"New Zealand is one of the more remarkable locations I have had the opportunity to visit. It is truly a magical kind of place for me and seems to have had all the landscapes I love. Mountains that rise up out of the sea, beaches that you can have all to yourself and walk on for miles, forests that change as you travel around the island; you would find it hard to get bored with this mix. If that is not enough, there is our guides. The two drove us, inspired us, cooked fantastic meals for us and had answers to all our myriad of questions. I simply cannot say enough about Claire and Mel!"

Trip dates & details
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Exploring Australia & New Zealand
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5/5 Excellent
50 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Auckland, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Sydney, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Highlights

  • Ride aboard Vintage Kuranda steam train and Skyrail gon­dolas
  • Great Barrier Reef excursion
  • Aboriginal “Dreamtime” experience
  • Sunset at Ayers Rock
  • Sydney touring and Harbour cruise
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We just finished our Tanzanian Adventure tour to Tanzania and Zanzibar. It was a dream come true trip! On safari, our guide Augustine, was stellar, and our driver, Meshak was wonderful! The lodges on safari were wonderful, food excellent. The Breezes resort on Zanzibar was lovely and the Indian Ocean is sooooo warm! Thank you, Odyssey, for delivering on all counts!"

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Kia Ora New Zealand
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
AAT Kings is renowned for its quality service, knowledgeable guides, and extensive network of destinations.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Made the trip - Dave was very interesting and knowledgeable apart from being very humorous. Ours driver Darren was fantastic and helped people when necessary."

Trip dates & details
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21 Day Grand Tour Discover Real New Zealand
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By Real New Zealand Tours
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
40 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
They are dedicated to providing personalized, authentic, and sustainable travel experiences that showcase the best of their country.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Fiordland National Park, Pacific Ocean, Queenstown, Rotorua, Tasmania, Wellington

Highlights

  • All inclusive tour package prepared by New Zealand based specialists so you sit back and relax
  • An exciting itinerary will be customised to suit you - let us help plan and perfect your dream vacation
  • We offer self-drive trips (rental car) we arrange all your accomodations, activities, attractions (you select) we book your car (fun, freedom, independence, flexibility) you set the pace each day or, select a private driver trip (fully guided) or, escorted coach tours (daily commentary).
  • Either way, you will have an awesome time on our wonderful 21 day Grand New Zealand Tour with Real New Zealand Tours.

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Relaxing Retreats, Small Ship Cruise, Train & Rail Journeys, Trekking & Expeditions, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness, Sailing, Golf

What travelers are saying

"Geoff helped my wife and I to put together an itinerary that customized to our particular interests and preferences. At the outset he asked us where we'd like to go and, after a small number of iterations, together we were able able to craft an itinerary that met our budget, touched on much of the places we wanted, and did not have us staying at a different resort each night. Before leaving for our trip we were given our itinerary and confirmation #'s/vouchers/contact #'s for all of our activities and hotels captured in an easy-to-use app that made it extremely easy to transition to the next point of our journey. He and his assistant were quick to respond to any questions we had along the way as well. Overall, we had a great stay and highly endorse Geoff and RealNZ for anyone planning a bespoke trip to NZ."

Trip dates & details
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Generous cancellation

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Trails of New Zealand
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Alps, Auckland, Christchurch

Highlights

  • Discover Tongariro National Park, the oldest national park in New Zealand
  • Gain an insight into Māori culture, join in a hāngi (Māori feast) and cultural performance
  • Enjoy a half-day coastal walk and sailing trip in Abel Tasman National Park
  • Cruise the stunning Milford Soundwith one night on board the Milford Mariner
  • Discover Queenstown and enjoy the scenic delights of this world-famous destination
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Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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New Zealand Explorer
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Abel Tasman National Park, Alps, Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Mount Cook, Nelson, Queenstown, Rotorua, Tasman National Park, Wellington

Highlights

  • Discover the beaches of Abel Tasman and cruise on the Doubtful Sound
  • Explore art deco Napier and enjoy wine tasting at Hawke's Bay
  • Walk to glaciers and discover volcanic White Island

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Great trip. My only reservation about the leader was that he tended to walk fast & didn’t look behind to see if everyone was keeping up. I nearly got lost on a few occasions The itinerary was good but I’d like a bit more time in scenic areas to look around, not 5 minutes for a photo then a full 30 minute stop later on at a service station for a toilet stop. Also we got into hotels quite early say 4pm whilst we could have arrived later & stopped a bit more on the way We will book on more Explore trips in the future"

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

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New Zealand – North Island Multisport
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Auckland, Rotorua, Waitomo

Highlights

  • Cycle through the stunning karangahake gorge
  • Check out bubbling mud pools in a geothermal area
  • Learn about traditional maori artistry
  • Hike the tongariro crossing — one of the world's greatest one-day hikes
  • Kayak along the whanganui river

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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33 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Historic sightseeing
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New Zealand Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
444  Reviews
See all New Zealand tour reviews
Excellent
119
Great
42
Average
8
Disappointing
3
Terrible
0
M

Mike

Mar 2024

Written on

Self-designed 21 day trip to NZ

Geoff helped my wife and I to put together an itinerary that customized to our particular interests and preferences. At the outset he asked us where we'd like to go ...

A

Anonymous

Apr 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

AWESOME NEW ZEALAND

This trip is one of the best we have experienced with Exodus. The varied walking, landscape and experiences on the trip make it an amazing adventure. Beware though...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

The best of New Zealand

What an amazing trip! I cannot recommend it highly enough - it showcasts everything that New Zealand has to offer, and despite travelling for 3 weeks it is not eno...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Fabulous walking in New Zealand

A wonderful itinerary and excellent guides/leaders with infectious enthusiasm for this amazing country! The Tongariro Crossing and the visit to the Milford Sound, b...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

An Unexpected Journey.

An excellent introduction to both islands. There is so much to see and do that the time we had just whizzed by. It is clear that this trip only just touches the su...

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New Zealand Tour Selection Trips

  • A small group tour of Italy is an exciting adventure filled with cultural experiences and unforgettable memories. To make the most of your journey, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

    Opt for lightweight luggage to make traveling between destinations easier and more convenient.

  • Bring comfortable walking shoes to explore cobblestone streets and historic sites.

  • Brush up on basic Italian phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and immerse yourself in the culture.

  • Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities and sightseeing excursions.

  • Respect local customs and traditions, including dress codes for visiting churches and religious sites.

  • Embrace spontaneity and be flexible with your itinerary to take advantage of unexpected opportunities and experiences.

  • Keep your belongings secure and be vigilant against pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas.

  • Sample authentic Italian cuisine at local eateries and trattorias to savor the flavors of the region.

  • Stay connected with your tour group and guide to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.


  • Finally, relax and enjoy every moment of your Italy small group tour, soaking in the beauty, culture, and history of this magnificent destination.


Additional details

Lord of the Rings Tours in New Zealand

New Zealand is famous for its beautiful scenery, and one well known fact is that it was the location for many of the scenes in the original Lord of the Rings films. Over 150 locations in New Zealand were used in the filming of Lord of the Rings, from the north to the south island.

In a very unusual case, the set for Hobbiton, located in bucolic Waikato on the North Island was reinstalled as a permanent exhibit for fans to visit and enjoy. Normally sets like Hobbiton are unceremoniously torn down after filming ends, but fans kept visiting the area in droves and in an effort to protect the landscape, Hobbiton was reborn. This location is often featured on group tours of New Zealand. 

On the South Island, several sites within a day trip from Queenstown were utilized for Lord of the Rings. Your tour may include some or all of these in various ways. For example taking a jet boat excursion might reveal the mountains of Mordor, and a visit to the famous AJ Hackett bungy bridge is not far from the Kawarau Gorge where the fellowship rows between two towering statues as their quest begins. 

Hiking, Walking, and Relaxation Tours in New Zealand

If you want to experience New Zealand at a slower pace, try going on a perhaps you would be interested in an extended hiking or walking tour. By being out in the wilderness for more than just a few hours on a day hike, you will gain appreciation for New Zealand’s world-renowned geography.

You will also be able to experience a wider range of landscapes, depending on how long you plan to travel for and which National Parks you enter.

There are 13 main National Parks in New Zealand, each with its own unique attributes. To see glaciers, try visiting Mount Cook National Park. To immerse yourself in a tropical rainforest, visit Westland Tai Poutini. If altitude is something you seek, you’re best off visiting Mount Aspiring, Kahurangi, or New Zealand’s oldest National Park, Tongariro.

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