The Real Top 10: Unforgettable Experiences in New Zealand
At New Zealand Private Tours, we know that finding the truly exceptional experiences can be challenging. Forget all the other top 10 lists you've seen, because we have curated a list of the very best that New Zealand has to offer. These are the experiences that we have personally tried and tested, and we believe they deserve to be at the top. From luxurious adventures to immersing yourself in rich Māori culture, you can trust us to provide an unforgettable journey.
At New Zealand Private Tours, we understand that every traveller seeks a unique and exceptional experience. With our expertise and local knowledge, we ensure that every aspect of your journey is extraordinary. Let us help you create memories that you will treasure for a lifetime.
1: Overnight in Milford Sound
Explore the spectacular remote wilderness of Fiordland National Park, up-close-and-personal. You’ll be introduced to its incredible beauty aboard the Fiordland Jewel, a boutique catamaran, purpose-built to give guests a luxurious, once-in-a-lifetime scenic experience that you'll never forget.
2: Earnslaw Burn
Fly over schist-covered slopes with birds' eye views of Queenstown’s historical gold mining sites on the way to this incredible landing site. A filming location for LOTR’s The Hobbit, it was recently featured on TV’s Travel Guides.
After landing on the valley floor, with the blue ice of the Earnslaw Glacier towering above, you can explore and spot the astounding number of waterfalls spilling down the valley walls.
3: Nevis 4WD Private Tour
Embark on a comfortable off-road journey from Queenstown to Central Otago in New Zealand's South Island. Experience the rugged beauty of the Nevis Valley with a meticulously designed adventure that avoids extreme 4WD tracks but still takes you off road. Traverse winding roads, explore historic towns, and culminate the trip with a relaxing wine-tasting in a picturesque Central Otago vineyard, offering a perfect blend of comfort and breathtaking landscapes.
4: TE PĀ TŪ Evening Cultural Experience
Journey into the heart of Māori culture, an experience you will never forget!
Journey back to a time of proud Māori warriors and ancient traditions during the Evening Experience. This is New Zealand’s most award-winning cultural attraction and was voted Top 10 in the World by TripAdvisor.
From Tamaki Gathering Place in town, you’ll be chauffeured to the ancient forest village at Tawa-ngāhere-pā, where the land, its people, and their spirit come to life.
5: Tasman Glacier Helihike
Hike and explore the 'white ice' of New Zealand's longest glacier at Aoraki Mount Cook. Heli-hiking on the Tasman Glacier with Alpine Guides offers easy access to the realm of the mountaineer.
With your professional glacier guide, you will fly high onto the “white ice” of New Zealand's longest and largest glacier – the mighty Tasman (Huapapa)
6: Funyaks
This unmissable Funyaks experience begins with the thrill of a wilderness jet boat ride, then allows you to get even closer to the untouched wilderness with an unforgettable float downstream on our inflatable Funyak canoes.
Explore the dramatic landscape of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Area – an untouched natural wonderland - with its pristine waters, hidden side streams and the ancient Rockburn chasm.
7: Nocturnal Glow-worm Tour.
After a walk through the darkness of the native forest you will be guided by the sound of running water. Towering banks will rise up around you and if you turn your flashlights off you will not be disappointed. Literally thousands of glowworms are lit up like the night sky, forming their own constellations all around you. Experience New Zealand’s wildlife by night and top this stellar evening by relaxing under the stars.
8: Big Sky Stargazing
Experienced guides will introduce you to the beautiful southern night sky with a full hour tour, using the naked eye, astro-binoculars and state-of-the-art 14″ and 11″ astronomy telescopes. Unleash your imagination as you discover our neighbourhood in the universe including the Southern Cross, seasonal ecliptic objects, planets, planets, stunning star clusters, moons, distant galaxies and even our very own galaxy, the spectacular Milky Way.
9: Black Labyrinth
New Zealand’s maximum-adrenaline Black Water Rafting tour
Float down an underground river, slip into fast waters, jump off waterfalls and take in the magic of the glow worm studded Ruakuri Cave.
Spend your time underground weaving around and climbing over rocks, jumping off not-too-high waterfalls, floating beneath a sky of glow worms, and most importantly, having the most fun you’ve ever had in the dark.
10: Mount Cook Ski Plane Flight
This Mount Cook helicopter tour or ski plane adventure is the ultimate way to see the Southern Alps. Traverse the Main Divide to the West Coast and view the magnificent landscape of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Track north along the Tasman Sea before re-crossing the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the Tasman Glacier.
Includes landing on the Tasman Glacier