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The 6 Best New Zealand Tours for Seniors (Over 40s, 50s & 60s)

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, the top new zealand tours for over 40s, 50s and 60s.

It’s time to reward yourself with that trip you’ve always dreamed of! What’s more, you don’t have to be young to enjoy New Zealand thanks to the array of New Zealand tours for seniors. Whether you prefer a luxury coach tour staying in indulgent accommodation or enjoy a more humble small-group tour with like-minded people, you’ll find a tour to suit in New Zealand. From tours for active seniors to relaxing yet enriching experiences, we’ll go through some of our favourite tours in this guide to the best New Zealand tours for over 50s and 60s.

While you’re here, you might also want to delve into The Best National Coach Tours in New Zealand . Plus, find out more about exploring by bus in Travel by Bus in New Zealand: The Ultimate Guide .

5 Tips for Taking an Escorted Tour in New Zealand for Seniors

• Allow a day or two before and after your tour for your travel time to New Zealand, as well as to get over the jet lag and rest before hitting the road
• Pack light , but remember the necessities! Not only do you not want to be the person that everyone has to make room for, but you’ll especially want to remember to pack medication or any extra medication you might need – see 15 Essentials to Pack for New Zealand for tips
• Take it easy – the great thing about New Zealand tours for seniors is that they are slow-paced and allow for free time, but don’t try to fill up every second. Take the time to rest and recuperate when you can
• Use websites like TourRadar  to compare tour companies that specialise in tours for seniors
• Be sure to budget for the meals that are not included in your tour – see How Much Does a Trip to New Zealand Cost?

MoaTrek – Kakapo 21 Day Tour

Showing visitors beautiful New Zealand since 1971, MoaTrek has matured from backpacker trips to running one of the best New Zealand tours for seniors . They still go to the same breathtaking locations and local highlights, being local themselves, but have swapped the tents and tins of beans for ultimate comfort at fabulous four-star hotels. MoaTrek’s most comprehensive tour is the 21-day Kakapo Tour, incorporating both the North and South Islands, as well as both the highlights you’ve heard about and hidden gems that hardly any other tours get to enjoy. If you don’t have time for their 21-day trip, MoaTrek also has 9-day and 17-day tours that are well worth investigating.

Tour Highlights

Tour Length: 21 days Age Range : 50+ year-olds Maximum Group Size : 18 Accommodation : Four-star hotels Meals : All breakfasts and four lunches

Destinations

• Hokianga Harbour
• Bay of Islands
• Tongariro National Park
• Abel Tasman National Park
• Franz Josef
• Christchurch

Find out more about this tour on the MoaTrek website .

AAT Kings – Northern Spotlight

Explore the best of the North Island with AAT Kings . The escorted Northern Spotlight tour for seniors starts in Auckland and ends in Wellington  taking you to highlights like a traditional Maori dinner and performance in Rotorua , a boat ride through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves , and passing through the glorious scenery of the Tongariro National Park . AAT Kings makes your trip to the North Island easy with the airport transfers, some meals and comfortable coach transport included.

Tour Length: 8 days Age Range : 5-99-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 50 Accommodation : Hotels Meals : Seven breakfasts and four dinners

Find out more about this tour by comparing AAT Kings on Tourradar . For more week-long tours on the North Island, see The Best 7-Day North Island Tours .

Trafalgar – Contrasts of New Zealand

Get a taste of both the North Island and the South Island on the Contrasts of New Zealand tour with Trafalgar . The nine-day tour gets you to see the highlights of New Zealand at an easy pace, with experiences including a train journey through the Southern Alp s, a tour through the Waitomo Caves , a Maori cultural experience and a Kiwi farm experience. Along the way, you’ll be staying in four to five-star hotels and indulging in a variety of included meals. Note that there is a domestic flight on the itinerary between Rotorua and Queenstown.

Tour Length: 10 days Age Range : 5-99-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 50 Accommodation : Hotels Meals : Nine breakfasts, one lunch and six dinners

• Milford Sound
• Lake Tekapo

Find out more about this tour by comparing Trafalgar on Tourradar . Plus, see how this tour compares to other 10-day tours in   The 10 Best 10-12-Day Tours of New Zealand .

Intrepid Travel – New Zealand Northern Trail

A tour for the more active senior, the New Zealand Northern Trail takes you through the North Island. Intrepid Travel offers more affordable small-group tours of New Zealand with accommodation on a twin-share basis included, as well as some breakfasts and limited meals. All of the highlights are included, from volcanic landscapes to the Maori culture and everything in between all squeezed in. Plus, with not a huge passenger count yet plenty of opportunities to meet new and interesting travellers and locals, this bus tour offers the “just right” experience.

Tour Length: 10 days Age Range : 15-99-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 16 Accommodation : Hotels, motels and lodges Meals : Nine breakfasts and two dinners

Find out more about this tour and prices by comparing  Intrepid Travel on Tourradar . Plus, check out more tours from Auckland in  The 5 Best New Zealand Tours Starting from Auckland .

Luxury Gold – The Endless Shores

Providing an alternative way to explore the North Island of New Zealand, The Endless Shores tour with Luxury Gold starts in Wellington and ends in Auckland . Stay in luxury hotels with most meals and a glass of wine included on this 8-day tour, which takes you to the Hawke’s Bay wineries and to see a cultural performance in Rotorua . See more tours from Wellington in  The 6 Best New Zealand Tours Starting from Wellington .

Tour Length: 8 days Age Range : 5-99-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 40 Accommodation : Hotels Meals : Seven breakfasts and five dinners

• Napier (Hawke’s Bay)

Find out more about this tour by comparing Luxury Gold on Tourradar . Plus, find more ways to travel in style in  The Luxury Travel Guide to New Zealand .

Inspiring Journeys – Inspiring New Zealand

Finally, to combine some sightseeing of the North Island with exploring the south of the South Island, consider the Inspiring New Zealand tour with Inspiring Journeys . The 10-day tour starts in Auckland , taking travellers of all ages on a small-group tour to experience the geothermal and Maori hub of Rotorua , then onto New Zealand’s capital, Wellington . You’ll then catch a flight to Queenstown (not included) where you’ll have the east of an airport transfer and the opportunity to cruise Doubtful Sound and explore Queenstown your own way. Tours also include luxury hotel accommodation, most meals and more.

Tour Length: 10 days Age Range : 12-99-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 20 Accommodation : Hotels Meals : Eight breakfasts, two lunches and six dinners

• Doubtful Sound

Find out more about this tour by comparing Inspiring Journeys on Tourradar . See more tours on the South Island in The Best 10-12-Day Tours of the South Island .

More About Bus and Coach Tours of New Zealand for Seniors

That’s it for the best bus and coach tours of New Zealand for seniors. For more tours to compare them to, check out the following:

• The Best National Bus Tours in New Zealand
• The Best 20+ Days Tours of New Zealand
• The Best National Coach Tours in New Zealand

Finally, compare all of your bus travel options in our complete guide, How to Travel by Bus in New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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We’ll take you on a guided tour around the sails of the Sydney Opera House, one of the most iconic sights in Australia. Enjoy an evening performance inside the grand Concert Hall, or board a helicopter for a panoramic view of the Opera House, along with other Sydney stars like the Harbour Bridge and Manly Cove.

Visit the Franz Josef Glacier

See the icy fingers of the Franz Josef Glacier with a guided ice walk or a thrilling scenic flight. When you take to the skies on our New Zealand trips, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the 12 kilometer glacier, along with Mount Cook and the soaring Southern Alps of the World Heritage Site park.

Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef

Board a high-speed catamaran and cruise the Coral Sea to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living structure and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This remarkable coral reef can be seen from outer space, and we’ll sink beneath the waters to snorkel with a dazzling array of marine life.

Get lost in the gorgeous streets of Wellington

When you travel New Zealand with Trafalgar, we’ll take you along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington, New Zealand’s beautiful capital city. You’ll enjoy an exclusive guided tour of Te Papa Museum where you’ll learn about Maori culture, then spend time exploring Welly’s gems, like the Parliament buildings or the city’s coffee culture.

Enjoy a traditional Australian barbecue with a view on Uluru

Experience one of the world’s most unique dining experiences, with Uluru as your striking backdrop. You’ll enjoy a classic barbecue of steaks, lamb sausages and garlic prawns, while gazing at the ancient monolith as it’s dusty red walls change colors during sunset. As the sun disappears, turn your eyes to the skies for spectacular stargazing.

Our top 5 things to do in Australia & New Zealand

Our tours of Australia and New Zealand will reveal the wonders of Down Under, from the sunny Great Barrier Reef in Australia, to the icy Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand.

The International Antarctic Centre

Located in Christchurch, the International Antarctic Centre is one of the best attractions in New Zealand. There are scores of interactive experiences to show you what life is like in Antarctica, including a thrilling all-terrain vehicle tour and a wild Antarctic storm room. Immerse yourself in the 4D theater and meet the cheeky penguins.

Australian National Maritime Museum

Set in Sydney’s vibrant Darling Harbour, the Australian National Maritime Museum shares the country’s stories of the sea. You can explore three open vessels including a ship and a submarine, and various exhibitions that document the charting of Australia’s coastline and the sacred meaning of the sea to the Aboriginal Australians.

Museum of Sydney

The Museum of Sydney showcases the colonial and contemporary history of Sydney, though pictures, objects and digital media exhibitions. It was built on the ruins of Australia's first Government House dating back to 1788, and today houses a large display of convict artefacts recovered from over 25 archaeological digs.

Best museums in Australia & New Zealand

Our trips to Australia and New Zealand showcase the region’s top museums, from the interactive Antarctic Centre in New Zealand, to the open ships of the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Pavlova is made from chewy meringue shell with a soft marshmallow center, and topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwifruit and passionfruit. There’s a rivalry between Australia and New Zealand over the true national origins of the dish, but both countries agree it’s a truly delicious dessert.

Seafood is a national specialty throughout New Zealand, but the best place to enjoy a meal of crayfish is Kaikoura, a seaside town on the South Island. Here, you’ll enjoy the freshest catch of the day, and the crayfish is boiled and served with a tangy dipping sauce.

Found in restaurants all over Australia, the parmigiana is one of the most beloved dishes in the country. It’s made from a breaded chicken breast slathered in tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, served with french fries and salad. It originated in Italy and was brought to Australia with a wave of Italian migrants.

Best food in Australia & New Zealand

Our tours of New Zealand and Australia will reveal their most beloved dishes, from fresh crayfish and chicken parmigiana, to the sweet meringue of pavlova.

What to pack for Australia & New Zealand

All climate clothing

The climates in the region range from the sweltering desert to the snowy alps, so you’ll need to pack some versatile layers to be prepared for all seasons.

Australia is the world’s largest island, while New Zealand is famed for its scenic roads. Bring some headphones to accompany your long journeys through the panoramic landscapes.

Versatile shoes

You’ll need a range of shoes for your journey, from flip-flops for the beaches, to hiking boots for the mountains, and even a formal pair for a night at the Sydney Opera House.

You’ll see some of the world’s most extraordinary sites in Australia and New Zealand, and you’ll need a camera to capture all the action.

Reef-safe sunscreen

Australia and New Zealand are known for their harsh sun, and you’ll need to bring a strong, reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin on your Pacific Island holiday.

Other worldwide regions we visit

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Destination: New Zealand

Experience the best of New Zealand through our exclusive small group coach tours, designed for mature and senior travelers seeking off the beaten track adventures. Our North Island and South Island tours offer unique and immersive travel experiences, tailored specifically for those aged 50 and above.

With our escorted New Zealand tours, you can expect visually stunning landscapes and intimate encounters, as we prioritize smaller group sizes to ensure a more personal and enjoyable journey. Unlike crowded European destinations, our tours provide ample opportunities to appreciate the beauty of New Zealand with minimal crowds. Our knowledgeable guides will enhance your experience by sharing their expertise and insights along the way.

Whether you are a couple or a solo traveler, our small group tours accommodate up to 15 fellow senior and mature travelers, allowing for a more intimate and engaging experience.

New Zealand Tours

Crafted Tours for Mature World Travellers

New Zealand: An Odyssey Down Under

A guided small group tour of both the North island and the South island . Your travel itinerary includes Auckland , Rotorua , Milford Sound , Queenstown and Christchurch . Maori culture also forms part of the journey to provide a memorable New Zealand tour experience.

From A$12,595 AUD

Small group tour of New Zealand exploring Wine, Food and Landscapes

Escorted 18 day small group tour of New Zealand . Off the beaten track, for curious about history, culture and spirituality. For mature couples and solo travellers ,

From A$18,495 AUD

Small group walking tour of New Zealand

Escorted 14 day small group walking tour of New Zealand . Off the beaten track, for hiking fit like minded people curious about history, culture wine and landscapes.

From A$13,995 AUD

Small group tour of New Zealand's South Island

Escorted 17 day small group tour of the West and East coast of New Zealand ’s South island . Off the beaten track, for like minded people curious about history , culture , wine and landscapes. Your tour director and local guides share their knowledge with you the traveller on this New Zealand tour for senior travellers.

From A$13,365 AUD

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland, city of Sails is part of a Small group tour of New Zealand for mature and senior travellers with your partner or as a solo traveller. Explore and learn about Rotorua , Wellington or Te Anau whilst you are visiting.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Explore on a small group walking tour of New Zealand for active mature or senior travellers the Bay of islands. Suitable for couples or solo travellers who enjoy hiking/walking tours.

Castle Hill, New Zealand

Castle Hill, New Zealand In a country famous for beautiful landscapes, only Castle Hill has received one particular honour: being declared by the Dalai Lama as a ‘spiritual centre of the universe’. Castle Hill is…

Christchurch, New Zealand

Explore the sights and history of Christchurch, the largest city of New Zealand's south island. Odyssey offers small group tours for mature and senior travellers, couples, and solo travelers to sites across New Zealand.

Definitive Guide to Auckland, New Zealand

Definitive Guide to Auckland, New Zealand Few cities are as geographically blessed as Auckland. While New Zealand’s largest city might be home to almost a third of the country’s total population, nature is never far…

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Explore the sights and wonders of Fiordland National Park, home to some of New Zealand's most stunning natural landscapes. Odyssey offers small group tours for mature and senior travellers couples and solo travelers to Fiordland and New Zealand.

Questions About New Zealand

Enjoy one of our small group tours of New Zealand for mature and senior travellers with your partner or as a solo traveller . Explore Rotorua , visit Hawke's bay and learn about wine, or Wellington or take a walk in the Fiordland National park .

Questions about New Zealand for senior travellers

Questions About New Zealand for senior travellers Odyssey Traveller specialises in crafting unforgettable experiences for senior and mature-aged travellers interested in learning as a couple or as a solo traveller when they travel. Providing adventure…

Rotorua, New Zealand

The geothermal area of Rotorua is explored as part of an escorted small group tour for seniors and mature travellers touring New Zealand 's North and South Island. Tour includes; Auckland , Wellington , Te Anau & Queenstown.

The Arrival of Europeans in New Zealand

Explore the history and legacy of early European Settlement in New Zealand. Odyssey offers small group tours for mature and senior travellers couples and solo travelers to locations across New Zealand.

The Foundations for Democracy in New Zealand (900 to 1945)

Early New Zealand: A Brief History from New Zealand is aptly named as new, as its history is very recent and only dates back a few hundred years. The Maori people were the first to…

Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, and the administrative centre of Wellington region, located on the south part of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range.

Hokitika, New Zealand

Hokitika, New Zealand The epitome of a Gold Rush ‘boomtown’, Hokitika, on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand is now officially known as the ‘cool little town’, an ideal gateway for…

Kaikoura, New Zealand

Kaikoura, New Zealand Perched spectacularly between the mountains and the sea, the small town of Kaikoura, New Zealand offers incredible opportunities for marine wildlife spotting. Kaikoura is on the South Island of New Zealand, around…

Milford Sound, New Zealand

Explore the sights and wonders of Milford Sound (Piopiotahi), one of the world's most stunning natural wonders. Odyssey offers small group tours for mature and senior travellers couples and solo travelers to Milford Sound and New Zealand.

Napier, is unique in the world of Art Deco. Rebuilt after the 1930's earthquake, this east coast city is almost all art deco in style. Join an escorted small group tour that visits and explores Napier for mature and senior travellers, couples of solo traveller to explore and learn more.

New Zealand Wine - a Story

Small group tour of New Zealand visit Chardonnay producing wineries in Gisborne, the Hawke's Bay region and Napier , famed for its Bordeaux blend reds, and in the quaint village of Martinborough, Wairarapa . Escorted educational tours for mature and senior couples and solo travellers.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is a resort town on the South Island of New Zealand. Built on the lakeshore of Lake Wakatipu, the town provides amazing views having the Remarkables Mountain Range as its background.

Stewart Island, New Zealand

Explore on a small group walking tour of New Zealand for active mature or senior travellers Stewart island. Suitable for couples or solo travellers who enjoy hiking/walking tours.

Te Anau, New Zealand

Te Anau is a small town on the South Island of New Zealand, often labelled as the gateway to the wilderness and amazing scenery of Fiordland.

The Coromandel, New Zealand

The peninsula is located in the Waikato region, north of Bay of Plenty forming a natural barrier for the Hauraki gulf both from the Firth of the Thames and the Pacific Ocean.

The Maori, New Zealand

Explore the history and rich heritage of the Maori people, the first and original inhabitants of New Zealand. Odyssey offers small group tours for mature and senior travellers, couples, and solo travelers to sites across New Zealand.

Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

Explore on a small group walking tour of New Zealand for active mature or senior travellers the Tongariro crossing. Suitable for couples or solo travellers who enjoy hiking/walking tours.

The Wairarapa

Wairarapa, famed for its Pinot Noir and other wines. Learn more as part of escorted tour for mature and senior travellers as a couple or solo traveller about the region its people, landscape and history.

Your planned guided tour provides a trip itinerary that may include a popular destination such as the Bay of Islands, Auckland , Waiheke island, Waitomo caves, Rotorua , Wellington , Christchurch, Queenstown, fox glacier and a view of the highest peak Aoraki Mt Cook. At Odyssey our New Zealand tours for seniors plan to include some of these places but also to offer a guided tour that heads often on a day tour to where New Zealanders live or take a trip to, such the Coro mandel peninsula, Hawke’s bay, the Wairarapa, Abel Tasman National park or any National park for a hike, Oamaru, and Invercargill for example and even Stewart Island. We think this is a collection of New Zealand tours for seniors that appeal to to couples and single travellers, whether you are seeking a tour of both islands or one of our New Zealand walking tours seniors paced.

Maori arrived from Polynesia in the 10th century on these uninhabited islands. Today, the embracing welcoming culture of New Zealand encountered on a trip is distinctly Maori culture, with Polynesian and British influences. Your guided tour led by an accomplished tour director has an itinerary that brings the traveller to some of the World’s great travel experiences.

Your tour guide on a North Island tour will be looking to fulfill a day tour itinerary that delivers travel experiences to the Bay of islands, Auckland , Waitomo glowworm caves, perhaps Hobbiton, Rotorua , a geothermal wonderland complete with hot springs and hub for Maori culture, the Hawkes bay including Napier and New Zealand ’s capital Wellington to capture the key places on a North island tour.

Going south the tour guide will have a scenery led itinerary for a groups escorted tours to New Zealand tour including the South Island. With 20% of the population, South island New Zealand tours offers a different set of travel experiences on your journey compared to the North Island.

The South Island New Zealand tours are visually dominated by the Southern Alps, that run the length of the South Island. The National park (s) in the South Island such as Abel Tasman and Fiordland have some of the World’s great walking tracks such as the Milford track or Routeburn. In addition to exploring the Southern Alps and looking for Mount Cookyour itinerary may include day tour experiences led by your tour guide to Milford Sound which sits within Fiordland National Park, part of UNESCO World Heritage site Te Wāhipounamu. Te Anau , Queenstown , or to the West coast glacier, Franz Josef Glacier or small towns on the west coast such as Hokitika . On the rugged coastline of the west coast after Franz Josef Glacier you can stop at Lake Matheson for the perfect refelection on a clear day of Mount Cook in the lake. On the East coast is Christchurch the main city in South Island and is often the start or finish of the South Island New Zealand tours.

Walk in the Wild.

There are just 5.0 million New Zealanders, scattered across 268,021 sq. km: bigger than the UK with one-fourteenth of the population. Filling in the gaps are the sublime forests, mountains, lakes, beaches and fiords that have made NZ one of the best hike (locals call it ‘tramping’) destinations on the planet. Tackle one of the epic ‘Great Walks’ – you might’ve heard of the Heaphy and Milford Tracks – or the Tongariro crossing located in the centre of New Zealand’s North island, spend a few hours wandering along a beautiful beach, paddling a canoe or cycling through some easily accessible wilderness. Odyssey offers New Zealand walking tours seniors paced that maybe a full on walking tour for the day or a guided walk consisting of a couple of short walk escorted tour. The pace and duration varies to reflect the overall group fitness level.

Māori Culture

New Zealand’s all-conquering All Blacks would never have become back-to-back rugby world champions without their unstoppable Māori players. But this is just one example of how Maori culture impresses itself on contemporary Kiwi life: across NZ you can hear Maori language, watch Māori TV, join in a hāngi (Māori feast) or catch a cultural performance with song, dance and a blood-curdling haka (war dance). Māori design continues to find expression in tā moko, Māori tattooing (often applied to the face) and the delicate artistry of bone, shell and pounamu (greenstone) sculpture. Maori culture has enjoyed a growing awareness for some decades.

It is safe to explore and enjoy.

New Zealand isn’t a place where you encounter many on-the-road frustrations: buses and trains generally run on time; main roads are in good care; ATMs proliferate; pickpockets, scam merchants and bedbug-ridden hotels are few and far between. And there are no snakes, and only one poisonous spider – the endangered katipo. This decent nation is a place where you can relax and enjoy (rather than endure) your travels. Odyssey’s New Zealand tours packages seek to reflect the relaxed charm that prevails in a New Zealand trip.

Food, Wine & Beer

British-influenced classics like fish and chips aren’t going anywhere, but NZ gastronomy has come a long way. Chefs and the restaurants and cafes they work in across the country whether in Auckland, Wellington, Napier, Christchurch or Queenstown borrow influences from as far afield as South Pacific islands and Europe for creative takes on locally sourced lamb and seafood like abalone, oysters and scallops. Meanwhile, the vegetarian and vegan food scenes grow evermore prominent and inventive. Wash it all down with coffee culture, an edgy craft-beer scene and legendary cool-climate wines (like sublime sauvignon blanc and pinot noir).

New Zealand Travel guide

What are the can’t miss sights in new zealand.

Both the New Zealand’s North Island and New Zealand’s South Island are full of spectacular scenery , can’t miss sights, we would suggest though;

• Auckland ; City of sails
• The Bay of islands; early history of NZ
• The Hawke’s bay; find your wine
• Tongariro National Park; UNESCO site
• Abel Tasman National Park
• The Franz Josef Glacier
• Milford sound UNESCO site

Cities and towns are rich in history, with interesting, unique attractions and museums, lovely cafes and restaurants with helpful and friendly locals. And on top of that we all know mother nature in New Zealand is just as important, that is why visiting the national park (s), mountains, lakes, forests, beaches, and bays for there stunning scenery are on the bucket lists as well. Odyssey has coach tours of New Zealand for seniors to enjoy as an inspiring journey for a holiday .

Most tours of New Zealand start or finish in Auckland . The City of Sails, famous for its two harbours, Manukau and the Hauraki gulf, the nearby islands and the volcanic activity that formed the area’s topography is the most populous city of New Zealand and a buzzing multicultural hub driving the country’s economy. Auckland ‘s inner city beaches are beautiful bays to explore or take the ferry to Waiheke island , whilst on the west coast is the wild beach of Piha.

Further north the Bay of Islands is a sub-tropical region, known for the Winterless North. The region encompasses 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula. You can visit the lovely towns of Paihia, Russel and Kerikeri, stand on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds or take a day trip to Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand.

On the east coast of the North Island wine lovers should definitely pay a visit to Hawke’s Bay. Nicknamed as Wine Country, Hawke’s Bay is the first stop of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail offering 30+ cellars and some 200 kilometres of easy biking trails connecting them. It is also known as New Zealand’s Art Deco capital with cities such as Napier. Lovers of a good hike should have the Te Mata peak as a day tour on their itinerary.

Still on the North Island, the Tongariro National Park is the oldest national park of the country and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. The park encompasses several volcanic mountains, Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro, sacred Maori places and the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, regard as one of the greatest one-day hikes in the world.

For the South Island travelling down the wild west coast is an absolute must, the spectacular scenery on this rugged coastline of New Zealand’s south island is a must see.

You can start with the Abel Tasman National Park (named after the 17 th century Dutch explorer Abel Tasman who was the first European to reach New Zealand), the smallest national park of the country. It is an easily accessible coastal paradise, dramatic scenery, with plenty of options to explore the sand beaches and hiking tracks. Kayaking one way and taking a hike back is one of the most popular choice by visitors.

Travelling further south, the little town of Franz Josef (named after the then emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire) is the ideal base to explore the west coast glacier, Franz Josef Glacier and/or the Fox Glacier . Unfortunately as the glacier retreat they are becoming less and less accessible on foot but you can still take a scenic flight over the landscape, or be more adventurous and get dropped on Franz Josef glacier with a professional guide for a unique hike back.

Queenstown is often called the adventure capital of the world. The town is located on the lakeshore of Lake Wakatipu with the spectacular scenery of the Remarkables in the background. It is a great base to explore the Central Otago wine region, nearby historic towns such as Arrowtown, and of course a Milford Sound cruise , the key highlight of the Fjordland National Park.

Milford Sound is located in the UNESCO World Heritage site Fiordland National Park, approximately 4 hours from Queenstown and 2 hours from T e Anau , the nearest inhabited town. At Milford sound the Southern Alps finally collapse into the Tasman Sea, creating a dramatic and beautiful scenery, best enjoyed on a milford sound cruise .

You may wish to read this article “ Questions about New Zealand ” as well.

What are the best ways to see New Zealand?

The easiest way to get around in New Zealand is using your own vehicle, providing access even to the most remote areas of the country.

On our small group tours of New Zealand for seniors we use coaches and occasionally local transport such as buses within a city or ferry services.

Even though New Zealand is a huge country with low population density, long-distance buses are widely available among bigger cities and popular tourist destinations. Train services are more limited but where available, it is definitely a scenic way of getting around. Such example is the Tranzalpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth. And if you are in a hurry, you can always use domestic flights to hop around key destinations.

What are some good unknown places to visit New Zealand?

Driving around yourself also has the advantage of giving you the opportunity to wonder off the beaten track anywhere in the country. While the places listed below are not exactly unknown, they are certainly less exposed to tourists.

Waikawau beach tunnel

Waikawau is a small community in the Waitomo district of the North Island. It has the only publicly accessible beach between Marokopa and Awakino via a tunnel which was completed in 1911 by local farmers. The tunnel was originally built by three local farmers to drive their cattle on the beach to the nearby station rather than the rough terrain.

Mine bay Maori rock carvings

This giant carving of Ngatoroirangi is considered to be one of the best contemporary Maori artworks. Master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell was asked by his grandmother to carve the tattooed face of their ancestor to create a connection of the family to the land. In 1976 the young carver had a vision while paddling on the water, and it took him 4 summers to complete this extraordinary piece of art. The carvings are towering 14 metres above Lake Taupo on the North Island and displaying the traditional Maori knowledge and skills passed down by each generation. This icon of the region can only be reached by boat, and can be best viewed from a kayak.

Pancake rocks

Punakaiki is a small village located between Westport and Greymouth on the west coast of the South Island . And just outside of the main village you will find the amazing pancake rocks and blowholes, the curious limestone formations which are over 30 million years in the making. You can see the rocks during an easy, accessible walk. It is recommended to wear something you don’t mind getting wet, as during the high tide, the Tasman sea forces large amounts of water and compressed air to race upward creating geyser like ‘eruptions’ across the holes and pools.

Stop here while navigating through the scenic Haast Pass which brings you from the West Coast through the dramatic scenery of the Southern alps on your coach tour to Wanaka on the South Island . Near the small village of Makarora you can take an easy walk to the beautiful turquoise waters of the Blue Pools, which colour is the result of light refraction on the clear and icy cold water. Blue Pools is where Blue River joins the Makarora River, and after checking it is safe to do so, you can take a leap into the pools from the two suspension bridges. Makarora is also a starting point for several hikes in the Mount Aspiring National Park.

This one is not easy to reach but well worth the effort. Lake Quill is on the South Island in Fiordland National Park, near Milford Sound. The lake is fed by several glaciers and falls under in three cascades as Sutherland Falls, which was long thought to be the tallest waterfall of New Zealand at 580 meters. The falls can be seen from Milford Track, the popular multi-day hike, or you can take a scenic flight over the national park to enjoy the untouched beauty of the lake.

What to see on the North Island of New Zealand?

While the South Island gets most of the attention thanks to Franz Josef Glacier, Milford Sound , Queenstown, Christchurch and more, the North Island has just as much to offer. You can learn about the volcanic and geothermal activity of the island and the Maori culture . Destinations worth a visit are the beautiful Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga up north with the Waitangi treaty grounds, Auckland and its volcanic islands, such as Waiheke Island and Rangitoto Island, Rotorua , Tongariro , the Waitomo glowworm caves, the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington .

Some of the main cities of the North Island are Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Tauranga, Napier, Rotorua, Hastings and Gisborne.

How Maui fished up the North Island?

Maui is a very important demigod in the Maori mythology. One day he overheard his four brothers that they wanted to leave him behind while going fishing. Maui made a fishhook from a magical ancestral jawbone and hid in the brothers’ canoe. When they were far out on the sea, Maui revealed himself, and threw the magical fishhook in the sea while chanting powerful incantations. The hook caught fast, and with the help of his brothers Maui brought the fish to the surface. He then begged them to wait until he had appeased to Tangaroa, the god of the sea, but the brothers did not listen and started to carve out pieces for themselves, forming the many mountains, valleys, lakes, rivers and coastlines of the island.

Crossing from the North Island to the South Island

If you want to cross from the North to the South Island, you either have to fly or take the ferry across the Cook Strait. The Interislander ferry operates between Wellington and Picton since 1962, and it takes about 3-3.5 hours to complete the crossing. The ferry route is one of the great journeys of New Zealand. On your journey, marvel at the beauty of Marlborough Sounds, the north coast of the South Island, which is made up of 1500 kilometres of sunken river valleys.

Which one is bigger, the North or the South Island?

The population of New Zealand is around 4.9 million people, and according to the latest census, 76% lives on the North Island, equalling about 3.7 million people, while the South Island accounts for 23%, and the rest of the 600 islands for 1%. This means the North Island is the smaller but more populous island between the two main islands.

Initially Pakeha (European New Zealanders) settled on the South Island, and it wasn’t until 1911 that the population of the North Island overtook the South Island (56% vs 44%). The drift north still continues, with Auckland, the biggest economic hub of the country being the main driver of the change.

Why book a walking holiday to New Zealand?

New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, and there’s no better way to explore than by walking. Walking tours get you away from freeways, cities, and suburbs and into the heart of the pristine wilderness of New Zealand .

New Zealand offers a range of walks and hikes for different fitness levels, spanning from easy beach walks to the nine Great Walks , multi-day treks through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.

What do you need to bring to enjoy short walks in New Zealand?

Essentials include hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing, a water bottle and a camera! For more suggestions, take a look at our list of things to bring on an Odyssey walking tour .

We also have a number of packing guides:

• Women’s walking shoes
• Packing advice for small group tours
• Footwear and clothing tips

How fit do you have to be to enjoy short walks in New Zealand?

Our tour of New Zealand exploring Maori and Wairua is rated as Level 2 – Moderate on our fitness scale. For more information on our fitness levels click here .

Our Level 2 guidelines suggest that:

Participants must be able to carry their own luggage, climb and descend stairs, be in good health, mobile and able to participate in 3-5 hours of physical activity per day, the equivalent of walking/hiking up to 8 kilometres on uneven ground per day.

What is the best time to visit New Zealand?

If you enjoy the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and mountain biking, you should visit New Zealand during the summer months of December to March, which brings long, bright and sunny days and temperatures of 16°C to 24°C. If you are a winter sports fan, you should visit from June to the first week in October, Though temperatures in the mountains are cold; once you get away from there, the winters are relatively short and mild.

Which New Zealand glacier to visit?

There are many stunning glaciers in New Zealand. There are few places in the world you can easily access glaciers at low altitudes and New Zealand is one of them. There are over 3,000 glaciers in New Zealand. The South Island’s West Coast is home to New Zealand’s two most famous glaciers – Fox and Franz Josef . It’s an easy walk to the terminal faces of both glaciers. Or, if you’re adventurous, then a helicopter ride or a guided ice walk are simply unforgettable experiences.

On the other side of the Southern Alps , the Tasman Glacier is the largest in New Zealand. The Tasman Glacier has a beautiful terminal lake. It’s a short walk to view the glacier.

Doubtful Sound or Milford Sound?

Both Milford and Doubtful Sound are located in Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island . Milford Sound sits to the north of Fiordland and is the last fiord in the national par k. Doubtful Sound , on the other hand, is located much further south and is roughly in the middle of Fiordland National Park . Milford Sound is easily the most visited place in Fiordland National Park and arguably the most beautiful and offers the widest range of experiences out of the two fiords. This makes Milford an easy front runner for those who love to personalize their experience and make it one the whole family will love. Doubtful Sound is a rather untouched paradise that’s off the beaten path. It’s an adventurous journey and one you’ll share with fewer people.

What to do in Auckland?

Auckland is a bustling urban city, that also offers beautiful lush native rainforests, golden sand beaches, rolling hills of wine country, hiking trails , picturesque country gardens, unspoilt forest and tranquil bays to explore. Auckland region is dotted with 48 volcanic cones which provide spectacular panoramic views of the city and harbour. Auckland is also famous for its shopping, nightlife and diverse range of cafes and restaurants. Don’t forget to go north to visit the amazing Bay of Islands . The Bay of Islands consists of 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula.

What to do in Wellington?

Wellington is a small and creative city with a mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine and surrounded by nature.

There are many museums, art galleries and theatre shows that make up the city’s pulsing cultural scene. If you’re into the outdoors, you can relax at Oriental Bay, Wellington’s golden-sand inner-city beach and delve into the Wellington has action-packed adventure activities like mountain biking and sea-water kayaking, as well as beautiful walks around the harbour and surrounding hills. Try the visually Ride the cable

New Zealand’s national museum, or Te Papa , as it’s colloquially known, means ‘our place’ and is one of the best interactive museums in the world.

What to do in Rotorua?

Rotorua is renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture . In Te Puia’s Whakarewarewa Valley, there are bubbling mud pools and the 30m-tall Pohutu Geyser, which erupts many times daily. It’s also home to a living Maori village and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Besides exploring the geothermal hot pools, you can:

• Ride world-class mountain bike trails.
• Swim in natural hot springs.
• Walk among natural springs and river trails.

What to do in Christchurch?

Christchurch, known for its English heritage, is the most walkable city in New Zealand. The city is constantly evolving, always giving locals and visitors something new to explore. After the devastating earthquakes in 2011, Christchurch was rebuilt as a more creative and funky urban centre. Wander through the streets admiring the colourful murals that tell stories of the city’s resilience and indomitable spirit.

Visit Castle Hill , 80min north-west of Christchurch , famous for beautiful landscapes and being declared by the Dalai Lama as a ‘spiritual centre of the universe”.

Take a day trip to Kaikoura , 180 km north of Christchurch , many New Zealanders number one most beautiful place in their country.

What to do in Queenstown?

Queenstown is famous for offering adventure and adrenaline. Surrounded by towering mountains, positioned on the edge of a lake,

Queenstown sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges.

There’s skiing from winter right through to spring, and activities such as bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging, jet boating, horse trekking and river rafting all year round.

If hardcore adventure isn’t your thing, there are plenty of mellow options available. Experience one of the many walking and hiking trails, sightseeing tours or indulge yourself with spa treatments, boutique shopping and excellent food and wine .

What do things cost in New Zealand?

You should plan to spend around NZ$185 ($129) per day on your vacation in New Zealand , which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travellers have spent, on average, NZ$41 ($29) on meals for one day and NZ$27 ($19) on local transportation.

Best time to tour New Zealand

What are the best times of year to visit new zealand.

The answer really depends on your preferences – what do you want to see and do, would you like to avoid peak season, etc.

Summer in New Zealand is from December to February and has the best overall weather, and all outdoor activities (such as world-famous multi day hikes, flights, water sports, etc) are operating. Yet, New Zealand is also famous for having four seasons in one day, so make sure you’re well prepared with layered clothing even during the hottest days. This is also the peak season for both domestic and international tourism, so you have to book in advance to avoid the disappointment of missing out on anything.

Fall is from March to May, and it is the time for spectacular colours , New Zealand’s south island especially around Wanaka and the Otago region is any time after Easter is usually the most quiet time of the year to travel so you can enjoy most of the attractions in peace in fairly good weather. This is a good season to enjoy a New Zealand walking tours seniors itinerary from Odyssey.

Winter is from June to August and it’s time for winter sport season. Luckily the temperatures only get cold in the mountains, and in general you can enjoy many days with clear skies. Ski season runs from June until early October in the South island, for those who have Southern Hemisphere skiing on their bucket list. Some of the tracks to hike are closed for security reasons. On the positive side, there is very little traffic on the roads and only the heaviest snow falling would result in a few days of snow in the lowlands, which is rare.

Spring is from September to November, and many say you get the best of all words if you visit during that time. Mountains look majestic with their snowcaps on, you can catch the last weeks of the ski season, while this is the wildest season for any water sport, especially rafting as the melting snow speeds up the rivers and falls. This is also the time for garden lowers as flowers and leaves are blossoming across the country.

How does time of the year affect the weather and travel conditions in New Zealand?

In general the weather in New Zealand is fairly mild all year around with many hours of sunshine due to the proximity of the mountains and sea across all islands. The far north is considered subtropical (earning the nickname of ‘Winterless North’), while the inland alpine areas of the South Island can get as cold as -10 degrees Celsius in winter.

You should be aware that torrential rain falls can cause floods and result in roads closures especially on the South Island among the ranges of the Southern Alps all year round.

Due to the temperature difference of the mountains and valleys, some mornings will be foggy but it can clear very quickly. In general weather conditions can change in a minute across the country, so always be cautious, adhere to rules and be up to date with travel information.

In general roads are in great condition and maintained regularly. The biggest threat is probably self-driving international travellers who might be unfamiliar with driving on the right hand side, so you might want to avoid the peak season because of them.

In general the weather in New Zealand is fairly mild all year around with many hours of sunshine due to the proximity of the mountains and sea across both the North Island and South Island. The far north is considered subtropical (earning the nickname of ‘Winterless North’), while the inland alpine areas of the South Island can get as cold as -10 degrees Celsius in winter.

What factors should you consider when picking a time of year to visit New Zealand?

Main factors are your own preferences for activities, weather conditions (see above), number of other visitors and pricing. Since the country offers a lot to visitors all year around, prices tend to be stable with no off season drops. Interislander ferries, bus services and domestic flights operate all year round.

Tours of New Zealand

What are the different varieties of tours of new zealand that are available.

Escorted tours to New Zealand typically travellers can visit both islands during one trip and the itinerary in our New Zealand tour package reflects this. Key stops on these New Zealand small group tours itineraries are usually Auckland , Rotorua, Milford Sound , Queenstown and Christchurch . Odyssey Traveller offers New Zealand coach tours seniors enjoy. A group tour package which takes senior travellers around New Zealand in 14 days and offers them a chance to learn about history, culture and experience the landscapes settings and breathtaking scenery as well as see the unique wildlife using the expertise and knowledge of local guides. These new Zealand tours packages are a popular New Zealand escorted tour for seniors.

Odyssey’ s small group Tour of the North Island only takes travellers off the beaten track. The North Island tour starts in Auckland before travelling down the east coast through the Coromandel peninsula , Hawke’s Bay, The Wairarapa and finishes in Wellington in 13 days. Senior travellers can travel with like-minded people and learn about the landscape and wines with local guides.

Of the two islands the South Islands is regarded as an inspiring journey offering the more dramatic scenery with the Southern Alpes, Aorangi/Mt Cook, Milford Sound , Franz Josef Glacier and more. Odyssey Traveller ’s 15-day long South Island tour starts in Wellington before we take the interislander ferry and stop at Nelson, Westport, Fox Glacier , Wanaka, Te Anau , Invercargill, Dunedin and Christchurch .

How should you decide what type of New Zealand tour is right for you?

Odyssey Traveller ’s tours of New Zealand for seniors that travllers seek to book is the New Zealand holiday where travelers visit the key highlights of both islands in a small group . With the help of the local guides seniors can learn about new aspects of the history and culture of New Zealand, even if they have visited the country before.

Doing only one of the islands has the advantage of travelling less and going further off the beaten track, with more time to explore hidden gems and learn about a specific region. Odyssey has North Island New Zealand tours and South Island New Zealand tours for travellers.

Touring New Zealand

The need to know

Getting around

Odyssey traveller offers escorted coach tours of New Zealand and occasionally uses local transport, including trains and ferries. Specifics are always outlined in your tour itinerary. Bus services are widely available, with long-distance buses and shuttle buses providing services across the country. The train services are somewhat more limited in terms of transportation coverage, though remain a comfortable and very scenic way of getting around New Zealand.

Accommodation

In major cities, Odyssey stays in centrally located 3-4 star hotels, with easy access to public transport. In smaller towns or rural areas, we usually stay in family-run hotels or guesthouses. On our longstay tours, during which you spend the length of the tour in a single location, we use serviced apartments.

Tour guides

An Odyssey New Zealand escorted tour always has a tour director and always engages local guides with regional knowledge to ensure an authentic experience during which you can learn as much as possible about the history and culture of places you visit.

Geography, Environment, & Weather

New Zealand covers an area of 267,710 square km, and comprises around 600 islands, the two largest of which are the North Island and South Island . New Zealand’s North Island is split by mountain ranges that run through the middle of the island , with rolling hills and farmlands on either side. while New Zealand South Island is dominated by the Southern Alps . New Zealand has over 15,000 km of coastline, which is indented by numerous harbours and fjords.

New Zealand has a largely temperate climate, with mild summers and cool to cold winters. Depending on when you intend to travel, check the weather reports and dress accordingly.

World heritage sites

There are 3 properties in New Zealand listed on the World Heritage List. You can view the listed properties here: (https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/nz). New Zealand’s listed properties include:

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands, containing an abundance and diversity of bird species, including 40 seabird species

Te Wahipounamu, featuring fiords, lakes and waterfalls, and home to a rich array of native flora and fauna

Tongariro National Park, the mountains of which are of cultural and religious significance to the Maori people.

Festivals & Events

Numerous festivals and events dot the calendar in New Zealand. One of the most important events of the year in New Zealand is Matariki, Maori New Year. Held in mid-June, Matariki is a celebration of Maori traditions and culture, with art exhibitions, musical events, workshops and haka performances all staged across the country. For aviation enthusiasts, Warbirds Over Wanaka is not to be missed – held over four days in April, Warbirds Over Wanaka features a wide range of aircraft and thrilling aerial display. New Zealand’s small towns play host to many quirky events such as the Art Deco Weeekend in Napier, wherepon the entire town is decorated and themed in the Art Deco style.

Reading list

The Penguin History of New Zealand, by Michael King Tuai: A Traveller in Two Worlds, by Alison Jones and Kuni Jenkins A Sort of Conscience, by Philip Temple Pounamu, pounamu, by Witi Ihimaera

Eating & Drinking

New Zealand cuisine features Maori and British influences, and sources the rich produce of the country’s fields and waters. Seafood is abundant in New Zealand and widely popular, with lobsters, mussels, and whitebait fritters all staples of New Zealand cuisine. The traditions of Maori cooking live on through dishes such as hāngī, which involves meat and vegetables slow-cooked in an underground oven. British settlement in New Zealand left their mark on New Zealand cuisine in the form of homely dishes such as roast lamb and fish and chips. If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, you can always try tucking into a slice of pavlova – although Australians will swear it’s an Australian dish, New Zealanders proudly claim ownership of this dessert, which is a meringue-based cake topped with fruit and whipped cream.

New Zealand has a thriving wine industry, with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir amongst the most prominent wine varieties produced in New Zealand. The country also has a healthy beer-brewing industry, with breweries to be found across the country

Health & Safety

Generally speaking, New Zealand is safe to travel in, though always exercise common sense while travelling.

Electrical Supply

Whenever you travel overseas, it’s always wise to take an appropriate travel adaptor. The electricity supply in New Zealand runs at 230V and 50Hz. New Zealand uses the Type I electric plug, so make sure you have the right travel adaptor with you.

The best of New Zealand

Milford Sound

Milford Sound, a fiord in New Zealand's South Island featuring some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the country.

Whakarewarewa, the 'Living Maori Village' in Rotorua which preserves many of the customs and traditions of New Zealand's Maori people.

Whanganui National Park

Whanganui National Park, featuring lush forest and the mighty Whanganui river.

Tour Reviews

What is the time zone.

New Zealand has a single time zone, New Zealand Standard Time (UTC+12). Daylight savings in New Zealand commence on the last Sunday of September, and conclude on the first Sunday of April.

Is tipping customary in New Zealand?

If you’re on an Odyssey New Zealand escorted tour , we take care of tipping so you don’t need to give it a second thought. However, in your free time, or if travelling independently, it’s essential that you tip an appropriate amount for services. Tipping is not common in New Zealand, with service charges often included in bills. Tour guides and hotel staff are a general exception however, with a small tip of a few dollars not going astray in showing appreciation for their services.

What is the internet access like in New Zealand?

Wifi is widely available in New Zealand, and should be freely accessible in most hotels, cafes and restaurants.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in New Zealand?

Check with your cell phone provider to see whether you’re able to make calls and use data while in New Zealand. Many providers will allow you to pay a daily fee that allows you to make calls and check the internet while only being charged your regular rates. However, be certain to inform your provider that you’re heading overseas, because just like a bank they can turn off your service as a result of unusual activity.

Responsible travel tips for New Zealand

Before departing on your New Zealand holiday, make sure you have a number of NZ dollars in a range of denominations. You don’t want to be carrying around enormous amounts of cash, but take enough to make it easy to pay in locations that might not accept credit card. It will also help you avoid card transaction fees, and it makes tipping a breeze.

Carry a card in your wallet or purse from your local hotel, to assist you with the return journey if you do become lost.

Always ensure that you are covered by travel insurance. If you need advice on this feel free to contact Odyssey and we’ll be able to help.

Before departing, make sure you have a number of NZD in a range of denominations. You don’t want to be carrying around enormous amounts of cash, but take enough to make it easy to pay in locations that might not accept credit card. It will also help you avoid card transaction fees, and it makes tipping a breeze.

When travelling independently, make sure you check the opening hours of shops and museums so that you don’t miss out! Also be certain to check whether your trip coincides with any public holidays, so you can plan accordingly.

Before departing on your New Zealand holiday, contact your bank to inform them that you may be making purchases overseas. Otherwise, they may flag any activity on your account as suspicious. Also, check which ATMs and banks are compatible with your cards, to ensure you can withdraw cash with minimal fees.

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Best of Australia

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Chill out & Cultural, religious and historic sites Chill out , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Explorer 'data-more-tripid='5085'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Flight, Private Vehicle, Boat & Ferry
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,299
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 860
• Total Price from: US$ 3,439
• May 09 Only 2 seats left
• May 23 10+ seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Melbourne, Australia

Australian Highlights

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & Rainforest and jungle visits Natural landmarks sightseeing , Rainforest and jungle visits & City sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='23155'>+1 more
• Transport Flight & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 1-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 8,330
• Special Deal (11%): - US$ 929
• Total Price from: US$ 7,401

• Starts Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park, Australia
• Ends Darwin, Australia

Outback Safari

• Activities Safari & Windsurfing Safari , Windsurfing , Wine , Wildbeest migration & Wildlife 'data-more-tripid='21337'>+3 more
• Transport Coach & Boat
• Age Range 5-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 5,450
• Special Deal (16%): - US$ 860
• Total Price from: US$ 4,590
• Jun 29 Only 6 seats left
• Aug 24 Only 9 seats left

• Starts Hobart, Australia
• Ends Hobart, Australia

Hobart & Southern Tasmania Explorer

• Activities Active and outdoor & Natural landmarks sightseeing
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Ferry & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Jun 21 Only 2 seats left

• Starts Launceston, Australia

Tasmanian Explorer

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & Active and outdoor
• Transport Boat, Ferry & Private Vehicle
• Jun 16 Only 2 seats left

• Starts Darwin, Australia

Kakadu's Ancient Secrets

• Activities National parks & Wildlife
• Accommodation Lodge, Hotel & Eco Lodge
• Transport Flight & Boat
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,920
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 588
• Total Price from: US$ 3,332
• May 09 10+ seats left
• Jun 06 Only 8 seats left

Highlights of Australia

• Trip customizable
• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & City sightseeing
• Transport Flight, Train, Bus, Coach & Boat
• Age Range 8-95 yrs
• May 10 10+ seats left
• May 24 10+ seats left

Inspiring Australia

• Activities Explorer & Luxury
• Transport Coach, Flight & Ferry
• Nov 05 10+ seats left
• Jan 28 10+ seats left

• Starts Broome, Australia
• Ends Broome, Australia

Wild Kimberley Overland

• Activities Road trips & Explorer
• Accommodation Camping
• Transport Boat & 4WD Jeep
• Age Range 8-99 yrs
• May 05 Only 3 seats left

• Starts Sydney And NSW, Australia
• Ends Melbourne, Australia

Southern Capitals - City Meets Bush

• Activities City sightseeing & Nature and bush walks
• Transport Coach
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,255
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 340
• Total Price from: US$ 1,915

• Ends Cairns, Australia

Discover Australia

• Activities Explorer
• Transport Boat, Flight, Private Vehicle & Ferry
• Aug 22 Only 1 seat left
• Sep 19 Only 2 seats left

• Starts Palm Cove, Australia
• Activities Rainforest and jungle visits & Natural landmarks sightseeing Rainforest and jungle visits , Natural landmarks sightseeing & City sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='22822'>+1 more
• Transport Flight & Ferry
• Brochure Price: US$ 11,995
• Special Deal (9%): - US$ 1,043
• Total Price from: US$ 10,952
• Jan 28 Only 7 seats left

• Starts Adelaide, Australia
• Ends Adelaide, Australia

South Australia Outback Adventure

• Activities Off the beaten path & Adventure
• Accommodation Hotel, Resort & Tent
• Transport Private Vehicle
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,325
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 831
• Total Price from: US$ 2,494
• May 02 Only 8 seats left
• May 16 Only 7 seats left

• Activities Safari & Wildlife
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 817
• Total Price from: US$ 4,633
• Jun 29 Only 9 seats left
• Aug 24 10+ seats left

Chat with a local travel expert who can help design a custom-made trip to Australia, targeted senior travellers.

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Australia upcoming departures

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NEW ZEALAND TOURS FOR SENIORS - 23 DAY

Customizing dream trips to new zealand since 1988, new zealand tour for seniors - 23 days.

We designed this New Zealand Tour for Seniors for a lovely retired couple in their 70’s from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, who needed a New Zealand Travel Agentto help customize them a Seniors Travel Package.

The couple were open to a fully escorted coach tour but preferred more freedom to have their travel adventure handcrafted for them instead of being part of a seniors travel group tour.

We created this bespoke itinerary around travel for seniors and their wants and needs, considering that after much discussion, they wanted a combination of self-drive but not being on the road every day and still joining other small group tours for a day trip as needed.

Our New Zealand Specialists curated this itinerary by asking many questions about their fitness levels, interests, and even if they were early risers of night owls to make sure their start to the day was made easy.

This example self-drive tour encompasses both the North and South Island of New Zealand. Some of the many highlights included are a Maori Hangi Dinner, a wonderful New Zealand Farmstay with a local family, and a majestic overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound .

While this tour package was created for Seniors, this itinerary can be tweaked and tailor-made for anyone.

We are not only a Seniors Travel Agency; we are South Pacific Travel Specialists for everyone, whether on your honeymoon, an anniversary, a family vacation, single or solo traveler, or crossing one off the bucket list.

That is the beauty of having a bespoke itinerary designed and not a cookie-cutter pre-packaged itinerary! It is all designed just for you!

If you are interested in a fully guided group tour or joining a bus tour, we can certainly assist you with these – we have many we can offer around your wants, needs, time restrictions, and budget.

Our clientele is located all across The USA and Canada!

Prices are not listed on this itinerary as our New Zealand Travel Agents customize for each client’s wants and needs.

Contact your New Zealand Travel Agents for more information.

Tour Highlights

Day 1- departure day from canada or the usa.

Depart your home city in Canada or the USA to either Vancouver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Houston Texas to connect to your onward flight to Auckland, New Zealand.

Day 2 - Travel Day

Travel Day due to time zones.

Day 3 - Arrive Auckland New Zealand

After clearing customs and immigration formalities, you will be met by a driver who will be holding a sign with your name at the arrivals hall and will transfer you to your accommodation.

Welcome to New Zealand! Your New Zealand Travel Agent specialist will be giving you a welcome call shortly.

Day 4 - Auckland

Please be ready & waiting in the hotel lobby where you will meet your driver for your half-day small group Auckland highlights tour.

Your half-day Auckland Highlights tour includes many of the “must-do” experiences while visiting the city. Discover the sparkling Waitemata Harbour and see why Auckland is dubbed the “City of Sails”. Learn about the fascinating history as you explore historical sites, seaside villages, and the crater of an ancient volcano.

This evening tie up at a sheltered anchorage within the largest yacht marina in the southern hemisphere where you will be invited to your table below decks and served dinner.

Day 5 - Auckland to Waitako

Today please make your way to the Rental Car office as your car has been reserved for you until drop off at Rotorua Airport.

Please commence your drive to your farm stay property where you will enjoy an evening with a local family.

Day 6 - Waitako to Rotorua

Today make your way to Rotorua, a journey of approximately 2 hours (133 km / 83 Miles).

Day 7 - Rotorua

Your Rotorua Diamond Pass (self-drive) includes entry to five attractions in Rotorua – Te Puia, Skyline Skyrides, Agrodome, Polynesian Spa, and choice of entry to Paradise Valley Springs or Rainbow Springs. It is easy to visit all attractions in one day, although this can be extended over more than one day if a more leisurely time is desired.

This evening you will be collected from your hotel. Your tour to Tamaki Maori Village takes you on a cultural journey to the marae (Maori village), the life force of New Zealand’s indigenous people. Imagination takes over as your guide instructs you on the protocol for visiting the marae. A chief is selected, a song is learned and the eerie cry of the welcome is heard before you enter the world of the proud warriors of the ancient Maori.

Please contact the airline today and re-confirm your flight for tomorrow to Blenheim. If there have been any schedule changes then please contact your New Zealand Travel Agent Expert for assistance.

Day 8 - Rotorua to Blenheim

This morning, make your way to the Rotorua Airport, return your Rental Car, and check in for your flight to Blenheim.

Upon arrival make your way to the Rental Car desk located inside the airport terminal. A car has been reserved for you until drop off at Dunedin Airport.

Day 9 - Blenheim

Enjoy the Icons of Marlborough in one day with a tour through the famous Marlborough wine region & Marlborough Sounds. Your guide will show you through the Marlborough Wine Region stopping to enjoy two winery visits.  Then depart the wine region through to the small seaport town of Havelock. Here you will enjoy lunch right on the waterfront (this is at your own expense). After lunch, you will depart Havelock on the Marlborough Travel launch for the Greenshell Mussel Cruise through the Marlborough Sounds. Visit a Greeenshell Mussel Farm and learn why this delicacy grows so well in the Marlborough Sounds. Taste a local favorite – freshly steamed mussels matched perfectly to a complimentary glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Day 10 - Blenheim to Kaikoura

Today make your way to Kaikoura, a journey of approximately one hour & forty-five minutes (129 km / 81 miles).

Day 11 - Kaikoura

This morning join your dolphin tour in Kaikoura New Zealand. It is a truly unique experience! The tours have two options, watching (viewing) or swimming, both these options occur on the same boats. The dusky dolphins inhabit the coastal waters off Kaikoura all year round, making Kaikoura a unique place in the world where wild dolphins can be encountered every day, weather permitting.

Day 12 - Kaikoura to Arthurs Pass

Today make your way to Arthurs Pass, a journey of approximately four hours (305 km / 190 miles).

Overnight in Arthurs Pass to break your journey.

Day 13 - Arthurs Pass to Franz Josef

Today make your way to Franz Josef, a journey of approximately three hours & ten minutes (234 km / 146 miles).

Depending on your arrival time you may wish to book a Heli-hike or tour of Franz Josef for the afternoon or the next morning!

Overnight in Franz Josef.

Day 14 - Franz Josef to Queenstown

Today make your way to Queenstown , a journey of approximately five hours (354 km / 220 miles).

Check-in to your hotel or apartment in Queenstown.

Day 15 - Queenstown

This morning check-in for your Walter Peak Farm & BBQ Lunch Excursion.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Queenstown.

Day 16 - Queenstown

Today choose from several touring options.

1/ A tour of the lord of the rings film and The Hobbit locations (no sets are left) via Horseback or 4WD!

2/ A Tour of the many wineries in the area.

3/ A Round of Golf at one of the many world-renowned Golf courses in New Zealand.

4/ A Jet Boat Ride

5/ A Day Hike

6/ Go Crazy and Bungee jump or swing off a Canyon.

We could go on and on with options but we will discuss them with you!

Day 17 - Queenstown to Te Anau

Today, make your way to Te Anau, a journey of approximately two and a half hours (172 km / 107 miles).

Day 18 - Te Anau to Doubtful Sound

This morning, you will be collected from your accommodation for your overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound .

Day 19 - Doubtful Sound to Te Anau

After enjoying a hearty breakfast the next morning there will be more time to explore before returning to Deep Cove. Return to Te Anau by coach and you will be dropped back to your accommodation.

Tonight, make you way to the Visitor Centre to check-in for your Glowworm tour.

Day 20 - Te Anau to Dunedin

Today make your way to Dunedin , a journey of approximately four hours (291 km / 181 miles).

Day 21 - Dunedin

Your Wildlife tour today features a boat cruise aboard the ‘Monarch’, and the royal Albatross nesting area tour.

Day 22 - Otago

Day at your leisure.

Please contact your airline and re-confirm your flight back to Canada or the USA tomorrow. If any changes then please contact your New Zealand Travel Agent specialist so we may assist you.

Day 23 - Dunedin to Auckland to Canada/USA

This morning, make your way to the Dunedin Airport, return your Rental Car, and check-in for your flight to Auckland and then on-wards to Canada or the USA.

If you have an onward flight connection when arriving in Canada or the USA… i.e Calgary, New York, Chicago, Miami, Boston, Winnipeg then please make sure you ask the airline to check your bags right through. Upon arrival in Canada or the USA, you need to clear immigration and customs and then put your checked luggage back onto the transfer belt or trolley before finding your next flight.

We hope you have enjoyed your customized vacation to New Zealand designed especially for you by your New Zealand Travel Agent.

** Note our couple needed to return to Canada straight after their Seniors Self Drive Tour but The Cook Islands are a great stopover option in combination with New Zealand if you have the time! You will not regret this beautiful location and some extra downtime!

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Best New Zealand Tours for Over 50s

Discover the enchanting wonders of New Zealand through tailored travel tours designed with the over 50s in mind. From the awe-inspiring landscapes of the North Island to the breathtaking fjords of the South Island, New Zealand offers a kaleidoscope of experiences waiting to be savored by mature travelers.

Whether you seek scenic journeys, cultural immersion, or thrilling adventures, these specially curated tours cater to a blend of preferences and pace.

• Highlights of New Zealand – Embark on a 15-day G Adventures tour from Auckland to Christchurch, exploring New Zealand’s diverse landscapes, cultural treasures, and natural wonders.
• New Zealand South Island Express – Intrepid Travel’s 8-day New Zealand South Island Express tour showcases the stunning landscapes and diverse experiences of South Island, starting and ending in Christchurch.
• New Zealand Journey – This 12-day New Zealand Journey tour from National Geographic Expeditions takes you through spectacular landscapes, from Auckland to Queenstown, exploring Māori culture, scenic wonders, and vibrant cities along the way.
• 21-Day New Zealand Tour – Kakapo – Join the Kakapo tour for a 3-week New Zealand ‘Trip of a Lifetime’, where you’ll see the best of the country’s landscapes, unique wildlife, and warm hospitality, creating unforgettable memories and making new friends along the way.
• The Endless Shores – Uncover geothermal hotspots, experience vibrant cities, and immerse in Māori heritage while embracing the profound connection between Māori hosts and the unspoiled beauty of this ancient land, witnessing nature’s wonders like glowworms and redwood giants.
• New Zealand Uncovered – Explore the striking contrasts and diverse beauty of New Zealand on a captivating 17-day trip, from impressive gorges and glaciers to rich Māori heritage and award-winning wines.

Embrace the warmth of Māori hospitality, savor world-class wines, and forge lifelong connections with like-minded travelers as you venture on a voyage that blends discovery and a deeper appreciation for the beauty that New Zealand beholds.

How to Choose a New Zealand Tour

Choosing a travel tour requires careful consideration to ensure that it aligns with your interests, preferences, and physical capabilities.

Research Tour Operators

Start by researching reputable tour operators that specialize in tours for mature travelers. Look for companies with a track record of positive reviews, responsible travel practices, and experienced local guides.

Tour Itinerary

Review the tour itinerary in detail. Ensure it covers the destinations and experiences you are interested in, whether it’s cultural immersion, scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, or a combination of activities.

Consider the group size. Smaller groups often provide a more personalized experience and allow for meaningful interactions with fellow travelers and guides.

Physical Demands

Assess the physical demands of the tour. Some tours may involve extensive walking or more adventurous activities, so choose one that matches your fitness level and preferences.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Check what is included in the tour package, such as accommodations, meals, activities, and transportation. Compare the value offered by different tour companies.

Flexibility

Look for tours that offer a balance between structured activities and free time, allowing you to explore on your own or take a break when needed.

Travel Style

Identify the travel style that suits you best. It could be a leisurely-paced tour, an adventure-focused one, or a blend of both.

Travel Insurance

Ensure that you have appropriate travel insurance that covers your age and the activities included in the tour.

Reviews and Recommendations

Read reviews and testimonials from other travelers who have taken the tour to get a better understanding of their experiences and satisfaction levels.

How to Prepare for a New Zealand Tour

Obtain necessary documents.

Ensure you have a valid passport with at least six months of validity from your planned departure date. Depending on your nationality, you may also need to apply for a visa before traveling to New Zealand.

Check Health and Vaccination Requirements

Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic to ensure you are up-to-date with vaccinations and to get advice on any specific health precautions for New Zealand.

Pack Appropriately

Pack comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, including layers for varying temperatures. Don’t forget essentials like a hat, sunscreen, sturdy walking shoes, and any specialized gear required for specific activities.

Learn about the Culture

Familiarize yourself with New Zealand’s customs, traditions, and etiquette to show respect for the local culture.

Plan for Free Time

If your tour includes free time, research activities or places of interest you’d like to explore during those periods.

New Zealand Tours for Over 50s

Here are a few of the top-rated New Zealand tours that are accessible for those of us over 50.

Highlights of New Zealand

• From Auckland to Christchurch
• Tour Operator: G Adventures

Go on an unforgettable 15-day Highlights of New Zealand tour, led by G Adventures, taking you from Auckland to Christchurch. See the best of New Zealand’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and natural wonders. Begin in Auckland, exploring its vibrant cityscape and beautiful harbors.

Travel to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, where bubbling mud pools and geysers await. Discover the sensational landscapes of Tongariro National Park and marvel at the ethereal beauty of Fiordland National Park’s fjords.

Adventure seekers will be thrilled in Queenstown, while nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the tranquility of Milford Sound. Visit picturesque towns, discover Māori culture, and embrace the magic of New Zealand’s awe-inspiring beauty on this adventure of a lifetime.

New Zealand South Island Express

• Start and end in Christchurch
• Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel

The New Zealand South Island Express tour by Intrepid Travel offers an action-packed 8-day trip, starting and ending in Christchurch.

This tour takes you to the best of South Island’s breathtaking landscapes, from majestic fjords in Milford Sound to the adventure hub of Queenstown, exploring national parks, picturesque glaciers, and encountering the unique wildlife and culture that make New Zealand an extraordinary destination.

Led by knowledgeable local guides, this tour ensures an immersive and enriching experience for travelers seeking a taste of South Island’s natural wonders and outdoor adventures.

New Zealand Journey

• From Auckland to Queenstown
• Tour Operator: National Geographic Expeditions in collaboration with G Adventures

Embark on an exceptional 12-day National Geographic Expedition tour through the captivating landscapes of New Zealand, from Auckland to Queenstown.

Meet a Māori elder in Rotorua and enjoy a mesmerizing performance of Māori folklore, followed by a traditional hangi feast. Journey through South Island’s stunning scenery on a scenic train ride, and explore the surroundings of Franz Josef Glacier.

Delight your palate with award-winning local wines in multicultural Auckland, and spend a full day immersing yourself in the wonders of Queenstown. Cruise through Fiordland National Park with naturalist guides, observing dolphins, seals, and penguins in their natural habitat.

This extraordinary voyage is a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty, providing a unique experience of “The Land of the Long White Cloud.”

21-Day New Zealand Tour – Kakapo

• Tour Operator: MoaTrek

Venture out on an incredible 3-week Kakapo tour, specially crafted for small groups seeking the ultimate New Zealand ‘Trip of a Lifetime’.

Experience the magic of meeting real kiwis and listening to their stories, while being mesmerized by breathtaking views, encountering their unique wildlife, and indulging in delicious fresh food and wine.

From thrilling water and air adventures to cozy moments of relaxation, this tour captures the essence of New Zealand’s beauty and hospitality, ensuring a great time with new friends.

The Endless Shores

• From Wellington to Auckland
• Tour Operator: Inspiring Journeys

Discover geothermal hotspots, explore vibrant cities, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring Māori heritage, as you embrace the Hongi touch of your Māori hosts who share a profound connection with this ancient land.

Witness the marvels of nature, from the luminescent glowworms of Footwhistle Cave to the towering redwood giants in native forests, and step into the magical realm of “The Lord of the Rings’ ‘Shire,” making this an unforgettable encounter with New Zealand’s captivating wonders.

New Zealand Uncovered

• Tour Operator: AATKings

Embark on a captivating 17-day trip through the diverse beauty of New Zealand, from north to south and east to west. This extraordinary adventure showcases the country’s striking contrasts, from drifting through the stunning gorges of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi to scaling ice on a Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere tour.

Savor the rich Māori heritage with a traditional hangi feast, and delight in award-winning wines amidst picturesque vineyards. Get to feel the vibrant energy of cities like Auckland and Wellington, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the countryside.

Throughout the trip, you’ll encounter warm and welcoming locals and create lasting memories in this enchanting land. This 17-day expedition promises to be an exceptional experience that will leave a lasting impression on your heart, as you uncover the captivating beauty and cultural richness of New Zealand.

Read 7 BEST TRAVEL PILLOWS .

Also read 10 SAFEST CITIES TO TRAVEL AS A WOMAN OVER 50 .

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you been to New Zealand? Are you planning a trip to New Zealand? Which cities or areas would you like to visit and why? Tell us about it in the comments below.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

I very much enjoyed the shout out to New Zealand, it’s been on my list for some time. However, I would have appreciated it even more if you could mention the tours that have no single supplement. I’m sure I’m not the only one who struggles to find group tours that are affordable as a newly single woman.

I live in Australia and have visited NZ several times. It’s a beautiful place and well worth seeing. Another way of traveling is on a cruise and there are several cruise companies that sail from Sydney or you can join one in Auckland. My husband and I traveled with Princess Cruises on a Christmas cruise a few years ago. It’s a perfect way to see both islands as they usually travel around the circumference calling in at most of the cities, where you can disembark and go on excursions to the mountains, lakes and wineries. The Maori culture is very interesting and the people are very welcoming. Of course the scenery is spectacular and the wineries and Te Papa museum in Wellington well worth a visit. Just do it…you won’t be disappointed.

Thank you for promoting our lovely little country 😊 I’m in New Zealand and all of the tours above look fabulous! We’re a pretty friendly bunch and it’s a safe place for travellers. Lovely place for foodies to visit too! The weather can be very much ‘four seasons in one day’ so packing for layering is a good suggestion. Bring the swimsuit regardless of season as there are hot springs in many places and a LOT of coastline! Come on over…

I live in New Zealand too. I agree with Janne, please come and visit. It might be a long way for many, but you won’t be disappointed in any way. I have travelled the world and now I’m older I’m seeing more of my own beautiful country and just amazed at our diverse and gorgeous scenery. There’s something for everyone here, the pace is slower than many places and even our biggest cities are smaller than most large cities in the world. Febuary/March will give you the best summer and July/August will give you a mild winter in most place, except for our winter wonderland Skiing areas.

Tags Travel Tips and Plans

Sandra Roussy

Sandra is the middle-aged woman you hear about who sheds everything she owns and sets out into the world to rediscover and redefine herself. After more than twenty years spent in the fashion industry designing collections for brands such as La Senza, Victoria’s Secret, and JACOB Lingerie, she shifted her path and pursued her longtime passion for writing, traveling, and photography. Sandra was published in the NY Times best selling book Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It. A deeply personal essay hand-picked by Elizabeth Gilbert about loss, facing fears, and going after dreams. Visit her website: www.sandraroussy.com

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Australia & New Zealand

Our New Zealand & Australia tours offer a comprehensive, down under experience that includes the desert Outback, rainforests, reefs, glacier-capped mountains, fjords, and vibrant foodie-inspired cities.

• New Zealand

• ITINERARIES
• FEATURED TOURS

Welcome to Australia & New Zealand

The lands "down under" provide a true symphony of wonders that blend the prehistoric landscapes and wondrously weird wildlife of Australia with the staggering scenery and rich Maori traditions of New Zealand.  Discover all that these regions have to show us... strange egg-laying mammals and endearing marsupials... cosmopolitan coastal cities and tropical rainforests... glacier-hewn fjords and dramatic canyons best explored by jet-boat.

Queenstown, new zealand, an invitation to outdoor adventure in queenstown on new zealand's lush south island.

Queenstown, set amidst gorgeous landscapes on New Zealand's South Island, is a resort city known for its many opportunities for for outdoor adventure… from jet boat excursions racing through rapids on the Shotover River, to helicopter rides to the top of Bob's Peak, riding the Skyline gondola, watersports on Lake Wakatipu and much more.

Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the Outback

Aboriginal traditions and a natural wonder at uluru (ayers rock) in australia's "red centre".

Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) is a massive red sandstone monolith rising dramatically out of the desert Outback (or "Red Centre") in Australia's Northern Territory, and is one of the country's most recognizable features and popular attractions. Sacred to the Pitjantjatjara Anangu, the local Aboriginal people of the region, Uluru is geologically classified as an inselberg (an "island mountain"); a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of Australia's Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, it's a natural wonder that will take your breath away…

Sydney Harbour and Sydney Opera House

Iconic sights on sydney harbour.

With its iconic skyline comprising some of the 20th century's most innovative architecture, Australia's Sydney Harbour is perhaps the most recognizable urban waterfront on Earth. Two of the Harbour's most remarkable "residents" include the striking Sydney Harbour Bridge – the world's tallest steel arch bridge, opened in 1932 and dubbed "The Coathanger" by locals due to its shape – and the Sydney Opera House, one of the world's most distinctive buildings since its completion in 1973 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

The breaktaking beauty of new zealand's fiordland national park.

Whether you explore it by land or by sea, it's hard to beat the breathtaking scenery of Fiordland National Park, the largest of New Zealand's 14 national parks, comprising the South Island's southwestern corner and covered in part by the Southern Alps. The national park is dominated by mountain peaks and many deep, glacier-carved fiords, the largest and most famous of which is Milford Sound; cruising its glacier-hewn inlets and sheer cliffs is a truly memorable experience.

Art Deco Napier, New Zealand

Architectural treasures out of a natural disaster... napier, new zealand.

The city of Napier, on the North Island's Hawke's Bay, is one of New Zealand's most unique cities, due in part to a natural disaster. Virtually destroyed by an earthquake in 1931, the city – despite the deprivations of the Great Depression – was rebuilt in just two years... leaving it with a wealth of Art-Deco architecture, much of it surviving to this day, that's unsurpassed anywhere in the world.

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Adventures Down Under

From a harbor cruise to a jet boat adventure,  flightseeing and a sail through the fiordlands, we'll make every moment count in the "lands down under."  Discover technicolor coral reefs,  "dreamtime" legends and Maori memories in chic cities and wine-country towns. Visit a crocodile lagoon, an iconic opera house, a monolith in the outback… sample green-lipped mussels, shrimp on the barbie, and some of Sydney's favorite eats.

Grand australia & new zealand, new zealand: a north & south island adventure, traveling with tauck, never settle for ordinary.

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Small Group Tours

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New Zealand for Seniors

Roy Orbison wasn’t thinking about New Zealand seniors’ tours when he wrote “You Got It” but he could just as well have been because New Zealand really does have everything.

The relatively compact size of the country, ease of getting around, variety of landscapes and experiences, and laid-back approach to life make New Zealand an extremely popular choice for seniors.

Whether you’re in to food, wine, golf, beaches, horticulture, bird-watching, walking, railways, cruises, culture or history, with more variety than almost any other country, you’ll find what you’re looking for in New Zealand. In fact, “anything you want, anything at all, you got it!”

Whether you’re making a trip to celebrate a retirement, a 60 th or 70 th birthday, or simply because you’ve always wanted to, New Zealand is an incredible destination.

Here at Silver Fern Holidays we have some wonderful options for senior travel in New Zealand in the form of escorted tours. Of course, we mean ‘senior’ in the most modern sense; us older generations are younger than ever and just because we’re no longer in our youth, it doesn’t mean we don’t still yearn to travel and see the world. So let us explain how we can make your dream come true.

New Zealand Seniors Tours

Our unique Small Group Tours offer the ideal New Zealand vacation for seniors.

With a smaller group of fellow travellers, it’s easier to get to know everyone, and we do all we can to ensure you’re on board with like-minded people who will likely become good friends by the end of the trip. This is group travel at its most comfortable and welcoming. This enables us to cater for all interests, whether they are skiing down mountains or drinking fantastic new wines on the scenic South island, or exploring the glittering bays and coves of the North island– no two New Zealand tours for seniors are ever the same!

Our friendly driver-guides and local guides are there to show you the best of New Zealand and make sure you have the best time doing it. Taking a more informal approach than your typical ‘coach tours’, you’ll find they are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about their country and have the highest standards of safety and professionalism. And they’ll share plenty of laughs along the way too.

A smaller cohort means you still get to visit all of the sights, but in a more personal, tailored, fashion and we keep the itinerary flexible, so you have much more of an input into your trip. A unique blend of tour and tailor-made itinerary with a superb selection of accommodation along the way, our Small Group Tours are the most versatile coach tours for seniors New Zealand has to offer.

Senior Travel in New Zealand with Our Tailormade Holidays

If you’d like more control over your trip, then take a look at our Tailormade Holidays . With this option you can select the destinations that interest you most, and together, we create your very own bespoke trip. You make the decisions and we arrange your coach, rail, boat, even self-drive travel, as well as pre-booking all accommodation and activities too.

With a tailormade holiday, New Zealand tours for active seniors couldn’t be easier. All you need to do is turn up!

Allow us to help you make your trip of a lifetime as fascinating, as fun and as stress-free as possible. Contact us today to start planning your dream 2021/2022 New Zealand holiday . Half the world away could be nearer than you think!

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Australia Tours for Seniors & Travel Packages in 2024/2025

Our 20 most popular senior tours in australia trips. compare tour itineraries from 11 tour companies. 78 reviews. 5/5 avg rating., popular senior tours in australia tours.

Best of Australia

• Follow an indigenous guide through the daintree rainforest
• Opt to visit the great barrier reef
• Cruise on a boat around the scenic whitsundays
• Try a surfing lesson in byron bay
• Hike the blue mountains

Coastal Wilds Of Tasmania Cruise - Premium Adventure

• Spend two full days exploring the wilderness areas in Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour
• Hike to Wineglass Bay and The Hazards in Freycinet National Park
• Learn about the history of Maria Island as a penal colony
• Visit Port Arthur, a Unesco World Heritage site
• Admire dramatic 985ft (300m) tall coastal cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula

The Northwest Passage - M/V Sylvia Earle

• Stand in awe of the Ilulissat Icefjord - a UNESCO-protected World Heritage Site
• Hike on Devon Island - the world's largest uninhabited island with stunning fjords and glacial valleys to explore
• Keep watch for Arctic wildlife - spot muskox, polar bear, beluga whale and walrus

The Kimberley: Darwin to Broome Cruise - Premium Adventure

• Experience the thrill of riding the Horizontal Falls in inflatable Zodiac tender vessels
• Get up close to Montgomery Reef and discover diverse marine life
• Experience King George River and the King George waterfalls
• Cruise the Prince Regent River to the hanging garden King Cascades waterfall
• Visit indigenous rock art galleries and learn about ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion art

New Zealand & Australia in 19 days - Land of the Long White Cloud & Eastern Oz - SUPERIOR

Australia in 10 days - Cities & Sights of Eastern Oz - Superior

Australia & New Zealand: An Adventure Down Under

• Visit Cleland Wildlife Park
• Visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service
• Enjoy a casual dinner of Australian cuisine
• Explore an array of native plant, animal, and bird species
• Discover the deep spiritual and cultural connection the Aboriginal people have to the land.

Australia and New Zealand

• 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

All Senior Tours in Australia , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Senior Tours in Australia

Small Group Senior Tours in Australia Tours

Down Under Discovery with Fiji

• Auckland: Sightseeing; dinner atop Sky Tower
• Waitomo: Visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Rotorua: Enjoy a Maori cultural performance and Hangi dinner; visit Te Puia, the Agrodome, and Rainbow Springs; behind the-scenes visit at the Kiwi Encounter
• Mount cook: Sightseeing in Mount Cook National Park; visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center
• Queenstown: Visit Fiordland National Park and cruise on Milford Sound; cruise on Lake Wakatipu; dinner & farm demonstration at Walter Peak High Country Farm

Best of New Zealand with Sydney

• Auckland : Sightseeing
• Bay of islands: Visit the Waitangi Treaty House; scenic cruise
• Rotorua : Traditional Hangi dinner and Maori cultural performance; visit Rainbow Springs and Te Puia; dinner at a local family’s home
• Marton : Visit a local farm and enjoy a barbecue lunch
• Wellington : Sightseeing including cable car ride; visit the botanic gardens and Te Papa

Best Senior Tours in Australia Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Senior Tours in Australia Tours by Price

Top Senior Tours in Australia Attractions & Experiences

Top Senior Tours in Australia Experiences

• Witnessing the sunrise over Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the heart of the Australian Outback
• Cruising through the pristine waters of the Great Barrier Reef, marveling at its vibrant marine life
• Exploring the ancient rock formations of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and learning about their cultural significance
• Enjoying a stroll along the white sandy beaches of Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsunday Islands
• Discovering the indigenous art and culture at the Aboriginal rock art sites in Kakadu National Park
• Taking a scenic flight over the breathtaking landscapes of the Kimberley region, including the Bungle Bungle Range
• Sampling world-class wines in the picturesque vineyards of the Barossa Valley, Margaret River, or Hobart
• Observing the fascinating wildlife on Kangaroo Island, home to kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions
• Riding the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway through the lush rainforest of Queensland's Atherton Tablelands
• Exploring the stunning landscapes of the Blue Mountains with visits to the Three Sisters and Wentworth Falls
• Walking among the ancient ferns and towering trees in Tasmania's Tarkine Rainforest
• Experiencing the vibrant culture and cuisine of Melbourne's laneways on a guided food tour
• Discovering the convict history of Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Riding the historic Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne
• Gazing at the twinkling lights of Sydney Harbour from the top of the Sydney Tower Eye

Senior Tours in Australia Tours & Travel Guide

Senior Tours in Australia Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Senior tours in australia reviews & ratings, this was a trip with our two 30+ daughters and they picked it so they would have others in their own age group and a more active itinerary.

This was a trip with our two 30+ daughters and they picked it so they would have others in their own age group and a more active itinerary. I think this hit the mark...

So good I want more

So good I want more!

The trip could have been some days longer, so we could have spent some more days in Byron Bay or Port Macquire

The trip could have been some days longer, so we could have spent some more days in Byron Bay or Port Macquire. But overall a very nice tour, with a lot of good acti...

From exploring the rainforest, to snorkelling the reef, to relaxing on the beaches and ending in the amazing city of Sydney

From exploring the rainforest, to snorkelling the reef, to relaxing on the beaches and ending in the amazing city of Sydney...one of the best experiences you can hav...

Christopher

See all Senior Tours in Australia reviews

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Australia/Oceania Tours for Seniors

Explore Australia/Oceania with other Seniors. These 250+ tours include popular destinations like Queenstown and Auckland.

250+ trips for 'over 50s' in Australia/Oceania with 806 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Highlights of New Zealand

I had an amazing trip! The tour exceeded all my expectations. Absolutely no complaints. Dan, our guide and driver was wonderful. He was knowledgeable and made sure we got the most out of trip. He is perfect for his job, in that he kept us safe and got us everywhere we needed to go in a timely fashion. There was always something of interest for our group to do everyday. The Maori Village was a fantastic experience. Amazing to see Christchurch and their innovativeness since the earthquake. Modes of transportation were perfect, bus, train, and ferry. Accommodation was very good, as well. I definitely recommend this trip. New Zealand is absolutely, stunning beautiful. Thank you Dan for everything. You are one of the most genuinely kind people I’ve ever met.

Best of Australia

I had an amazing trip, though if I can give a few bits of criticism: some days felt quite rushed. For example in Airlie Beach, we only had 1 day, which was taken up completely by the planned activity. We had no time to see Airlie itself. Same in Byron, if you wanted to do 2 activities, there was no time left to see the town itself. Visiting the port douglas markets, we were given 2 hours but since it was very busy there, the waiting queues for different stands were too long to be able to see everything in those 2 hours. Most places we stayed we did have enough time. Linda was an amazing driver and both her and Imy knew a lot about australian history and nature. They were very friendly and helpful. The things we see on the tour are spectacular and we were lucky to have a lovely group.

The Great Kimberley Overland

This tour was just amazing! We saw amazing and beautiful spots of western Australia. The Tourguides made this tour awesome. They help whereever they could, were always in a good mood and made this adventure for all of us spezial.

Sydney to Brisbane Adventure (7 Days) (from Byron Bay to Tweed Heads)

Premium New Zealand North Island (8 destinations)

Summer did an excellent job guiding us around and telling us all about her home country.

New Zealand Journey National Geographic Journeys

Tour was a nice mix of beautiful landscape and fun physical activities, accommodations were clean and comfortable, overall great experience. Would recommend to friends!

• Hiking & Trekking

Premium New Zealand South Island

• Wildlife & Nature Photography
• Kayak & Canoe

Best of the Coast - Sydney to Cairns 16 Day Flashpacker Adventure Tour

My recent 16-day journey with Via Travel from Sydney to Cairns was nothing short of extraordinary. The carefully curated itinerary seamlessly blended iconic landmarks with hidden gems, offering a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. The expert guides were both knowledgeable and passionate, providing insightful narratives that deepened my appreciation for Australia. Comfortable accommodations, delicious cuisine, and seamless logistics made the trip worry-free. Notably, Via Travel's commitment to sustainability and conservation was inspiring. Each day brought unforgettable experiences, from snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef to exploring the Daintree Rainforest. This trip was a remarkable adventure that left me with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for Australia's natural beauty and vibrant culture. Via Travel has set a high standard for travel experiences, and I eagerly look forward to my next journey with them. Thank you, Via Travel, for an exceptional adventure!

• Coach / Bus

7 Day Perth to Exmouth Explorer Loop

I loved every aspect of this tour. Geoff was an AMAZING tour guide!!

Southern Spectacular (10 Days)

We saw so much of the South Island of New Zealand—truly a trip of a lifetime! Well planned and organized. I felt very safe and comfortable traveling solo in this group bus tour.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Explorer Six - 6 Day Tour of Tasmania

Great tour, lots packed in, Keygan was a great tour guide very knowledgable

• €65 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Super 7 - Seven Day Tour of Tasmania

My wife and I are recently retired and wanted to try a bus tour. This was our first. We felt that the itinerary was well planned out and provided maximum experiences intermixed with a fair amount of driving. No drives were more than 70 minutes without a stop for toilets or coffee. The bus we were in was reasonably comfortable although a little tight for me (6 ft). A small trailer tows the luggage and you bring what you need for the day in a back pack. The accommodation we chose was the hotel upgrade and was acceptable. Not luxurious but what you needed for a shower a sleep and get ready for the next day. In the event of rain most accommodations had laundry facilities available or close by. The real value we found was seeing things and places we would never have found on our own and having Jason as our tour guide was wonderful. He was full of info and made the trip interesting with a good understanding of both aboriginal and convict culture. This tour is full on, early rising 0600, long days ,

Feejee Five

I had an absolutely amazing 10 days trip in Fiji. The tour was perfectly organised, with a lot of activities. Everything was perfect. I had such a great full immersion in the Fijian culture. Highly recommended a tour with them.

Untamed Kimberley (11 Days)

An excellent choice of events and accommodation for the 11 day tour. The cruises were outstanding. Delma gave us a lot of very useful background information. Ben was an efficient and considerate driver.

6 Day Perth to Exmouth Coral Coaster (One Way)

- geoff was an excellent tour guide, very informative, kind, and a great laugh! - unfortunately missed out on a few things due to weather / road accidents but these were made up for in other sites and activities - i made 2 friends for life, so had an absolutely great time with lots of laughs - bus was clean and a nice drive - would definitely use autopia for tours again! and would definitely recommend visiting Western Australia, most amazing place i’ve ever been!

What people love about Australia/Oceania Tours for Seniors

The tour guide was exceptional! The accommodations could have been better.

Cool group, great guide, some long drives. Would need a driver and a guide A flight from Byron Bay to avoid 2 long drives on the bus

More Tours in Australia/Oceania for Seniors

• Australia tours (242)
• New Zealand tours (97)
• Papua New Guinea tours (14)
• Fiji tours (5)
• Solo/Single tours (522)
• For Couples (295)
• Budget tours (138)
• Luxury tours (63)

Australia & New Zealand Leisurely Vacation for Seniors

Customers rate Zicasso's travel referral service  5  on a scale of 1 to 5 based on  1537  reviews on Trustpilot

We match you with top tour companies that specialize in the trip you want,  whether it's a customized private tour or a group tour.

• Trip Overview

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

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Countries Visited

Places visited, suggested duration.

Handcrafted for senior travelers, this will be a relaxing 14-day vacation that includes Port Douglas, Melbourne, Sydney, Christchurch, New Zealand’s West Coast, and Queenstown. Australia and New Zealand can provide you with a bit of everything, even when you travel slow and only have two weeks. Some of the exclusive experiences include tropical beaches, lazy days, dramatic fjords, glaciers, artistic cities, enchanting histories, indigenous wildlife, and cruising down a river at sunset.

Customizable Itinerary

Port douglas – easing into your surroundings.

After landing at Cairns Airport, you will be privately transported to Port Douglas, where your boutique accommodation will be located on the beachfront. Nothing will be planned for these two days, so you can check-in to the Australian atmosphere, indulge in a stroll on the beach, visit the nearby rainforest, and prepare yourself for all the other destinations that are yet to come. It can be difficult to fly halfway around the world and then dive straight into activities and exploration. Port Douglas will offer you a beautiful place to recover from any travel fatigue and jet lag. After these two days are finished, you should be fully settled into your vacation.

What's Included:

Port Douglas – Discovering the Great Barrier Reef

Like everywhere on your itinerary, Port Douglas has spectacular surroundings. This morning, you will travel on a speed boat to a pontoon in the Pacific. A long chain of 2,900 individual reefs, the Great Barrier Reef stretches 1,400 miles along the coast of Australia. You will be exploring part of the northern section, which is where there are larger marine species and an opportunity to discover the reefs without getting wet. The boat will dock at a floating pontoon, which will be your base for a few hours of exploring. You can indulge in some guided snorkeling here and can also cruise around the reefs in a semi-submersible vessel. While exotic fish and marine creatures can impress, the highlight will be the reef itself with so many colors and shapes that are clustered in artistic harmony.

Melbourne – Exploring Art and Architecture

Today, you will bid farewell to Port Douglas as your local guide transfers you to Cairns for a morning flight to Melbourne. Your boutique hotel will be situated near Flinders Street Station in the heart of old Melbourne. This is an excellent location for senior travelers because it will allow you to easily explore the riverside, the city’s art galleries, and the city’s Victorian charm. From Flinders Street Station, you can also take train service to some of Melbourne’s beachside suburbs. After an airport transfer, you will have some time to rest and freshen up before a private city tour in the afternoon. Your guide will plan a route that is suited to how far you want to walk, using the city’s old-world trams to connect different locations.

Melbourne – Encounters with Kangaroos and Koalas

Although you can witness indigenous wildlife in small sanctuaries, it is not the same when the animals are not in their natural habitat. Mobs of kangaroos skip across Australia, especially in the Victoria state, and koalas still survive in the wild. Clinging on with fingers and nails, they live in eucalyptus trees, rarely moving more than 20 meters a day. Usually, you can move close enough to watch koalas open their sleepy eyes, and, almost always, they will go straight back to sleep. With kangaroos, it is difficult to predict how close you will come. Sometimes, a mob is on the move or behaving skittishly, so you may see them hopping around in the distance. You can take a few steps forward before your guide analyzes the marsupials’ reactions.

Sydney – History Tour and Sunset Dinner Cruise

After a short flight to Sydney, you will transfer to your luxury accommodation in Circular Quay. A local guide will show you the city center from the cobblestone charm of The Rocks to the glorious Victorian architecture. Sydney’s center is as much about the stories as it is the buildings, and you will continue your evening with a cruise along the Parramatta River. By departing from Circular Quay, you will cruise under Sydney Harbour Bridge to Darling Harbour before gliding under the bridge again and out toward the Pacific. Dinner will be served as you pass the city’s icons from the place where explorers first touched down to neighborhoods of riverside charm. By the main course, you will have heard about the city from both an Aboriginal and explorer perspective, and by dessert, you will be cruising back to Circular Quay with city lights twinkling all around you.

Sydney – Performance at the Sydney Opera House

Yesterday will have been a relatively busy day, so today will be left completely free. There is a lot to see and do in Sydney, and you can customize the day to your interests. One option will be to travel to some of the city’s famous beaches like Bondi. If you are feeling active, there is a superb walk from Bondi to Coogee. Another option will be to take the public ferry along the Parramatta River to Manly, which is a beachside suburb on the opposite side of the city. If you want to partake in a day trip, then consider the Blue Mountains, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of stunning views and a blue-clad forest. This evening, you can walk from the hotel to the Sydney Opera House in less than ten minutes. Most people visit the opera house on a guided tour, and many forget that this is a functioning building.

Christchurch – Highlights of a Revitalized City

Today, you will fly between Australia and New Zealand and lose two hours when you jump forward in time zones between Sydney and Christchurch. After a private airport transfer, you can spend the evening exploring Christchurch’s city center, where there is a large pedestrianized area and a number of delicious restaurants. Christchurch will feel more like a charming village than a city. Its history is recent, largely due to an earthquake that severely devastated and scarred the city. These scars are still visible today with piles of rubble and the incomplete frames of buildings that are half-collapsed to the ground. Christchurch may not have fully recovered, but you will find that the recovery process is incredibly exciting and innovative. You will have all of this helpfully narrated by a private guide today.

Franz Josef Glacier – New Zealand’s Wild West Coast

Today and tomorrow will be a celebration of your journey, beginning with a beautiful ride on the TranzAlpine railway from Christchurch to Greymouth. You can sit back in first-class comfort and gaze out through the customized windows. A patchwork of pastoral colors will give way to rugged mountains as the train ascends. After a long tunnel, you can see how everything is different. Volcanoes run down the spine of the South Island. The West Coast is known as Te Wahipounamu, and this entire area is regarded as a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are no towns or cities, only mountain passes, secluded beaches, great forests, and icy worlds. After disembarking in Greymouth, you will have lunch before a private transfer carries you to Franz Josef Glacier.

Queenstown – Through the Southern Alps

This morning, a helicopter will take you closer before touching down on a glacier. You can get out and walk on the ice, and it can be a little slippery, but your guides will assist you. This is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. After your heli-hiking tour, you will continue the journey. It will take around five hours of driving to reach Queenstown, but it is a route that is blessed with highlights. Mountain passes can provide you with spectacular moments, and as you descend toward Queenstown, there will be vineyards, where you can indulge in tastings and tours. These two days will involve a ton of travel, but it will mostly be private, so you can stop when you want and take your time. Queenstown will be the perfect place to relax after your journey.

Queenstown – New Zealand’s Prettiest Town

Today, you will wake up and gaze out onto Lake Wakatipu. You can step into the street to see more mountains because Queenstown is literally surrounded by rugged summits and slopes. This charming town is famous as a capital for adventure with activities like bungee jumping and jet boat riding. Today can be customized to your interests just like any day on this Australia and New Zealand adventure. You can extend your stay in one destination, miss out on another, and add some in other places. In Queenstown, it is easy to arrange activities locally, so you can see how you feel and what you want to do for the day.

Queenstown – The Wonder of Milford Sound

This morning, after a two and a half-hour journey by road, you will cruise through the sound, following dolphins and seals and passing waterfalls. At some points, the walls are vertical and stand more than 3,000 feet above the water. You will travel to the raging waters of the Tasman Sea before looping back to the harbor for your beautiful journey back to your luxurious accommodation by helicopter. Here, you can step out, inhale the tranquil air, and admire the endless natural beauty before continuing to Queenstown for your final night in New Zealand.

Queenstown – Departure

After two weeks in Australia and New Zealand, you will depart from Queenstown this morning and begin your journey home.

Trip Highlights

• Explore the mystic wonder of Milford Sound before flying over Fiordland and touching down on a glacier of natural ice sculptures
• Spend an enchanting morning with kangaroo mobs and sleepy koalas in an accessible wilderness that is close to Melbourne
• Savor Sydney in a laid-back style, including a sunset dinner cruise on the Parramatta River and a dinner performance at Sydney Opera House
• Embrace your journey with a spectacular TranzAlpine train trip across New Zealand’s South Island in addition to a private transfer through the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Ease into your experience down under with three nights in tropical Port Douglas, which is the finest, beachside destination in Australia
• Fly in a helicopter to a glacier and experience walking on the ice, which is an activity that is possible for all ages
• Explore Sydney and Melbourne with expert guides to learn about the history and to admire all the spectacular art
• Culminate your vacation in Queenstown, which is a charming Kiwi town that is nestled beneath beautiful mountains

Detailed Description

Magnificent landscapes will set the scene for your Australia and New Zealand vacation. These countries are full of golden beaches that seem to stretch on forever, blue rivers that divide iconic cities, snowy mountains that stand majestic above pristine lakes, and the sight of kangaroos and koalas. You will explore both countries and a stunning range of settings from beach to city and from mountain to fjord. You can do everything at a laid back pace, even if you only have two weeks. This adventure to Australia and New Zealand is handcrafted for senior travelers and will offer a bit of all the experiences that make these countries so exciting. You can travel at your own pace and feel entirely immersed in the local atmosphere.

Your week in Australia will be split across three distinctive destinations. Port Douglas is a longstanding favorite of all senior travelers, and it is a charming, beachside town that will be perfect for recovering from jet lag and discovering the Australian vibe. Here, you can also explore the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet. Then, you will spend two nights in Melbourne and two nights in Sydney with local guides that will customize your city exploration. Melbourne will also be your base for an incredibly intimate morning with wild marsupials. In Sydney, you can sit back and cruise the Parramatta at sunset. Then, the following night, you will dine at the Sydney Opera House before indulging a live performance.

Your New Zealand experience is also split into three parts. Two nights in Christchurch will provide you with a serene introduction and insight into a city that has been revitalized after an earthquake. Afterward, you will embrace the South Island’s wild landscapes on a two-day journey to Queenstown and the Franz Josef Glacier. With a combination of trains, private cars, and helicopters, you will discover a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site and some of the world’s most scenic locations. Then, you will stop to soothe your muscles in a spa before enjoying three nights in Queenstown. A day trip to Milford Sound will continue your breathtaking sights, and you do not need to expect anything strenuous. This is New Zealand, which will provide you with a relaxing journey through a continent of highlights.

Starting Price

$4,545  per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.85 stars based on 837 reviews.

Reviewed By  Ingrid F.

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New Zealand tours for seniors

You are never too old to travel New Zealand. Unleash your inner traveller with our amazing New Zealand tours for seniors.

New Zealand is a beautiful country with plenty of sights to see and experiences to enjoy, and we know you want to enjoy it any every age. So for seniors looking for the best New Zealand tours for their needs we have the info for you. As we grow older, we often start to appreciate the beauty of the world around us more deeply. Traveling to new destinations, exploring different cultures, and experiencing new adventures can be incredibly fulfilling, regardless of age. New Zealand, with its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and endless opportunities for adventure, is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. In this article, we’ll explore the best New Zealand tours for seniors.

New Zealand Tours for Over 50s:

Real Kiwi Adventures offers a range of New Zealand tours for over 50s that cater to different interests and travel styles. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed coach tour or an adventure-packed itinerary, there’s a tour that will suit your needs. Our small group tours are designed to provide an authentic Kiwi experience, with opportunities to meet locals, sample delicious food and wine, and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.

We have many trips that are open age and specific trips that we recommend especially for those over 50. 

We specialize in fully guided coach tours for seniors in New Zealand.

These trips are perfect for you if your backpacking days are long over, we show you the best tours for seniors in New Zealand in this post.

We will look at North Island and South Island tours for seniors, N ew Zealand tours for over 50s,  Luxury coach tours for seniors, and also of course more adventure tours from Auckland to Christchurch for seniors. 

We want everywhere in NZ to be accessible for every age!

For those over 50, this stunning country offers the perfect combination of adventure, comfort, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for a memorable holiday. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, there is something for everyone in New Zealand.

We will take a look at the best New Zealand tours for over 50s. Whether you’re looking for an active adventure or a leisurely trip, there is a tour package that will suit your interests and abilities. So, let’s dive in and start exploring the beauty of New Zealand.

“ We specialize in fully guided coach tours for seniors in New Zealand. “ Real Adventure Group

Reasons to visit New Zealand as a mature traveler.

Quality accommodation.

New Zealand is full of unique places to stay with amazing central locations to the beauty. On our tours we know you need to rest at the end of the day of adventure, so offer quality accommodation.

Comfortable transport

On our guided tours for those of all ages, we travel in a luxury coach. New Zealand is perfect for seniors as you can take a guided tour in a comfortable vehicle but still with an element of adventure. Hiking and exploring in New Zealand don’t have to be boring. We have hikes of all lengths and for all abilities on tour.

The New Zealand weather.

Who wants to be hiking and exploring in the full hot sun all day? The lovely thing about New Zealand is the cooler milder climate. We still have wonderful sunny days and opportunities to swim in the sea. But mostly the climate is more temperate. Perfect for those who get overheated when walking.

Incredible food and wine.

As mature travellers, we like the finer things in life! New Zealand is full of local fresh produce. And some of the best wines in the world.

A safe destination.

English is spoken throughout New Zealand and the country is very safe to travel in. Perfect for any age, but especially great for those over 50

Best New Zealand Tours for Seniors

We have small group tours for over 50s in New Zealand but they are still full of adventure, hiking, and activity.

If you’re a senior traveler, we believe you’re a fun-loving adventurer with experience. We have a trip for you, no matter who you are or why you’re visiting New Zealand. Whether you’re a baby boomer looking to explore your own country, a teacher from Europe on a summer break, or a couple in your 50s on an around-the-world trip, we want you to have an adventure!

We know that you don’t want a group tour with an uncomfortable bus, 18-30s on board with loud music and lots of partying. However, you still want to get off the beaten track and see the heart of New Zealand.

We offer an extra level of knowledge and education from our experienced tour guides to you as we know how keen you are to learn about where you are visiting.

Many seniors can often do more challenging hikes and walks than those in their 20s, so we want to make sure that our tours offer enough time for this activity!

New Zealand Coach Tours Seniors:

If you prefer a more relaxed pace and the comfort of a coach, our New Zealand coach tours for seniors are a great option. You’ll travel in comfort and style, with a knowledgeable local guide to show you the best of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, cultural landmarks, and hidden gems. Our coach tours are fully escorted, with all accommodation, meals, and activities included, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

So, which are the best New Zealand tours for seniors? 

It really depends on your interests and travel style. If you love the great outdoors, our Milford Sound and Fiordland Explorer tour is a must-do. You’ll experience the beauty of Milford Sound on a scenic cruise, hike through ancient rainforests, and explore the stunning fiordland landscape.

If you’re more interested in New Zealand’s cultural heritage, our Maori Culture and Heritage tour is an excellent choice. You’ll visit historic Maori sites, learn about traditional Maori customs and beliefs, and enjoy a traditional hangi feast.

For those who want to combine adventure with relaxation, our North Island Adventure tour is a great option. You’ll experience the thrill of white water rafting and jet boating, hike through volcanic landscapes, and unwind in natural hot springs.

New Zealand tours for over 50s

Here at Real Kiwi Adventures we have a range of coach tours that are suitable for those over 50. We have put these together so you can get the most out of your trip to New Zealand. But don’t worry- they are still pretty adventurous! 

These tours have plenty of hiking and exploring on them day by day. As you traverse this stunning country you will have comfort at night staying in premium rooms in specially selected, quality hotels and boutique accommodations.

If you’re an active traveler over 50 and enjoy outdoor activities, New Zealand has plenty to offer. From majestic mountains to rolling hills and pristine lakes, there are endless opportunities for hiking, trekking, and adventure.

If you’re over 50 and looking for a more leisurely experience, New Zealand has plenty of options for you as well. From scenic drives and cultural tours to spa treatments and gourmet dining, there are plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind.

Our professional, coach driver will chauffeur you through the magnificence of New Zealand’s countryside while in the company of a small group of people.

We have dedicated the time to researching the best options for our over 50’s travelers to ensure they get a great mix of cultural, historical, and natural scenery on all of our tours.

Our most popular tour for seniors wanting to explore as much of New Zealand as possible is our 16-Day Ultimate New Zealand Tour .

This adventure includes the must-see highlights in New Zealand. Travel both the North and South Island on our premium coach. Visiting Rotorua, Napier, Abel Tasman, Queenstown and more.

If you are shorter on time take a North Island adventure.

7 Day North Island Explorer Tour.

If the South Island is on your bucket list, our 9 day South Island is full of must-see destinations.

All these tours are the perfect New Zealand coach tours for over 50s. These tours offer a range of experiences, from scenic drives through picturesque landscapes to cultural encounters and gourmet dining experiences. You’ll also have the chance to stay in comfortable accommodations, from boutique hotels to luxury lodges, and enjoy a variety of activities and experiences that are designed for those over 50.

Popular New Zealand Tours For You

The smaller size of the country, how easy it is to get around, the stunning landscapes and variety of experiences, plus the laid-back lifestyle makes New Zealand the most popular choice for seniors.

Our best small group tours for seniors and over 50s are below.

Best North Island Tours

7 day northern explorer tour, best south island tours, 9 day southern dream tour, tips for taking an escorted tour in new zealand for seniors.

• Some of our tours do not include meals. Plus they have optional activities you can add on. Make sure to budget for them on your trip to New Zealand. 
• Pack light. On our tours, you will have to carry your luggage on and off the bus. Plus from the coach to the hotel each night. So make sure you are not bringing a huge heavy suitcase, We recommend a soft backpack or suitcase on wheels. 
• Take it slow. On our tours, we try to offer you some free time to relax at the hotel in the evening. Or time to wander around the town as we arrive. We do not want to rush you on your trip in New Zealand. 
• We always recommend a day or two before you start touring and after. This gives you time to explore the city you have arrived in. Plus after touring you have a couple of days to relax and explore heading home or to your next destination

When it comes to choosing the best tours of New Zealand for seniors, it’s important to consider factors such as group size, travel style, and level of activity. Real Kiwi Adventures offers a range of tours that cater to different needs, from small group tours to coach tours, and from adventure-packed itineraries to more relaxed options.

Whatever your interests and travel style, there’s a New Zealand tour that’s perfect for you. With Real Kiwi Adventures, you’ll experience the best of New Zealand’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure activities, all while traveling in comfort and style with a knowledgeable local guide. So why wait? Start planning your New Zealand adventure today!Whether you’re an active adventurer or a leisure traveler over 50, New Zealand has something for everyone. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and endless outdoor activities, it’s the perfect destination for a memorable holiday.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both, there is a New Zealand tour package that will suit your interests and abilities.

So, why wait? Book your dream New Zealand tour today and start exploring this amazing country!

Real Kiwi Recommendations

• You are never too old to come and explore the wonders of New Zealand. We have a tour suitable for every age and level of fitness. 

New Zealand Tours for Seniors

10 Day Auckland to Christchurch Tour

16 Day Ultimate New Zealand Tour

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When travelling in New Zealand, it’s the rugged natural beauty that stands out: spectacular glaciers, picturesque fiords, endless coastlines, steamy geothermal activity and so much more. Its breathtaking landscapes combined with its unique Maori culture, friendly cosmopolitan cities and fabulous food and wine comprise the two remarkable islands the “Kiwis” lovingly call home. New Zealand, a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation, also offers a veritable playground for the adventurous. The temperate climate makes it ideal for year-round New Zealand adventures.

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