Are you travelling to New Zealand and looking for a relaxing holiday?
For many seniors, this is the perfect country for a getaway.
New Zealand is easily one of the most beautiful countries on the planet.
From the rich culture of the North Island to the dramatic landscapes of the South Island, you’ll love exploring the incredible landscape.
However, with so many places to visit, it can be difficult to navigate, especially if this is your first time going to New Zealand.
Luckily, there are many escorted tours that make for a completely hassle-free vacation.
We’ve done the research and found the 14 best New Zealand escorted tours for seniors.
Lord of the Rings Tours
1. Best Escorted LOTR Tours in New Zealand
New Zealand is known for many things, and one of them is being the filming location of the famous Lord of the Rings series.
If you’re a huge fan of LOTR, then a tour of the sites featured in the films are a must!
There are Lord of the Rings tours of all different lengths, ranging from 7 to 21 days.
All tours include a private guide/driver and a comfortable vehicle.
Stops vary but combine popular tourist attractions with LOTR sites, such as Hobbiton in Matamata, Milford Sound, and Queenstown.
And rest assured, even if you’re not a fan of the series, you will love visiting many of the country’s best cultural and natural sites.
NZ Tours from Auckland
2. Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton and Rotorua
Auckland is a great starting point for seniors looking for a fully escorted tour.
One of the most popular guided tours from Auckland is the Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton Set, and Rotorua tour.
This 2 day, round trip experience will first take you to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Here, you’ll enter an underground labyrinth of caves to admire a host of stalactites and stalagmites.
Next, you’ll make your way to Rotorua, where you’ll have time to check into your hotel for the night before setting off on an amphibious “duck” tour.
The second and final day of this tour will include stops at Rainbow Springs Nature Park, the Agrodome, and the Hobbiton Movie Set, before you make your way back to the Sky City Bus Terminal in Auckland.
- Departure Point: InterCity Sky City Bus Terminal, 102 Hobson Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Departure Time: 7:30am
- Duration: 2 days
3. Bay of Islands
For a relaxing, 3-day adventure in paradise, look no further than this Bay of Islands Tour from Auckland.
The Bay of Island is a stunning spot to visit year-round.
This tour is ideal for seniors who want to experience New Zealand’s natural beauty in all its glory.
Located on the North Island, this water playground is filled with traditional Maori culture and breathtaking coastline.
The tour includes stops at multiple islands, including Paihia, Motukokako Island, and Russell.
There is even an excursion on the second day of this trip that takes you to the tip of the North Island known as Cape Reinga (where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea).
- Departure Point: Hotel pickup offered in Auckland CBD
- Departure Time: 7:10am
- Duration: 3 days
4. Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton
For seniors looking to explore some of the best sites on the North Island in one tour, this is the one for you!
This 5 day New Zealand tour will take you north of Auckland to the Bay of Islands and then south of Auckland to Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton.
Your first stop will be the scenic town of Paihia in the Bay of Islands.
Here, you will tour the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds before boarding a boat for an ocean cruise.
Heading even further north, you’ll visit Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach.
Then it’s time to head back down south, where you will explore Rotorua, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and Hobbiton, before returning to Auckland.
- Departure Point: InterCity Sky City Bus Terminal, 102 Hobson Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Departure Time: 7:30am
- Duration: 5 days
NZ Tours from Wellington
5. Wine, Food and Wairarapa Coast
The capital of New Zealand, located on the southern tip of the North Island is none other than Wellington.
Like Auckland, Wellington is also a wonderful starting point for exploring the country.
This 2-day tour will have you venturing the wild Wairarapa Coast.
If you like wine, food, and nature, this is the tour for you!
Your drive will take you through the Hutt Valley to the Stuart Macaskill Lakes and Kaitoke Regional Park, as well as over the Remutaka Ranges to the shores of Lake Onoke.
There will be many lunch stops along the way, all of which take place at scenic spots.
Other attractions include an easy trek to the Cape Palliser Lighthouse, dinner at the historic Martinborough Hotel, tasting of treats from a range of local wineries, a chocolate maker, and a cheesemaker on your way back to Wellington.
- Departure Point: 111 Wakefield Street, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
- Departure Time: 9:30am
- Duration: 2 days
6. Wellington to Auckland
Don’t have enough time to visit Auckland during your trip, New Zealand’s largest city?
Then why not take a tour there?
This 3 day Wellington to Auckland tour will allow you to explore two beautiful cities, and everything in between!
The first day will have you travelling to Rotorua via the Kapiti Coast.
You will stay in a 4-star hotel in Rotorua and the next day, will be given tours of the Agrodome, Rainbow Springs and Te Puia.
After exploring Rotorua on day 2, day 3 will consist of your trip from Rotorua to Auckland.
There will be a stop at the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves on this final leg of the trip.
- Departure Point: Hotel pickup offered in Wellington CBD
- Departure Time: 7:40am
- Duration: 3 days
7. North Island Adventure Tour
The North Island is definitely New Zealand’s most underrated island.
Not exploring it properly would be a mistake as it has so much to offer that is vastly different from its southern counterpart.
This 7.5 day tour will take from the top to the bottom of the North Island.
This guided tour starts in the capital of Wellington and ends in the largest NZ city, Auckland.
Your guide will take your across the island at a leisurely pace, ensuring ample time to stop at some of the best attractions en route.
Notable stops include Lake Taupo, Rotorua, and Coromandel Forest Park.
- Departure Point: 292 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
- Return Point: Haka Hotel Newmarket, 9 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Duration: 7.5 days
Tours from Christchurch
8. Kaikoura Whale and Dolphins
If your New Zealand adventure begins in the South Island city of Christchurch, then it’s a great idea to take one of the amazing day tours offered from here.
This Kaikoura Whale and Dolphins tour is one such example.
The 2-day tour provides round trip transportation from Christchurch to the gorgeous coastal town of Kaikoura.
Your escort guide will show you the best whale watching spots, and then take you to some friendly dolphins where you can swim beside them.
So if you’re someone who loves seeing wildlife up close, this is perfect for you.
The cruise tour also includes a seal colony viewing and snorkelling equipment.
- Departure Point: Pickup from selected Christchurch hotels
- Departure Time: 7:40am
- Duration: 2 days
9. Christchurch and Akaroa with Harbour Cruise
To see everything that Christchurch and the surrounding area have to offer, this 3-day Christchurch and Akaroa tour is fantastic.
Of course, the escorted tour is completely hassle-free, with everything taken care of in advance.
It starts with you being picked up directly from the Christchurch Airport before being taken to your luxury hotel in the city.
The next day, you will be driven to the Banks Peninsula to the township of Akaroa.
You will have lunch at a local restaurant, board a cruise on the water, and enjoy a tasting at a local cheese factory.
The last day of your tour will have you back in Christchurch by midday.
- Departure Point: You’ll be picked up from Christchurch Airport and driven to your selected hotel.
- Departure Time: 8am
- Duration: 3 days
10. Great Southern Island Circle
For seniors looking to marvel at New Zealand’s natural beauty, this Great Southern Island Circle tour is just the ticket.
Over the course of 4 days, you will see everything from glaciers and fjords to picturesque mountains.
Transportation is included and all tours begin in Christchurch.
Stops include Queenstown, Greymouth, the Franz Josef Glacier, and Milford Sound.
As you drive around the South Island, you will pass by some of the most glorious natural sites like Arthur’s Pass.
Three nights’ accommodation, a Milford Sound Cruise, hotel pick up and drop off, and live commentary on board are all included.
- Departure Point: Pick up from central Christchurch hotels
- Departure Time: 7:15am
- Duration: 4 days
11. South Island Tour
This South Island Tour is the most comprehensive fully escorted tour in the region.
Spanning over 5 fun filled days, you will see all of the South Island’s main highlights.
The tour begins in Christchurch, where you will be picked up directly from your hotel.
First you will explore the Canterbury Region with stops at Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo.
You’ll eventually reach Queenstown, where you will stay for the next two nights.
The next day you’ll enjoy a Milford Sound excursion, leaving you with day 3 to explore the adrenaline capital of New Zealand (Queenstown).
Day 4 will take you to the famous Franz Josef Glacier, with your final day consisting of a visit to Greymouth, a drive through Arthur’s Pass, and your arrival back in Christchurch.
- Departure Point: Pick up from central Christchurch hotels
- Departure Time: 7:15am
- Duration: 5 days
Tours from Queenstown
12. Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
The alpine region of Queenstown is one of the most scenic in New Zealand.
That is why a day tour into the surrounding area is highly recommended for seniors.
The Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise is one of the area’s most popular trips.
Doubtful Sound is the less visited but equally beautiful sister to Milford Sound.
This 2 day tour will transport you from Queenstown to Doubtful Sound on Day 1, with stops at many stunning lakes along the way.
The second and final day of your tour will have you embarking on a Doubtful Sound Cruise that takes you to Deep Cove, before your ultimate return to Queenstown.
- Departure Point:
1: 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9600, New Zealand
2: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
3: Pearl Harbour Manapouri Boat ramp, 60 Waiau Street, Manapouri 9679, New Zealand - Duration: 2 days
13. Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise
This Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
The 2 day tour is completely hassle free, which makes it ideal for seniors visiting the country.
On day 1, you will board a luxury coach in Queenstown that takes you Milford Sound.
Stops along the way include Lake Wakatipu, Mitre Peak, and Fiordland National Park.
That evening, you will stay in your own private cabin near Milford Sound.
On day 2, it’s time to hit the water, where you will enjoy breakfast on board the ship before departure.
- Departure Point: 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
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Departure Time: 9am
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Duration: 2 days
14. Milford Sound, Te Anau, Taieri Gorge and Dunedin Tour
Nature, history, and culture rolled into one – this South Island tour that leaves from Queenstown has it all.
Over the course of three days, you will visit the pristine Milford Sound, Te Anau, Taieri Gorge, and Dunedin.
In Milford Sound, you’ll board a leisurely cruise and explore Fjordland.
At Lake Te Anau, you will get to enjoy yet another scenic boat cruise.
As you make your way to Dunedin, you’ll get to drive through Fiordland National Park.
Next, you’ll spend the night in the historic city of Dunedin, with its many coffee shops and museums.
Finally, the final day of this tour will have you boarding the iconic Taieri Gorge Train back to Queenstown.
- Departure Point: Real Journeys Visitor Center, Real Journeys Visitor Centre Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9197, New Zealand
- Departure Time: 7:20am
- Duration: 3 days
In case there was ever any doubt, it’s very clear that New Zealand has plenty of escorted tours suitable for seniors.
From visiting the scenic Bay of Islands on the North Island to taking a cruise on Milford Sound on the South Island, it isn’t hard to find a great tour in New Zealand.
Find More New Zealand Escorted Tours
