Bus Tours in New Zealand
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10 best Coach / Bus trips around New Zealand
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
New Zealand: Sun and Steam
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“It was f******** amazing.”
Riley, traveled in October
The route winds from Auckland's Harbour Bridge through Whangārei's marina to Paihia's coastal beauty. Rolling through Waikato's rugby heartland to Rotorua's geothermal wonders, expert drivers showcase New Zealand's scenic routes.
Duration 6 days Destinations Auckland, Warkworth, Paihia, Bay of Islands, Rotorua Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Contiki From $1,955
20% Off- NZ$1,564You save $391
Southern Spectacular
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful trip, Hope and Rick were amazing hosts.”
Carilyn, traveled in April
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Twizel, Dunedin, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Punakaiki Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Trafalgar From $7,440
10% Off- NZ$6,696You save $744
A luxury coach rolls from Wellington through Manawatu's pastoral landscapes to Hawke's Bay wineries. The route includes Whakarewarewa Forest's Redwoods, Waitomo's Footwhistle Cave, and views of Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Duration 8 days Destinations Wellington, Napier, Rotorua, Waitomo, Auckland Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Luxury Gold From
10% Off- NZ$7,399
Travel New Zealand in comfort aboard a Wi-Fi equipped luxury coach. Journey from Auckland through Rotorua's thermal valleys, across Cook Strait to Kaikoura's wildlife havens, and into the Southern Alps. Experience scenic drives through Haast Pass and along the TranzAlpine railway route.
Duration 17 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Twizel, Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown, Franz JosefSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Trafalgar From $11,020
10% Off- NZ$9,918You save $1,102
10 Day South Island National Parks
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodation arranged were all good and near to eateries. Love the day tour too particularly from Christchurch to Mt Cook and Queenstown to Franz Josef!”
Goh, traveled in May
Premium coaches with glass roofs carry passengers from Christchurch through Arthur's Pass, along Milford Road to the Sound, and across Haast Pass to Franz Josef. The trip concludes with the TranzAlpine train experience.
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operator Thrifty Tours From
10% Off- NZ$4,559
5 Day Alpine Explorer
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a great time, start to finish. Highly recommend!”
Meghan, traveled in February
Contemporary coaches with charging facilities cruise South Island. The route from Christchurch to Queenstown via Mount Cook features Real Journeys' glass-roofed coach to Milford Sound, ending with the TranzAlpine train through Arthur's Pass National Park.
Duration 5 days Destinations Christchurch, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Fox Glacier, Greymouth Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operator Thrifty Tours From
10% Off- NZ$3,590
6 Day Northern Best Bits
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The co-ordination of the drivers everywhere we went was amazing. We were unaware that we were the only people going on this tour but once we adjusted it was great.”
Lindsay, traveled in May
InterCity coaches and tourist buses connect North Island destinations. The route links Auckland to Paihia, Russell by mini-coach, Hobbiton Movie Set, and Waitomo's Ruakuri Cave.
Duration 6 days Destinations Auckland, Paihia, Waitangi, Russell, Waitomo, Rotorua Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operator Thrifty Tours From
10% Off- NZ$2,930
8 Day Discover Middle Earth
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“all of the activities and sights were first rare!”
Sherie, traveled in December
Luxury coaches carry passengers from Auckland to Christchurch in comfort. The itinerary features scenic drives through Waikato countryside, 9-hour InterCity connection to Wellington, glass-roofed coach to Milford Sound, and final stretch through Mount Cook National Park.
Duration 8 days Destinations Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Wellington, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Christchurch Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operator Thrifty Tours From
10% Off- NZ$5,515
11 Day New Zealand's Finest
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“All tours and transfers were meticulously planned. We had a fabulous time in New Zealand, covered a lot of ground in a short timescale.”
Rukhsana, traveled in August
Premium coaches transport visitors from Auckland through Waitomo to Rotorua. The scenic TranzAlpine train crosses Arthur's Pass, while glass-roofed coaches cruise Milford Sound.
Duration 11 days Destinations Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Christchurch, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operator Thrifty Tours From
10% Off- NZ$8,009
Modern coaches transport visitors from Christchurch through Mount Cook National Park. Real Journeys' glass-roofed coach heads to Milford Sound, with luxury transfers to Franz Josef and the TranzAlpine train journey.
Duration 5 days Destinations Christchurch, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operator Thrifty Tours From
10% Off- NZ$2,600
New Zealand Coach / Bus Tour Reviews
- Southern Spectacular
I found that I paid higher as compared to others, discard their earlier bird book8ng, probably the exchange rate half a year earlier?
- 5 Day Southern Circuit Experience
My tour coordinator, Amanda, was awesome! She was genuinely attentive and provided personal attention to all my concerns! I would say that one extra day in franz joseph would have made this trip better. it's a lot of travelling and an extra day would allow exploration of the town and alittle rest. One the stops, my daughter got food poisoning at the Salmon Farm, which hindered the end of our tour.
- 10 Day South Island National Parks
I couldnt fault this trip if I tried. There was moments when we had no connection and were concerned and the team helped us straight away to get in contact with various tours etc. I would highly recommend!
What our customers ask about Bus Tours in New Zealand
What is the best time of year to take a coach tour in New Zealand?
New Zealand coach tours run year-round with each season offering distinct advantages. Summer (December-February) brings warm weather but higher prices and more tourists. Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) provide pleasant temperatures fewer crowds and good value. The Queenstown area shows its best colors in autumn while Rotorua's geothermal sites remain active throughout the year. A TourRadar reviewer shared: "We went in March and had perfect weather for sightseeing - not too hot or cold."
What are the typical daily driving times and distances covered on New Zealand coach tours?
Daily routes on New Zealand coach tours generally span 250-400km with scheduled stops every 2-3 hours. These breaks allow time for taking photos exploring landmarks and having meals. The Southern Spectacular tour route from Franz Josef to Queenstown covers 360km and includes stops at Lake Wanaka Lake Hawea and Arrowtown. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Travel on the coach was pleasant and not too long or tiring at any time. Superb views most of the trip - some stunning countryside in NZ South Island."
What are the key attractions covered on most bus tours in New Zealand?
New Zealand coach tours typically cover major sites across both islands. North Island stops feature the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Te Puia Maori Cultural Center in Rotorua and nights at the Heritage Auckland. The South Island portion includes cruises on Milford Sound views of Franz Josef Glacier time in Mount Cook National Park with stays at the Hermitage Hotel and rides on the TranzAlpine train. According to a TourRadar review: "All of the activities and sights were first rate - we got to experience everything from cultural shows to stunning natural wonders."
What type of accommodation can I expect on a New Zealand coach tour?
Tour accommodations typically include 3.5-4 star hotels in central locations. Most itineraries feature 7-10 nights in properties like the Distinction Christchurch Hotel and Millennium Hotel Queenstown with private bathrooms and modern amenities. The Copthorne Hotel in Franz Josef offers views of the nearby glacier while the Distinction Te Anau puts guests close to Fiordland National Park. As confirmed by a TourRadar reviewer: "Hotels and food excellent. The hotels were very nice and amenities good!"
How much additional spending money should I budget for optional activities?
Daily budgets should account for USD 50-100 for meals not included in tour packages plus funds for optional experiences. Popular add-ons include bungy jumping in Queenstown (USD 205) glacier helicopter rides (USD 280) and whale watching tours in Kaikoura (USD 150). Many operators offer pre-bookable activity bundles. A TourRadar traveler advised: "Budget extra for Queenstown especially - there are so many amazing optional activities available."
What unique scenic experiences can travelers enjoy from the comfort of a bus tour in New Zealand?
Modern coaches with large windows provide front-row views of New Zealand's changing landscapes. Routes pass through volcanic regions near Rotorua mountain passes in the Southern Alps and stays near glaciers at places like the Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook. Signature journeys include the road to Milford Sound through Fiordland National Park and the TranzAlpine railway between Greymouth and Christchurch. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "New Zealand is a spectacular country with great nature parks trees rapids lakes...the tour buses were newer and more comfortable with great views."
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