New Zealand · NATIONAL PARKS

The 15 National Park Trips in New Zealand to Lock In Early

30 tours  ·  from $80 a head

Distances here eat days, so a bad booking costs more than money. These 15 national park trips earn the slot, priced and timed so you can settle it over breakfast.

From Manapouri: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Trip - Starting across Lake Manapouri
1-Day Tours, Doubtful Sound Cruises, Fiordland & Te Anau Tours, National Parks, Tour Reviews

From Manapouri: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Trip

1.Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,621 reviews · 7 hours · from $208Our pick

Cruise Lake Manapouri, cross Wilmot Pass, and explore remote Doubtful Sound with wildlife, waterfalls, guides, and Fiordland views.

“Great day on the water. We were lucky and the water was super calm. It is very remote. We only saw 2 other boats while we were out on our 2.5 hr cruise. I will say when you get off the first ferry to take the bus over the pass the sand flys are crazy. You need layer and spray. On the boats luckily while you are moving it’s fine. Personally I liked the Milford sound cruise better. I felt like on the first half the boat moves so fast you couldn’t really take anything in until you turned around and came back, which is fine. If you are looking…”

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Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park - Pure Wilderness - Finding the Middle-earth scenery
Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland & Te Anau Tours, Jet Boat Rides, National Parks, Tour Reviews

Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park – Pure Wilderness

2.Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park – Pure Wilderness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 678 reviews · from $127Top rated

Review of Fiordland Jet Boat’s Te Anau journey, with Upper Waiau River thrills, Lake Manapouri views, nature walks, and practical tips.

“It was a AWESOME experience Very knowledgeable driver The session was a lot longer then we expected it also included stops with the history of the area The hard turns of the Jet boat was Fantastic we all had a great time I would highly recommend this company for anyone they were AWESOME”

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Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience - Jet boating through the Dart River channels
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Jet Boat Rides in Queenstown, National Parks, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

3.Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 531 reviews · from $190

Review the Dart River jet boat tour from Queenstown, with practical advice on scenery, transport, value, weather, family suitability, and what to expect.

“Fantastic experience from beginning to end. The coach ride was good & it travels through some amazing scenery as it follows the lakeside to Glenorchy. All the staff we encountered were friendly and professional. The Jet Boat ride itself was a truly amazing experience and made even better by our driver/tour guide Jordan. He was very professional and shared lots of interesting stories throughout the trip. The ride was also thrilling with lots of 360 degrees spins and fast paced racing over the narrow Dart River. We 100% recommended this trip and this company.”

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Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri - Wilmot Pass and the rainforest road
Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Doubtful Sound Cruises, Fiordland & Te Anau Tours, National Parks, Tour Reviews

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri

4.Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 490 reviews · from $216

Review of the Doubtful Sound day cruise from Manapouri, with route details, wildlife, costs, weather tips, group size, and booking advice.

“Overall this was an awesome experience. There are two ~40min bus rides, so if you get car sick, pack some Dramamine! The boats were comfortable and had a lot of different viewing spaces which allowed it to feel spacious even with a large group. It can get cold out on the water, so definitely pack layers. The food and drinks on board are good, although the wait can get long around lunchtime. The scenery is incredible and definitely worth the trip!”

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Waitakere Ranges Wilderness Experience Tour from Auckland - Arataki Views and Māori Carvings
Auckland Tours, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Tours

Waitakere Ranges Wilderness Experience Tour from Auckland

5.Waitakere Ranges Wilderness Experience Tour from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 340 reviews · 5 hours · from $119

Review of Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges and Piha Beach tour, with rainforest walks, black sand, Māori carvings, views, tea, and practical tips.

“Fantastic half day tour from Auckland with scenic drive and beautiful views along the way. Our guide Milton was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of information with us. Stop at Arataki Visitor Centre was one of the highlights but for me personally visit to Piha beach was the best part of this tour.”

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From Queenstown: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Trip - Starting in Queenstown and crossing the countryside
1-Day Tours, Doubtful Sound Cruises, National Parks, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

From Queenstown: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Trip

6.Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 314 reviews · 13 hours · from $277

Review of RealNZ’s 13-hour Doubtful Sound trip from Queenstown, with Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, wildlife, practical tips, and value advice.

“Great day starting at Queenstown, stunning scenery, make sure you take insect repellent to avoid sandflies. GYG advertise complimentary tea and coffee on the boat but this is NOT true and you will have to pay!”

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Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau - The Early Start From Te Anau
Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Doubtful Sound Cruises, Fiordland & Te Anau Tours, National Parks, Tour Reviews

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau

7.Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 286 reviews · from $231

Review of the 9-hour Doubtful Sound cruise from Te Anau, with Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, wildlife, weather tips, and honest value advice.

“The Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise was absolutely breathtaking! The whole experience was very organised and well planned — from the check-in to the transfers and the cruise itself. At one point, the current was quite strong, but the captain calmly assured us of our safety and announced that he would do his best to make the journey as smooth and safe as possible. His professionalism really put us at ease. What I loved most was the moment of silence — the captain turned off the engines, and everyone stayed quiet. The stillness was so serene and tranquil, surrounded only by the sounds of nature. It was truly unforgettable. The crew…”

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Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka - Leaving Wanaka for the Matukituki Valley
Boat Tours in Wanaka, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Jet Boat Rides in Wanaka, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Wanaka, Wanaka Tours

Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown - Lake Manapouri is the first real change of pace
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Doubtful Sound Cruises, National Parks, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown

Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk - Starting in Marahau at 8:30am
Boat Tours in Nelson, Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, National Park Tours in Nelson, National Parks, Nelson Tours, Sailing, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Nelson

Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

10.Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 238 reviews · 8 hours · from $80Best value

Sail Abel Tasman’s golden coast, spot fur seals, then walk from Anchorage Bay to Marahau on this flexible 8-hour outing.

“Great day in Abel Tasman National Park. Fantastic ‘guides’ Nick and Claudia, very personable and knowledgable, and a great laid back atmosphere on board. I highly recommend this trip.”

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Stewart Island: Ulva Island Guided Wilderness Walk & Cruise - Paterson Inlet is part of the show
Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, National Parks, Southland & Stewart Island Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours

Stewart Island: Ulva Island Guided Wilderness Walk & Cruise

From Queenstown: Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat Experience - Getting ready at the Dart River base
Boat Tours in Queenstown, Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, Jet Boat Rides in Queenstown, National Parks, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

From Queenstown: Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat Experience

12.Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 123 reviews · 2 - 4 hours · from $178

Ride the glacier-fed Dart River from Queenstown, with Maori stories, film locations, mountain views, and an optional scenic Glenorchy transfer.

“A stunning day. Majestic scenery. A must do. An amazing experience. Thank you Dean for your skill, stories and sharing. A very special life adventure. Thank you.”

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Abel Tasman National Park: Cruise, Walk & Sailing Tour - Meeting at Kaiteriteri Beach
Boat Tours in Nelson, Cruises & Boat Tours, National Park Tours in Nelson, National Parks, Nelson Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Nelson

Abel Tasman National Park: Cruise, Walk & Sailing Tour

13.Abel Tasman National Park: Cruise, Walk & Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 100 reviews · 6 hours · from $122

Review the Abel Tasman cruise, Pitt Head walk, and yacht sail. See what is included, what to bring, and if this $122 tour suits you.

“We loved the hike from Anchorage Bay and the scenery getting there was amazing. Nick was one of the skips he was neat. He and his off sider (?) Claudia (Canadian girl) just made the trip. Would I do it again... definately.”

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Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour with Cruise - Kaiteriteri and the first coastal cruise
Boat Tours in Nelson, Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Hiking & Trekking, National Park Tours in Nelson, National Parks, Nelson Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour with Cruise

Full-Day Sailing Adventure in the Abel Tasman National Park - Starting at Kaiteriteri at 10 am
Boat Tours in Nelson, Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, National Park Tours in Nelson, National Parks, Nelson Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Full-Day Sailing Adventure in the Abel Tasman National Park

15.Full-Day Sailing Adventure in the Abel Tasman National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · from $167

Review of Abel Tasman’s 7.5-hour sailing tour from Kaiteriteri, with fur seals, Split Apple Rock, Anchorage Beach, lunch, and swimming.

“Very pleasant day and good crowd. We had the all girls crew that was fun and informative. Good sights, lunch on a remote beach, some swimming and the wind picked up for some good sailing on the way back. There was good shelter from the sun in the aft deck.”

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New in National Parks

★ 5.0Stewart Island Guided Wilderness WalkFrom $1238 reviews
★ 5.0Abel Tasman National Park: Cruise, Kayak, & Hike TourFrom $4179 reviews
★ 5.0Stewart Island: Guided Wilderness WalkFrom $11810 reviews
★ 4.9Lake Tekapo Scenic 4WD Cass Valley Wilderness TourFrom $20813 reviews
★ 4.9Auckland Private Tour: West Coast Wilderness & Piha BeachFrom $17917 reviews
★ 4.5Lake Tekapo Scenic Wilderness Cass Valley TourFrom $22819 reviews
★ 5.0Siberia Experience:Fly-Hike-Jetboat:Wilderness Adventure:WanakaFrom $35326 reviews
★ 4.5Cruise, Walk, and Sail in Abel Tasman National ParkFrom $12729 reviews
★ 4.8Mount Cook: Tasman Glacier & National Park Scenic FlightFrom $37920 reviews

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