MINI TOURS
＃LOVETAUPO
＃Lake Taupo
Traveling is about finding joy and delight.
We're not fans of rushed,
hectic itineraries that leave travelers drained.
Just because everyone's headed somewhere
doesn't mean it's right for you;
That's why we break free from the norm,
embracing personalized interests,
taking our time, and soaking in every moment.
Same tour, different experience.
Same place, deeper memories.
What is a Mini Tour?
A Mini Tour gives you the freedom to create your own journey.
Choose where to go, what to see, what to do and where to eat, based on your interests and the time you have.
With local travel experts leading the way, we take you beyond the usual tourist trail for deeper,
more personal experiences of New Zealand — never just a quick stop and go.
Why a Mini Tour?
Professional Guides
Local Experts
A local driver-guide will take you to the best places, while handling your itinerary and activities along the way.
No planning. No guesswork. Just enjoy your holiday.
Small Groups
More Personal Service
With a maximum of 12 guests per group, Mini Tours allows our driver-guides to provide more personalised attention.
It's also easier to meet new friends and enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable journey.
Small Coaches
For a more comfortable journey, Mini Tours uses compact Mercedes coaches designed for small-group travel. Their smaller size makes boarding easier and allows us to reach scenic spots and hidden gems that larger coaches simply cannot.
Choose Your Activities
With 100+ activities to choose from, there's something for everyone — from family-friendly experiences to adrenaline-filled adventures. You decide what you want to do, so every dollar goes towards the experiences you truly enjoy.
Our specially trained driver-guides can also coordinate different activities for different guests at the same time. Travel together when you want, and split up when it's time to enjoy your own experiences.
Flexible Trip Lengths
Mini Tours' routes, trip durations and departure dates are carefully designed to connect seamlessly with one another. You can extend your journey by joining another route the following day or a few days later, allowing you to explore more destinations and experience New Zealand in greater depth.
Choose the routes and number of days that suit your time and interests — that's the true freedom of Mini Tours.
Dine Your Way
Meals are not included, giving you the freedom to choose what you like. Our driver-guides will recommend local restaurants and authentic food along the way. Where possible, you can also shop for fresh ingredients at local supermarkets and prepare your own meals.
Transparent Pricing
No hidden costs, no shopping stops, no forced spending, and no pressure for tips. All tour and optional activity prices are clearly stated, with no hidden fees.
A Greener New Zealand
With every Mini Tours journey, we plant a native New Zealand tree for each guest through Trees That Count.
As you discover New Zealand’s landscapes, your journey also helps restore native forests, support wildlife and create a greener future.
Tourist Destinations in
New Zealand
Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga
At New Zealand's northernmost tip, is where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea, known for its turbulent waves. The iconic white lighthouse atop the cliff draws over 120,000 visitors annually. Nearby, expansive sand dunes offer thrilling sand surfing, while Ninety Mile Beach to the west is the country's longest beach.
Click to view
Taupo
Taupo
Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, offers geothermal features, hot springs, and abundant water activities. Highlights include Huka Falls, natural hot springs, and lake cruises to view Maori rock carvings.
Waipoua
Cape Reinga
At New Zealand's northernmost tip, is where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea, known for its turbulent waves. The iconic white lighthouse atop the cliff draws over 120,000 visitors annually. Nearby, expansive sand dunes offer thrilling sand surfing, while Ninety Mile Beach to the west is the country's longest beach.
Auckland
New Zealand's largest city, is its commercial hub, home to over 50 volcanic cones like Mount Eden and One Tree Hill. Notable attractions include the Sky Tower, Mission Bay, Piha Beach with its black sand, Waiheke Island, whale watching tours, and Pacific oysters.
Auckland
Matamata
Once a quiet town, rose to fame as the filming location for "Hobbiton" in "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" movies. Nearby Tirau boasts giant corrugated iron structures like the Sheepdog Toilet and the Woolcrafts souvenir shop, adding to the area's charm.
Matamata (Hobbiton)
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Waitomo
Waitomo is famous for its glowworms, found in limestone caves emitting a faint blue light. Boat tours offer enchanting views of these creatures, with the highest concentration found here. For the adventurous, black water rafting through the dark caves is a thrilling experience, illuminated by the mesmerizing glowworms.
Waitomo
Rotorua
Rotorua is famous for its geothermal area, offering therapeutic hot springs believed to have healing properties. Visitors can explore colorful thermal pools, geysers, and mud pools, some of the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere. The region boasts world-class activities like sheep shearing shows, Zorb rolling, and Luge rides. Other attractions include the Redwoods Treewalk, cable car rides, ziplining, volcano hiking, and whitewater rafting.
Rotorua
Taupo
Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, offers geothermal features, hot springs, and abundant water activities. Highlights include Huka Falls, natural hot springs, and lake cruises to view Maori rock carvings.
Taupo
Mount Cook
Mount Cook
Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, is perpetually snow-capped. The Mount Cook National Park offers diverse hiking trails for climbers of all levels. Visitors can also enjoy glacier activities like hiking, lake tours, and scenic flights over the expansive Tasman Glacier.
Christchurch
Christchurch
The largest city in the South Island, retains its British charm with Gothic-style buildings. Tourists enjoy the nostalgic antique trams, which passes through Cathedral Square, the Avon River, and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Other attractions include the International Antarctic Centre and the Cardboard Cathedral.
Tekapo
Tekapo
Lake Tekapo's stunning azure waters, fed by Southern Alps glaciers, captivate travelers. The iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and vibrant lupin blooms provide picturesque scenes. As part of the "Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve," Tekapo offers unparalleled stargazing opportunities beneath a pristine night sky.
Milford Sound
Milford Sound
A top destination in New Zealand, was sculpted by ancient glaciers during the ice age, then flooded by seawater, creating its current majestic form. Accessible only by boat, visitors can cruise through towering peaks veiled in mist, surrounded by steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls, offering a truly awe-inspiring experience. Wildlife encounters with dolphins, penguins, and seals further enhance its reputation as the eighth wonder of the world.
Wanaka
Wanaka
Acclaimed as New Zealand's most picturesque town, offers stunning views of the tranquil lake and the majestic Southern Alps. It's a magnet for visitors due to its wealth of hiking trails and proximity to ski fields. Highlights include the iconic "Lone Tree" in the lake, scenic flights, Puzzling World, rock climbing, skydiving, and exploring renowned trails like Roys Peak and Mount Iron.
Queenstown
Queenstown
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu amidst towering peaks, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. As the "Adventure Capital of the World," it lures thrill-seekers with activities like bungy jumping, jet boating, and skydiving. Families and general tourists also find plenty to enjoy, from historic steamship rides to gondola adventures, wildlife encounters, and skiing in nearby resorts.
Oamaru
Oamaru
Dubbed New Zealand's coolest historic town, boasts Victorian-era buildings made of local limestone, giving it a European village feel. Visitors flock to see the little blue penguins at the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, the world's smallest penguin species. The Moeraki Boulders at Moeraki Beach, north of Oamaru, are another must-see attraction.
Cromwell
Cromwell
Cromwell is celebrated as a fruit haven, with stunning blossoms in spring and fiery red foliage in autumn. During harvest season, visitors can handpick a variety of fruits like cherries, apricots, peaches, pears and apples. The region's vineyards produce award-winning Pinot Noir wines, earning global recognition.
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Dunedin
Dunedin
Dunedin, dubbed the "Edinburgh of the South," is renowned for its well-preserved Edwardian-style architecture and steep streets. Baldwin Street holds the title of the world's steepest street. The nearby Otago Peninsula offers wildlife enthusiasts the chance to observe yellow-eyed penguins, albatrosses, seals, and sea lions on wildlife tours.
Road Map
Travel Routes
Bay of Islands
Rotorua
Tekapo
Dunedin
Milford Sound
Wanaka
6 Signature Routes
Mini Tours has carefully designed six classic routes covering the highlights of New Zealand's North and South Islands.
On the South Island, choose from the Tekapo 3-Day Tour from Christchurch to Queenstown, the Wanaka 1-Day Tour and Milford Sound 2-Day Tour from Queenstown, or the Dunedin 3-Day Tour from Queenstown to Christchurch.
On the North Island, explore the Rotorua 3-Day Tour or Bay of Islands 3-Day Tour, both departing from and returning to Auckland. Complete one tour and seamlessly continue with another — you decide how long your New Zealand journey lasts.
Tekapo 3-Day Tour
Southern Alps Scenic Escape –
Journey Through New Zealand's Most Photogenic Landscapes
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Southern Alps on a 3-day adventure through the South Island’s most iconic destinations. From the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, to the majestic peaks of Mount Cook to the stunning reflections of Lake Pukaki and the horticultural landscapes of Cromwell, every stop offers unforgettable photo opportunities.
Capture the beauty of the Church of the Good Shepherd beneath the world-renowned dark skies of Tekapo, admire glaciers and snow-capped mountains in Mount Cook National Park, and enjoy the peaceful alpine scenery surrounded by vast wilderness. Taste fresh local salmon, then explore Cromwell — the famous “Fruit Town” of Central Otago, known for its wine, seasonal produce and beautiful autumn colours.
Wanaka 1-Day Tour
Itinerary perfect for photo lovers!
Visit the iconic Cardrona Hotel and the quirky “bra fence,” then explore Wānaka, a stunning lakeside town surrounded by majestic mountains and crystal-clear waters. Capture the famous Wānaka Tree, enjoy peaceful lakeside walks, or take part in optional activities such as scenic flights, skydiving, or hiking trails offering breathtaking views of the Southern Alps.
Discover the charming gold rush village of Arrowtown, where beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, historic cottages and the Chinese Settlement reveal its fascinating past. Stroll through picturesque streets, browse boutique shops and cafés, and admire the stunning mountain scenery — especially the vibrant red and golden colours of autumn.
Milford Sound 2-Day Tour
Milford Sound – The Eighth Wonder of the World
Milford Sound, known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." This breathtaking fiord features towering cliffs, majestic peaks, and countless waterfalls, all shaped by glacial movements over tens of thousands of years.
On a clear day, Milford Sound’s dramatic peaks create postcard-perfect scenery, while on rainy days, mist and cascading waterfalls transform it into a mystical ink painting.
No matter the weather, the landscape is always mesmerizing. Visitors may also spot the rare New Zealand kea, making Milford Sound an unmissable destination on any South Island journey.
Unlike rushed one-day tours, our 2-day, 1-night Milford Sound journey lets you explore the region at a relaxed pace, with extra scenic stops and hidden gems most day tours miss. By splitting the long 10-hour drive over two days, the trip is far more comfortable, with more breaks along the way, the chance to experience the magical Te Anau Glowworm Caves, enjoy the serenity of Lake Te Anau, and even spot the rare endangered Takahē.
Dunedin 3-Day Tour
A Journey of Wildlife Encounters
Discover Dunedin, a city where breathtaking wildlife, dramatic coastal landscapes and rich heritage come together. Journey along the stunning Otago Peninsula to encounter magnificent seabirds, including the Royal Albatross with wingspans of over three metres, spot New Zealand’s rare yellow-eyed penguins in their natural habitat, and watch playful New Zealand fur seals resting along the rugged coastline.
Explore the city’s elegant Victorian and Edwardian architecture, visit the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, and stroll through the historic streets filled with character and charm. Don’t miss the chance to experience Baldwin Street, once recognised as the world’s steepest residential street, making Dunedin a perfect blend of wildlife, history and unforgettable discoveries.
Rotorua 3-Day Tours
From Geothermal Wonders to Hobbiton Magic
The Central North Island Volcanic and Geothermal Tour is a classic experience not to be missed.
Witness the rare natural wonder of glowworms, explore vibrant geothermal parks and bubbling mud pools, and visit a traditional Māori village to experience ancestral life and enjoy a hangi feast cooked in the earth.
Step into the magical world of movie sets like the enchanting Hobbiton, and enjoy other attractions such as sheep shearing shows, natural outdoor hot springs, and forest canopy walkways.
Bay of Islands 3-Day Tours
From Island Paradise to Ancient Forests
Ready for the sun? Embark on a sun-soaked journey to the stunning Bay of Islands!
Made up of 144 islands and peninsulas, the Bay of Islands is celebrated as one of the most beautiful regions in the country.
On the way, pass through the ancient Waipoua Forest—put down your signal-free phone, walk beneath towering native trees, and stand in awe of the mighty thousand-year-old kauri. Let the forest refresh your body and soul.
Recommended Itineraries
＃Skydive
＃Wanaka