New Zealand · SELF-GUIDED TOURS
38 reviewed
Here are the 15 best self-guided tours anywhere in New Zealand, set out with the price, the running time and the town each one leaves from. The one at the top earned its place.
Cruise from Picton to Ship Cove, then hike part of the Queen Charlotte Track. Choose 12.7 or 17 km routes and watch for dolphins.
“We loved the amazing views along the tract, with little waterfalls/creekbeds along the way. Not much climbing, so very enjoyable.”
Self-guided bike wine tours in Renwick, Marlborough with comfy bikes, free shuttle, and a cellar door map for tastings at 12+ wineries.
“Steve and Jo run a friendly, he.pful and efficient tour, highly recommend. Had a fantastic tasting experience at Bladen winery”
Self-guided hike through Waimangu Volcanic Valley in Rotorua, with geothermal stops, a guide sheet, and shuttle return for an easy half-day.
“Not to be missed - incredible experience. You don’t need to walk both ways as free bus brings you back.”
Sail Abel Tasman’s coast from Kaiteriteri to Anchorage Bay, then hike back to Marahau on a self-guided coastal track.
“Had a wonderful day’s touring including the catamaran and the walk through the park. Claudia who collected us from the Marahau car park and joined us sailing was knowledgeable and friendly. Very much enjoyed listing to the birds on Adele Island and watching the sea lions with pups at play. Our walk out was a bit longer than expected @ 4+ hours but picturesque.”
Cycle Marlborough at your own pace with bike, helmet, map, and hotel transfers. Flat routes, many tastings nearby, and flexibility all day.
“The place I wanted to visit most for pinot gris was only accessible by taxi, so I gave up. The staff recommended wineries for Pinot Gris. I liked it so much that I bought two. The staff are very kind. thank you very much”
Self-guided cycling in Marlborough with free pickup, e-bikes and tandems, a wine map, and easy winery hopping near Blenheim.
“Really great thing to do, vineyards are in close proximity and all offer a unique experience doing it on bikes makes it even more fun”
Self-guided geothermal walk at Orakei Korako near Taupo, with ferry rides and Ruatapu Cave, mud pools, geysers, and silica terraces.
“This was a great place to visit in our travels from Rotorua to Lake Taupo we stopped at this gem. After a ferry ride over the gorgeous lake we did a self guided hike through the trails. The geothermal activity was amazing to see up close and the cave was pretty cool too! Gorgeous hike that my 8 year old son had a blast doing!”
Cycle Gibbston Valley wineries from Queenstown by bike, with shuttle, map, helmet, and an optional e-bike for river views.
“So easy! We loved that we were picked up from whichever winery we ended up at!”
Self-guided mountain biking in Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest. Rent a Giant bike and helmet, ride about 4 hours, small group.
“Pickup procedure was super easy and directions were clear. The folks who fitted us for our bike even gave some recommendations on paths to take. Overall the mountain biking was scenic/good, but we did have one issue as the chain of one of our bikes fell off about halfRead more”
Self-guided Milford Track day walk with a short water taxi. Flat trail to Giant Gate Falls, birdsong, and rainforest scenery.
“Geoff our driver was good to chat to and very informative. The walk to Giants gate falls was beautiful. A clear path all the way. Real dense NZ bush. Certainly don’t need a guide. Beautiful”
Explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley at your pace from Rotorua, with geothermal craters, hot springs, and optional Mt Haszard hike.
“Great sites to see and very friendly staff. Highly recommend”
Self-guided 15 km bike ride from Arrowtown to Gibbston via six bridges, including Kawarau Bungy, plus bike hire and return shuttle.
“Beautiful trail to ride along. We went with our teenagers. Hind site, I would book mountain bikes for the kids (fit people) and e-bike for those not as fit. Still an enjoyable experience, plenty of time for coffee, wine and the cheese platter at the end.”
Cycle self-guided through Hawke's Bay wine country from Hastings, with a mapped route, helmet, and seasonal wine pickup included.
“Fabulous bike rental company in the middle of Hawke’s Bay wine region. Great bikes which were easy to ride on the flat bike paths. Fabulous scenery and close to lots of wineries.”
Cycle Napier’s 28km coastal trail to Hawke’s Bay wineries, see the Atea a Rangi star compass, then return by shuttle at 4pm.
“Make sure you book your tastings as they can be all booked when you turn up or understaffed. Young men at bike rental were very helpful and friendly!”
Self-guided Arrowtown bike ride to Gibbston Valley, ending with a wine cave tour and tasting. Scenic bridges and a small group.
“Great track. Spectacular views and swing bridges across the gorge. Service from Queenstown bikes was very good.”
