NEW ZEALAND TOURS FOR MATURE TRAVELLERS

The best time to explore NEW ZEALaNd is in your 20s, right? AS IF!

We may be biased, BUT, we believe that travel gets better with age!

Whether you’re a well-seasoned adventurer, a curious first-time explorer, newly or semi-retired, planning your well-earned sabbatical, or simply just looking for an excuse to escape for a bit... this is it!

ZigZag Tours provides an inspiring and rewarding way to experience New Zealand's landscape and culture! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to join a small-group tour that encompasses over 100 locations, attractions and activities throughout the country as well as hidden gems, local hot-spots and everything in-between!

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WHY ZIG ZAG?

Why not? 90 days* of meandering around gorgeous coastlines, mountains, lakes and forests…… hang on, how long? Yep, that’s almost 13 weeks of bucket list fun and adventure in this country you’ve always wanted to visit. No rushed highlights schedules, no long drive days, day after day after day… you’ll have time to linger and truly fall in love with this little slice of paradise at the bottom of the world.

* (and our 45-day South Island only option)

Tell me more!

FAQ's

We've answered some of the most commonly asked questions for you here. 
To view our full comprehensive FAQ's, click below.

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Why become a ZigZag 'overlander'?

Because beautiful New Zealand remains on your travel bucket list, and you’ve never lost your spirit of adventure. 

How many other 'mature travellers' will there be?

We started ZigZag Tours to cater to the growing number of ‘mature adventurers’ that are exploring the world on overland trips for months at a time. But unlike some of those larger, more impersonal  tours, our 2024 Mercedes AWD vehicle is designed to comfortably transport just ten overlanders at a time. 

Do ZigZag Tours have an age limit?

Though we won’t ever turn away a younger explorer, our tours are definitely designed with the more mature overlander in mind. This means as much culture, history, landscapes and ‘wow’ moments as we can muster, and a much lower emphasis on binge-drinking, doof-doof music, and getting home at 4am (….although getting up to watch a 4am sunrise can be stunning!!)

What kind of activities & attractions are included?

Our ZigZag Tours include a number of unique activities that we can’t wait for you to experience. All of them are entirely optional, and are not strenuous. 

However, we do suggest that our overlanders maintain a moderate level of fitness while on the tour to ensure that they don’t miss out on all the additional adventures that they can opt to do in the great New Zealand outdoors.     

What is our accomodation like?

Nothing allows you to connect with New Zealand’s extraordinary natural beauty quite like sleeping ‘under canvas’, and on a ZigZag tour, we provide you with your very own ‘easy to erect’ tent. Check out ‘Our Equipment’ here.     

We carefully selected each campsite, hostel, lodge and cabin while we toured New Zealand for four months in 2022. Every one of our accommodation options was chosen to ensure comfort, security, and proximity to nearby attractions and activities for all of our passengers. Indeed, many of the places that we stay at on tour are attractions themselves - you’ll be happy just to sit in your ZigZag chair and watch the world go by.        

Want to chat to your guides?

PSSSST... We'll let you in on a little secret – we are 'mature travellers' too!

We've spent the majority of our adult life traveling the world, and most recently, New Zealand... and with a few grey hairs, comes wisdom and experience.

We know a thing or two about the decision you're about to make and we're happy to help! Book a call to meet us, and ask us any questions before you commit to your trip.

Book a Call

ZigZag Tours New Zealand

Discover the ultimate New Zealand adventure! Experience every inch of this stunning country on our epic guided camping tours. With 14 unique trips running throughout the year, you’ll uncover hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes in small, friendly groups led by passionate guides. Don’t just visit New Zealand—immerse yourself in it!

*Sale runs from 1st July 2025-31st July 2025 on all Southbound Tours starting Nov/Dec 2025. Sale prices cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount code.

We’re proud to be part of JourneyWoman’s Partner Program, which tells women that our services are women-friendly. JourneyWoman™ is the most beloved and respected women’s travel brand in the world, helping women travel safely and well for 30 years. Please review your experience with us on the JourneyWoman Woman’s Travel Directory.