Travel Insights

Insights, ideas and itineraries from kimkim's trusted network of Local Travel Specialists and Experts

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View of Osornos and a traditional boat from Puerto Varas, Patagonia, Chile

Santiago, Torres del Paine & Puerto Varas: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Chile typically plan a trip for 10 to 14 days when combining Santiago, Torres del Paine, and Puerto Varas with Punta Arenas. For travelers wanting to visit Santiago, Torres del Paine, and Puerto Varas exclusively, plan about 10 days for a well-paced trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in a week to nine days for travelers with limited time. Check out kimkim's favorite Santiago, Torres del Paine, and Puerto Varas trips below.

A memorial dedicated to Punta Arenas' local hero Ferdinand Magellan

Torres del Paine & Punta Arenas: Best Itinerary Ideas

Ten to 13 days is the most popular trip length for Chile travelers interested in visiting both Torres del Paine and Punta Arenas, especially when also including Santiago and the Atacama Desert. If you're not interested in Santiago and the Atacama Desert, five to eight days is enough for your Torres del Paine and Punta Arenas trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in four days for travelers with limited time. Read on for the best itineraries, including Torres del Paine and Punta Arenas and beyond.

Spend two nights at a luxury elephant camp in Khao Sok

Luxury Thailand City, Jungle & Beach Getaway - 14 Days

Experience Thailand's show-stopping cities, jungles, and beaches on this 14-day luxury itinerary. Urban adventures include privately touring Bangkok's Grand Palace and Chiang Mai's hilltop temple, Doi Suthep, before escaping to the sun-drenched south. Trek and sail through Khao Sok's lush jungle, where you'll stay in a chic tented camp and ethically interact with elephants, then continue to Phuket for white-sand beaches and a speedboat trip to the famous Phi Phi Islands.

See whales and other wildlife on this family tour of Patagonia

Family Adventure in Buenos Aires & Patagonia's Valdés Peninsula - 7 Days

This fun-filled family tour starts in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires, where you'll explore the colorful neighborhoods of this vibrant metropolis. Then, it's off to Patagonia's Valdés Peninsula for breaching right whales and a visit with friendly penguins at the Punta Tombo reserve. Hike the hills of Playa El Doradillo and see more whales just offshore, then return to Buenos Aires in time to explore the greenery of Parque Tres de Febrero and the city's several kid-friendly museums.

Bright pink building with blue shutters in colorful Oaxaca City

Explore Oaxaca's Local Tastes, Textures & Traditions - 5 Days

Ignite your senses with this exhilarating five-day tour that immerses you in the vibrant culture of Oaxaca. Begin by savoring local flavors at Mercado de la Merced, then master the art of Oaxacan cooking in a workshop led by community chefs. Head to the Oaxaca Valley, where you'll marvel at the vistas from Monte Albán's historic archaeological zone, before visiting the cherished artisan workshops which produce the colorful and ornate handicrafts that define Oaxaca—and even painting your own!

Outdoorsy and adventurous families will love exploring Chile's Torres del Paine

Active Family Fun in the Atacama Desert & Chilean Patagonia - 10 Days

Explore moonscapes in northern Chile and icy landscapes in the south during this 10-day family adventure. Learn about the stars as you gaze up at the Atacama Deserts' clear night skies, and pack your swimsuits to splash in high-altitude lagoons and salt pools. Then it's off to Chile's southern tip and the wilds of Patagonia, where you'll walk among the country's largest penguin colony, hike the trails of Torres del Paine National Park, and sail along the towering walls of an ancient glacier.

Blue icebergs at Grey Glacier in Torres del Paine

Santiago, Easter Island, Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine & Punta Arenas: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 14 to 15 days is perfect for a well-paced Chile trip with stops in Santiago, Easter Island, Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, and Punta Arenas. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in 11 to 13 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Puerto Varas or Valparaíso. See more ideas for Santiago, Easter Island, Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, and Punta Arenas itineraries below.

Puerto Varas overlooking the Osorno volcano, Patagonia, Chile

Santiago & Puerto Varas: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting both Santiago and Puerto Varas spend about 10 to 14 days in Chile, which usually includes some time in Torres del Paine and Punta Arenas as well. If you're only headed to Santiago and Puerto Varas, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in six to eight days. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in five days for travelers with limited time. Read on for the best itineraries, including Santiago and Puerto Varas and beyond.

Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales & Punta Arenas: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, and Punta Arenas spend about nine to 11 days in Chile, which usually includes some time in Santiago as well. For travelers wanting to visit Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, and Punta Arenas exclusively, plan six to eight days for a well-paced trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as four or five days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas, and beyond.

Castillo Hidalgo sits on Santa Lucía Hill, Santiago de Chile

Santiago, Easter Island & Atacama Desert: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Chile typically plan a trip for 12 to 15 days when combining Santiago, Easter Island, and the Atacama Desert with Torres del Paine. If you're not interested in Torres del Paine, 10 to 13 days is enough for your Santiago, Easter Island, and Atacama Desert trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as a week to nine days. For the best itineraries, including Santiago, Easter Island, and the Atacama Desert, keep reading below.

Ovahe Beach, Easter Island's most famous

Santiago, Easter Island, Atacama Desert & Torres del Paine: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 12 to 15 days is perfect for a well-paced Chile trip with stops in Santiago, Easter Island, Atacama Desert, and Torres del Paine. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favorite itinerary extensions include Punta Arenas or Valparaíso. Get inspired with the below Santiago, Easter Island, Atacama Desert, and Torres del Paine trip ideas.

Santiago, Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales & Punta Arenas: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, nine to 11 days is the perfect amount of time for a Chile trip with stops in Santiago, Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, and Punta Arenas. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as a week or eight days. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country. Get inspired with the below Santiago, Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, and Punta Arenas trip ideas.

Start in the rugged Atacama Desert before flying south to the Patagonian Lake District

Chile's Natural Wonders for Families: Atacama Desert & Lake District - 10 Days

Experience remote deserts, sparkling lakes, and soaring volcanoes on this family-friendly 10-day tour through two of Chile's most spectacular regions. Get your bearings in Santiago before heading north to the otherworldly Atacama Desert, where the kids can swim in salt lagoons, stargaze under clear night skies, and bounce through the dunes on a buggy tour. Jet south to Patagonia next and dive into the famous Lake District with kayaking, hiking, and penguin-spotting adventures.

Petrohué Waterfalls downstream from Todos los Santos Lake, within Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Puerto Varas, Chile

Santiago, Torres del Paine, Puerto Varas & Punta Arenas: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 10 to 14 days is the perfect amount of time for a Chile trip with stops in Santiago, Torres del Paine, Puerto Varas, and Punta Arenas. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as seven to nine days. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include the Atacama Desert. Keep reading for more inspiring Santiago, Torres del Paine, Puerto Varas, and Punta Arenas itineraries.

Spend time taking in the striking landscapes of Torres del Paine

Santiago, Torres del Paine & Puerto Natales: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, a week to 10 days is the perfect amount of time for a Chile trip with stops in Santiago, Torres del Paine, and Puerto Natales. It's also possible to hit the highlights in four to six days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region, like Punta Arenas, Puerto Varas, or San Pedro de Atacama. Get inspired with kimkim's Santiago, Torres del Paine, and Puerto Natales trip ideas below.

Las Condes and Providencia districts and the pond at Bicentennial Park in Vitacura, Santiago de Chile

Santiago, Torres del Paine & Punta Arenas: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Chile typically plan a trip for 10 to 13 days when combining Santiago, Torres del Paine, and Punta Arenas with the Atacama Desert. If you're only headed to Santiago, Torres del Paine, and Punta Arenas, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in eight to 10 days. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as five to seven days. For the best itineraries, including Santiago, Torres del Paine, and Punta Arenas, keep reading below.

Puerto Natales on the Strait of Magellan in beautiful Chile

Torres del Paine & Puerto Natales: Best Itinerary Ideas

Six days to a week is a great length for a Chile trip with stops in both Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in four or five days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Santiago or Punta Arenas. Get inspired with the below Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales trip ideas.

Enjoy views of San Sebastián's La Concha from your hotel suite (photo courtesy of Hotel SANSEbay)

The 6 Best Hotels Near the Beach in San Sebastián

San Sebastián is famous for its long, picturesque La Concha Beach and waterfront promenade, so staying at a hotel near the sea or at least within quick walking distance is definitely a perk. Though there aren't too many options, kimkim staff visited San Sebastián and found the best hotels near the beach. And many properties provide amenities like rooftops, restaurants, spas, and suites with large windows opening up to the bay to make your stay even more memorable.

Explore Urquhart Castle following a private cruise in Loch Ness

Historic Highlights of Scotland Self-Drive Tour - 6 Days

Experience Scotland's rich history and picturesque landscapes during this six-day road trip. Start with a walking tour in Edinburgh, where you'll dip your toes into the cobbled streets and distinctive architecture. Then learn about the nation's most courageous figures—including William Wallace—at Stirling Castle, followed by a lesson in the Bronze Age at Clava Cairns. Next, get private tours of both Culloden Battlefields and Loch Ness before making your way to world-class Glasgow to finish the adventure.

Drive to key monuments including the Eileen Donan Castle

Scotland's Major Historical Landmarks Self-Drive Tour - 8 Days

This scenic eight-day tour combines Scotland's major historical landmarks for the ultimate road trip. Begin by learning about the Great Siege at Stirling Castle and relive the clan feuds that shaped the picturesque Eilean Donan. Continue making a loop for more castles and monuments, plus a PhD-level guided tour of Bannockburn Battlefield—the site that changed the trajectory of Scotland's history forever. Finish with two nights in Edinburgh and a whisky tasting at one of Scotland's smallest distilleries.

Santiago, Atacama Desert & Puerto Varas: Best Itinerary Ideas

Twelve days to two weeks is the most popular trip length for Chile travelers interested in visiting Santiago, the Atacama Desert, and Puerto Varas, especially when also including Torres del Paine. If you're only headed to Santiago, the Atacama Desert, and Puerto Varas, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in nine to 10 days. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as seven to eight days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Santiago, the Atacama Desert, and Puerto Varas, and beyond.

Take in a performance of Polynesian Dancers on Easter Island

Santiago & Easter Island: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting both Santiago and Easter Island spend about 12 to 15 days in Chile, which usually includes some time in the Atacama Desert and Torres del Paine as well. For travelers wanting to visit Santiago and Easter Island exclusively, plan six to nine days for a well-paced trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as five days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Santiago and Easter Island and beyond.

Santiago: Best Itinerary Ideas

Nine to 11 days is the most popular trip length for Chile travelers interested in visiting Santiago, especially when also including the Atacama Desert and Torres del Paine. If you're only headed to Santiago, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in four to five days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Santiago and beyond.

Relax on the Playa Grande de Pucón in southern Chile

Santiago & Pucón: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, six to eight days is the perfect amount of time for a Chile trip with stops in both Santiago and Pucón. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in as little as five days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Puerto Varas, Casablanca Valley, or Valparaíso. Keep reading for more inspiring Santiago and Pucón itineraries.

Focus on the scenic Lake District of northern Patagonia with this family-focused itinerary

Family Fun in Argentine Patagonia: Buenos Aires & Bariloche - 7 Days

Dive into the Lake District of northern Argentine Patagonia on this compact family adventure. After a kid-friendly walk through colorful Buenos Aires, it's time to fly south to charming Bariloche, where you'll settle into a land of sparkling lakes and alpine-style towns. Ride a chairlift to the summit of Cerro Campanario, follow boardwalks through the ancient Los Arrayanes forest, and kayak along the shores of Lago Gutierrez. End the trip back in the capital, where you'll learn to make a Patagonian meal, family-style!

Stroll among adorable penguins with a day trip to Isla Magdalena

Gentle Family Tour of Chilean Patagonia: Santiago & Punta Arenas - 7 Days

Perfect for even the littlest of explorers, this weeklong trip to Chilean Patagonia introduces you to the region's highlights with a relaxed pace and plenty of fun, accessible excursions. After a kid-friendly tour of Santiago, it's off to Punta Arenas, where youngsters will love spotting adorable Magellanic penguins and playful dolphins by boat, roaming the decks of historic ships in a nautical museum, and letting their imaginations run wild in the grounds of a scenic 19th-century fort.

Experience multisport adventures amid Uganda's most stunning natural settings

Active Uganda Adventure - 10 Days

This exhilarating 10-day Ugandan journey promises adrenaline-packed adventures and plenty of hiking. Beginning and ending on the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe, you'll set out to conquer the slopes of Mount Elgon with a three-day trek, experience heart-pounding activities like bungee jumping and whitewater rafting, and explore mist-laden trails around Sipi Falls. Along the way, you'll delve into the local culture, see how coffee is grown and made, and tackle extra day hikes through ever-changing landscapes.

See moai on the Rano Raraku volcanao of Easter Island

Santiago, Easter Island & Torres del Paine: Best Itinerary Ideas

Twelve to 15 days is the most popular trip length for Chile travelers interested in visiting Santiago, Easter Island, and Torres del Paine, especially when also including the Atacama Desert. For travelers wanting to visit Santiago, Easter Island, and Torres del Paine exclusively, plan 10 to 11 days for a well-paced trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as eight or nine days. Check out kimkim's favorite Santiago, Easter Island, and Torres del Paine trips below.

Santiago & Mendoza: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting both Santiago and Mendoza spend about nine to 10 days in Chile, which usually includes some time in Buenos Aires as well. For travelers wanting to visit Santiago and Mendoza exclusively, plan eight to 10 days for a well-paced trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as five to seven days. For the best itineraries, including Santiago and Mendoza, keep reading below.

Traverse the otherworldly dunes in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

9 Days in Brazil - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In nine days, you can visit four regions of Brazil, combining urban exploration with the great outdoors. First-time visitors will appreciate historical tours and cooking classes in Rio de Janeiro paired with hiking at Iguaçu Falls. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot pink dolphins in the Amazon and take a jaguar safari in North Pantanal, while photographers and those keen on experiencing the surreal sand dune landscapes should head for Natal, Praia de Pipa, or Lençois Maranhenses National Park.

Take in the vistas from Puerto Natales over the Andes

Santiago, Puerto Natales & Punta Arenas: Best Itinerary Ideas

Ten to 13 days is the most popular trip length for Chile travelers interested in visiting Santiago, Puerto Natales, and Punta Arenas, especially when also including San Pedro de Atacama. If you're not interested in San Pedro de Atacama, a week to 10 days is enough for your Santiago, Puerto Natales, and Punta Arenas trip. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as five or six days. For the best itineraries, including Santiago, Puerto Natales, and Punta Arenas, keep reading below.

Visit two sanctuaries for orangutans on this wildlife adventure

Explore Malaysian Borneo's Wild Heart - 14 Days

Get ready for wildlife spotting on this two-week nature trip in East Malaysia's Borneo territory. Start in the colonial city of Kuching, where you'll take day trips to see caves, meet orangutans, and cruise along the Santubong River while looking for dolphins. From there, visit a working dairy farm in Kota Kinabalu and go snorkeling in the South China Sea. Keep an eye out for pygmy elephants on the Kinabatangan River before heading to Lahad Datu for bird-watching and waterfalls to finish the adventure.

Discover Punta Arenas, the southernmost city in the world

Santiago, the Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine & Punta Arenas: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 10 to 13 days is perfect for a well-paced Chile trip with stops in Santiago, the Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, and Punta Arenas. It's also possible to hit the highlights in a week to nine days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Puerto Varas, Valparaíso, or Easter Island. Get inspired with the below Santiago, Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, and Punta Arenas trip ideas.

Snap pics of the stunning Valley of the Moon in the Atacama Desert

Santiago & the Atacama Desert: Best Itinerary Ideas

Nine to 11 days is the most popular trip length for Chile travelers interested in visiting both Santiago and the Atacama Desert, especially when also including Torres del Paine. If you're not interested in Torres del Paine, seven to eight days is enough for your Santiago and Atacama Desert trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in four to six days for travelers with limited time. Check out the below favorite Santiago and the Atacama Desert trips.

Cable car in Cerro San Cristobal, Santiago

Santiago & Torres del Paine: Best Itinerary Ideas

Nine to 11 days is the most popular trip length for Chile travelers interested in visiting both Santiago and Torres del Paine, especially when also including the Atacama Desert. If you're not interested in the Atacama Desert, a week to nine days is enough for your Santiago and Torres del Paine trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in four to six days for travelers with limited time. Check out kimkim's favorite Santiago and Torres del Paine trips below.

Santiago, the Atacama Desert & Torres del Paine: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, nine to 11 days is the perfect amount of time for a Chile trip with stops in Santiago, the Atacama Desert, and Torres del Paine. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as seven or eight days. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favorite itinerary extensions include Punta Arenas, Puerto Varas, or Easter Island. Keep reading for more inspiring Santiago, Atacama Desert, and Torres del Paine itineraries.

Torres del Paine: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, five days to a week is the perfect amount of time for a Chile trip with stops in Torres del Paine. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in four days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Santiago, Puerto Natales, or Punta Arenas. Get inspired with the Torres del Paine trip ideas below.

Spend a day making friends with the horses and sheep of a traditional estancia

Family Outdoor Adventures in Patagonia - 7 Days

Spend a week exploring the rugged beauty of Patagonia on this active and adventurous family trip. Start in Argentina to witness the Perito Moreno Glacier by walkway and boat, then discover the workings of a Patagonian ranch as the little ones embrace their inner gaúcho with a sheepshearing session and horseback rides. Continue south into Chile to reach Puerto Natales, the perfect base for family hikes in Torres del Paine National Park and kid-friendly excursions to hidden caves and ancient rock paintings.

Young woman with red dress visiting the blue city Chefchaouen

2 Weeks in Morocco - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Morocco, you can hop between 5-star accommodations and cities overflowing with culture on a classic tour or opt for an activity-filled itinerary that features a luxury desert camp, a sunrise hot-air balloon ride, and a horseback riding tour. Travelers looking to discover Morocco's imperial cities should make their way from Casablanca to the Agafay Desert, while those seeking a relaxed-paced tour packed with top-rated dining experiences should focus on the country's southern landscapes.

Relax and unwind amid the beaches and dunes of Mui Ne, Vietnam

Luxury Southern Vietnam: City, Countryside & Beach - 10 Days

Enjoy a fine dining and luxury tour of Vietnam combined with off-the-beaten-path excursions and coastal adventures. In Ho Chi Minh City, you'll discover wartime and French colonial history on private city tours, plus dine at some of the best restaurants in the country. Other highlights include sunset cruises in the famous Mekong Delta, plus Jeep tours over the multicolored sand dunes at Mui Ne.

Kayak between hidden caves on a luxury cruise of Ha Long Bay

Authentic Vietnam Luxury Tour - 10 Days

This 10-day journey across Vietnam delivers action and adventure without sacrificing creature comforts and luxury. It starts with Jeep tours of Ho Chi Minh City and continues north to Hoi An, where you'll embark on river tours, go cycling in the countryside, and learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes. Then you're off to Hanoi for fine dining and more authentic country tours before ending the trip with a luxury cruise around Ha Long Bay.

Spend two nights in the Cameron Highlands, surrounded by tea plantations

Wonders of West Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi Island - 14 Days

Enjoy a bit of everything, from big-city attractions to natural wonders, on this two-week tour of Malaysia. Start in Kuala Lumpur, where you'll visit the famous Petronas Twin Towers and take a day trip to UNESCO-listed Melaka. Then transfer to Taman Negara for some jungle trekking and a river cruise before moving on to the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands. Finish with sightseeing in Georgetown and island-hopping in tropical Langkawi to complete the adventure.

Take the kids for some outdoor adventures at Torres del Paine National Park

1 Week in Chile - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With one week in Chile, you and your family can use Puerto Natales as a base to discover the impressive glaciers, mountains, and wildlife the country is famous for, or pack in the activities on a kid-friendly itinerary featuring the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert. Those seeking a more relaxed paced tour will find Santiago and Valparaíso, or Easter Island, the ideal places to stay, while nature-loving families hike, boat, and tour around Torres del Paine and Bernardo O'Higgins National Parks.

Look for pygmy elephants on the banks of Malaysia's Kinabatangan River

Off the Beaten Path in Malaysian Borneo - 14 Days

Head deep into the rainforest of Malaysian Borneo with this exotic and lesser-known two-week itinerary. Begin by flying into Kuching, then transfer to the Semenggoh Orangutan Center, where you'll stay at an Indigenous homestay. From here, hike to waterfalls in Kampung Sadir before flying to Mukah for craft workshops and a boat tour. Next, explore cave systems in Gunung Mulu, see the rice paddies in Kiulu, and cruise down a river known for wildlife before ending your trip in Sandakan.

Hike to Guane to check out its traditional streets and buildings, near Barichara, Santander, Colombia

16 Days in Colombia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Given Colombia's small size, with 16 days, you can visit at least five destinations. First-timers can hit the highlights of Bogotá, stargaze in the Tatacoa Desert, visit a coffee farm in Salento, and sample Cartagena's street food. Wildlife lovers can go bird-watching in the Río Blanco and Timanú Reserves, and active travelers will enjoy hiking in Chingaza National Park and rafting the Río Calderas. Those keen on culture can engage with Indigenous communities in Uitoto Maloca and the Sierra Nevada.

Travel through the Waimakariri Gorge on the scenic TranzAlpine Train

16 Days in New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In New Zealand, it's possible to visit nine destinations in just over two weeks. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the Coromandel Peninsula and the glowworms in Te Anau, while first-timers will experience a combination of big-city attractions and Maori culture in Rotorua. Hike around Franz Josef Glacier on an active adventure or take a car ferry ride to Blenheim and the Marlborough wine region on a self-drive itinerary. Travelers seeking wilderness experiences should add Tongariro National Park.

Cruise across remote Doubtful Sound on New Zealand's South Island

New Zealand Panorama: Auckland to Christchurch - 17 Days

This 17-day New Zealand adventure ticks off the best of the North and South islands with extreme thrills, cultural connections, and unusual destinations and experiences. Land in Auckland, then drive south to Rotorua for a Maori feast and zorbing adventure. Swap to the South Island to experience Fiordland National Park, then chase thrills with bungee jumping, swings, and a jet boat in Queenstown. Helicopter to the Fox Glacier, then board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train for Christchurch.

The Glenorchy wharf pier on New Zealand's South Island

Epic Self-Drive Adventure in New Zealand - 17 Days

See the best of New Zealand's two islands with this 17-day self-drive itinerary. Starting in Auckland, you'll hit the road south to see geothermal wonders in Rotorua and the capital, Wellington. Skip to the South Island, where Christchurch and charming Akaroa await. Ride the TranzAlpine Train to the West Coast, where you'll heli-hike the Franz Josef Glacier, seek thrills in Queenstown, and fly over the magnificent Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. Return to Auckland and road trip out to the Bay of Islands to finish the trip.

New Zealand Cities, Mountains & Lakes Road Trip - 17 Days

Experience a bit of everything on this 17-day self-drive tour through New Zealand's North and South Islands. Strike out from Auckland on an epic road trip south, traveling through the North Island's agricultural, geothermal, and wine-producing heartland. Along the way, stop for wine-tasting, glowworm kayaking, and a Maori cultural experiences. From Wellington, take the ferry to the South Island, where you'll hike on glaciers, cruise on remote waterways, and enjoy the vastness of the empty landscape.

Rotorua's Champagne Pool is a highlight of the area's geothermal wonders

Contrasts of New Zealand: North & South Islands Tour - 17 Days

New Zealand is truly a land of contrasts: sandy subtropical beaches and high snowcapped mountains, Maori culture and colonial architecture, frozen glaciers, and bubbling mud pools. Experience a bit of everything on this fun-filled 17-day tour of both the North and South Islands. Complement self-driving with well-planned day tours, domestic flights, and scenic train journeys to make the most of your time on the islands of Aotearoa, which may look small on a map but pack in plenty of variety.

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