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Introducing New Zealand

Few destinations ignite the imagination the way New Zealand does. The diminutive two-island nation is filled with scenery best described as epic (think craggy peaks, vast beaches, dense forest, and crystalline fjords). And with the diversity of landscape come plentiful ways to take advantage of the great outdoors—hiking and biking are just the tip of the iceberg here. In one trip, you can immerse yourself in Māori culture in Rotorua, taste wine in the vineyards of Martinborough, and take a whale-watching tour off the coast of Christchurch. 

Where should I go in New Zealand?
New Zealand is split between the North Island and the South Island, each offering something different. While the North Island is more densely populated and famed for authentic immersion into Māori culture near Rotorua, it is also known for the bustling city of Auckland, stunning beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula, and famous landmarks from the Lord of the Rings movies such as Hobbiton. In contrast, the South Island is better known for the “adventure capital of the world,” Queenstown, and the surrounding natural beauty found among must-visit sites such as Mount Cook, the Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, and the fjords of Milford Sound.

When is the best time to visit? 
New Zealand’s rugged landscapes, natural beauty, and adventure-filled activities make it a spectacular destination to visit year-round. Between the months of December and March, you can expect bright and sunny days with temperatures ranging between 60°F and 75°F—the perfect weather to enjoy beaches, hiking, and other outdoor activities. New Zealand also makes for an exciting getaway between June and September, when snow arrives to beckon skiers and other winter adventurers to the South Island and the mountains of the North Island. Learn more

Things to do in New Zealand
Travelers are spoiled for choice when it comes to adventure in New Zealand. Cruise the iconic fjords of Milford Sound, Bungy jump off a bridge in Queenstown, immerse yourself in local Māori culture, or hike the skyscraping peaks of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Take a guided tour of the Franz Josef glacier, catch a glimpse of seal pups playing in the waters of Abel Tasman National Park, whale-watch in Kaikōura, or see the stars like never before at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve—the largest gold-standard Dark Sky Reserve in the world. 

How many days do I need in New Zealand?
Whether your travels take you to New Zealand for one week, two weeks, a month, or more (and there's plenty to fill that time), you'll have lots of options for getting around. Tackle one of the country's famous "Great Walks," multi-day treks through dramatic landscapes immortalized by Lord of the Rings. Get up close with the Waimakariri River gorge and the snowy Southern Alps on a relaxing South Island train journey. Or rent some wheels and road trip from Auckland to Milford Sound, utilizing an inter-island ferry. The country may be small, but the possibilities are endless. Learn more

Getting around New Zealand
Most international travelers arrive by flying into either Auckland or Christchurch. Domestic flights serve every large and medium-sized city in the country, while self-driving allows access to more remote areas such as national parks and mountainous regions. To travel between the North and South Islands, you'll need to fly or take the car-friendly ferry between Wellington and Picton. Learn more

Ready to start planning your trip to New Zealand? 
Get started by telling us a bit about your ideal trip, and we will connect you to a local specialist to work out all the details.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days · 21 days

New Zealand Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Fiordland National Park
Map of Highlights of New Zealand - 10 Days
Highlights of New Zealand - 10 Days

This action-packed itinerary dives into New Zealand's South and North Islands for a wide variety of landscapes and attractions. Kicking off in the adrenaline capital of the world, you'll kayak through the Milford Sound, explore the scenic capital (Wellington), take part in Rotorua's geothermal treatments, tour Hobbiton, and finish the adventure in the cosmopolitan city of Auckland.

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Map of Best of New Zealand’s South Island - 10 Days
Best of New Zealand’s South Island - 10 Days

This 10-day road trip in the South Island combines the best New Zealand has to offer. Discover jaw-dropping scenery here, including Lake Tekapo and its turquoise waters, Mt. Cook and the surrounding glaciers, the peaks of Mt. Aspiring National Park and the magnificent fjords. You will also enjoy more intimate and off-the-beaten-path experiences, including the exploration of the Banks Peninsula, with its active wildlife setting, as well as immersing yourself in the historical gold rush of the small town of Clyde.

Surf at Ngarunui beach in Raglan
Map of Highlights of New Zealand: From North to South - 15 Days
Highlights of New Zealand: From North to South - 15 Days

Traverse New Zealand on this two-week adventure-packed trip, covering the highlights of North and South Island. Discover diverse landscapes, from world-class surfing beaches, volcanic islands, and fern forests to geothermal waters, glacial fiords, and imposing mountains. Along the way, you'll visit historic mining towns, go wine tasting, hike, paddle, and fly your way across the country.

Check out the thermal lakes in Rotorua
Map of New Zealand's North Island Adventure - 7 Days
New Zealand's North Island Adventure - 7 Days

This self-drive itinerary hits the highlights of New Zealand's North Island with a wide array of activities and landscapes. Along the way, you'll explore Auckland's best neighborhoods, sip pours from local wineries, go swimming and kayaking, and take part in Rotorua's geothermal treatments and Maori culture—all within the span of a week.

Finish the trip in Queenstown for a slew of activities
Map of New Zealand's Ultimate Tour - 13 Days
New Zealand's Ultimate Tour - 13 Days

Perfect for first-timers, this 13-day itinerary covers an epic variety of landscapes and activities that only New Zealand could offer. Starting in Auckland, you'll head south, passing through glowworm caves, natural mud baths, and famous film sets. Stay a few nights in Wellington before continuing to the South Island for the country's highest peaks, incredible natural wonders (like Milford Sound), and—if you so choose—a range of adrenaline sports to amp up this Kiwi adventure.

Viticulture in Marlborough, New Zealand
Map of South Island Highlights & New Zealand Wines - 12 Days
South Island Highlights & New Zealand Wines - 12 Days

Travel through New Zealand's beautiful South Island, getting to know its cultural hotspots, famous landscapes and public gardens, and sprawling vineyards along the way. Over 12 days, you'll enjoy the cafes and fine art of Nelson, spend two days sipping wine in Marlborough, hike near beautiful Lake Wanaka and the famous Milford Sound, and more.

Make the Most of Your Time in New Zealand

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Aoraki / Mount Cook
How Many Days to Spend in New Zealand

Ten days is a great amount of time for a New Zealand trip: you'll easily experience the top highlights of both islands—North and South—plus outdoor activities and themed...

New Zealand Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

New Zealand Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of M Social Auckland
Auckland
M Social
4.8
(11)
· Luxury
M Social Auckland is a modern and chic hotel overlooking the lively Princes Wharf and surrounded by an array of dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences. Here, you'll be ideally situated in downtown Auckland and near some of the city's top attractions, such as the Halsey Street Wharf, an...
Rotorua
Regent of Rotorua
4.8
(6)
· Luxury
Regent of Rotorua is a boutique hotel offering a modern stay near the city's main attractions. Rotorua Lakefront Broadwalk is an 8-minute walk from the hotel, and Kuirau Park is just a 12-minute walk away. When you're not out exploring the city, you can enjoy the hotel's eclectic mix of stylish...
Queenstown (NZ)
The Rees Hotel
4.7
(7)
· Luxury
Enjoy a luxurious stay at The Rees Hotel Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu on New Zealand's South Island. This lakeside retreat is a 6-minute drive from the city center, and the hotel offers a courtesy shuttle to take you to the center whenever you like. At the hotel, you'll be...

Best Experiences in New Zealand

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Queenstown (NZ)
Skyline Gondola Ride
4.8
(8)
15 minutes
·
Ride in the Southern Hemisphere's highest cable car on the Skyline Gondola. Located at the edge of Queenstown, this gondola will take you up 1,476 feet (450 m) to the viewpoint at Bob's Peak, where you can soak in panoramic views extending to Coronet Peak and Walter Peak across Lake Wakatipu. For...
Queenstown (NZ)
Soak in the Onsen Natural Outdoor Hot Tubs
4.8
(4)
1 hour
·
Small group
Relax in style at the Onsen Hot Pools, a peaceful cliffside retreat overlooking the Shotover River Canyon. These cedar-lined tubs are filled with pure mountain water heated up to offer a soothing space where you can decompress with the best views in Queenstown. This self-guided visit includes...
Queenstown (NZ)
Historic Steamship Cruise to Walter Peak Farm + BBQ Dinner
5.0
(2)
4 hours
·
Small group
Travel back in time on this excursion to the historic Walter Peak High Country Farm, an 1850s sheep farm nestled in the foothills of Walter Peak. The journey begins aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship, a vintage steamer from 1912, which takes you from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm. A...

Our Latest New Zealand Content

Drive at your own pace around the scenic Coromandel Peninsula
Map of New Zealand North Island Highlights - 14 Days
New Zealand North Island Highlights - 14 Days

Explore the best of New Zealand's North Island with this two-week trip combining remote scenery, Maori culture, and famous film locations. Start in Auckland, where you'll sail across the picturesque harbors and explore the Waitakere Ranges. Then, pick up your rental car and begin an exciting road trip to the Coromandel Peninsula, Hobbiton, Rotorua, and Lake Taupo. Continue onto Napier, where the wineries of Hawke's Bay await, and finish with two days in the walkable capital, Wellington.

Jet boat down the Shotover River and explore the nearby gold rush town of Arrowtown on this 11-day New Zealand road trip
Map of New Zealand Explorer: Road Trip Across the North & South Islands - 11 Days
New Zealand Explorer: Road Trip Across the North & South Islands - 11 Days

This scenic self-drive adventure through New Zealand gives you a glimpse of both the North and South islands over 11 days. Starting in Christchurch, explore the city then start your road trip south to Aoraki / Mount Cook, the country's highest mountain. Take a scenic flight over ice falls and glaciers, and continue to Wanaka and Queenstown. Cruise across Milford Sound / Piopiotahi and get your thrills with a jet boat ride, then fly to the North Island for a quick taste of Auckland and Rotorua.

The drive toward Hawkes Bay takes you to a landscape of world-class wineries and independent farms
Map of Sustainable New Zealand Road Trip: An Eco-Friendly Journey from Auckland to Queenstown - 13 Days
Sustainable New Zealand Road Trip: An Eco-Friendly Journey from Auckland to Queenstown - 13 Days

New Zealand is a fabulous country for a road trip, with scenery that makes the journey truly the destination. This 13-day itinerary is geared up for electric vehicles to make your trip more sustainable. As you wind your way south from Auckland to Queenstown, you'll enjoy meals from ingredients harvested on-site, wine purchased from the source, and increasingly eco-friendly and carbon-neutral activities on a trip that seeks to both showcase and preserve New Zealand's powerful natural heritage.

New Zealand Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 10 Days in New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 7 Days in New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 2 Weeks in New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for New Zealand
Travel specialist Liz Neal
active 1 day ago

Liz Neal

I have been involved in the travel industry since my first job out of college, working for hotels, airlines and travel companies which allow me to know the industry from all sides. I approach my...

read more...
Travel specialist Franck Lemaitre
active 12 hours ago

Franck Lemaitre

My name is Franck I am the founder of Once Upon a Trip and I am originally French. We had our honeymoon in NZ back to 2003, we felt in love with the country, then we decided to come back in 2009...

read more...
Travel specialist Connie Campos
active 1 day ago

Connie Campos

I have travel to Australia and New Zealand every year, and I've been to all the places you are looking to visit so I can speak to you from experience and first-hand knowledge.

read more...
Travel specialist Vicky Steinhardt
active 54 mins ago

Vicky Steinhardt

Hey there! I'm Vicky, and travel is my passion. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have dedicated my entire career to the travel industry. Melbourne-born, my journey led me to live in the...

read more...

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Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
kimkim trips are 100% climate neutral
A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
BBB A+ rated

Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for New Zealand

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Connie and Sherry were great! We had an amaz...
New Zealand | Sep 30 - Oct 6, 2024

D
Dennis S.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Oct 07, 2024

Connie and Sherry were great! We had an amazing time in New Zealand and our trip couldn’t have been any better. We loved all of the recommendations, accommodations, and tours and we would love to return to NZ again and of course work with Connie and Sherry.

Local specialist: Connie Campos
Connie
Connie Campos
Local specialist in Washington and New Zealand | Replied on Oct 08, 2024

Hello Mr. & Mrs. Smythe,

Thank you so much for your kind words! I truly appreciate your compliment. It means a lot to me.
I am pleased to hear everything was top-notch and you enjoyed the trip.
Your support encourages me to continue doing my best. I’m grateful to have you in my corner!

We look forward to assisting you in the future.

Best regards
Connie

Amazing North Island trip
New Zealand | Sep 13 - Sep 20, 2024

M
Melissa K.
Australia | Reviewed on Sep 21, 2024
Our experience with Michelle arranging our Nth Island NZ trip was good from the beginning. It was easy to coordinate with her and we valued her insider knowledge as to what would be good for our family to see. Payment and finalising the itinerary was very easy using the kim kim site. Our trip was fantastic. The accommodation chosen by Michelle was great. In Auckland - the swiss bell suites were close to everything, clean and perfect for our needs. The Weta workshop was great for kids,... Read more

Our experience with Michelle arranging our Nth Island NZ trip was good from the beginning. It was easy to coordinate with her and we valued her insider knowledge as to what would be good for our family to see. Payment and finalising the itinerary was very easy using the kim kim site.

Our trip was fantastic. The accommodation chosen by Michelle was great. In Auckland - the swiss bell suites were close to everything, clean and perfect for our needs. The Weta workshop was great for kids, thankyou for this suggestion Michelle! Pick up and use of the rental car was easily done. In rotorua, we stayed in a lovely apartment part of a B&B which was also lovely with great hosts, in a nice quiet area. We would highly recommend the canopy tour, Te Puia experience and of course a visit to Hobbiton.

In Taupo, we stayed just outside in 2 mile and had an amazing family apartment which overlooked the lake, the only downside was that we were only there one night!

Everything in our holiday ran smoothly and Michelle had organised timing perfectly for our booked events.

Thankyou so much.

Hotel Reviews
Novotel Auckland Airport
Auckland

makes transfer to the airport so incredibly easy. We had adjoining room for the kids.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Anchorage Resort
Taupo

What a lovely lakeview apartment. Perfect location, lovely warm pool, great for families

Authenticity & Character
Location
beautiful view across the lake
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland
Auckland

Clean, perfect location, great for family.

Authenticity & Character
Location
so close to everything
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rotorua Views
Rotorua

Lovely hosts, quiet location, perfect for a family.

Authenticity & Character
Location
the location was picturesque, quiet and not far from anything that we wanted to do
Staff
Anne was excellent and gave us great advice on our time in Rotorua
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Explore the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
Explore the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
New Zealand

We just saw the glow worm caves. It was a lovely experience and we had a great guide. might have been good to see another cave also whilst there as they do some good packages.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jetboat Huka Falls
Jetboat Huka Falls
Taupō

If you haven't been jet boating before, it is a great experience. was good to see huka falls from the river.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
guides were good.
Transport
Wai-O-Tapu
Wai-O-Tapu
New Zealand

This really was a great experience. You are able to get up close to the geothermal areas, more so than Te Puia. We would recommend this, it wasn't too far from rotorua and we had time to do all of the walks.

Quality of Experience
we went first thing in the morning, barely anyone there so almost to ourselves.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
only 20mins out of rotorua so easy to get to.
Luge Rides (incl. Gondola)
Luge Rides (incl. Gondola)
Rotorua

As a family, again we all enjoyed this experience

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
staff there were not a highlight in general.
Transport
not far from our accommodation
Zipline Canopy Tour
Zipline Canopy Tour
Rotorua

Great experience, the guides were amazing, the whole family enjoyed this experience. Photos included in price, not an added extra which was such a nice change.

Quality of Experience
Fantastic experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mitch and Steph were our guides - they were friendly, knowledgeable and reassuring. It was an amazing experience.
Transport
Not far from our accommodation in Rotorua
Te Puia  - Te Ra guided experience with Haka and lunch (Once Upon a Trip exclusive)
Te Puia - Te Ra guided experience with Haka and lunch (Once Upon a Trip exclusive)
Rotorua

We did the guided tour with Maori experience (definitely recommend adding this) along with the Hangi lunch. This was a perfect cultural tour for our family.

Quality of Experience
Food
our family really enjoyed the hangi lunch.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
very close to our accommodation in rotorua
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
New Zealand

Great for a family, we loved going to Hobbiton. Tour guide was great, experience was amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Weta Unleashed Auckland
Weta Unleashed Auckland
Auckland

This was a great suggestion from michelle, our boys (aged 10 and 12) loved this workshop.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
easy to walk to from our apartment.
Local specialist: Michelle Srzich
Michelle
Michelle Srzich
Local specialist in Auckland, New Zealand | Replied on Sep 26, 2024

Hi Melissa
Thanks for your feedback, I had such fun creating a family-friendly trip for you and I am glad you loved your time in New Zealand. We look forward to welcoming you back for the South Island next time!
Michelle

We had a wonderful time in NZ!
New Zealand | Aug 9 - Aug 18, 2024

Kimberly
Kimberly B.
Japan | Reviewed on Aug 19, 2024
Our family had a really wonderful time in New Zealand! Liz helped us build a plan with something for everyone and a good balance of activity and time to relax. All of the transportation booked for us was wonderful, especially Damian and Etson. They were friendly, super knowledgeable and really worked hard to make sure we were taken care of while we were with them. Both the All Blacks experience and Whale & Dolphin Conservation Safari and Auckland were great. Hobbiton was simply... Read more

Our family had a really wonderful time in New Zealand! Liz helped us build a plan with something for everyone and a good balance of activity and time to relax.

All of the transportation booked for us was wonderful, especially Damian and Etson. They were friendly, super knowledgeable and really worked hard to make sure we were taken care of while we were with them.

Both the All Blacks experience and Whale & Dolphin Conservation Safari and Auckland were great. Hobbiton was simply amazing and wish we could have spent even more time there. We enjoyed Te Puia as well. Queenstown was really the icing on the cake. The Rees was an incredible resort and so extremely helpful. We enjoyed all of our activities and all the food, drink and shopping the town had to offer. I am so glad we worked with KimKim to book everything; we never would have been able to manage it all on our own. It was an incredible 10 days!

Hotel Review
The Rees Hotel
Queenstown

We have been fortunate to travel a lot and stay at some amazing hotels. The Rees is now at the top of that list! The entire property is beautiful and impeccably maintained. The rooms were well appointed, with a wonderful kitchen and laundry facilities, plus plenty of detergent. Which matters when you are taking part in a lot of outdoor activities with kids! The staff was exceptional; everyone was focused on making sure our stay was great. And the shuttle into town was so convenient. I would recommend The Rees to anyone traveling to Queenstown.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
6 Line Zip Line
6 Line Zip Line
Queenstown (NZ)

Zip line and luge was a blast! This was such a fun activity for the whole family. We also loved the conservation topics that were covered

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Walter Peak High Country Farm Excursion
Walter Peak High Country Farm Excursion
Queenstown (NZ)

We loved the farm. It was absolutely beautiful and the ride across Lake Wakatipu on the ship was wonderful.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Te Ra Guided Experience (90 minutes) + cultural Performance
Te Ra Guided Experience (90 minutes) + cultural Performance
Rotorua

We had a great time on this. The guide was so helpful and my husband was actually asked to participate in the experience, serving as a visiting chief.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Was very easy to take an Uber from our hotel to this event.
Auckland to Rotorua visiting Hobbiton with lunch
Auckland to Rotorua visiting Hobbiton with lunch
Auckland

It was absolutely beautiful and so well organized. And the food was delicious.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Whale & Dolphin Eco-Safari
Whale & Dolphin Eco-Safari
Auckland

We had a great time and the staff was amazing!

All Blacks Experience Admission and Guided Tour
All Blacks Experience Admission and Guided Tour
Auckland

We loved this experience. It was a great way to learn more about the sport and the history of rugby in NZ.

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Liz Neal
Liz
Liz Neal
Local specialist in Sydney-Auckland-Los Angeles | Replied on Aug 19, 2024

Hello Kimberly and thank you for the wonderful review.

I will definitely share it with all involved in destination. We are lucky to have great relationships with our suppliers and they take good care of our customers ! It was a pleasure to work with your family and looking forward to helping in another adventure in the future. Really, call me anytime!

Thank you again!
Liz