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Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 10 days · 12 days · 14 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.
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 and hike, paddle, and fly your way across the country.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ten days is a great amount of time for a New Zealand trip: you'll easily be able to experience the top highlights of both islands—North and South—plus outdoor activities and...
In one week, you can discover just the North Island, just the South Island, or cross over into both. By landing and departing in major cities (like Christchurch, Auckland, and...
You can comfortably explore four to five different destinations with ten days in New Zealand. Spend up to two days in each city, including the "Big Little City" of Auckland,...
With two weeks, you can get to know both of New Zealand's islands or enjoy an in-depth exploration of either one. Take a North Island road trip from Auckland to Wellington, or...
April is the middle of autumn in New Zealand. In some parts of the country, that means the leaves on the trees turn orange and the air is crisp and cool. In others, especially...
May is the last month of autumn in New Zealand, and weather can range from pleasantly warm to quite wintry, depending on where you go. It's shoulder season, and some of the most...
February is mid-summer in New Zealand, and also peak tourism season. But, schools go back earlier in the month, so international visitors won't be competing with locals for...
December is the start of summer, and the peak season, in New Zealand. The weather can be great, or it can be cooler and wetter than later in the summer. New Zealand schools are...
Ten days is a great amount of time for a New Zealand trip: you'll easily be able to experience the top highlights of both islands—North and South—plus outdoor activities and themed adventures (Middle Earth, anyone?). With less time, stick to one island for a comfortably-paced, immersive tour; if you're dead-set on seeing both islands in less than a week, be prepared to move quickly. Travelers with two weeks can see it all, or combine the country's top sights with a week of fun in Australia.
New Zealand has a lot of climatic variety, from sub-tropical Northland to temperate Southland, and high mountains through the center of both main islands. Summer is generally hot in the North Island and warm in the South, while winters are mild and wet in the North Island and drier but often snowy in parts of the South Island. Whenever you plan to go, there will be parts of New Zealand that offer great conditions—find helpful information below on weather, crowds, costs, and more.
With two weeks, you can get to know both of New Zealand's islands or enjoy an in-depth exploration of either one. Take a North Island road trip from Auckland to Wellington, or stick to the South Island with stops in Queenstown, Te Anau, Wanaka, and Christchurch. Alternatively, opt for a multi-country trip that combines New Zealand's highlights with one full week in Australia.
My name is Valentin and I am a travel consultant and a tour-guide for New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa. I plan tailor-made trips based on my clients' desires. I like to get to know my clients so I can...
read more...I fell in love with the natural beauty and culture of New Zealand since I first step foot in the country. After traveling extensively through the South and North Island for a few months, I decided...
read more...I have been living in Auckland, New Zealand for almost three years. What made me fall in love right from day one was not only the beautiful wildlife and breathtaking scenery, but also the friendly...
read more...I have been in the travel Industry for over 30 years and have traveled extensively both within and outside Australia. Our business was established to provide tailormade experiences for travelers...
read more...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.
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.
Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.
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.
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what was planned by Eloise our guide, was brilliantly put together. I had an idea of the places where to go and with a little tinkering between ourselves Eloise came up with, for us, a perfect tour. Everything was smooth from the moment we were picked up at the airport, to the moment we were dropped off for our return. Knowing that everything was booked and paid for when we arrived at each accommodation, and tour meant there was never a concern with any payments. The only thing we had to... read more
Thanks a lot Michael for this very kind review. I am so glad you and Balbinita enjoyed New Zealand, and your trip that much. And what a lucky surprise for you to have had a free upgrade from our partner in Kaikoura, for your flight over the whales.
I will watch our for your next call then :), and hopefully next time you visit, the weather at Milford Sound will be welcoming!
Eloise
Every guide we had, and every employee at all the bed and breakfasts/motels we stayed at, were so kind, helpful and thoughtful. Emiline created an amazing trip for us unlike anything we’ve experienced before. Makes me wanting to come back to New Zealand for more! The itinerary was very detailed and Emiline was always very immediate with her response and helpful all along the way, from the planning to while we were on the trip and had some weather mishaps. Thank you Kimkim for yet another unforgettable trip for us!
Kia Ora Geena,
Thank you for your nice feedback! I'm very glad you enjoyed your trip to New Zealand and got the chance to complete the Routeburn Track.
I hope you get the chance to come back, maybe to explore the North Island ?
Thanks so much to Valentin for planning our amazing trip. Everything was so well organised and our trip flowed seamlessly. Our trip incorporated everything we wanted to see and more. The accommodation Valentin chose for us were all fantastic, the hosts made us feel right at home. Looking forward to booking our next trip with Kim Kim.
Thanks so much Jessica for you kind feedback and great pictures! I'm glad you had a good time in Aotearoa, and all the best for you in Aussie. Feel free to get in touch if you ever want to come back!
