Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
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.
Explore the beauty of New Zealand's North Island, from the foodie's haven of Wellington to stunning Tongariro National Park. This seven-day tour starts in Wellington and ends in Auckland, with a variety of local activities including hiking, visiting Lord of the Rings' filming locations, touring wine country, and spotting local wildlife.
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...
March is the first month of autumn in New Zealand, but summery conditions tend to linger, and in many parts of the country March is almost as warm and sunny as February. The...
November is the last month of spring in New Zealand, and that means the weather can be quite summery, although temperatures may not be as consistently hot as in summer. It's...
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...
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 Wellington), each trip ensures you can do some standard sightseeing. In the North Island, hit scenic stops like geothermal Rotorua and Tongariro National Park, while the South Island is home to Aoraki/Mt Cook, Wanaka, and Akaroa. Learn more with our trip ideas below.
Five days may seem short, but allows for an eventful adventure through New Zealand. Since there is not much time, it is ideal to travel within the South Island or the North Island—which budgets for a successful road trip with a few scenic stops. Anchoring the itinerary in a major city like Auckland allows for day trips to go kiwi spotting, wine tasting, and island hopping (if you’re not on the open road). Explore geothermal Rotorua, Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Banks Peninsula, Akaroa, and so much more in the five trip plans that follow.
With two weeks in New Zealand, there is plenty to discover on the South Island. Begin in Queenstown for some wine tasting, bungee jumping, scenic flights, and hot-pool soaks. Then, visit a glowworm cave in Te Anau, followed by hiking in Mt Aspiring National Park and more wine tasting in Wanaka. Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are next, along with a stop at the Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki. Then, spend two days discovering Abel Tasman National Park, do more wine tasting in Blenheim, go sea kayaking in Akaroa, and wind down with a full day of sightseeing in Christchurch.
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...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 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'm a born and bred Gold Coast local, with a strong interest in culinary delights and destinations. In my spare time, I enjoy planning small road trips, discovering hidden gems and exploring new...
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.
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.
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!
We traveled a lot and It was our first time to try a self guided tour. It’s an amazing experience since we have our time and choices to maneuver which places we like and explore. It’s an adventure that time is not pressured but it’s laid out for you to venture. As long as your provided SIM card is activated then everything is easy. Our best unforgettable adventure is the hike to Mt Tarawera by kaitiaki adventure which was arranged by Kimkim and the thermal spa . Breakfast was substantial... read more
Kia Ora Jane and thank you very much for this great feedback! I'm really glad you enjoyed self-driving and that we were able to come up with the right suggestions for your trip. Feel free to recommend us and I wish one day you'll be able to come again for a longer trip, who knows!
Everyone we interacted with from the beginning of our trip planning to wrapping up was excellent. Valentin helped us build the perfect trip and patiently answered all of our questions along the way. Each and every bed & breakfast owner was extremely professional, welcoming, and helpful and we also found KimKim's partner company in NZ to be well-regarded. This trip was the perfect way to view the beautiful country of New Zealand and so much of what it has to offer. At one point, we had in our... read more
Thank you so much Chelsea for these kind words, I am very happy you had a great time in Aotearoa and that you appreciate our expertise and assistance. All the best and you know where we are if you ever want to come to NZ again!
