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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.

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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.

A hobbit hole in Matamata's Hobbiton on New Zealand's North Island
Map of New Zealand's North Island - 6 Days
New Zealand's North Island - 6 Days

From Auckland to Taupo, this six-day itinerary presents the highlights of the North Island's diverse and dramatic landscapes. You'll trek amid emerald lakes and ancient volcanoes, explore The Shire from "Lord of the Rings," and discover the sacred thermal waters of Wai-O-Tapu.

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
(19)
· 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...
Queenstown (NZ)
The Rees Hotel
4.7
(11)
· 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...
Photo courtesy of The Hotel Britomart
Auckland
The Hotel Britomart
4.9
(7)
· Luxury
The Hotel Britomart, with its hand-made brick exterior and timber-lined interior, is a luxury property in downtown Auckland. This hotel provides an urban retreat on the city's waterfront, blending modern comforts with an authentic historical feel. Its central location places you within proximity...

Best Experiences in New Zealand

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Queenstown (NZ)
Historic Steamship Cruise to Walter Peak Farm + BBQ Dinner
5.0
(6)
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...
Queenstown (NZ)
Skyline Gondola Ride
4.7
(14)
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)
Explore the Dart River on a Jetboat + Ancient Forest Walk
5.0
(3)
4 hours
·
Small group
Explore the wilderness surrounding Queenstown with this exhilarating jetboating excursion through the Dart River braided river system. Your guide will take you through the ever-changing shallow channels of the Dart River, and you'll stop along the way to disembark and walk through ancient beech...

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
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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 5 hours 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 Vicky Steinhardt
active 6 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...
Travel specialist Paula Adams
active 6 hours ago

Paula Adams

I grew up in a very small rural town called, Humpty Doo which is 30 minutes outside of the city of Darwin, in the Northern Territory. I lived the true outback life with wallabies jumping in my...

read more...
Travel specialist Franck Lemaitre
active 5 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...

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Trip Reviews for New Zealand

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

This trip exceeded all our expectations!
New Zealand | Apr 18 - May 1, 2025

Chris
Chris T.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on May 12, 2025
This trip exceeded all our expectations, and gave our family a collection of memories we'll keep forever! Our local specialist, Liz, was so friendly, thorough, and responsive throughout our early trip planning as well as making sure we had everything we needed just before we got on the plane. The best thing about our 2 week trip to New Zealand is we had peace of mind throughout our entire trip, knowing we were well-supported and taken care of. Every single guide, driver, hotelier and property... Read more

This trip exceeded all our expectations, and gave our family a collection of memories we'll keep forever! Our local specialist, Liz, was so friendly, thorough, and responsive throughout our early trip planning as well as making sure we had everything we needed just before we got on the plane. The best thing about our 2 week trip to New Zealand is we had peace of mind throughout our entire trip, knowing we were well-supported and taken care of. Every single guide, driver, hotelier and property host we met were exceptionally friendly, professional, and wonderful! We can't recommend kimkim enough for taking care of us and providing us this trip of a lifetime!

Hotel Review
Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart
Auckland

The hotel is in a great location, within walking distance to many locations in Auckland. The rooms were serviceable and clean, best as a base of operations for city exploration rather than a relaxing retreat.

Authenticity & Character
Staff was friendly, but the amenities and appointments were sparse
Location
Great walkable distance to many Auckland attractions
Staff
Very responsive staff. We had a noisy party above us one night and the management dealt with it right away upon our request
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean, serviceable rooms.
Local specialist: Liz Neal
Liz
Liz Neal
Local specialist in Sydney-Auckland-Los Angeles | Replied on May 18, 2025

Hi Chris,
Thank you for the wonderful review. I'm so happy you all enjoyed the trip. It was great to work with you and if you need any travel needs in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Hope the rest of the year is wonderful and that we hear from you for future travel.

Cheers
Liz

We enjoyed working with Monika and kimkim for our trip to New Zealand
New Zealand | Apr 7 - Apr 28, 2025

ALAN/BEVERLY
ALAN/BEVERLY P.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on May 10, 2025
We appreciated the process with Monika and kimkim in planning our 3 week self-driving trip of New Zealand. We'd researched the route we wanted to take and what we wanted to see, plus what we wanted to budget. Monika made suggestions and we made further refinements. She arranged our accommodations, car rental, ferry, plane from Queenstown to Auckland, and some of the experiences we desired. She also advised us on what we'd need in order to enter the country (NZeta), driving rules, and other... Read more

We appreciated the process with Monika and kimkim in planning our 3 week self-driving trip of New Zealand. We'd researched the route we wanted to take and what we wanted to see, plus what we wanted to budget. Monika made suggestions and we made further refinements. She arranged our accommodations, car rental, ferry, plane from Queenstown to Auckland, and some of the experiences we desired. She also advised us on what we'd need in order to enter the country (NZeta), driving rules, and other important items. Once all finalized and paid, we received extensive instructions and vouchers for the items Monika had reserved for us, along with recommendations of other things to see and do in each location. Once in country, she kept in contact and was available for questions, or if not (on her days of) who we could contact. As for the trip, the accommodations (we requested cost in the middle range) were all very good overall and those in cities or larger towns were centrally located for ease in walking to attractions and restaurants. We enjoyed the experiences she'd helped to arrange (Hobbiton, Te Pa Tu Maori dinner, Wai O Tapu, Milford Sound) plus others we we'd planned on our own and some that we were told about by locals or other tourists along the way. Those would be the Art Deco tour with volunteer Judy in Napier, Tongariro and Taranaki National Parks, Zealandia and the Cable Car in Wellington, birds and seals at Kaikoura, the lighthouse and Giants House in Akaroa (east of Christchurch), Arthur's Pass National Park, the amazing night sky in Lake Tekapo, the Clay Cliffs near Omarama, and the drive to Glenorchy and Paradise out of Queenstown. Danny, our coach driver to and from Milford Sound (actually a fjord!), was excellent and shared interesting information on the way out. It was nice to relax and not drive that day after all of the driving we'd already done. On accommodations of special note we really enjoyed the Ruapehu Country Lodge in Ohakune. Our host Bernie was quite the character and happy to share information on restaurants and tracks (hikes) we'd planned to do, things to see, and roads & road conditions. We enjoyed his wife's homemade jams and other yummy things at breakfast. One thing of note is that not all of the accommodations were as accessible as they could have been (stairs/no elevators); we didn't specify with Monika that we required that but if you do, let your planner know. We're in our early 70s and in fairly good shape so didn't have too much of a problem and some of the hotels offered to help with our luggage. We "survived" a hot 6 km hike in Tongariro NP (lots of stairs!) so managing stairs in hotels wasn't a challenge. We came home more fit than when we left. ;-) Overall, we had a wonderful experience and the planning Monika did for us made for a smooth trip, especially as it was our first time in New Zealand.

Activity Reviews
Coach and Cruise to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
Coach and Cruise to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
Queenstown (NZ)

Very long bus ride, but scenic. The weather at the sound (fjord!) was a bit dreary but the boat ride was fun, though a bit crowded. Wonderful waterfalls, the mountains were hiding in low clouds but still very pretty. We enjoyed the day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Driver Danny was excellent and had interesting information to share. He also knew a lot about birds and answered my questions about those we heard & saw.
Transport
Te  Pā Tū  - Maori Cultural Experience
Te Pā Tū - Maori Cultural Experience
Rotorua
Quality of Experience
Food
Transport
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
New Zealand

Great fun for we fans of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings fans. Our guide, Sam (not kidding) was full of fun and facts.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide, Sam.
Transport
Local specialist: Monika Vinsova

Hi Monika!Thankyou for organizing such a won...
New Zealand | Apr 17 - May 1, 2025

B
Bruce S.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on May 06, 2025

Hi Monika!
Thankyou for organizing such a wonderful trip for us!!! We loved
1. All the cities you guided us towards
2. All the hotels; all lovely
3.all the activities!!! Special shoutout to doubtful sound cruise; train ride and hike to Arthur’s pass ; food tour in ? Napier; Māori cultural event and more!!!
4. It truly was( as my 14 year old grand niece said after she went to a Taylor swift concert) “ a life altering event”
Thankyou for your guidance and your hard work!!
Kelly ( aka Elisabeth) and Bruce Sutter

Local specialist: Monika Vinsova
Monika
Monika Vinsova
Local specialist in Queenstown, New Zealand | Replied on May 06, 2025

Hi Kelly and Bruce!

Thank you so much for your wonderful message! I'm thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing time. It’s fantastic that the cities, hotels, and activities all lived up to your expectations.

I’m so happy I could help make your experience unforgettable. Thank you again for trusting me with your trip! Wishing you many more incredible adventures ahead.

Warmest regards,
Monika

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.

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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.