New Zealand 12-Day Trips & Itineraries

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New Zealand Travel Insights

Reflection of Mount Cook on a hidden tarn in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Map of New Zealand Cities, Parks & Mountains - 12 Days
New Zealand Cities, Parks & Mountains - 12 Days

This 12-day tour features a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Explore New Zealand's cities, mountain landscapes, native bush, and beaches. Begin in Wellington working your way through parks and vineyards to Christchurch and to the mountains and fjords of Mount Cook and Milford Sound, ending your stay in Queenstown.

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.

Serene Milford Sound
Map of 12 Days in New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
12 Days in New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 12 days, you can take a slower pace to focus on one New Zealand island or speed things up and hit the highlights of both, like a classic Auckland to Queenstown route, perfect for first-timers. Meanwhile, the South Island offers glacier hikes and fjord cruises, while the North Island appeals to those interested in Rotorua's geothermal activity and Maori culture. Avid skiers can opt for the Otago and Southland itinerary, combining a few days on the slopes with Queenstown bungee jumping and Oamaru penguin sightings.

Driving towards Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak
Map of New Zealand: Ultimate South Island Road Trip - 12 Days
New Zealand: Ultimate South Island Road Trip - 12 Days

Explore New Zealand's South Island in style on this unforgettable 12-day road trip. Starting and finishing in the alpine adventure capital of Queenstown, this route circumnavigates the Southern Alps as you drive through a land of dramatic peaks, ancient glaciers, and pristine lakes. By day you'll embark on adventurous excursions and discover spectacular scenery, while nights are spent relaxing in a series of luxurious boutique hotels and lodges.

Overlooking Lake Tekapo
Map of New Zealand's North & South Islands: Auckland to Queenstown - 12 Days
New Zealand's North & South Islands: Auckland to Queenstown - 12 Days

Discover a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers on this 12-day tour through New Zealand's North and South Islands. Take a cruise across Auckland's scenic harbors, enter the magical world of Hobbiton, and stand in awe at Rotorua's geysers. Experience the remarkable stillness of Milford Sound, then head into the backcountry to find Lake Tekapo and take a zip line ride over Wanaka before heading back to civilization in the second city of Christchurch.

Milford Sound
Map of Highlights of New Zealand's South Island: Kaikoura, Mt. Cook, Queenstown & More - 12 Days
Highlights of New Zealand's South Island: Kaikoura, Mt. Cook, Queenstown & More - 12 Days

The 12-day itinerary includes some of the South Island's greatest experiences. It begins in Nelson, at the top of the South Island, and ends in Queenstown, near the bottom. Between these two towns you'll get the chance to try some of New Zealand's finest wine in its largest wine-producing region, Marlborough; spot whales in Kaikoura; see glaciers and glacial lakes at Mt. Cook; cruise on iconic Milford Sound; try adventure sports in the adrenaline capital of New Zealand, Queenstown; and much more.

How it works
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Tell us what kind of trip you want
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Work out the details together
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for New Zealand
Travel specialist Michelle Srzich
active 1 day ago

Michelle Srzich

Let me guide you with my local knowledge of how to make the most of your time in New Zealand and the Fiji islands. I am a local 'Kiwi' born in Aotearoa New Zealand , so this country holds a special...

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Travel specialist Monika Vinsova
active 4 hours ago

Monika Vinsova

"Travel is an investment in yourself" is the quote that inspires me for many years now and I love to share my knowledge with others as I believe travelling truly is one of the best ways...

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Travel specialist Ruth Grau
active 9 hours ago

Ruth Grau

I grew up in small outback towns in South Australia before starting in the travel industry in Adelaide. After working many years in Sales & Marketing with tour companies, wholesalers and airlines,...

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Travel specialist Noemie Botha
active 1 day ago

Noemie Botha

Originally from Switzerland, I’ve been lucky to call New Zealand home since 2017. I specialize in creating bespoke self-drive tours tailored to your interests, helping you discover the best of...

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Trip Reviews for New Zealand

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

We thoroughly enjoyed our New Zealand trip. T...
New Zealand | Apr 10 - Apr 24, 2026

D
Diane F.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 01, 2026
We thoroughly enjoyed our New Zealand trip. The country and her people are wonderful. The Spire Hotel in Queenstown was spectacular. Room size was generous, amenities top notch and the staff 5 star. The hotel was centrally located to all activites and walking. One of our drivers, Jennifer, was acceptional. She was a good drive and planned stops for picture taking.
Our stay in Napier was wonderful. The Mangapapa hotel was beautifully appointed with large outdoor areas and plantation like...
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We thoroughly enjoyed our New Zealand trip. The country and her people are wonderful. The Spire Hotel in Queenstown was spectacular. Room size was generous, amenities top notch and the staff 5 star. The hotel was centrally located to all activites and walking. One of our drivers, Jennifer, was acceptional. She was a good drive and planned stops for picture taking.
Our stay in Napier was wonderful. The Mangapapa hotel was beautifully appointed with large outdoor areas and plantation like feeling.
Our stay in Auckland was topped off by our dinner at Ahi. It was the most exquisite menu and dining we experienced.
Thank you Monika for so many unique adventures while we were in New Zealand
Diane

Hotel Review
Spire Hotel
Queenstown

Beautifully appointed. The most helpful and courteous staff. Wonderfully located to all activities. Thank you Spirel

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to the pier, shopping and sightseeing
Staff
Staff is amazing. Always thinking ahead of us and courteous.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spectacularly appointed. Generous size rooms. Beds so comfy.
Activity Reviews
Ahi Restaurant - 4 snacks and 4 courses
Ahi Restaurant - 4 snacks and 4 courses
Auckland

Extraordinary. Fabulous meal

Mt Cook day tour from Queenstown (Small group - return)
Mt Cook day tour from Queenstown (Small group - return)
Queenstown

Beautiful scenery all the way.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jennifer was superb.
Transport
The van had a bit of a bouncy ride.
Local specialist: Monika Vinsova

Uma planned an amazing itinerary for me and I...
New Zealand | Apr 9 - Apr 26, 2026

A
ANNETTE S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 28, 2026

Uma planned an amazing itinerary for me and I lived every minute. When a cyclone disrupted the plan she worked hard to rearrange hotels and excursions for me and that relieved a lot of stress from me. My favorites were my day in Rotorua with geothermal park, Polynesian spa and the Māori dinner and also the time at Franz Josef including the helicopter onto the glacier. Incredible! Thank you so much for planning an incredible once in a lifetime trip!!

Local specialist: Uma Natarajan
Uma
Uma Natarajan
Local specialist in New Zealand | Replied on Apr 28, 2026

Hello Annette,

Thank you so much for your kind words and the review. I absolutely loved working with you for your New Zealand Holiday. It was so nice to meet you in person briefly in Palmerston North😍.

Please keep in touch. I would be delighted to see you again in our beautiful country.

Best,
Uma

Michelle is most excellent
New Zealand | Mar 28 - Apr 15, 2026

Gaby
Gaby B.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 28, 2026
Michelle was most excellent at planning for our group of 8 and all our requests.
Wonderful vacation experiencing a bit of New Zealand from North to South.
Our transportation, sleeping arrangements and activities were all well chosen and timed.
Excellent shuttle drivers as well.
Read more

Michelle was most excellent at planning for our group of 8 and all our requests.
Wonderful vacation experiencing a bit of New Zealand from North to South.
Our transportation, sleeping arrangements and activities were all well chosen and timed.
Excellent shuttle drivers as well.

Hotel Reviews
The Crown Hotel
Napier - Ahuriri

Enjoyed the location and relaxation. Well stocked coffee and tea supplies

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Millennium Rotorua
Rotorua 3040
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland
Auckland

The lobby is a bit small and a bit warm and it was confusing at first to check in at the cafe. Overall the rooms were great size, kitchen coffee station well stocked, enjoyed having a washer and drier. The park view is superb

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Michelle Srzich
Michelle
Michelle Srzich
Local specialist in Auckland, New Zealand | Replied on Apr 29, 2026

Thanks so much for your review and feedback, it is great to hear the plans all came together seamlessly!

Why travelers love kimkim

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