New Zealand Luxury Trips & Experiences

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New Zealand Travel Insights

Discover New Zealand's diverse flora and fauna on this road trip
Map of New Zealand's South Island: Luxury Self-Drive Tour - 15 Days
New Zealand's South Island: Luxury Self-Drive Tour - 15 Days

Experience the wilderness and wildlife of New Zealand's South Island on this 15-day self-drive itinerary. By day, you'll drive through breathtaking landscapes and embark on outdoor adventures, while nights are spent in a series of secluded luxury lodges. Setting off from Christchurch, enjoy alpine walks in Mount Cook National Park, discover rich marine life on the Otago Peninsula, and cruise through the remote Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park. After adrenaline sports in Queenstown and a memorable trek across the Franz Josef Glacier, the scenic TranzAlpine train whisks you back to Christchurch.

Fly to Milford Sound for a remarkable cruise during a two-week luxury New Zealand adventure
Map of 2 Weeks in New Zealand - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in New Zealand - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks in New Zealand is an excellent amount of time to uncover the country's dramatic landscapes and luxury novelties. If you're a first-time visitor, pair a rental car with exclusive tours to experience the wonders of the North and South Islands. Focus on the South Island for a deeper dive into the impressive Southern Alps and untouched coastlines. Or, stick to the North Island to hop between remarkable islands, lakes, and wineries and tackle world-renowned golf courses.

Experience the verdant beauty of Kaikōura in style from a treetop luxury cabin (photo courtesy of Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses)
Map of 1 Week in New Zealand - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in New Zealand - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

With one week in New Zealand, you can indulge in the finer things in life while admiring soaring mountains, lush vineyards, and turquoise lakes. Focusing on either the North Island or South Island ensures you have plenty of time to explore, and you can take your pick between a wellness escape, an off-the-beaten-path adventure, or an itinerary featuring wineries and farm-fresh cuisine. Other options include a luxury road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown and a highlights of the North Island tour.

Explore Mount Aspiring National Park from your base at the 5-star Minaret Station (photo courtesy of Minaret Station)
Map of Off-the-Beaten-Track Luxury in New Zealand’s South Island - 7 Days
Off-the-Beaten-Track Luxury in New Zealand’s South Island - 7 Days

Step off the beaten track and explore remote corners of New Zealand's South Island with this weeklong luxury tour. On this self-drive adventure, travel from Christchurch to Queenstown, staying at far-flung, 5-star lodges where gourmet cuisine, heli-tours, and hot tubs beneath the stars await. Discover natural gems like Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, the Mackenzie Region, and Milford Sound / Piopiotahi by air, 4WD, and boat, traveling as far as the country's highest-altitude whisky hut.

Spend two nights outside of Taupō on a luxury tour of New Zealand's North Island (photo courtesy of Huka Lodge)
Map of 10 Days in New Zealand - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in New Zealand - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days to savor New Zealand's nature-immersed luxuries, you can hit the highlights of the North and South Islands on a classic tour or a winter getaway. Alternatively, focus on one island and cater the adventure to your interests. A driving tour from Auckland to Wellington is perfect for wine enthusiasts, while the Southern Alps and Fiordland call to adventure seekers. For those who find golf courses their paradise, hop between the top-notch courses of Mangawhai, Taupō, and Napier.

Wraparound views of Lake Wakatipu from your Queenstown luxury lodge (photo courtesy of Azur Lodge)
Map of New Zealand South Island Luxury Getaway - 7 Days
New Zealand South Island Luxury Getaway - 7 Days

This luxury South Island road trip takes you from Christchurch to Queenstown in a relaxed fashion, enjoying exclusive tours and 5-star stays along the way. Soar above Mount Cook National Park and Milford Sound / Piopiotahi on scenic flights, take a helicopter to New Zealand's highest-altitude whisky bar, and explore the unspoiled Mackenzie region by 4WD. Other highlights include steaming onsen baths beneath the stars, exhilarating jet boat rides, and Kiwi barbecue feasts.

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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for New Zealand
Travel specialist Michelle Srzich
active 14 hours 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 20 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 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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Travel specialist Paula Adams
active 1 day 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...

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Trip Reviews for New Zealand

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

We absolutely loved our trip.
New Zealand | Mar 17 - Mar 25, 2026

D
Deb F.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Apr 02, 2026
We absolutely loved our trip. Queenstown was amazing, as was the flight to Milford Sound and the cruise around the sound. Lake Tekapo and the flight over the glaciers. Every stop along the way, both south and north islands had something fun and memorable to do. Noemi and her team took great care of us. Thanks for everything. Read more

We absolutely loved our trip. Queenstown was amazing, as was the flight to Milford Sound and the cruise around the sound. Lake Tekapo and the flight over the glaciers. Every stop along the way, both south and north islands had something fun and memorable to do. Noemi and her team took great care of us. Thanks for everything.

Activity Reviews
SKYCITY Auckland Sky Tower
SKYCITY Auckland Sky Tower
Auckland
Transfer from accommodation to car rental depot (Corporate Cabs)
Transfer from accommodation to car rental depot (Corporate Cabs)
New Zealand
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
New Zealand

What a fun place.

Quality of Experience
M
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour - Glowworm Caves
Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour - Glowworm Caves
Rotorua

Fabulous trip across the lake with a chance to lounge in the hot pools while the guide cooks you dinner. Then back across the lake to the glow worm cave and a slow paddle back to enjoy the starry night sky. What could be better.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Alex was fantastic.
Te Pā Tū - Maori Cultural Experience
Te Pā Tū - Maori Cultural Experience
Rotorua

Wonderful experience.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Zealandia Twilight Tour
Zealandia Twilight Tour
Wellington

A beautiful place and amazing preservation work being done. Our guides were fabulous.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Skyline Gondola Ride
Skyline Gondola Ride
Queenstown (NZ)

Fabulous view!

Milford Sound - scenic return flights and cruise
Milford Sound - scenic return flights and cruise
New Zealand
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Scenic Flight over Mt Cook and glaciers by plane from Tekapo - The Grand Traverse (Tekapo Air Safaris)
Scenic Flight over Mt Cook and glaciers by plane from Tekapo - The Grand Traverse (Tekapo Air Safaris)
New Zealand
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Noemie Botha
Noemie
Noemie Botha
Local specialist in Auckland | Replied on Apr 02, 2026

Thanks so much for the lovely feedback! We’re so glad to hear you had an amazing trip and enjoyed all the highlights along the way.
It was an absolute pleasure organising this for you, and thank you again for trusting us—we hope to welcome you back to New Zealand in the future!

Read all New Zealand reviews

New Zealand REview
New Zealand | Mar 11 - Mar 24, 2026

Mark
Mark M.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2026
We enjoyed everything in New Zealand and Monika did a great job tailoring the itinerary for what we wanted to do. The only thing we would change next time it to spend only one night and/or skip Christchurch. It was just another city with not much to offer us for what we liked to do. The beach was nice, a little far from the center city, but the area near the beach was basically closed down. The hotel we had was nice, but had homeless people right outside the door. Can't really help that,... Read more

We enjoyed everything in New Zealand and Monika did a great job tailoring the itinerary for what we wanted to do. The only thing we would change next time it to spend only one night and/or skip Christchurch. It was just another city with not much to offer us for what we liked to do. The beach was nice, a little far from the center city, but the area near the beach was basically closed down. The hotel we had was nice, but had homeless people right outside the door. Can't really help that, I understand. We loved all the other cities/towns we went too and had amazing sights! The Milford Sound boat was spectacular.

Hotel Reviews
Millennium Hotel Queenstown
queesntown

Great location and very nice room. Spent three nights here and it was a good spot for our daily treks. Plenty to do around Queenstown and a short ride to Arrowtown.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shakespeare B&B
Te Anau

Large room and the owners were great. Nice breakfast and plenty of space to hang out. Very near the lake and the town.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise - Real NZ Milford Mariner

The boat was terrific! The state room was small, but we had our own bathroom. This was simply an amazing experience. We took pictures but this was the type of scenery where pictures don't do it justice. You have to experience Milford Sound.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Oakridge Resort
Wanaka

Great place with terrific restaurant, although it was not open every day. The pool and spa area was great.

Authenticity & Character
Location
About 1.5 miles from the lake and main area.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lake Tekapo Holiday Homes - various properties
Lake Tekapo

This was a rental house and in a great location other than there was no lake view but it was in a wooded area about 150 feet from the lake. Had washer and dryer which we used to freshen up before the rest of our tip.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Christchurch City Hotel
Christchurch

Newer place and the room was great.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Location was great and in the center city, however, there are homeless people here and there and some were outside the hotel Not the hotel's fault.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
PurePod Greta Valley (Greystone)

Doesn't get better than this! Very private. Great star gazing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The White Morph - Heritage Collection
Kaikoura

We had a ocean front room which made all the difference.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Carnmore Chateau Marlborough
Blenheim

Good place and location. Nice restaurant and bar area.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise (Real NZ)
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise (Real NZ)
Milford Sound

This is a must to do. The scenery is breathtaking and pictures don't do it justice. The ship is very cool and the captain was able to pull the ship within a few feet of soaring cliffs and waterfalls. We could feel the mist from the falls. The kayak trip from the boat was really fun and you get the chance to swim off the back of the ship....mighty cold water, but worth it. Food was good and star gazing was terrific!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mou Waho Island by Water taxi - self guided
Mou Waho Island by Water taxi - self guided
Wānaka

To be honest, we didn't think this was going to be anything we wanted to do; however, it was spectacular! The boat captain, Hannah, was very knowledgeable and Mou Waho Island was way better than expected. The short hike to the top is steep in some areas, but well worth the views. Try to find the unmarked trail near the lookout area to get to the other side of the island for breathtaking views and quiet.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Marlborough Icons Wine Tour
Marlborough Icons Wine Tour
New Zealand

We expected to see more than two wineries and didn't know this tour included a boat ride featuring see food. The two wineries we visited were terrific and the boat ride was really nice, so it turned out to be a great first day of our trip. Met some nice people and ate fresh mussels and salmon. We ended up visiting two other wineries the next day before headed south. It's important to note that we love NZ wines so the start of our trip in this area was perfect.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Monika Vinsova
Monika
Monika Vinsova
Local specialist in Queenstown, New Zealand | Replied on Apr 02, 2026

Hi Mark and Theresa,

Thank you so much for your feedback — I really appreciate it.

I’m so glad you loved New Zealand overall, especially Milford Sound and the other destinations.

It was a pleasure planning your trip, and I wish you many more memorable souvenirs and travels ahead.

Warm regards,
Monika

Read all New Zealand reviews

Monika and KIMKIM: Thank you for helping make our trip to Aotearoa an amazing experience.
New Zealand | Feb 23 - Mar 25, 2026

P
Pam O.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2026
Monika and KIMKIM:
Thank you for helping to make our trip to Aotearoa an amazing experience. Your arrangements were flawless and made our busy schedule flow easily. I enjoyed the Great Barrier Island backpack trip, the Aotea Trek, arranged by Mike. The scenic drives around the country were a pleasure, especially Rotorua to New Plymouth and Oamaru to Queenstown. The Transalpine Rail trip and hike were a highlight. The backpack trip up the Caples and Greenstone Rivers was fantastic. And... Read more

Monika and KIMKIM:
Thank you for helping to make our trip to Aotearoa an amazing experience. Your arrangements were flawless and made our busy schedule flow easily. I enjoyed the Great Barrier Island backpack trip, the Aotea Trek, arranged by Mike. The scenic drives around the country were a pleasure, especially Rotorua to New Plymouth and Oamaru to Queenstown. The Transalpine Rail trip and hike were a highlight. The backpack trip up the Caples and Greenstone Rivers was fantastic. And I really enjoyed the Doubtful Sound Cruise, kayaking and diving into the Doubtful Sound from our ship, the Navigator. I also enjoyed the time we spent on Kapiti Island, birdwatching, hiking and learning more about the Maori culture and New Zealand's conservation efforts. I would love to come back and slow the pace a bit.

Local specialist: Monika Vinsova
Monika
Monika Vinsova
Local specialist in Queenstown, New Zealand | Replied on Apr 02, 2026

Hi Pam,

Thank you so much for your lovely message — I’m really happy to hear you had such an incredible experience in Aotearoa and enjoyed all the adventures and highlights along the way.

It was a real pleasure helping plan your trip, and I wish you many more memorable memories and trips ahead.

Warm regards,
Monika

Read all New Zealand reviews
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