Custom Self-Driving Tours of New Zealand

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New Zealand Travel Insights

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.

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.

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.

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, Mount Cook and the surrounding glaciers, the peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park, and the magnificent fjords. you'll 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.

How it works
Chat with specialist icon Step 1
Tell us what kind of trip you want
Complete our quick travel quiz
Chat icons Step 2
Chat with a local travel specialist
Work out the details together
Credit card icon Step 3
Securely book your trip
100% satisfaction guaranteed

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for New Zealand
Travel specialist Michelle Srzich
active 3 days 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 1 day 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 7 days 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 Kathrin Gerstel
active 9 hours ago

Kathrin Gerstel

I am passionate about creating bespoke travel experiences, specialize in designing journeys that go beyond the ordinary. My approach is rooted in the belief that travel is not just about moving...

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Trip Reviews for New Zealand

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Great Service
New Zealand | Apr 20 - May 14, 2026

Doug
Doug C.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on May 16, 2026

Noemie was our trip planner and main point of contact. She totally attentive during our online meetings and very responsive to our written communications in the KimKim app and emails. She made good suggestions for activities and when we decided to cancel our helicopter ride over a weekend she and her support team worked together to make it happen. She and her team checked in with us periodically during our trip to make sure all was well. This was a very nice touch and a great comfort.

Local specialist: Noemie Botha
Noemie
Noemie Botha
Local specialist in Auckland | Replied on May 17, 2026

Thank you so much for your kind review and for choosing to travel with us.
It was a pleasure helping you plan your trip, and I’m so glad you felt well supported and found our suggestions helpful. I’m especially happy we could assist quickly with the change to your plans and that our check-ins added comfort along the way.
We truly appreciate your trust and would love to assist you again in the future!

Great experience!
New Zealand | Apr 16 - May 5, 2026

M
Michael M.
Miami, FL | Reviewed on May 12, 2026
We enjoyed our interactions and the service provided by KimKim and our local specialist, Kathrin for our New Zealand adventure. Kathrin was able to plan a great trip for us, within our budget, and was very responsive when we needed to contact her before and during our trip. KimKim kept us notified of how to contact them during the time their offices would be closed due to a national holiday during our stay.
Highlights of our three week trip were the Newton Heights B & B in Akaroa, where...
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We enjoyed our interactions and the service provided by KimKim and our local specialist, Kathrin for our New Zealand adventure. Kathrin was able to plan a great trip for us, within our budget, and was very responsive when we needed to contact her before and during our trip. KimKim kept us notified of how to contact them during the time their offices would be closed due to a national holiday during our stay.
Highlights of our three week trip were the Newton Heights B & B in Akaroa, where we were treated very well by hosts Gail and Brendan in their beautiful and well appointed B & B, The Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour - Glowworm Caves - our guide, Aaron, was knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, and the time we spent in Aoraki, which included the Tasman glacier terminal lake cruise - the Glacier Explorer staff were all professional, friendly. informative and helpful.
The longest time we stayed in any one place was two nights. We wanted to see as much of the country as we could during the time we had. The only thing we would do differently would be to stay longer in a few of the locations.

Local specialist: Kathrin Gerstel
Kathrin
Kathrin Gerstel
Local specialist in New Zealand | Replied on May 13, 2026

I’m so grateful for your thoughtful feedback and thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time in New Zealand. Planning your trip was a pleasure, and I’m glad the experiences and accommodations resonated with you. It’s wonderful to know you felt supported before and during your travels. Thank you again for letting me be part of your adventure.

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

Hi Diane,

Thank you so much for your lovely message—I’m so happy to hear how much you enjoyed your time in New Zealand.

It was truly a pleasure to plan this trip for all of you, and I wish you many more incredible travels ahead.

Warm 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.

Secure & easy booking

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.