Tailor-Made Trips to New Zealand

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New Zealand Travel Insights

Redwoods Forest, Rotorua
Map of 5 Days in New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

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.

Lake Wanaka
Map of 1 Week in New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

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.

Tongariro National Park
Map of 10 Days in New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

You can comfortably explore four to five different destinations with ten days in New Zealand. Spend up to two days in each city, including the "Big Little City" of Auckland, geothermal Rotorua, and scenic Wanaka. There are also several opportunities to discover settings from the Lord of the Rings films in Matamata, Tongariro National Park, and Wellington. The itineraries below cover the North and South Islands with ideas for every traveler—from family-friendly excursions to hardcore outdoor adventures.

Sunset over New Zealand's Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown
Map of 2 Weeks in New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in New Zealand, you can experience the natural wonders of the North and South Islands on a highlights tour. Alternatively, narrow your focus to one region and choose between a beach-filled trip on the North Island and a journey through the South Island's Southern Alps, glaciers, and fjords. Travelers who enjoy keeping active should set their sights on Franz Josef, Te Anau, and Mount Cook, while those visiting during winter can embark on an epic road trip from Queenstown to Auckland.

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 adventures (Middle-earth, anyone?). With less time, stick to one island for a comfortably-paced, immersive tour; if you're dead set on seeing both islands in less than a week, be prepared to move quickly. Travelers with two weeks can see it all or combine the country's top sights with a week of fun in Australia.

Visit Cape Reinga during the summer months for long daylight hours
Best Time of Year to Visit New Zealand

Spring and fall are the smartest times to visit New Zealand—fewer crowds, lower prices, and surprisingly warm weather in many bucket-list destinations. Summer draws heavy local and international visitors, so expect booked-out campsites and busy roads. Winter is best left to skiers or those heading south, as the North Island gets drenched. Yet, whenever you plan to go, there will be parts of New Zealand that offer great conditions—find helpful information below on weather, crowds, costs, and more.

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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for New Zealand
Travel specialist Monika Vinsova
active 2 days 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 Michelle Srzich
active 2 days ago

Michelle Srzich

Let me guide you with my local knowledge of how to make the most of your time in New Zealand. I am a local 'Kiwi' born here so Aotearoa New Zealand holds a special place in my heart and I am...

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Travel specialist Denise Siviter
active 1 day ago

Denise Siviter

Travel has been my passion for many years having worked and travelled extensively within NZ, Australia, and other parts of the world. I love to create Trip Plans that are individually personalized,...

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Travel specialist Kathrin Gerstel
active 2 mins 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

We had an absolutely wonderful time in New Ze...
New Zealand | Sep 15 - Oct 2, 2025

Christine & John
Christine & John C.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Oct 10, 2025
We had an absolutely wonderful time in New Zealand. Working with Denise was a real pleasure. The centrally located hotels, tours, guides and transportation she set up were spot on. It was comforting knowing Denise and her team was available to us during the whole trip if we needed help. The attention to detail and dedication to service she brought to our itinerary was outstanding. Some of our favorites were: the Essence of Waiheka wine tour, the Hobbiton movie set tour, the Po... Read more

We had an absolutely wonderful time in New Zealand. Working with Denise was a real pleasure. The centrally located hotels, tours, guides and transportation she set up were spot on. It was comforting knowing Denise and her team was available to us during the whole trip if we needed help. The attention to detail and dedication to service she brought to our itinerary was outstanding. Some of our favorites were: the Essence of Waiheka wine tour, the Hobbiton movie set tour, the Po Indigenous Experience and the cruise to Walter Peak, farm tour and BBQ dinner. The views from our hotel rooms in Mt Cook and Queenstown were spectacular. We would highly recommend Denise and KimKim to anyone who is interested in touring New Zealand.

Hotel Reviews
The Langlands Hotel
Invercargill

This turned out to be a pretty nice hotel. Parking was easy and the hotel was well located. Nice restaurant and great breakfast bar.

Authenticity & Character
We grew to like this hotel it took a bit of getting used to.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Queenstown

We actually stayed at the Ramada Suites Queenstown. The hotel was centrally located to the lakefront just a 5 min walk. Parking would have been a big issue if we hadn’t had a spot reserved beneath the hotel. The restaurant was ok and breakfast was just ok as well. The staff was very nice and the lake and Mountain View’s from our room were again spectacular.

Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Christchurch

Very nice hotel, well located with friendly staff and good breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Centrally located, good restaurants nearby.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mt Cook Lodge & Motels
Canterbury

We didn’t actually stay here. The restaurant in the hotel was closed on the days we were booked to stay there. We were going to have to walk over to the Hermitage Hotel to eat every day so we were able to get an upgrade to a very nice room over there. The breakfasts and the dinner buffet there were good and overall I would give this hotel 5 stars.

Rydges Auckland
Auckland

Really nice hotel. They charged us 55 $ per night for parking but other than that it was great.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Central to lots of good stuff.
Staff
Very friendly and accomodating.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
PRIVATE BOUTIQUE WINE TOUR
PRIVATE BOUTIQUE WINE TOUR
Queenstown (NZ)

Another great wine tour. We had a very good guide who went the extra mile for us and showed us a great time. I believe Lindsey was his name, top notch!

Quality of Experience
Food
Had only a cheese board provided for lunch really wasn’t quite enough but we didn’t really go on this tour for the lunch. Wasn’t that big of a deal.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
TSS Earnslaw Cruise to Walter Peak, BBQ Dinner, Farm Tour
TSS Earnslaw Cruise to Walter Peak, BBQ Dinner, Farm Tour
Queenstown (NZ)

Loved this boat ride and buffet. The farm tour and sheep shearing was outstanding.

Quality of Experience
Food
Very good.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Wonderful, friendly people.
Transport
Fun boat ride and beautiful scenery.
Amiki - Kai Safari
Amiki - Kai Safari
Christchurch

Loved this tour as well. Seems we like the activities that involve food.

Quality of Experience
Food
Good tour of local eateries.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Loved our guide. She was full of great local knowledge and enthusiasm.
Experience Antarctica in Christchurch
Experience Antarctica in Christchurch
Christchurch

This was just kind of average for us. A few interesting things but not sure it was worth the time.

Te Pō Indigenous Experience
Te Pō Indigenous Experience
Rotorua

We really enjoyed this experience, another one of our favorites.

Quality of Experience
Food
Lots of local dishes.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Really enjoyed the tour guide for this experience.
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
New Zealand

This is very well done and well organized. We took the 2 1/2 hour tour and that was plenty.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour
The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour
New Zealand

Loved this tour. We had a great time, the driver/guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the island and the people on the island.

Quality of Experience
Food
The lunch we were provided was exceptional. We ate at a restaurant called 372, very nice people and very good food.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ferry to Waiheke Island
Ferry to Waiheke Island
Auckland

Enjoyed the ferry ride to the island

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great guide, lots of local knowledge, enthusiastic about the island and the people living there.
Transport
Enjoyed the ferry ride to the island.
Enjoy the panoramic view of Auckland from Sky Tower
Enjoy the panoramic view of Auckland from Sky Tower
Auckland

Worth seeing.

Local specialist: Denise Siviter
Photo taken by Christine & John C
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We were so pleased with the itinerary Uma pre...
New Zealand | Jul 29 - Aug 9, 2025

Erin
Erin C.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Oct 09, 2025
We were so pleased with the itinerary Uma prepared for us and the incredible attention to detail she brought to our experiences. She stayed available to us the whole trip, rescuing me from a customs' mishap, and making on the fly recommendations when one excursion got cancelled due to weather. We felt so cared for and genuinely enjoyed working with her! So much so, that I booked another trip with Kimkim before even embarking on our New Zealand trip! Read more

We were so pleased with the itinerary Uma prepared for us and the incredible attention to detail she brought to our experiences. She stayed available to us the whole trip, rescuing me from a customs' mishap, and making on the fly recommendations when one excursion got cancelled due to weather. We felt so cared for and genuinely enjoyed working with her! So much so, that I booked another trip with Kimkim before even embarking on our New Zealand trip!

Hotel Review
Legacy Te Waunui
Franz Josef

The staff paid such personalized attention to us, and the dining room was always warm and inviting.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Jetboat Ride to Huka Falls
Jetboat Ride to Huka Falls
Taupō

My four year old daughter and I loved this!!! My son... not so much ;-) Definitely fast, you'll definitely get wet!

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
New Zealand

Our tour guide was so funny and engaging with my kids!

Enjoy the panoramic view of Auckland from Sky Tower
Enjoy the panoramic view of Auckland from Sky Tower
Auckland

Not for the faint of heart! Gorgeous views

Wētā Workshop Unleashed
Wētā Workshop Unleashed
Auckland

My kids were so invested in the miniature mountain and castle, and loved the final movie experience.

Local specialist: Uma Natarajan
Photo taken by Erin C
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Photo taken by Erin C
Photo taken by Erin C
Photo taken by Erin C
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Photo taken by Erin C
Photo taken by Erin C
Photo taken by Erin C
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Photo taken by Erin C
Photo taken by Erin C
Photo taken by Erin C
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Uma
Uma Natarajan
Local specialist in New Zealand | Replied on Oct 09, 2025

Dear Erin,

Thank you so much for your kind words, photos and the review. I absolutely enjoyed assisting you during your New Zealand Holiday.

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

Warm regards,
Uma

Read all New Zealand reviews

Uma did an outstanding job of asking question...
New Zealand | Sep 11 - Oct 1, 2025

S
Scott L.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Oct 03, 2025
Uma did an outstanding job of asking questions about our interest and then proposing an amazing trip. We had a wonderful 3 weeks so saw a lot of New Zealand. We would highly recommend her to others. Read more

Uma did an outstanding job of asking questions about our interest and then proposing an amazing trip. We had a wonderful 3 weeks so saw a lot of New Zealand. We would highly recommend her to others.

Hotel Review
SkyCity Hotel
Auckland

Super location and views. Dinner in tower is a must

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Mitai Maori Village
Mitai Maori Village
Rotorua
Waitomo Glow Worm Cave Tour
Waitomo Glow Worm Cave Tour
New Zealand
Cape Reinga Half Day Tour by Aeroplane
Cape Reinga Half Day Tour by Aeroplane
New Zealand
Waiheke Island Vineyard Explorer
Waiheke Island Vineyard Explorer
New Zealand
Enjoy the panoramic view of Auckland from Sky Tower
Enjoy the panoramic view of Auckland from Sky Tower
Auckland
Local specialist: Uma Natarajan
Uma
Uma Natarajan
Local specialist in New Zealand | Replied on Oct 03, 2025

Dear Scott & Debbie,

Thank you so much for your kind words and the review. I absolutely enjoyed assisting you during your New Zealand Holiday.

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

Warm regards,
Uma

Read all New Zealand reviews
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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.