New Zealand 7-Day Tours & Itineraries

Explore 23 trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to New Zealand.

Explore New Zealand over seven days with a well-curated kimkim itinerary. Go on New Zealand's North Island excursion, which takes you through Auckland's best neighborhoods and local wineries and offers the opportunity to go swimming and kayaking and participate in Rotorua's geothermal treatments and Māori culture. You can also explore New Zealand's north island by starting in Wellington and leading to Tongariro National Park, where you'll have opportunities to hike, visit The Lord of the Rings filming locations, explore wine regions, and spot local wildlife. Or you could go on a South Island exploration starting in Christchurch and then visiting Akaroa in the Banks Peninsula, where you'll interact with little blue penguins, and take a trip to Lake Tekapo for stargazing before enjoying scenic walks through Aoraki/Mount Cook and a journey to Wānaka to explore Mount Aspiring National Park. 

See our itineraries below or read our guide to the best 7-day trips in New Zealand.

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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.

View of Mount Ngauruhoe  from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park
Map of New Zealand's North Island - 7 Days
New Zealand's North Island - 7 Days

Explore the beauty of New Zealand's North Island, from the foodie's haven of Wellington to stunning Tongariro National Park. This seven-day tour starts in Wellington and ends in Auckland, with a variety of local activities including hiking, visiting Lord of the Rings' filming locations, touring wine country, and spotting local wildlife.

Lake Wanaka
Map of South Island Exploration: Christchurch, Akaroa, Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook, Wanaka & Queenstown - 7 Days
South Island Exploration: Christchurch, Akaroa, Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook, Wanaka & Queenstown - 7 Days

Spend seven days enjoying the best of the South Island of New Zealand. First, take in the popular sights of Christchurch and enjoy a mobile dinner via the Tram Restaurant. Then, visit Akaroa in the Banks Peninsula to get acquainted with the little blue penguins, followed by a trip to Lake Tekapo for a stargazing tour. Next, enjoy several scenic walks through Aoraki/Mount Cook and a trip to Wanaka to explore the highlights and Mt. Aspiring National Park. The vacation concludes in Queenstown with some wine tasting and final adventuring.

Matamata
Map of New Zealand: From South Island to North Island - 7 Days
New Zealand: From South Island to North Island - 7 Days

Enjoy one week in New Zealand, from the South Island to the North Island. Begin in Christchurch on a fun sightseeing tour. Then, pick up your rental car and make a stop for a soak in Hanmer Springs, followed by a whale watching tour in Kaikoura. Next, drive from Picton, with a wine tasting stop along the way, and hop the Interislander Ferry to Wellington to tour the museum and native species. Head to Taupo for an incredible jet boating excursion to Huka Falls, tour the geothermal region of Rotorua by floatplane, visit a lush movie set in Matamata, and take a grand finale cruise around Auckland Harbour.

Moeraki Boulders
Map of New Zealand Self-Drive Tour: South Island, Southern Alps & Wildlife - 7 Days
New Zealand Self-Drive Tour: South Island, Southern Alps & Wildlife - 7 Days

In one week, enjoy an action-packed road trip through New Zealand's South Island. Begin in Christchurch to do some sightseeing. Then, explore the culture, wildlife, and rock formations of Oamaru, the churches and cathedrals of Dunedin, and more. Tour native species along The Catlins from different lookouts, followed by a full day of activities in Queenstown, from flying and cruising over the sounds and fjords to skydiving and bungee jumping over gorges and rivers.

A father snaps pics of his children on holiday in the Botanic Gardens in Christchurch, New Zealand
Map of New Zealand Family Road Trip: South Island Mountains & Lakes  - 7 Days
New Zealand Family Road Trip: South Island Mountains & Lakes - 7 Days

This itinerary leads your family through some of the South Island's most striking scenery, with plenty of fun along the way. As you make your way from Christchurch to Queenstown, kids and adults alike will love getting up close to native seabirds, meeting farm animals, and swimming in thermal pools. Gondola, boat, and plane trips will further pack your week with family-friendly adventure!

Redwoods Forest, Rotorua
Map of New Zealand: Auckland, Rotorua, & Napier - 7 Days
New Zealand: Auckland, Rotorua, & Napier - 7 Days

On this weeklong tour of New Zealand, explore three entirely different areas of the country. Begin in Auckland, the "Big Little City," to do some sightseeing, kiwi spotting, and island touring. Then, drive to Rotorua to explore the famous geothermal areas and go mountain biking in the Redwoods Forest. Next, make your way to Napier, nestled on Hawke's Bay, and rich with Art Deco culture.

The South Island's Lake Wanaka
Map of New Zealand South Island Road Trip: Lakes, Mountains & Glaciers - 7 Days
New Zealand South Island Road Trip: Lakes, Mountains & Glaciers - 7 Days

This week-long itinerary takes you on a scenic road trip through the South Island's most spectacular landscapes. Starting in Christchurch, set off across the Canterbury Plains to skirt the turquoise lakes of Tekapo and Pukaki and reach the towering Mount Cook. After two nights exploring the adventure capital of Queenstown, head north along the rugged West Coast to Franz Joseph Glacier. Take a break from driving for the final leg of your journey and return to Christchurch via a breathtaking train journey.

Exploring the forests of Rotorua
Map of Family Fun on New Zealand's North Island: Wildlife, Culture & Hobbiton - 7 Days
Family Fun on New Zealand's North Island: Wildlife, Culture & Hobbiton - 7 Days

The goal of a good family vacation is for everyone to have a great time. That's sure to happen on this week-long, self-drive adventure through the North Island of New Zealand. Starting in Auckland and traveling down to Waitomo, Hobbiton, Rotorua, and Tauranga, kids of all ages will love the range of natural and cultural attractions on offer. Explore glowworm caves, go dolphin watching, learn about Maori culture, and much more.

A road through the North Island's Waitakere Ranges
Map of Nature-Filled North Island Road Trip - 7 Days
Nature-Filled North Island Road Trip - 7 Days

Experience the great outdoors of New Zealand's North Island on this week-long, road trip itinerary. Loop your way south from Auckland to spot whales in Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, hike through the lush rainforests of the Waitakere Ranges, and glimpse the real Middle-earth in Matamata. Discover the geothermal marvels of Wai-O-Tapu in Rotorua, take an evening kayak tour into the glowworm canyons of Tauranga, and end your adventure back in Auckland with a sunset harbor dinner cruise.

Family holiday New Zealand
Map of New Zealand North Island Family Adventure: Dolphins, Glowworms & Hobbiton - 7 Days
New Zealand North Island Family Adventure: Dolphins, Glowworms & Hobbiton - 7 Days

Discover New Zealand's family-friendly North Island on this seven-day road trip. Breathe in the fresh sea air on a dolphin and whale watching safari from Auckland, and explore the Hobbiton set from the "The Lord of the Rings" with its grassy mounds and big round doors. Enter the "sulfur city" of Rotorua and imagine you're on another planet as you pass erupting geysers and boiling mud pools before descending into the glittering glowworm cave at Footwhistle.

Lakeside in Queenstown
Map of Family Adventure in New Zealand: Jet Boats, Whale Safaris & Māori Culture - 7 Days
Family Adventure in New Zealand: Jet Boats, Whale Safaris & Māori Culture - 7 Days

With boat rides, bungee jumps, and Maori immersion experiences, this action-packed seven-day adventure across New Zealand will appeal to even hard-to-please teens. Bring the family together with an ocean safari in Auckland, and relive "The Lord of the Rings" during a tour of Hobbiton. Immerse yourself in traditional Maori culture and gastronomy in Rotorua, then head to Queenstown's "adventure capital" to brave the thrill of a jet boat ride through the stunning Mount Aspiring National Park.

Meet New Zealand's local wildlife
Map of New Zealand South Island Family Trip: Nature, Thrills & Culture - 7 Days
New Zealand South Island Family Trip: Nature, Thrills & Culture - 7 Days

This week of family fun starts in Queenstown with gondola rides, luge runs, and 360-degree spins on a jet boat through the world-renowned Mount Aspiring National Park. Bring down the adrenaline with a gentle afternoon getting up close and personal with kiwi birds before heading to the glittering glowworm caves at Te Anau. Spark your children's nature-loving side on a cruise through the majestic Milford Sound, and finish your trip with a gourmet barbecue dinner on an old-fashioned country farm.

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.

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.

Visit farms and vineyards and take whale watching flights from Kaikōura
Map of Luxury Food, Wine & Landscapes of New Zealand's South Island - 7 Days
Luxury Food, Wine & Landscapes of New Zealand's South Island - 7 Days

Savor the best of New Zealand's world-class wines and farm-to-fork cuisine on this luxurious weeklong tour of the South Island. Begin in history-soaked Christchurch, then road trip north through coastal towns and wine regions. Take in the scenery with heli-picnics, whale watching flights, and boat trips in Kaikoura and Nelson, then taste fine wines in the renowned Marlborough region. Foodie highlights include visiting a kiwi farm and a cooking class with an acclaimed chef at Hapuku Kitchen.

See gannet colonies on the dramatic clifftops of Cape Kidnappers (photo courtesy of Rosewood Cape Kidnappers)
Map of Luxury Highlights of New Zealand's North Island - 7 Days
Luxury Highlights of New Zealand's North Island - 7 Days

Discover the highlights of New Zealand's North Island on this weeklong luxury tour. From Auckland, you'll hit the road south, staying at spectacular 5-star hotels as you make your way toward Wellington. Meet native wildlife, soar above Rotorua's geothermal landscapes on a floatplane, go wine tasting in Hawke's Bay, and take an Art Deco vintage car tour in Napier. Explore Maori culture as you go with a traditional spa experience at Wai Ariki and a visit to the Ngati Pikiao community.

Enjoy quiet luxury at Otahuna Lodge, in Christchurch (photo courtesy of Otahuna Lodge)
Map of Luxury New Zealand Wellness Escape - 7 Days
Luxury New Zealand Wellness Escape - 7 Days

Pamper yourself with a weeklong luxury wellness break in New Zealand's South Island. As you drive a scenic route from Christchurch to Nelson, you'll stay at boutique, 5-star retreats where decadent spa sessions, woodland hot tubs, yoga classes, and nature hikes await. Soak in geothermal pools at the award-winning Maruia Hot Springs and sail the idyllic Tasman Bay, pausing to explore isolated golden beaches where you can swim and relax.

Drive at your own pace on the South Island and enjoy plenty of scenic stops along the way
Map of New Zealand Honeymoon Road Trip on the South Island - 7 Days
New Zealand Honeymoon Road Trip on the South Island - 7 Days

Get ready for an outdoorsy honeymoon that ticks off the best of New Zealand's South Island. Start in Queenstown, where you'll see the world-famous Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, then grab a rental car and start your road trip. At Lake Tekapo, soar above national parks and glaciers aboard a scenic flight, followed by stargazing. Continue to Akaroa, a wild peninsula where you'll meet friendly dolphins and penguins, and stay in a remote glass cabin. End in Christchurch with a foodie walking tour before departure.

Fly and cruise to snowcapped views of Milford Sound on your last full day of the trip
Map of Winter Honeymoon in New Zealand: North & South Island - 7 Days
Winter Honeymoon in New Zealand: North & South Island - 7 Days

Over seven incredible days, this cozy winter honeymoon explores the best of New Zealand's North and South islands. Land in Auckland, the "City of Sails," for a chic dinner for two before commencing a short road trip south. Explore Rotorua's geothermal and natural highlights, from romantic after-dark strolls through the redwoods to spa treatments in bubbling pools. Then, fly south to Queenstown, where adrenaline-pumping adventures and views of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi await.

Take scenic trains, cruises, and water taxis to explore the South Island's pristine coastline
Map of New Zealand's South Island Coastal Honeymoon - 7 Days
New Zealand's South Island Coastal Honeymoon - 7 Days

Lovers of seafood, wine, marine life, and ocean views will be drawn to this weeklong honeymoon in New Zealand's South Island. After a night in Christchurch, take a scenic train to the Marlborough Sounds. You'll stop in beautiful Kaikoura to go whale watching by airplane, then continue north to Picton, where a seafood cruise awaits. Marvel as the wild beauty of the Queen Charlotte Sound from your secluded lodge. End the trip in Nelson, a small coastal city and gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.

Finish the trip in Rotorua, where you can explore geothermal activity and redwood forests
Map of Honeymoon Road Trip Escape to New Zealand's North Island - 7 Days
Honeymoon Road Trip Escape to New Zealand's North Island - 7 Days

Experience the beauty of New Zealand's North Island with this weeklong honeymoon itinerary. After a special evening in Auckland and a rugby experience with the All Blacks, grab the keys to a rental car and journey north to the spectacular Coromandel Peninsula. Here, you'll hike among native bushland, swim at secluded beaches, and join a glass-bottom boat tour. Then, drive south to Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, spurting geysers, redwood forests, and constant volcanic activity.

Visit wineries in two key areas of the North Island on this weeklong adventure
Map of New Zealand's Ultimate Food, Wine & Culture Honeymoon - 7 Days
New Zealand's Ultimate Food, Wine & Culture Honeymoon - 7 Days

Gourmands and culture lovers will relish this weeklong New Zealand honeymoon that focuses on the North Island. Start in Auckland, where you'll cruise to Waiheke Island for wine tasting. Then, begin your romantic road trip south to explore Rotorua's geothermal wonders and connect with Maori culture. From there, hop to Napier to discover Art Deco architecture and cycle around Hawke's Bay's best vineyards before reaching Wellington, where you can visit the capital's top museums and restaurants.

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