New Zealand 16-Day Tours & Itineraries

Explore 5 trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to New Zealand.
See our itineraries below or read our guide to the best 16-day trips in New Zealand.
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Scenic View of Mount Cook in New Zealand
Map of Ultimate New Zealand Self-Drive Adventure - 16 Days
Ultimate New Zealand Self-Drive Adventure - 16 Days

This 16-day New Zealand self-drive itinerary brings out the best of the North and South islands combining nature and adventure with relaxation. Start in Auckland, tick off Rotorua and Wellington, then cross to the South Island. Drink wine in Marlborough, see Kaikoura Coast wildlife, and pass by Christchurch on your way to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Hike the Haupapa / Tasman Glacier, chase thrills in Queenstown, and join a luxury overnight cruise on Milford Sound / Piopiotahi.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a full-day hike on the North Island
Map of New Zealand Culture & Nature Tour: Auckland to Queenstown - 16 Days
New Zealand Culture & Nature Tour: Auckland to Queenstown - 16 Days

Active types will love this 16-day road trip, where you'll discover the diversity, cultural heritage, and thrilling adventures that make New Zealand a truly remarkable destination. First, bounce from the vibrant city of Auckland to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Then hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing before flying to the South Island to experience the glow worms of Te Anau. Finish with a fjord cruise, followed by two nights in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.

Māori carvings in Rotorua
Map of Best of New Zealand: Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook & Queenstown - 16 Days
Best of New Zealand: Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook & Queenstown - 16 Days

A 16-day tour of New Zealand is just the right length to appreciate the beauty and diversity of its two main islands, the North and South Islands. Start in Auckland, experiencing its big-city attractions and natural charm. Continue to geothermal Rotorua, a heartland of Maori culture. Fly south to Christchurch for a few days around the Garden City before driving into the mountains. Aoraki / Mount Cook, Queenstown, and Milford Sound / Piopiotahi offer some of the country's most stunning scenery.

Brave the ultimate New Zealand experience with a bungee jump off Kawarau Bridge
Map of Active Adventure on New Zealand's North & South Islands - 16 Days
Active Adventure on New Zealand's North & South Islands - 16 Days

Adventure seekers rejoice—this action-packed odyssey through New Zealand delivers plenty of excitement as you wind your way through the country's most stunning natural scenery by car, train, and ferry. Go bungee jumping and skydiving over the adventure capital of Queenstown, cruise under waterfalls in Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, and go heli-hiking on Franz Josef Glacier. After ziplining over Rotorua's forest canopy, finish with a SkyWalk on top of Auckland's Sky Tower.

In Kaikōura, the mountains meet the ocean
Map of Wild New Zealand: Auckland, Tongariro, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Mount Cook & Queenstown - 16 Days
Wild New Zealand: Auckland, Tongariro, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Mount Cook & Queenstown - 16 Days

Enjoy some of New Zealand's most beautiful and exhilarating wilderness experiences on this 16-day tour of both the North and South Islands. Starting in Auckland, you'll head down to the Tongariro National Park for off-the-beaten-path hiking and biking adventures. Pass through Wellington on your way to the South Island, where majestic mountains await. Spot whales in Kaikoura, hike in the Southern Alps, stargaze in some of the darkest skies in the world, and much more.

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