New Zealand 17-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 17-day trips in New Zealand.
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The Glenorchy wharf pier on New Zealand's South Island
Map of Epic Self-Drive Adventure in New Zealand - 17 Days
Epic Self-Drive Adventure in New Zealand - 17 Days

See the best of New Zealand's two islands with this 17-day self-drive itinerary. Starting in Auckland, you'll hit the road south to see geothermal wonders in Rotorua and the capital, Wellington. Skip to the South Island, where Christchurch and charming Akaroa await. Ride the TranzAlpine Train to the West Coast, where you'll heli-hike the Franz Josef Glacier, seek thrills in Queenstown, and fly over the magnificent Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. Return to Auckland and road trip out to the Bay of Islands to finish the trip.

Cruise across remote Doubtful Sound on New Zealand's South Island
Map of New Zealand Panorama: Auckland to Christchurch - 17 Days
New Zealand Panorama: Auckland to Christchurch - 17 Days

This 17-day New Zealand adventure ticks off the best of the North and South islands with extreme thrills, cultural connections, and unusual destinations and experiences. Land in Auckland, then drive south to Rotorua for a Maori feast and zorbing adventure. Swap to the South Island to experience Fiordland National Park, then chase thrills with bungee jumping, swings, and a jet boat in Queenstown. Helicopter to the Fox Glacier, then board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train for Christchurch.

A quiet backroad near Lake Tekapo
Map of New Zealand Cities, Mountains & Lakes Road Trip - 17 Days
New Zealand Cities, Mountains & Lakes Road Trip - 17 Days

Experience a bit of everything on this 17-day self-drive tour through New Zealand's North and South Islands. Strike out from Auckland on an epic road trip south, traveling through the North Island's agricultural, geothermal, and wine-producing heartland. Along the way, stop for wine-tasting, glowworm kayaking, and a Maori cultural experiences. From Wellington, take the ferry to the South Island, where you'll hike on glaciers, cruise on remote waterways, and enjoy the vastness of the empty landscape.

Hike through some of New Zealand's most spectacular natural parks, like Mount Cook / Aoraki
Map of The Wonders of New Zealand's South Island: Hiking, National Parks & Nature - 17 Days
The Wonders of New Zealand's South Island: Hiking, National Parks & Nature - 17 Days

Nature unfolds at every turn on this unforgettable 17-day journey through New Zealand's South Island. This itinerary is designed for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and avid hikers, ticking off the best destinations with self-guided and guided hikes. Plus, you'll kayak across glacial lakes, heli-hike Franz Josef Glacier, and enjoy the serenity of an overnight cruise on Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. Embrace the wild beauty of the South Island with this unique expedition.

Rotorua's Champagne Pool is a highlight of the area's geothermal wonders
Map of Contrasts of New Zealand: North & South Islands Tour - 17 Days
Contrasts of New Zealand: North & South Islands Tour - 17 Days

New Zealand is truly a land of contrasts: sandy subtropical beaches and high snowcapped mountains, Maori culture and colonial architecture, frozen glaciers, and bubbling mud pools. Experience a bit of everything on this fun-filled 17-day tour of both the North and South Islands. Complement self-driving with well-planned day tours, domestic flights, and scenic train journeys to make the most of your time on the islands of Aotearoa, which may look small on a map but pack in plenty of variety.

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