New Zealand 9-Day Tours & Itineraries

Explore 9 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 9-day trips in New Zealand.
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Cape Reinga in New Zealand's Bay of Islands
Map of Unwind in New Zealand's Winterless North - 9 Days
Unwind in New Zealand's Winterless North - 9 Days

Experience the best of New Zealand's North Island, known for its rich Maori culture, subtropical beaches, and buzzing city life. Launch your nine-day tour in Auckland with a bungee jump off the Sky Tower and a dinner cruise around its twinkling harbor. Then road trip your way north to the tropical paradise of the Bay of Islands to discover pristine beaches, charming coastal towns, and the magical Waipoua Forest.

A winding road in the Marlborough Sounds
Map of New Zealand Ultimate North to South Island Road Trip - 9 Days
New Zealand Ultimate North to South Island Road Trip - 9 Days

Brimming with adventure, spectacular nature, and lively cities, this nine-day road trip dives into the best of New Zealand's North and South Islands. Visit cosmopolitan Auckland and sample Waiheke Island's best beaches and wineries, then head to Rotorua for thrill-seeking activities, Maori villages, and natural hot springs. After a breathtaking ferry ride across Marlborough Sounds, your trip ends with whale watching and a scenic drive along the Kaikoura Coast to Christchurch.

Maori house in Rotorua
Map of New Zealand North Island Explorer - 9 Days
New Zealand North Island Explorer - 9 Days

Ideal for adventure lovers and active travelers, this nine-day, self-drive itinerary features the best of New Zealand's North Island. Board an ocean safari for dolphin watching in the Bay of Islands, explore New Zealand's rich Maori history, and experience the mighty power of the Pacific Ocean at Cape Reinga. After beachcombing and snorkeling time at Snells Beach, head inland to Rotorua for rejuvenating geothermal pools, a Maori cultural dinner, and sparkling glowworm caves.

Cruise Doubtful Sound
Map of New Zealand South Island Adventure: Christchurch, Mount Cook, Queenstown & Franz Josef - 9 Days
New Zealand South Island Adventure: Christchurch, Mount Cook, Queenstown & Franz Josef - 9 Days

Encounter snowy peaks and lush rainforests in this nine-day road trip around New Zealand's South Island. Start by sampling a four-course meal on a colonial-style tram ride around Christchurch. Pick up your rental car, and get ready for breathtaking scenery over the next week as you drive through "The Lord of the Rings" country, with stop-offs that include glacial hot pools, boat rides, gourmet barbecues, and a scenic train ride.

Visit Rotorua and discover its hissing and bubbling geothermal activity
Map of New Zealand North Island Adventure: Auckland, Rotorua & Napier - 9 Days
New Zealand North Island Adventure: Auckland, Rotorua & Napier - 9 Days

See the highlights of New Zealand's scenic North Island on this nine-day trip. Start in Auckland, where you'll go ziplining and hiking and enjoy a wine tour. Take a day trip to Hamilton Gardens, then pick up your rental car and drive to Rotorua, stopping en route for a tour of Hobbiton. In Rotorua, you'll have a Maori cultural experience, enjoy more ziplining, try "zorbing," and visit stunning Tongariro National Park, ending your journey in Napier, known for its Art Deco architecture.

Swing bridge over Hokitika Gorge
Map of Drive & Cycle New Zealand's South Island - 9 Days
Drive & Cycle New Zealand's South Island - 9 Days

Explore New Zealand by car and bike as you enjoy the freedom of the open road and trail. Learn some of Christchurch's history before you pedal around Lake Tekapo. Enjoy the scenic drive into Queenstown and discover bike trails along Lake Wanaka. Take a helicopter ride over Franz Josef Glacier and land on it for stunning views. Take in all the shades of blue at Hokitika Gorge, followed by a full day of mountain biking near Lake Kaniere, then hop aboard the TranzAlpine Train to return to Christchurch.

Views across Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown
Map of New Zealand Discovery Tour: Auckland to Queenstown - 9 Days
New Zealand Discovery Tour: Auckland to Queenstown - 9 Days

Beginning in the vibrant capital of Auckland, this adventure-packed nine-day itinerary starts with a sail under the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Then, it's on to explore geothermal Rotorua and historic Christchurch and visit the spectacular Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park for stargazing and a glacier cruise. You'll finish with many options in Queenstown, from bungee jumping to a jet boat ride to vineyard tours.

Head north to see the white-sand beaches of Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula
Map of New Zealand Active North Island Road Trip: Auckland, Coromandel & Rotorua - 9 Days
New Zealand Active North Island Road Trip: Auckland, Coromandel & Rotorua - 9 Days

Nine days is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of the North Island's cities, beaches, and geothermal wonders. This adventurous and active itinerary starts in Auckland, with dinner atop the Sky Tower and a whale and dolphin watching cruise. Then, start your road trip north to the Coromandel Peninsula, where you'll dig holes at the beach to reach a hot spring and go sea kayaking around Cathedral Cove. End with a scenic drive south to Rotorua, famous for its volcanic activity and Maori culture.

Snowy roads on the way to Lake Tekapo
Map of New Zealand Winter Landscapes & Skiing Tour - 9 Days
New Zealand Winter Landscapes & Skiing Tour - 9 Days

Pack your puffer jacket and experience winter in the Southern Hemisphere with this nine-day New Zealand itinerary. On the North Island, tick off Auckland and its famous Sky Tower, and transfer to Rotorua via Hobbiton. Then, fly to the South Island, where snowy landscapes abound. Travel from Christchurch to Queenstown via the beautiful Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, go skiing at The Remarkables and Coronet Peak ski fields, and visit the inspiring Milford Sound / Piopiotahi.

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