Creating your New Zealand trip itinerary with AI
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Ever wished you could hand over your travel wishlist and get a perfectly planned New Zealand trip itinerary in return? With AI, you actually can; and the results are surprisingly personal. The challenge? Knowing exactly how to ask.
Many travellers already use tools like ChatGPT or Claude to plan holidays, but most don’t realise that the results depend almost entirely on how you structure your request. That’s where this post comes in.
We’ve crafted a ready-to-use message that does all the hard work for you. Just copy, fill in your details, and let AI build your ideal journey through Aotearoa.
How to create a custom New Zealand trip itinerary using AI
Below is a well-structured prompt (or message) designed to help AI understand everything about your trip: the mood, the places you want to visit, your food preferences, your travel pace, and more.
Steps to follow
Copy the prompt below.
Paste it into a text editing app (such as Word, Pages, Notes, Notion, or anywhere you can freely edit text).
Replace the bracketed parts with your specific details.
If something doesn’t apply to you, write “not applicable” so the AI knows to skip that part.
Copy the prompt with your details filled out.
Paste it on your preferred AI chat tool (such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity).
Tips for using this prompt
✅ Be specific: The more details you give, the more tailored your itinerary will be. If you don’t specify a region, the AI might choose randomly.
❌ Don’t leave brackets as-is: Replace every [bracketed section] with your information or the words “not applicable”.
📅 Be realistic: If you only have 5 days, don’t list 10 must-see regions.
✍️ Re-run and refine: After sending it to AI, you can always ask it to tweak the result (e.g. “make it more relaxing,” “add fewer hikes,” “add more cultural stops”).
AI prompt to generate your New Zealand trip itinerary
# Trip itinerary
## General instructions
- This is a prompt for you to create a trip itinerary.
- Create a detailed itinerary based on the provided trip characteristics and my preferences.
- For each day of the trip, include places to visit, activities, drive times, rest days, scenic stops, local tips, and anything else you consider relevant for me.
- If you cite sources, ensure they exist and include URLs.
## Trip basics
- **Start location**: [enter the name of the city, location or region], New Zealand
- **End location**: [enter the name of the city, location or region; it can be the same as the “start location”], New Zealand
- **Travel dates:** [date] to [date]
- **Number of full travel days:** [e.g. 10 full days]
- **Travelling by:** [e.g. rental car, own car, campervan, public transport, etc]
- **Accommodation type:** [e.g. mid-range hotels, budget hostels, boutique stays, camping; if you prefer to book an accommodation yourself, write “I will arrange it myself”]
- **Day trips to other cities and locations**: [e.g. include day trips, do not include day trips, only include day trips if in a range of x minutes by car, etc.]
**## Preferences**
- **Trip vibe:** [keep everything that applies and delete what does not: adventurous | active | relaxing | slow-paced | spiritual | introspective | romantic | scenic | photogenic | cultural | mindful | nature-connected | luxurious | family-friendly | off-the-beaten-path | eco-conscious | creative | inspiring | foodie | solo | social | wellness | local life immersion]
- **Must-see regions or locations:** [e.g. Rotorua, Aoraki Mount Cook, Milford Sound; if you don't have any preferences, write “not applicable”]
- **Interests:** [keep everything that applies and delete what does not: hiking & walking trails | stargazing | beaches & coastal views | waterfalls & lakes | mountains & alpine views | forests & native bush | scenic drives | local culture & traditions | local art & crafts | museums & galleries | historical sites | local festivals & events | meditation | retreats | yoga | sacred sites | kayaking or paddleboarding | skydiving or bungee jumping | surfing or wind sports | caving or glacier walks | cycling or mountain biking | photography or filming spots | journaling]
- **Fitness level:** [e.g. beginner, moderate, advanced]
- **Dietary requirements:** [e.g. vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb or keto, halal, kosher, organic or whole foods, no alcohol, etc.; if there are no requirements write “not applicable”]
- **Food interests**: [keep everything that applies and delete what does not: local cuisine explorer | health-conscious eating | gourmet food lover | street food enthusiast | wine and food pairing | café lover | food truck fan]
- **Budget type:** [choose one: flexible, lowest possible cost, budget-conscious, mid-range, comfort-focused, luxury, high-value]
- **Pace:** [e.g. very relaxed, unhurried, mindful, balanced, comfortable rhythm, immersive, active, on the go, fast-paced, efficient, high-energy]
- **Additional notes (optional)**: [add anything else that matters to you, such as travelling with kids, avoiding tourist crowds, or celebrating birthday, honeymoon, or other special occasion]
Based on all of this, please generate the trip itinerary for me.
Wrapping up
Planning a New Zealand trip itinerary doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Not when a tool can do the heavy lifting for you in seconds. By copying and customising the message above, you can receive a personalised itinerary that reflects who you are and how you travel.
Have suggestions on how to improve the prompt? We’d love to hear from you: email us at info@newhermits.com.
And while you’re preparing your journey, don’t miss our article What to do on a long flight: unlock your creativity. It’s packed with ideas to keep your mind engaged and inspired on those long-haul legs to Aotearoa.
About the author: Thaíz Lara is the creator behind New Hermits, a New Zealand-based storyteller who believes in the power of story and soul-filled travel. After living in 5 countries and exploring 60, she has come to understand that the most meaningful journeys often begin within. Learn more about Lara.
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Planning your dream trip? Use this smart AI message to create a personalised New Zealand trip itinerary in seconds — tailored to your vibe and goals.