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New Zealand: From Geothermal Wonders to Glacial Wilds
From the harbour-front energy of Auckland to the geothermal landscapes of Rotorua, the dramatic fjords of Milford Sound and the glacier country of Franz Josef, this 12-day journey travels through some of New Zealand's most spectacular landscapes. Drive through Middle-earth, soak in rainforest hot pools, cruise beneath towering fjords, ride the TranzAlpine through the Southern Alps, and finish in the elegant gardens and waterways of Christchurch. A road-and-rail adventure designed for travellers who want New Zealand's wildest scenery, iconic experiences and a little magic along the way.
Day 1 – Hello, Auckland!
Touch down in Auckland, New Zealand’s lively harbour city, where volcanic hills meet sparkling waters and the pace feels effortlessly relaxed. Ease into the journey with a wander through the city centre, discovering its stories, street art and local character with a guide who knows the city beyond the obvious.
Day 2 – Auckland by Land, Sea & Sky
Today is Auckland in all its elements. Cross the Harbour Bridge, climb the slopes of Mount Eden and look out across the city, where islands, ocean and skyline seem to stretch endlessly into one another.
Later, head beneath the surface of the sea at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s, before ending the day high above the city. As Auckland begins to sparkle after dark, dinner at Orbit Revolving Restaurant brings the entire harbour into view.
Day 3 – Into Middle-earth
The landscape starts to feel wonderfully otherworldly today. Deep beneath the green hills of Waitomo, thousands of glowworms turn a silent cave into a star-filled underground universe.
Then the storybook scenery continues at Hobbiton. Walk through the Shire, past round doors, flower-filled gardens and tiny Hobbit homes, with rolling green hills all around. By evening, Rotorua welcomes you with its unmistakable geothermal character.
Day 4 – Earth, Fire & Ancient Stories
Rotorua is a place where the earth seems alive. Steam rises from the ground, pools glow in shades of emerald and ochre, and the landscape constantly reminds you of the volcanic forces beneath it.
Later, the focus shifts from nature to culture at Mitai Māori Village. Through stories, music, traditions and a traditional hangi feast, discover a deeper side of Aotearoa and the Māori heritage woven into the land.
Day 5 – Hello, Queenstown
Queenstown arrives with a completely different energy. Framed by mountains and the deep blue of Lake Wakatipu, this is a town made for adventure, beautiful views and lingering a little longer than planned.
Rise above it all on the Skyline Gondola, with the Southern Alps unfolding around you. Then swap the panorama for a little fun on the luge, racing downhill with the mountains for company.
Day 6 – Into the Wild
Today belongs to Fiordland. The road winds through vast valleys, ancient forests and dramatic mountain country until the landscape suddenly opens into the extraordinary world of Milford Sound.
On the water, towering cliffs rise straight from the fjord and waterfalls tumble down their sides. It is the kind of place that makes conversation go quiet for a while.
Day 7 – The Mountains Have Their Moment
The journey into the Mackenzie Basin brings some of New Zealand’s grandest scenery. Turquoise waters, wide open plains and snow-capped peaks create a landscape that feels almost impossibly vast.
With Aoraki Mount Cook rising above it all and Lake Pukaki glowing in the distance, today is less about ticking off sights and more about simply taking in the scale of the Southern Alps.
Day 8: Into the Rainforest
The West Coast changes the mood once again. The landscape becomes wilder, wetter and wonderfully untamed, with dense rainforest and rugged mountains accompanying the journey into Franz Josef.
As evening falls, trade the road for warm mineral-rich waters at the Glacier Hot Pools. Surrounded by rainforest, it is the perfect place to slow down and let the day's journey melt away.
Day 9: Where Glaciers Meet Rainforest
Franz Josef is a place of contrasts. Ancient rainforest, glacial valleys and pristine lakes exist almost side by side, creating landscapes that feel distinctly West Coast.
Wander through the glacier valley, drift quietly across Lake Mapourika and follow rainforest trails deep into the wilderness. After sunset, the forest reveals another secret, as tiny glowworms begin to illuminate the darkness.
For an extra dose of drama, take to the skies on an optional helicopter flight, landing on the snow high above the valley.
Day 10: Across the Southern Alps
Today, the journey becomes part of the experience. Leave the rainforest behind and make your way to Greymouth, where one of New Zealand's most celebrated scenic rail journeys awaits.
The TranzAlpine winds through river valleys, forests and rugged alpine country, crossing the Southern Alps before descending towards Christchurch. By the time you arrive, you've crossed an entire world of landscapes in a single day.
Day 11: A Little Christchurch
Christchurch is gentler in pace and full of character. Discover its streets from the seat of a vintage tram, then slow things down further with a peaceful punt along the Avon River.
Later, rise above the city on the Christchurch Gondola for sweeping views across the Canterbury Plains and distant mountains. A relaxed final chapter to a journey that has rarely been short on scenery.
Day 12: Until Next Time, New Zealand
One last morning in Christchurch before your journey comes to an end.
After twelve days of glowworm-lit caves, Māori stories, fjords, glaciers, alpine roads and rainforest, New Zealand leaves you with more than photographs. It leaves you with a collection of landscapes and moments that will keep unfolding long after you've flown home.
Book this 12D/ 11N New Zealand Holiday just for Rs. 321,000 per person + Taxes*
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* Cost is per person for 2 people travelling and staying together. T&C Apply
Frequently asked questions
Good to Know Before Your New Zealand Holiday
1. Driving in New Zealand
This itinerary includes a self-drive segment, so a valid driving licence and appropriate rental-car documentation will be required. New Zealand drives on the left-hand side of the road. Allow extra time on scenic routes, where roads can be winding and photo stops are almost impossible to resist.
2. Currency & Payments
New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Cards are widely accepted across hotels, restaurants and major attractions, though carrying some cash is useful for smaller purchases and remote areas.
3. Weather & Packing
New Zealand's weather can change quickly, particularly around Queenstown, Mount Cook and the West Coast. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and warm clothing even during the warmer months.
4. Scenic Drives & Transfers
Some of the journeys are destinations in themselves. The roads around Queenstown, Lake Pukaki, the West Coast and Franz Josef offer spectacular scenery, so avoid planning overly tight schedules around driving days.
5. Adventure Activities
Queenstown and Franz Josef offer plenty of opportunities to add adventure to the itinerary. The Franz Josef helicopter flight with snow landing is an optional upgrade and should be booked in advance, subject to weather conditions.
6. Māori Culture
Rotorua is an excellent place to experience Māori heritage, traditions and cuisine. The Mitai Māori Village experience combines cultural storytelling and performances with a traditional hangi dinner.
7. Food & Dietary Preferences
New Zealand offers excellent cafés, seafood, lamb, local produce and international cuisine. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can generally be accommodated with advance notice.
8. Connectivity
Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and major tourist establishments. A local eSIM/SIM is useful for navigation during the self-drive portion, particularly when travelling through more remote areas.