This is a full North-and-South-Island sweep of New Zealand across 13 days, designed for travellers who want the country's headline scenery in one trip.
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This is a full North-and-South-Island sweep of New Zealand across 13 days, designed for travellers who want the country's headline scenery in one trip. You begin in Auckland, drop into the glowworm caves at Waitomo and the Maori cultural heartland of Rotorua, then cross to the South Island for the TranzAlpine rail journey, the alpine grandeur around Mount Cook, and adventure-capital Queenstown. A Milford Sound cruise and Dunedin's Scottish heritage round it out. Expect long but scenic coach days, two to three internal flights, and a Maori hangi dinner. Pacing is brisk given the distances; this suits first-timers wanting breadth over depth. Mount Cook scenic flights and several activities are weather-dependent and offered as options. starting at INR 3,60,000 per person. Covers Auckland 2N, Waitomo, Rotorua 2N, Wellington 1N, Christchurch 1N, Mount Cook 1N, Queenstown 3N, Milford Sound day, Te Anau 1N, Dunedin 1N.
Land in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, and transfer to your hotel. Settle in and recover from the long haul. If time and energy permit, explore the Viaduct Harbour waterfront or ride up the Sky Tower for city and harbour views before an early night.
A guided city tour takes in the Harbour Bridge, Mission Bay, the Domain parkland and Mount Eden's volcanic crater for sweeping views. The rest of the day is free for the harbour, shopping along Queen Street, or an optional ferry to Devonport across the bay.
Drive south to Waitomo for the famous Glowworm Caves, gliding by boat beneath a ceiling of tiny living lights. Continue to Rotorua, the heart of Maori culture and geothermal activity, where the air carries its trademark sulphur tang. Evening at leisure.
Visit Te Puia to see bubbling mud pools, the Pohutu geyser and a Maori arts centre. The optional Hobbiton movie-set tour is a popular add-on. The day closes with a traditional Maori hangi dinner and cultural performance featuring the haka.
A long but scenic drive south through rolling farmland brings you to Wellington, New Zealand's compact harbour capital. On arrival, a brief orientation covers the waterfront and Mount Victoria lookout. The free, excellent Te Papa national museum is an option if time allows.
Cross the Cook Strait by ferry or fly to the South Island, arriving in Christchurch, the Garden City. Explore the rebuilt centre, the Avon River and Cathedral Square, with the rest of the day free to wander the Botanic Gardens or ride the historic tram.
Board the celebrated TranzAlpine, one of the world's great rail journeys, climbing through the Southern Alps with viewing carriages. Continue by coach to the Mount Cook region, where Aoraki, the country's highest peak, dominates the skyline. A scenic flight is an optional, weather-dependent extra.
Travel past the milky-turquoise Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo, with photo stops at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Arrive in Queenstown, set on Lake Wakatipu and ringed by the Remarkables range. Evening free to soak up the buzzing lakeside town.
A full day in the adventure capital. Ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views, or choose from optional thrills such as bungy, jet-boating or the Shotover canyon. Quieter options include the historic gold town of Arrowtown or simply the lakefront cafes.
A long, dramatic drive through Fiordland and the Homer Tunnel reaches Milford Sound. Cruise beneath sheer cliffs and waterfalls with Mitre Peak rising overhead, often in misty, moody conditions. Return to overnight at Te Anau on the edge of the national park.
Drive across Southland to Dunedin, a city proud of its Scottish roots. A tour takes in the Octagon, the ornate railway station and Baldwin Street, reputedly the world's steepest. The Otago Peninsula's wildlife is a popular optional excursion.
A final morning in Dunedin before transferring back towards your departure airport. Use any free time for last-minute shopping or a coastal viewpoint. The day is largely transit as the South Island leg winds down.
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home, carrying memories of glowworms, glaciers, fiords and Maori culture. Depending on flight timing there may be a little time for a last coffee or souvenir before you check in.
Yes. NZ Visitor visa is required. Fee paid separately.
October to April. Mt Cook is most reliable November to March.
Yes. Eight to thirteen Indian dinners are included; Jain on request.
Moderate to heavy. Plan 6 to 10 km on most days.
Yes if weather permits; landing on Tasman Glacier is unforgettable. Around 500 NZD per person.
Group dates fixed; private versions on request.
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