An Unforgettable Kiwi Holiday

Walk the footsteps of Travel + Leisure India and travel content creators Brinda Sharma and Anunay Sood as they take you through the thrilling adventures, bountiful landscapes, and rich culture of New Zealand. 

The journey begins

Hobbiton Movie SetAuckland
Hobbiton Film Set, Auckland
Hobbiton Film Set

Weave through the lush gardens and Hobbit holes of the Middle-Earth and find yourself transported to a scene from a fairy tale.  Take a tour through the iconic locations and relive your favourite movie moments just like our T+L Senior Editor.

    Next, take a scenic drive from Auckland to Rotorua.

    2 to 3 hours
    Waimangu Volcanic ValleyRotorua
    Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua.
    Waimangu Volcanic Valley

    Explore the world's youngest geothermal system and its natural hot springs, geysers, and volcanic craters. Like Brinda and Anunay, hop on a short cruise around the valley to learn about Rotorua's fascinating geological history.

      Redwoods Treetop Walk Rotorua
      Redwoods Treetop Walk, Rotorua
      Redwood Treetop Walk

      Let the glorious redwood trees tower over you as you walk through the suspended bridges and platforms. Take a break on this 40-minute treetop stroll and give yourself to the peaceful atmosphere created by these gentle giants.

        Te PuiaRotorua
        Te Puia, Rotorua
        Te Puia

        Connect with the deep history of the Māori at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Culture Institute and immerse yourself in the stories and culture passed down for generations. Watch the commanding and sacred Haka performance while you are there. 

         

         

        "It gave me goosebumps!  Being from Delhi and travelling across the world, I see a lack of belonging and so much loss of culture. Māori culture showed how the values of cooperation, respect, and humility have been ingrained across the population of the country" - Brinda 

          Fly to Queenstown from Auckland.

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          1h 55minutes
          Kawarau Bridge Bungy by AJ Hackett Queenstown
          Kawarau Bridge Bungy, Queenstown
          Kawarau Bridge Bungy, Queenstown

          A thirst for something exhilarating? Take a leap off the historic Kawarau Bridge in the heart of New Zealand's adventure capital Queenstown, a thrill-seeking experience tried and tested by Anunay himself. Surround yourself with the beauty of the grand rocks and glistening river as you plunge 43 meters down the world's first bungy station. 

            Goldfields Jet BoatingQueenstown
            Jet boating in Queenstown
            Jet boating in Queenstown

            Adrenaline junkies can also look forward to speeding down the Kawarau river on a jet boat while taking in the beauty of New Zealand waterways. Anticipate sharp turns and splashes through the heart of one of New Zealand's most historic gold mining regions!

              Gold Seeker Tour by Nomad Safaris Arrowtown
              Nomad Safari Tour
              Nomad Safari Tour

              Take a trip to abandoned gold mining areas near Arrow River on a thrilling jeep ride. Learn how to spot for gold in the waters and watch the specks of gold dust sparkle in your bowl when you succeed.

                Milford Sound CruiseFiordland
                Milford Sound
                Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park

                Explore the famed fiord on a scenic cruise through the pristine waters. Surround yourself around the cascading waterfalls that only get more majestic when it rains. Choose between a 4 hour daytrip by car, or an hour-long scenic flight via helicopter! Highly recommended by Anunay as the top activity to do in New Zealand. 

                  Wanaka Lavender FarmWanaka
                  Wanaka Lavender Farm, Queenstown
                  Wanaka Lavender Farm

                  Stroll through the fragrant, purple lavender fields of Wanaka for a romantic date against the Instagrammable backdrop of the Southern Alps. Treat yourself to lavender-infused desserts at the farm's café after. 

                    Southern Alps AirWanaka
                    Mount Aspiring, Southern Alps
                    Mount Aspiring, Southern Alps

                    Fly over the stunning beauty of Wanaka with a scenic flight over Mount Aspiring. A unique ride in the sky to admire New Zealand's natural wonders.

                      Catch a flight back to Auckland, then connect on to your international flight in Singapore.

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                      1h 50minutes

                      Uncover the wonders of New Zealand and take on the adventures it has to offer. Apart from the abundant nature and rich culture, indulge in delicious cuisine and wine along the way. Do remember to set aside time for some spontaneous activities, or soak in one of New Zealand's many thermal springs.  

                       

                      For more trip inspiration and ideas, check out Travel + Leisure India's article. 

                      More itineraries

                      Hobbiton image courtesy of Travel + Leisure India; Waimangu Volcanic Valley image courtesy of Destination Rotorua; Redwood Treetop Walk image courtesy of Travel + Leisure India; Te Puia image courtesy of Travel + Leisure India; Kawarau Bridge Bundy image courtesy of Travel + Leisure India; Jet boating image courtesy of Miles Holden; Wanaka Lavender Farm image courtesy of Travel + Leisure India; Mount Aspiring, Southern Alps image courtesy of Small World Productions; Image credit to Kaikoura Kayaks; Queenstown stargazing, image courtesy of Skyline Queenstown; Russell image courtesy of David Kirkland; Bay of Islands image courtesy of Northland Inc ; Friends looking at view image courtesy of Destination Queenstown