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New Zealand
Sky Tower
Landmark 60-storey tower with panoramic views, bungee jumping & a high-end revolving restaurant.
Building your New Zealand Auckland itinerary…
Choose your dates, compare live flights and hotels, then add or remove stops and experiences in your draft.
Embark on an unforgettable 8-night family road trip across New Zealand, a land where ancient Māori culture meets breathtaking natural beauty. This meticulously crafted itinerary balances immersive cultural experiences with awe-inspiring landscapes, ensuring every family member finds their moment of wonder.
From Auckland's vibrant harbour to Rotorua's geothermal heart, and from Queenstown's alpine thrills to Franz Josef's icy majesty, you'll traverse diverse regions at a comfortable pace. We've ensured ample time for exploration and relaxation in each unique destination, allowing your family to truly connect with the spirit of Aotearoa without feeling rushed.
Designed for families seeking a blend of cultural immersion, scenic road-tripping, and soft adventure, this journey promises cherished memories against New Zealand's most iconic backdrops. Prepare for a seamless and enriching exploration tailored for genuine family connection.
Witnessing the powerful Pōhutu Geyser erupt at Te Puia, followed by a deeper understanding of Māori culture.
Cruising through the majestic Milford Sound, surrounded by towering fiords and waterfalls, feeling utterly dwarfed by nature's grandeur.
The magical boat ride through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, seeing thousands of tiny lights illuminate the darkness.
The breathtaking scenic drive from Queenstown to Franz Josef, with dramatic landscapes unfolding around every bend.
Standing in awe before the majestic Franz Josef Glacier, feeling the raw power of nature's icy artistry.
Your days, your way
Start with this itinerary. In your draft, change the stops, stays and activities to suit your holiday.
Day 1 · Auckland
Upon arrival at Auckland Airport, you will be met and transferred to your premium hotel in the city centre. Take time to settle in and refresh after your international flight. This gentle start allows the family to relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.
The afternoon is designed for settling in and adjusting to the time difference. Families can unpack, relax in their premium hotel, and acclimate to New Zealand time. Consider a short walk near the hotel if energy permits.
Enjoy a relaxed evening at your hotel, perhaps with an early dinner. This allows the family to recover fully from travel and ensures everyone is well-rested for tomorrow's activities. Prioritise comfort and a good night's sleep.
Enjoy a casual family dinner at a restaurant near your hotel. Auckland offers diverse cuisines.
Day 2 · Auckland
Start your day with a visit to the Auckland Harbour Bridge, offering expansive views of the city's maritime activities. Enjoy the panorama of Auckland's skyline and the Waitematā Harbour. This provides a great overview for the family.
Following your morning activity, embark on a journey to the Waitomo Caves. This scenic drive takes you south through the countryside, heading towards the famous underground caverns. Prepare for a unique natural experience.
At Waitomo Caves, experience a guided boat ride through the underground caverns. Here, thousands of tiny glowworms illuminate the cave ceiling, creating a magical, starry effect. This natural wonder is captivating for all ages.
Pack some snacks for the drive to Waitomo, and enjoy a well-deserved dinner back in Auckland.
Day 3 · Rotorua
Today, begin your self-drive journey from Auckland towards Rotorua, covering 226 km in about 2.8 hours. This drive offers changing landscapes as you head south to a hub known for its Māori culture and geothermal activity.
In the afternoon, arrive in Rotorua and proceed to Te Puia, a Māori cultural center at a geothermal preserve. Here, you can witness dramatic geysers and explore the crafts institute. The centre is open until 4:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday.
Consider the evening cultural experience at Te Puia, available from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM on Monday and Wednesday. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed evening, perhaps by Lake Rotorua, after settling into your accommodation.
A traditional Hangi dinner at Te Puia is highly recommended for a full cultural experience.
Day 4 · Rotorua
Experience the tranquil environment of Lake Rotorua with a scenic cruise. This activity provides peaceful views of the surrounding area and is suitable for all family members. Enjoy the serene waters and fresh air.
For family members seeking more adventure, an optional white-water rafting experience on the Kaituna River offers an exhilarating thrill. This activity provides a different perspective of Rotorua's natural beauty.
Enjoy a relaxed evening after your day's activities. Consider a visit to Mitai Maori Village for a cultural show and Hāngi dinner, rated 4.6 from 2711 reviews, providing an authentic Māori experience.
Rotorua's 'Eat Street' offers a vibrant selection of restaurants for dinner.
Homer Tunnel · QueenstownDay 5 · Queenstown
Today, transition from the North Island to the South Island by ferry from Rotorua to Queenstown, covering about 1362 km over 20.0 hours. This significant journey allows for scenic coastal views during your travel.
Continue your ferry journey towards Queenstown, crossing significant stretches of water. Enjoy the changing maritime scenery and relax onboard. This extended travel day provides time for family bonding.
Upon arrival in Queenstown after your ferry journey, settle into your accommodation. Queenstown, often called the 'Adventure Capital', welcomes you to the South Island. Enjoy a relaxing evening after your extensive travel.
Queenstown has excellent dining options; consider a restaurant along the waterfront.
Homer Tunnel · QueenstownDay 6 · Queenstown
Begin your full day tour to Milford Sound with Altitude Tours, a highly-rated agency. The comprehensive coach journey from Queenstown offers scenic views of varied landscapes. Pass through the stunning Eglinton Valley and experience the engineering marvel of the Homer Tunnel, a key part of the route.
Upon arrival at Milford Sound, board your cruise vessel to fully experience the fiord's dramatic scenery. Witness towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and perhaps local wildlife like seals or dolphins. The cruise provides unparalleled views of the iconic Mitre Peak and the rugged landscape.
The return coach journey with Altitude Tours brings you back to Queenstown. Reflect on the grandeur of Milford Sound's natural beauty as you travel through the picturesque South Island landscapes. Enjoy a relaxed evening after a day of extensive travel and breathtaking sights.
Many Milford Sound tours include a packed lunch or offer options for purchase on board. Have a light dinner upon return to Queenstown.
West Coast Wildlife Centre · Franz JosefDay 7 · Franz Josef
Start your day with a final opportunity to appreciate Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, perhaps with a short stroll along its edge. Afterwards, begin your scenic self-drive to Franz Josef, covering 351 km in about 5.5 hours.
Continue your drive along the West Coast, known for its dramatic changes in scenery. Enjoy the stunning landscapes as you head towards Franz Josef Glacier. This journey offers numerous photo opportunities for the family.
Upon arrival in Franz Josef, consider visiting the West Coast Wildlife Centre, open until 5:00 PM daily. This family-friendly centre features kiwi birds and a glacier attraction. Settle into your accommodation afterwards.
Grab lunch at a scenic spot along the drive. Franz Josef offers several cozy restaurants for dinner.
West Coast Wildlife Centre · Franz JosefDay 8 · Franz Josef
Begin your day with a self-guided walk along the Franz Josef Glacier valley path. This well-maintained route is ideal for families, leading to a viewpoint for observing the glacier's impressive terminal face. Experience the sheer scale of this natural wonder up close.
Visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre, a family-friendly attraction rated 4.2. Discover kiwi birds on display and learn about the glacier. The centre is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, offering guided tours.
Enjoy a relaxed evening after your day of glacial views and wildlife encounters. Settle in and reflect on the natural beauty of Franz Josef, preparing for your journey back to Auckland tomorrow.
Indulge in a memorable farewell dinner at one of Franz Josef's charming restaurants.
West Coast Wildlife Centre · Franz JosefDay 9 · Franz Josef
After a final New Zealand breakfast, you will be transferred from your Franz Josef accommodation to a nearby regional airport. From there, take a domestic flight back to Auckland. This flight is timed to connect with your international departure.
Arrive in Auckland following your domestic flight. Proceed with the necessary steps for your international departure, marking the end of your Aotearoa adventure.
Your Aotearoa journey concludes today with your international flight from Auckland. Cherish the memories made across the North and South Islands.
Grab a quick lunch at the airport before your flight.
This is your starting plan. Available flights, hotels and activity options are checked when you build your draft.
Find your kind of holiday
The well-known sights and a few quieter discoveries. Explore photos and reviews, then shape your days in the draft.
New Zealand
Landmark 60-storey tower with panoramic views, bungee jumping & a high-end revolving restaurant.
New Zealand
Museum & war memorial in a neoclassical building with a permanent collection & temporary exhibits.
New Zealand
New Zealand's largest zoo, with 130+ species & nearly 900 animals in a range of exhibits.
New Zealand
Established city park containing museums, memorials & the entire blast crater of Pukekawa volcano.
Auckland
The coffee has a smooth, mellow flavour without strong bitterness, and the latte art is amazing, making it one of the best coffees in Auckland.
Auckland
It's convenient opposite Sky City, offering homemade Steak and Cheese pies and a perfectly balanced lemon cake, with smooth cappuccinos.
If you like spicy food, ask for the Steak and Jalapenos pie.
Auckland
Their freshly prepared tuna toastie and cheese and spring onion toastie are tasty and crunchy, complemented by top-tier coffee.
Rotorua
Locals recommend the best banana bread and matcha latte, but note they are closed on weekends.
They are closed on weekends.
Auckland
Auckland
Auckland
Auckland
These are ideas for your trip. Entry, tickets and opening times need checking; only services in your final booking are included.
A good place to come back to
A little inspiration for where to stay. Your draft shows available hotels, room choices, meals and cancellation terms for your dates.
Auckland · 2 nights
Rotorua · 2 nights
Queenstown · 2 nights
Franz Josef · 2 nights
This is your NxVoy holiday
Pick your dates and who is travelling. Shasa turns this route into a draft with live options for you to compare and customise.
Ask Shasa to add or remove stops and decide how long you want to stay.
Compare live hotel and room options that suit your budget.
Review flight choices from your home city for your travel dates.
Add experiences, swap plans or leave time to explore on your own.
Review what is available and the full price before checkout. Building a draft does not make a booking.
Plan with the full picture
What this sample holiday is built around. Your selected flights, stays and activities determine the final price and inclusions in the draft.
A little preparation goes a long way
Useful details to help you decide, with the finer points confirmed for your own trip.
per person, twin-share. Includes return flights and all stays. Ground transfers quoted with your itinerary.
June
9 days and 8 nights, across 4 destinations.
Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Franz Josef. The day-by-day plan on this page shows exactly how the nights are split and how you travel between them.
Adina CityLife Auckland (Auckland, 2 nights); Prince's Gate Hotel (Rotorua, 2 nights); Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown (Queenstown, 2 nights); Westwood Lodge (Franz Josef, 2 nights). These are suggested stays. In your draft, compare available hotels and choose your rooms, meal plans and cancellation terms for your travel dates.
The EOS Coffee — The coffee has a smooth, mellow flavour without strong bitterness, and the latte art is amazing, making it one of the best coffees in Auckland.; Amelia Bakery and Cafe — It's convenient opposite Sky City, offering homemade Steak and Cheese pies and a perfectly balanced lemon cake, with smooth cappuccinos.; The Coffice cafe — Their freshly prepared tuna toastie and cheese and spring onion toastie are tasty and crunchy, complemented by top-tier coffee.; Snug Coffee & Smoothie Bar — Locals recommend the best banana bread and matcha latte, but note they are closed on weekends.; The Early Bird — Visit for excellent speedy service, great scones, and spinach and feta muffins, all offered at very reasonable pricing in a small, cozy venue..
Sky Tower; Auckland Museum; Auckland Zoo; Auckland Domain; Redwoods Treewalk; Skyline Queenstown.
Families seeking a vibrant blend of cultural immersion, breathtaking scenic drives, and soft adventure across New Zealand's diverse North and South Islands.
Yes. Choose Customise this holiday, add your dates and travellers, and open your Shasa draft. Ask Shasa to add or remove stops, compare flights and hotels, and adjust activities before booking. Our travel experts can also help on WhatsApp.
From ₹2,40,800 per person, twin-share. Includes return flights and all stays. Ground transfers quoted with your itinerary.. This is a starting price. Choose Customise this holiday to enter your dates and travellers, compare available options in your draft and review the updated total before checkout.
8 nights accommodation in selected hotels; International return economy class flights from Bengaluru to Auckland; Domestic flight (Rotorua - Queenstown); Airport transfers as specified (Auckland arrival, Rotorua airport, Queenstown arrival, Franz Josef to regional airport); Rental car for self-drive segments (Auckland to Rotorua, Queenstown to Franz Josef); Auckland Harbour Bridge visit (self-guided); Waitomo Caves Tour (entrance and guided experience); Te Puia Geothermal Valley & Māori Arts entrance. These describe the sample holiday. Review the inclusions of your chosen flights, stays and activities in the draft before booking.
Outbound International Flight; New Zealand Visa Fees; Travel Insurance; Meals not specified; Optional activities not listed; Personal expenses.
Choose Customise this holiday and tell Shasa your departure city, dates and travellers. Review the draft, choose your available flight and hotel options, and adjust the itinerary. Check the final price and each service's booking terms before continuing to checkout. Creating a draft does not make a booking.
Visa requirements depend on your passport, residence and destinations. Ask a NxVoy travel expert about the documents, timing and any visa-service charges for your trip before booking.
Every NxVoy journey is delivered in partnership with Maanas Sarover Tours & Travels, an IATA-accredited house with two decades of on-the-ground expertise and membership across India's foremost travel and tourism bodies.
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Karnataka TourismChoose your dates and who is travelling. Shasa builds your draft with live flight and hotel options. Make it yours, then book when you are ready.
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