QUICK OVERVIEW
Date
Nov 2-13 (Filling fast )
Nov 16-27 ( 2 left )
Dec 7-18 (Filling fast )
Dec 21- Jan 1
Arrival Airport
Auckland
Accommodation
Boutique hotels
Duration
12 days
Meals
11 Breakfasts
Group size
8-16
BRIEF ITINERARY:
DAY 01 : ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND
Today after we catch up with some sleep , we head to nearby botanical gardens for our trip briefing. Today we have no plans other than getting used to the new timezone. It will take a day or two to adjust .
DAY 02 : WHALE WATCHING
We will start our day with a 4.5-hour cruise on board a ‘Dolphin Explorer’ as we explore the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of encounters with its amazing and diverse marine wildlife. As the crew provides knowledgeable commentary, our marine science experts conduct biological studies and invite you to join interactive research activities.
We will leave by 10am and will be back to land by 3pm only. You can buy lunch onboard or even carry something to eat as well.
We typically encounter Bryde’s whales and common dolphins, but you may also meet pygmy blue whales, New Zealand fur seals, sharks, manta rays, turtles and up to 26 species of seabirds – including the little blue penguin.
We will spend the evening looking at the city from the top of Mt.Eden during sunset/
DAY 03 : DRIVE TO ROTORUA
Today , we will start our first roadtrip in New Zealand group trip : Auckland to Rotorua via Hamilton.
First we will stop at Hobitton to see the lord of the rings set. The original set was not built to last, the hobbit hole facades having been constructed from untreated timber, ply and polystyrene and partially torn down after filming. In 2010, the set was rebuilt in a more permanent fashion for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, filming for which began in 2011.
Note : We will have 2-3 cars and drivers will be pre assigned. Once you are familiar with local traffic rules, you can also drive. Note that this will be the decision of the trip leader keeping safety as a priority. One can drive with indian driving license in New Zealand.
We will call it a day by doing this secret jungle walk. We will have dinner near to our homestay and checkin by 8pm.
DID YOU KNOW?
Mud Pools as Natural Ovens: In Rotorua, the geothermal activity is used in a unique way—locals often cook food by burying it in the ground near the natural hot springs and letting the earth's heat act as an oven.
DAY 04 : MUD SPA , GLOW WORMS & JUNGLE KAYAKING
Today we start a little late and head straight to Mud spa. The healing properties of the geothermal mud and sulphur mineral water have been used by local Māori for over 800 years.
Open and clean your skin by lathering it in our unique mud, before exfoliating and cleansing with a soak in the sulphur spa. Your body and soul will feel revitalised after this soothing experience
Head back to the city , freshen up and we will head out for lunch. The afternoon is kept free to relax, take a nap as the next activity needs some energy and its starts at 7.
We are taking Kayaks through these beautiful jungle to a cave to see glow worms
Glowworms are bioluminescent animals, meaning that they create light through their tail with a process called bioluminescence. Check out the close up of a glow woe below
DAY 05 : FLY TO QUEENSTOWN
We will start early , drop the cars back in Auckland and catch an afternoon flight to Queenstown. Please book your trip with us atleast 3 months before so that we can book your domestic flight also with all others who have booked now.
DID YOU KNOW?
Whanganui River has Legal Personhood: In 2017, the Whanganui River was granted legal personhood by the New Zealand government, recognizing it as an indivisible and living whole with its own rights and interests.
DAY 06 : MILFORD SOUND cruise
Milford Sound was formed during the last Ice Age, around 15,000 years ago, when glaciers carved out deep valleys in the mountains. As the glaciers melted and sea levels rose, seawater flooded into the valleys, creating the fjord that we see today.
Lets just say , its too pretty to put into words. The drive is scenic and we will be back to queenstown by 7pm.
DAY 07 : SKYDIVE / Helitour AND EVENING PICNIC HIKE
We understand that. not all of you might want to do skydive but here is what i would say: It would be one of the happiest day of your life if you choose to do it.
There are 3 altitude to dive from
Alternate option to skydive: Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing
Not many of us have ever stood on top of a glacier and not many have even seen one. New zealand is one of the countries where glaciers are so easily accessible by helicopters.
This is a 1 hour activity which we shall finish by afternoon.
After lunch and a quick nap in the park, we will head for a picnic at Queenstown Hill.
One of the most popular hikes in Queenstown, the hike up to Queenstown Hill is accessible throughout the year to most levels of hikers, and boasts some fabulous views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. This is the only hike in our itinerary and trust me this is suitable for everyone.
After coming back Whoever is interested can try the, FERGBURGER in the evening. Its one of the most famous burgers from Queenstown. Ofcourse , there is indian restaurants also here 🙂
DID YOU KNOW?
No Snakes: Unlike many other countries, New Zealand has no native land snakes, making it an intriguing destination for those who are wary of serpents.
DAY 08 : DRIVE TO LAKE PUKAKI
No, we arent driving that red boat. That,s Shotover Jet waiting for you. This is a unique activity only available in New zealand. It is like an old fashion E ride at Disneyland. You will turn 360 degrees multiple times and also ride through a beautiful gorge at over 50 km per hour.
After which , we will drive to Lake Pukaki in our self drive cars. We have already assigned drivers from our signed up trippers, you don't have to drive at all if you don't want to.
We will try to reach the region by evening , take a dip in the lake, head to a nearby restaurant for dinner and park the campervan on the freedom campsite near to the lake.
If tonight is clear, we can head to the heart of the world’s largest International Dark Sky Reserve.
You’ll start by looking at the stars with the naked eye, as our guides point out the sights with handheld lasers.
Then you’ll dive deeper, with full use of our high-powered telescopes. That includes the impressive 16” telescope in our private observatory dome. Every night sky reveals something new. The incredible Milky Way. Far-off planets. Star clusters, solar systems, constellations. You might even glimpse a distant galaxy.
Because Mount John is a working mountaintop observatory, it requires some basic fitness. You’ll need to be confident walking 100 metres on a gravel incline, and able to climb a couple of steps in the dark. We haven't included this activity in inclusions as it completely depending on how clear the sky is that night.
DAY 9 : DRIVE CLOSER TO MOUNT COOK
Today we drive closer to Mount cook and stay near one of the most famous glaciers in the region. Today is our last day in the lap of New zealands nature .
DID YOU KNOW?
Beehive-Inspired Parliament Building: The iconic Beehive building in Wellington, which houses the New Zealand Parliament, is shaped like a beehive and is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks
DAY 10 : REACH CHRIST CHURCH BY EVENING
Today we drive to Christchurch, South islands biggest town. Today we drop our vehicles back and head out for a sumptuous dinner.
DAY 11:ANTARCTICA CENTRE & CHRISTCHURCH ZOO
Start your day in Christchurch with a visit to the International Antarctic Centre, where you'll experience the chill of an Antarctic storm and meet adorable penguins.
You will learn a ton about previous expeditions and life in antartica here.
Afterward, grab a quick lunch at a local café before heading to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve . Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to see New Zealand's famous kiwi bird up close in a natural setting. You will also see Wallaby
Otter, Iguana, Emu, Lemur, Blue and Gold Macaw, Miniature Horse and Alpaca. You can even feed many of them.
DAY 12 : DEPART FROM NEW ZEALAND
Today, take any flight home today. We recommend to fly from Christchurch to Auckland then Auckland to India on same airline you came to Auckland.
Book your domestic flight Christchurch to Auckland that arrives minimum 3 hours before your departure time of your International flights out of Auckland. We aren’t doing this leg as each tripper might have a different departure flight timing . This way your flight cost might come cheaper than departing from Christchurch.
Check out all flight options here : Flight options
About COLDPLAY
We will share how to book Coldplay ticket once you block the slot , But do hurry up. Else you will have to buy in secondary market for double the current price.
People coming on the 1st batch( Nov 2-13 ) have to extend a day for the concert.
People coming on the 2nd batch( Nov 16-27 ) can go the concert on the day of arrival
Letter from trip leader
Hey you ,
NewZealand is a dream destination for many and we know many people who have completely let go of planning New Zealand as its expensive and too far. We agree to both of it.
But if you are now in your 20s-40s , have the energy and time to travel, you should go to this side of the world too once. You should see it ,not just from a wallpaper or from a seat of tourist bus , but by skydiving from a plane, by covering yourself in mud from geothermal pools, but sleeping on grass, by getting on to that kayak, by jumping in a blue lake for a quick dip in the middle of the day. Thats the way this adventurous country has to be seen.
If you like what you read, we will be there this November with a few people just like you who once thought NewZealand is never going to happen for them.
-Vyshakh
SLOTS AVAILABLE :
FLIGHTS / VISA DETAILS:
COST ( excluding 5% GST )
USD 2999 / person
You are loosing 1000 INR by not referring this trip to your friend ( Refer to 2 friends who might join you & all of you gets 1000 INR off each while you book together )
HOW TO BLOCK A SLOT ?
Step 1 : Block the slot
You can block the slot by paying a token amount of 10,000 INR for this trip either by UPI , credit card/ EMI or by Bank transfer.
Be Proud Of You. A Trip Is Gift To Self. When Was The Last Time You Gifted Yourself ?
Step 2 : Refer 2 people to get a Discount
You are loosing 1000 INR by not referring this trip to your friend ( Refer to 2 friends who might join you & all of you gets 1000 INR off each while you book together )
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Accommodation on Twin Sharing Basis
- All Transport that's part of the itinerary
- Entrance fees to all scenic spots listed in the itinerary unless mentioned in exclusions
- Domestic flight from Auckland to Queenstown
- Government taxes and services charges except tips for tour guides and drivers
- Whale Watching Cruise
- Hobbiton Visit
- Mud Spa Experience
- Jungle Kayaking to Glowworm Caves
- Milford Sound Day Trip
- Picnic Hike at Queenstown Hill
- Shotover Jet Boat Ride
- International Antarctic Centre
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Visit
- Breakfast Bed tea/ coffee with “Wake uuuuup guys” call from me
- Permits
- A Trained Outdoor leader to keep you safe. I Promise 🙂
- Flight tickets ( International )
- Domestic flight ( Christchurch to Auckland, if flying out of Auckland )
- Lunch and dinner
- Any expenses due to deviation from itinerary
- Visa
- Sky diving / Helicopter glacier activity cost
- Star Gazing at Lake Pukaki
- Coldplay tickets ( We will share how to book these once you block the slot , But do hurry up. Else you will have to buy in secondary market )
- Before 45 days of trip, there will be 10% cancellation charge.
- Before 30 days and within 44 days of arrival, there will be 25% cancellation charge.
- Before 15 days and within 29 days of arrival ,there will be 50% cancellation charge.
- Within 14 days of trip there will be 100% cancellation charges.
All this been said if you or me can find a replacement for the slot. I will be happy to refund the entire amount. 🙂
- Clothes : 2 Fleece jacket/ hoodie , 3 pants , 2 shorts, 6 Full sleeves tees/ shirts , Sunhat ,Towel
- Shoes & socks: Comfortable sports shoes , cotton socks
- Skin care essentials : Sunglasses with UV protection , Sunscreen lotion
- Other accessories : LED Torch/ headlamps (If already bought)
Most people come alone for my trips. About 25% of the people bring a friend or partner.Honestly It really doesn't matter. I have seen on all the batches I have lead. Most people really gel with everyone, even the ones who thought wouldn't gel up, surprise themselves always with the way they got comfortable with everyone.
Each trek/ trip is rated according to the number of days we spend outdoors . If you aren't sure where to start, go with an easy trip or trek.
For trips,
I dreamed of trips where we could go out hike , get exhausted , come back to hotel and have a great evening. This is exactly why some of my trips have Day hikes in it. It is a perfect chance for people who have never hiked in their entire life. Don't worry, We are there :).
For treks,
you can start with Sandhakphu or Chandrashila . You can also benchmark yourself for the treks.
- If you can run for 30 mins and cover around 3-3.5 km , then you can go ahead with an easy trek
- If you can run for 30 mins and cover around 3.5-4 km , then you can go ahead with an moderate trek
- If you can run for 30 mins and cover around 4-5 km , then you can go ahead with an difficult trek
If you have never done a high altitude trek, then start with a easy or Easy- moderate trek. That way you will understand how your body reacts to high altitude and you can check you cardio strength too.
Usually, most batch sizes are between 12-20 people who are aged between 16-38. Most people come alone or with a friend. The trip would feel like you are travelling more with college friends than strangers. We tend to do more outdoorsy things than regular trips .
For example : If we find a very pretty waterfall/ a beautiful sunset / Rainbow on the way. We would stop the vehicle right away to catch the beauty of it.
We usually sleep very late on these trips as we play a lot of group games and most people feel they will miss the precious time with the group members and decides to stay awake.
Here are few places you can read more about the brand and trips
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