NEW ZEALAND GROUP TRIP  ·  SELF DRIVE

NEW ZEALAND.Group Trip · Self Drive

12 Days · North & South Island

See Itinerary Block a slot
Travellers booked this trip last time
Scroll↓
Nov 13–24, 2026
Trip Dates
12 Days · 11 Nights
Duration
8–16 Pax
Group Size
Boutique Hotels
Accommodation
11 Breakfasts
Meals Included
Auckland AKL
Fly Into
Self-drive SUVs
Road Trip
Skydive · Fjord · Hobbiton
Headline
What You'll Do

15 Handpicked OJ Experiences

Every experience on this trip, straight from the brief, nothing padded.

01
Go whale watching in wild waters off Auckland Day 2
02
Walk the Hobbiton movie set as a real-life Baggins Day 3
03
Cover yourself in geothermal mud, Māori-style Day 4
04
Kayak into glowworm caves after dark Day 4
05
Cruise through Milford Sound, waterfalls, fjords, seals Day 6
06
Skydive or heli-tour with glacier landing Day 7
07
Drive to Lake Pukaki & Lake Tekapo Day 8
08
See purple lupin flowers around lakes Day 8
09
Stargaze in the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve Day 8
10
Hike Queenstown Hill for sunset views Day 7
11
Visit Mount Cook Day 9
12
Chill with penguins and Antarctic storm simulation Day 11
13
Feed kiwis, wallabies, and alpacas at wildlife park Day 11
14
Live in handmade campervan option Add-on
15
Road trip across South Island's scenic routes Days 5–10
Day by Day

The Itinerary

12 days. 2 islands. Fjords, skydive, glowworms, dark skies & kiwi birds. One unforgettable road trip.

Day 1

DAY 01: ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND

AKL AirportBotanical GardensJetlag Reset
▾
OJ group Auckland arrival (photo 1 of 7) OJ group Auckland arrival (photo 2 of 7) OJ group Auckland arrival (photo 3 of 7) OJ group Auckland arrival (photo 4 of 7) OJ group Auckland arrival (photo 5 of 7) OJ group Auckland arrival (photo 6 of 7) OJ group Auckland arrival (photo 7 of 7)

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 2

DAY 02: WHALE WATCHING

4.5 Hr CruiseBryde's Whales + DolphinsMt Eden Sunset
▾
Whale watching Hauraki Gulf Whale watching cruise Dolphins and whales NZ Marine wildlife Hauraki New zealand day 2 group outdoor setting

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.

Day 3

DAY 03: DRIVE TO ROTORUA

3 Hr DriveHobbiton Movie SetJungle Walk
▾
Hobbiton Rotorua Rotorua tree walk lights OJ group Rotorua road trip Auckland to Rotorua drive Rotorua activities New zealand day 3 group large poses hobbiton movie New zealand day 3 group redwood exhibit New zealand day 3 group travelers gathered around table New zealand day 3 group travelers hobbit house fun New zealand day 3 group travelers inside cozy interior

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.

Day 4

DAY 04: MUD SPA, GLOW WORMS & KAYAKING

Geothermal MudGlowworm KayakBioluminescent Caves
▾
Hells Gate Mud Spa Rotorua Rotorua glow worms cave Kayaking Rotorua Rotorua activity day 4 New zealand day 4 group activity enjoying mud bath New zealand day 4 group night too dark blurry New zealand day 4 group night travelers life vests

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.

Day 5

DAY 05: FLY TO QUEENSTOWN

Rental Cars ReturnedDomestic Flight IncludedQueenstown Arrival
▾
New zealand day 5 group friends relaxing indoors (photo 1 of 2) New zealand day 5 group friends relaxing indoors (photo 2 of 2)

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.

Day 6

DAY 06: MILFORD SOUND CRUISE

Long Drive DayFjord CruiseWaterfalls + Seals
▾
Milford Sound cruise Milford Sound fiord Milford Sound glacier waterfall OJ group Milford Sound New zealand day 6 fergburger New zealand day 6 group mountain friends majestic landscape

Milford Sound was formed during the last Ice Age, around 15,000 years ago, when glaciers carved out deep valleys in the mountains.

Day 7

DAY 07: SKYDIVE/HELITOUR AND EVENING PICNIC HIKE

Skydive (9k / 12k / 15k ft)Or Heli-GlacierQueenstown Hill Picnic
▾
Queenstown skydive Helicopter snow glacier landing Queenstown Hill hike Queenstown evening hike signboard Queenstown evening picnic Queenstown adventure activity New zealand day 7 group landscape friends enjoying scenic New zealand day 7 group travelers cars forest setting

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

Day 8

DAY 08: DRIVE TO LAKE PUKAKI

50 km/h Gorge RideWanaka TreeLake Pukaki Stargazing (opt)
▾
Wanaka tree Lake Pukaki drive Lake Pukaki Mt Cook viewpoint Shotover Jet Queenstown Road trip to Lake Pukaki New zealand day 8 group sign actual activity New zealand day 8 group water forming word love New zealand day 8 group water travelers wearing life New zealand day 8 landscape night aurora borealis display

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.

Day 9

DAY 09: LAKE TEKAPO STOP & MOUNT COOK

Lake Tekapo StopAoraki / Mt CookGlacier Valley WalksAlpine Silence
▾
Mount Cook region New zealand day 9 group mountain poses against glacier New zealand day 9 group mountain snowy mountains lush New zealand day 9 2358 New zealand day 9 2447 New zealand day 9 landscape group lupine field enjoying

Today we drive closer to Mount Cook and stay near one of the most beautiful regions in the South Island. On the way we stop at Lake Tekapo, that impossibly turquoise glacial lake, for the tiny stone Church of the Good Shepherd on its shore and the lupins along the water. Then it is Aoraki / Mount Cook up close, our last full day in the lap of New Zealand's nature.

Day 10

DAY 10: REACH CHRIST CHURCH BY EVENING

4 Hr DriveSouth Island's Largest CityGroup Dinner
▾
Mount Cook Aoraki activities Drive to Christchurch New zealand day 10 candid animal feeding alpacas farm New zealand day 10 candid animal feeds alpaca gentle 20251110 111550 New zealand day 10 candid animal feeds alpacas charming New zealand day 10 group candid joyful interaction sheep New zealand day 10 group landscape feeds sheep scenic New zealand day 10 group scenery feeding alpacas scenic

Today we drive to Christchurch, South islands biggest town. Today we drop our vehicles back and head out for a sumptuous dinner.

Day 11

DAY 11: ANTARCTICA CENTRE & CHRISTCHURCH WILDLIFE PARK

Antarctic Storm SimPenguin EncountersKiwi + Alpacas + Otters
▾
Christchurch wildlife park International Antarctic Centre Orana Wildlife Park alpaca Christchurch wildlife otters Christchurch wildlife capybara New zealand day 11 group landscape relaxing indoors scenic

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.

Day 12

DAY 12: DEPART FROM NEW ZEALAND

CHC Airport DropFly HomeGroup Hugs
▾
New Zealand, Day 12: DAY 12: DEPART FROM NEW ZEALAND (photo 1 of 1)

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.

The Route

Auckland → Queenstown → Christchurch

A 7-stop road trip across both islands, volcanoes, fjords, alps, dark skies.

Auckland AKL Day 1–2 · Arrive + Whales Rotorua Day 3–4 · Hobbiton + Mud Queenstown Day 5–8 · Adventure Capital Milford Sound Day 6 · Fjord Lake Tekapo Day 8 · Dark Sky Mt Cook Day 9 · Alpine Christchurch CHC Day 10–12 · Depart Route Arrive (AKL) Queenstown Depart (CHC)
Auckland AKL, Arrive Day 1
Rotorua, Day 3–4 · Hobbiton + Mud
Queenstown, Day 5–8 · Adventure Capital
Milford Sound, Day 6 · Fjord
Lake Tekapo / Pukaki, Day 8 · Dark Sky
Mount Cook, Day 9 · Alpine
Christchurch CHC, Day 10–12 · Depart Day 12
Investment

Lock In Your Price

One batch, Nov 13–24, 2026. 8 slots only. Block with a token; balance due closer to departure.

Early Bird Price
$2,999
≈ ₹2,88,000
per person
EMI available
Early Bird Ends In
–
Days
:
–
Hrs
:
–
Min
Block a slot · ₹10,000 token
Regular Price · After Aug 13
$3,099
≈ ₹2,97,500
per person
EMI available

Standard price after the early bird window closes on Aug 13.

Book at Regular Price →

Rupee amounts are indicative, converted live. We lock the USD rate for 7 days when we send your balance payment request, so the INR you pay is fixed, not moving with the market.

Zero Risk

NZ visa rejected? Full refund.

Paying for a trip before you know you have a visa is the nervous part. So we took that off you. File your NZ visa through us by 20 August, and if New Zealand says no, you get your money back.

You file with us
We build the file, check every document, and send it in. Nothing for you to guess at.
New Zealand decides
The embassy says yes or no. Nobody can promise you that bit, and we will not pretend otherwise.
You get your money back
Send us the rejection letter and we return every rupee you paid us.
Block a slot · ₹10,000 token

The embassy fee goes straight to the New Zealand government, so that is the one thing we cannot get back for you. Everything you paid us, you get back. File through us by 20 August so the decision reaches us before we lock in your hotels and vehicles.

Bring Your People

Coming with other people? save ₹3,000 each

On any international group trip, get 2 friends to join you on the same batch and all three of you save ₹3,000 each.

Block your slots →

Booking as a three? Tell us right after you block, and we will take ₹3,000 off each on your balance payment.

What's Covered

Inclusions & Exclusions

✓ What's Included
✓Accommodation on twin sharing basis
✓All transport per itinerary
✓Entrance fees to scenic spots (unless noted)
✓Domestic flight: Auckland to Queenstown
✓Government taxes / service charges (excluding tips)
✓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
✓All breakfasts
✓Permits
✗ What's Not Included
✕5% GST (applied on the INR equivalent at time of balance payment)
✗International flight tickets
✗Domestic flight (Christchurch to Auckland)
✗Lunch and dinner
✗Itinerary deviations
✗Visa
✗Skydiving / helicopter glacier activity costs
✗Star gazing at Lake Pukaki
Social Proof

What Trippers Say

★★★★★ 4.8 Google Rating
★★★★★

"Best Trip ever. I always think it's the people more than the places, but imagine having amazing scenery and amazing company, that's what New Zealand trip felt like to me. Coldplay concert, skydiving, night kayaking…"

D
Deepika Gonela
New Zealand
★★★★★

"Skydiving in Queenstown, a Coldplay concert, night kayaking, Team OJ struck the perfect balance between adrenaline and nature. What truly sets them apart from other group trips is their unwavering commitment…"

Aishwarya Warty
Aishwarya Warty
New Zealand
★★★★★

"I did the first NZ group trip with One in the Orange Jacket led by the founder himself, Vyshakh Nair. The trip leader was super chill, itinerary was well thought out and the hotels/AirBnBs were pretty good too…"

T
The Backpacking Coder
New Zealand
Click here to read what our trippers have to say →
Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the inclusions?

+
  • Accommodation on twin sharing basis
  • All transport per itinerary
  • Entrance fees to scenic spots (unless noted)
  • Domestic flight: Auckland to Queenstown
  • Government taxes / service charges (excluding tips)
  • 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
  • All breakfasts
  • Permits

(Note: visa is not included, see the Flight & Visa section above for the Notion guide.)

What are the exclusions?

+
  • International flight tickets
  • Domestic flight (Christchurch to Auckland)
  • Lunch and dinner
  • Itinerary deviations
  • Visa
  • Skydiving / helicopter glacier activity costs
  • Star gazing at Lake Pukaki

Do you have a cancellation policy?

+

If Plans Change, We've Got You We totally get it, life happens, and sometimes your plans have to take a rain check. That's why we've kept our cancellation policy simple, transparent, and as kind as possible.

• 45+ days before the trip: 10% cancellation charge
• 30–44 days before the trip: 25% cancellation charge
• 15–29 days before the trip: 50% cancellation charge
• Within 14 days of the trip: 100% cancellation charge

These are calculated on the total trip amount, not just the token amount.

Now, if you can find someone to take your spot, we'll happily refund your full amount. No questions asked. Because at the end of the day, we'd rather have someone travel than hold back your money.

To keep your spot confirmed, please clear the remaining balance by the due date, it helps us lock in stays, permits, and experiences for the group. If payments are delayed beyond that, we'll have to treat it as a cancellation (same policy applies).

What should you bring?

+
  1. Passport (6 month validity) + visa
  2. Thermal or merino base layers (2 sets)
  3. Fleece mid-layer (1)
  4. Light down or puffer jacket (1)
  5. Waterproof rain jacket (1) – non-negotiable, it rains hard and often
  6. Hiking tees (4-5) + trek trousers (2) + jeans (1)
  7. One smart dinner outfit
  8. Swimwear (1) – for the mud spa and the hotel pool
  9. Waterproof hiking shoes (1 pair) – broken in, not brand new
  10. Comfortable city shoes (1 pair) + flip-flops (1 pair)
  11. Beanie + gloves + buff (1 each)
  12. Sunscreen SPF 50 + UV sunglasses + lip balm – the UV here is extreme
  13. Insect repellent (1) – the sandflies are relentless
  14. Day backpack, 25-30L (1) + reusable water bottle
  15. Power bank (1) + small first-aid kit
  16. Plug type I

I'm coming solo. Is that a problem?

+
  • 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 led, most people really gel with everyone, even the ones who thought they wouldn't gel up, surprise themselves always with the way they got comfortable with everyone

What are trips like with OJ?

+
Usually most batch sizes are between 12–14 people aged between 18–38. 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, experiential things than regular tours. If we find a beautiful sunset or a hidden spot, we stop the vehicle right away. We usually sleep very late because people play group games and feel they'll miss precious time with the group.

Do I need a New Zealand eTA / visa?

+
Yes, Indian passport holders need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before boarding. It's an online application, usually approved in 72 hours, costs ~NZD 23 + IVL levy. A separate visitor visa is NOT required for stays under 3 months for tourism if you hold a valid NZeTA. Once you block your slot, we share a step-by-step NZeTA guide on WhatsApp with the application link, required documents, and turnaround tips from past trippers. Full flight + visa details live on our Notion page linked below the itinerary.

Is the skydive mandatory?

+
No, the Day 7 skydive is fully optional. If skydiving isn't your thing, we've built in an equally epic alternative: a scenic helicopter flight to a snow landing on the Southern Alps glaciers. Both are booked directly with local operators and charged separately (see exclusions). For people who sit out both, Queenstown has plenty to fill the day, lakefront walks, the Skyline Gondola, the Kiwi Birdlife Park, or a session at the Onsen Hot Pools.

What's the weather like in November, do I need thermal layers?

+
November is late spring / early summer in NZ. Expect 8–18°C in Auckland and Rotorua, and 5–16°C in Queenstown and Mt Cook country. Layers matter. Pack: base thermals (top + bottom), a fleece or light puffer, waterproof outer jacket (Fiordland rain is guaranteed), waterproof hiking shoes, one pair of warm gloves and a beanie for the Day 7 skydive + Day 8 Dark Sky stargazing. Day-time drives are often t-shirt weather; sunset drops 10°C in minutes. Sun is harsh, NZ is under the hole in the ozone, SPF 50 is not optional. Indian driving licenses are accepted, so bring yours.
Travel Planning

Flight & Visa Considerations

Flight & Visa Guide

Everything on fares, routing, Indian driving licenses, NZeTA application + timelines, baggage, and past-tripper tips lives on our Notion page, maintained in real time.

View Flight & Visa Guide →