2 Nights in Wellington
Fly to Wellington from Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, or Hyderabad. There are no direct flights so you will have to make a connection in Australia, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, or Malaysia, depending on which airline you book with. Most airlines fly to New Zealand; it will depend on your preferences for flights. Airlines that will include a meal in your flight: Qantas, Air Asia, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines. Keep in mind that additional bag fees may apply to your luggage. Here is an example of flights from Mumbai to Wellington with Qantas for two adults and two children (via Skyscanner):
Tips:
If you ensure that your connecting flight to Wellington leaves in the morning, you will arrive in the afternoon and have a half day in the city.
The Wellington airport is about a fifteen-minute drive from the CBD. There are Super Shuttles, taxis, and buses. The Airport flyer is an express bus that leaves every twenty minutes. It costs $8/adult, $4/child NZD (390/adult, 195/child INR). Taxis will cost upwards of $20, depending on a number of people traveling and the amount of luggage. On holidays, surcharges will apply. The Super Shuttle is an excellent choice for anyone on a budget or in a group.
Hotels in Wellington
There are not very many hotels in Wellington. The city is small, and unless you plan to go into the suburbs, the CBD is very walkable. Check www.booking.com and www.hotels.com for reservations. Be sure to check whether GST (tax) is included in the price. Ask individual hotels as to whether they offer family packages, or consider renting an Airbnb for the whole family.
Hotel recommendations are below.
Travelodge
2-6 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington, New Zealand
Rooms start at $131 NZD (6444 INR)
Thorndon Rydges
24 Hawkestone St, Thorndon, Wellington, New Zealand
Rooms start at $109 NZD (5321 INR)
Distinction Wellington*
70 Tory St, Te Aro, Wellington, New Zealand
Rooms start at $150 NZD (7323 INR)
*some rooms have kitchenettes
Bella Vista Motel*
302/304 Evans Bay Parade, Hataitai, Wellington, New Zealand
Rooms start at $138 NZD (6737 INR)
*some rooms have kitchenettes
Tips
Backpacker hostels are a good option as well, but you will need to make sure that they allow children; many backpacker hostels are 18+.
If you have any food constraints, you can also explore www.airbnb.com for fully loaded kitchen apartments. These can be a better option for families that would like to cook, but you may be further from the city.
There are a lot of bed and breakfasts in Wellington; this may be a nice, inexpensive option but make sure that they will allow children.
Things to do in Wellington
Te Papa Tongarewa Museum
Te Papa, the national museum, is a great place to take kids! The museum spans four floors – from the science and nature based ground floor to the cultural exhibits and Maori marae on the fourth. Go before April 2019 and view the Gallipoli war exhibit. (free, some exhibits do cost extra.)
Zealandia
Zealandia, in the suburb of Karori, is an excellent way to see what New Zealand looked like before human habitation. It is one of the few fully protected eco-sanctuaries in the world. See unique and native species, from the tuatara lizard to the kakariki parrot and the kea. Learn about the native flora of New Zealand and why they are committed to saving it. Some of these you can see in the wild in other parts of New Zealand; others are so endangered that they are only at Zealandia. $18.5/adult, $10/child NZD (903/adult, 488/child INR)
Wellington waterfront and Oriental Parade
The waterfront in Wellington is usually bustling. Frank Kitts Park, just past the Civic Centre is the host of many of Welly’s citywide events – from New Year’s Eve to rallies, protests, and more. A weekend craft market also takes place here, as well as the Sunday farmers markets. In the summer, jump from the pier into the harbor. Further along, the water, pass the colorful boat houses and enjoy the golden sand beach at Oriental Bay. There are a bunch of great restaurants out here for anyone needing an afternoon pick-me-up of gelato or espresso.
Cuba Street
Don’t miss the heart of the city. Cuba Street is the main pedestrian thoroughfare and has most of the local shops, cafes, and more.
Weta Workshop
See the design workshop where Sir Peter Jackson’s team created much of the digital work and props for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. Basic tours start at $25, but there are multiple packages available. (1220 INR)
3 Nights in Queenstown
Fly to Queenstown from Wellington. It is around an hour and a half direct. See the below examples of costs of flights.
Transport in Queenstown
There is an airport express that will take you from the airport into the city. The Super Shuttle also runs on demand. Taxis will cost upwards of $60 depending on the number of people and amount of luggage you have. Queenstown is a very walkable city. Any tours that you wish to do can pick you up from your accommodation. The city to airport express bus is $12/adult, $5.50/children (586/adult, 268/children INR)
Hotels in Queenstown
There are plenty of hotels in Queenstown. Depending on the season, they can be expensive. If it is a public holiday or a weekend, arrange accommodation well in advance, otherwise, you may find that everything is booked.
Check www.booking.com and www.hotels.com for reservations. Be sure to check whether GST (tax) is included in the price. When booking, enquire about family rates, as sometimes hotels will offer package deals. *You will need to mention that you are a family traveling together.*
Bella Vista Motel*
36 Robins Rd, Queenstown, New Zealand, Rooms start at $215 NZD for family room (10496 INR),*rooms have kitchenettes
Heartland Hotel
27 Stanley St, Queenstown, New Zealand, Rooms start at $229 NZD (11180 INR)
Amity Lodge*
7 Melbourne St, Queenstown, New Zealand Rooms start at $250 NZD (12205 INR)*rooms have kitchenettes
Things to do in Queenstown
Skydive Wanaka
Only one hour away is one of the best skydives in New Zealand. They offer free Queenstown pick up. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, this is a don’t-miss adventure! Skydives start at $339/person NZD (16550 INR) (not including videos and photos.)
Bungee Jump
AJ Hackett claims to be the highest, biggest, best, and first bungee in the world. Located just outside of Queenstown at the Shotover Bridge, this is another don’t-miss for thrill seekers! Jumps begin at $190 NZD (9276 INR)
Milford Sound
By far the very best destination in New Zealand. See the sound from the water on one of the many tours that begin in Queenstown. The road to Milford is just as good, if not better than the sound. Stop at all of the recommended stops for excellent photo opportunities. Cruises begin at $100 NZD/person (4882 INR); check for family deals with individual providers.*not available year-round*
Real Journeys
Cruise Milford
Go Orange
Southern Discoveries
Jucy Cruize
Helicopter tours
The Helicopter Line runs flight-seeing trips over the Remarkables mountains, Milford Sound, and more. The flights are often around twenty minutes and include a landing. Flights start at $240/adult, $168/child NZD (11717/adult, 8202/child INR.)
Shopping
Queenstown has some great shopping, but don’t be fooled. You can purchase much of the same stuff in Wellington and at the airports.
Wine, Orchard, and Cheese Tours
Queenstown’s surrounding area has some of the best vineyards in New Zealand. There are also fruit orchards, cheese factories, and more. All of these are accessible in your own vehicle or by the tour.
Hiking
There are excellent hikes in and around Queenstown for anyone interested in breaking a sweat. The Ben Lomond track is around 7 hours round trip. Queenstown Hill is one hour round trip. Further afield, Moke Lake, Bob’s Cove, or Walter Peak are challenging walks.
1 Night in Wellington
Return to Wellington the night before your flight. There aren’t many hotels near the airport, but it is all very close. Keep in mind that you will need to be at the airport at least two hours before your flight. The below hotel is a good recommendation for the night before your travel.
Bella Vista Motel*, 302/304 Evans Bay Parade, Hataitai, Wellington, New Zealand
Rooms start at $138 NZD (6737 INR), *some rooms have kitchenettes
Remember to arrange an early morning pick up for your shuttle to the airport. Super Shuttles or a taxi is your best bet.
Budget
Approximate budget for 6 day trip for the stay, local travel, food and entry fees for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids including air ticket. Keep in mind that New Zealand is a very expensive country!
Flights: 267,147 INR
Hotel Stay for the whole trip: 57,634 INR
Bus fares: 12,2340 INR *assumes buses and one taxi, no Super Shuttles
Entry fees to the above attractions: 118,680 INR *This assumes that only two people bungee jump and skydive. If more than two people do either activity, the cost will go up.
Food Max: 47,000 INR *This is assuming a $40/person per day meal cost. If you eat all three meals out, this will likely go up. Instead if you buy several meals at a grocery store, it may go down. Or if you have a self-contained apartment, you can cook all your meals and save quite a bit of money.
Total cost excluding shopping: 302,801 INR
