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Routes · Oceania

Mumbai to New Zealand: Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown and Milford Sound

Mumbai → Auckland → Rotorua → Queenstown → Milford Sound

Auckland
"Auckland_skyline_-_May_2024_(2).jpg" by elpinto007, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence
Milford Sound (New Zealand) (Milford Sound)
Photo: Maros M r a z (Maros), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

New Zealand both islands Best season (general guide): Nov–Apr

New Zealand's two islands have very different scenery, and this route covers both: the volcanic North Island and the mountains and fjords of the South. From Mumbai you'll connect via Asia or Australia to Auckland. Rotorua is a few hours away by road, and a domestic flight then takes you to Queenstown.

Auckland's harbours, islands and volcanic cones make an easy introduction, with a ferry to Waiheke Island for vineyards and beaches. South of the city, Rotorua sits on an active geothermal field, where Te Puia has a geyser and offers cultural performances and carving and weaving schools. Queenstown, on Lake Wakatipu, is a base for hiking, jet boats and the scenic road to Glenorchy. The drive to Milford Sound through Fiordland National Park passes mountains and waterfalls. Part of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area, the fjord is surrounded by cliffs rising straight out of the water.

November to April, spring to autumn in the southern hemisphere, is the most popular time. December to February is warmest and busiest, while November and March to April are quieter. Fiordland is very wet, which means plenty of waterfalls.

Check road conditions for the Milford road before driving, as it can close in bad weather. Driving is on the left, and distances take longer than you might expect.

Pacing note: if you have time, stay a night closer to Milford Sound in Te Anau rather than doing the round trip from Queenstown in a day.

Suggested outline

  1. Mumbai

    Start

  2. Auckland

    By air · 2 nights suggested

    A city spread across volcanic hills between two harbours. Ferries to Waiheke Island and the view from Mount Eden.

  3. Rotorua

    Overland · 2 nights suggested

    A geothermal town with geysers, mud pools and Māori cultural experiences at places like Te Puia.

    Pōhutu Geyser
    "Priroda_Aotearoe.jpg" by August Dominus, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence

  4. Queenstown

    By air · 3 nights suggested

    A lakeside town in the Southern Alps, reached by a domestic flight. Gondola, hiking and adventure activities.

    Queenstown, New Zealand
    "Queenstown_1_(8168013172).jpg" by Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence

  5. Milford Sound

    Overland · 1 night suggested

    A fjord in Fiordland National Park, reached by a long drive or a scenic flight from Queenstown. Cruises go out to the Tasman Sea.

    Milford Sound
    "Milford_Sound_(New_Zealand).JPG" by Maros M r a z (Maros), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence

Day by day

  1. Day 1 · Auckland — Arrive; Mount Eden· Mumbai → Auckland (by air) — long-haul; may arrive the next calendar day
  2. Day 2 · Auckland — Waiheke Island ferry
  3. Day 3 · Rotorua — South to Rotorua· Auckland → Rotorua (overland)
  4. Day 4 · Rotorua — Te Puia geothermal valley
  5. Day 5 · Queenstown — Fly to Queenstown· Rotorua → Queenstown (by air)
  6. Day 6 · Queenstown — Gondola and lakeside
  7. Day 7 · Queenstown — Glenorchy road
  8. Day 8 · Milford Sound — Drive through Fiordland; Milford Sound cruise· Queenstown → Milford Sound (overland)
  9. Day 9 · Milford Sound — Travel home from Milford Sound· Milford Sound → Queenstown (overland), then Queenstown → Mumbai (by air)

A suggested pace only; expedition days are set by the operator.

Flights, leg by leg

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Auckland

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Rotorua

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Queenstown

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Milford Sound

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