5N/6D New Zealand Adventure Package

What does this New Zealand adventure tour package include?

This is a 5-night, 6-day land-only package priced at Rs.1,50,000 per person on twin sharing, built around two fixed activities: a bungee jump at Kawarau Bridge and a heli-hike on Fox Glacier. Daily guided activities, accommodation, breakfast and all internal transfers are covered. International flights, visa fees, travel insurance and personal expenses are not.

The itinerary stays on the South Island, moving between Queenstown and the West Coast. That focus keeps travel time manageable and lets you do two physically demanding activities without rushing. Evenings are kept free so you can rest — both the bungee and the glacier hike need you reasonably fresh.

Why this route and not a longer New Zealand holiday?

A two-island New Zealand trip typically needs 14 to 21 days to cover Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Queenstown and the glaciers without feeling rushed. This 5N/6D route skips the North Island entirely and concentrates on the South Island's adventure belt. It suits travellers with limited leave who want specific, guided experiences rather than a broad overview of the country.

Queenstown is the base for the bungee. Fox Glacier, roughly a 4-hour drive over the Haast Pass, is the base for the heli-hike. The drive itself passes Thunder Creek Falls and Ship Creek — worth a stop, not a detour.

When is the best time to visit New Zealand from India for adventure activities?

November to April gives the best conditions for outdoor activities on the South Island. January and February are the warmest months, with long daylight hours, but crowds are high and prices peak. March and April are milder, with fewer visitors and lower costs. Glacier flights are weather-dependent year-round; winter months (June to August) bring heavy rain, snow on alpine roads and a higher chance of activity cancellations.

If your dates fall in the shoulder months of March or November, you get reasonable weather, shorter queues and more flexibility on accommodation. Avoid planning the heli-hike in July or August unless you are prepared for a possible reschedule.

What does this trip cost, and what drives the price?

The land price is Rs.1,50,000 per person on twin sharing as of the time of booking. This covers accommodation, daily breakfast, the Kawarau bungee, the Fox Glacier heli-hike, guided activity fees, internal transfers and applicable taxes. International airfares from India are separate — flights typically route via Singapore to Auckland, with total journey times ranging from roughly 14 to 15.5 hours depending on your departure city. Check current fares at booking.

Additional costs to budget for: travel insurance (mandatory for adventure activities — confirm coverage for bungee jumping and glacier hiking), meals beyond breakfast, optional activities in Queenstown such as the Skyline Gondola or jet boating, and personal spending.

The Signature Activities: Kawarau Bridge and Fox Glacier

Kawarau Bridge, near Queenstown, is the site of the world's first commercial bungee operation. The jump is over the Kawarau River gorge. Before the jump, the operator conducts a safety briefing, fits the harness and ankle attachment, and checks your weight against the cord specification. There is a spectator viewing area, so travel companions who are not jumping can watch. Weather rarely cancels a bungee; the activity runs in most conditions. Confirm the current weight range and minimum age directly with the operator at booking.

Fox Glacier sits on the West Coast of the South Island in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. The heli-hike involves a short helicopter flight from the valley floor to the glacier, followed by a guided walk on the ice with a certified guide. You are fitted with crampons and given an ice axe at the base. The guide sets the pace and route based on current ice conditions. Flights are cancelled in low cloud, heavy rain or high wind — the operator will reschedule or refund if weather prevents the flight. The hike on ice typically lasts around two to three hours; confirm the exact duration at booking.

Who this trip suits

This package is for travellers who are physically active and comfortable with heights and cold conditions. You do not need prior trekking or climbing experience for either activity, but you should be able to walk on uneven terrain for two or more hours without difficulty. The bungee has a minimum age and weight range — confirm current limits at booking. The heli-hike is not suitable for travellers with serious knee, hip or back problems.

If you want a New Zealand trip with less physical demand, a family-oriented or honeymoon-focused itinerary would be a better fit. This route is not designed for first-time international travellers who want a relaxed pace.

What you will do on this trip

• Kawarau Bridge bungee jump — guided, with safety briefing and equipment; Queenstown area
• Fox Glacier heli-hike — helicopter transfer to the glacier, guided walk on ice with crampons and ice axe, certified guide
• Haast Pass scenic drive — road journey between Queenstown and Fox Glacier via Wanaka, with stops at Thunder Creek Falls and Ship Creek
• Lake Wakatipu walk — short orientation walk in Queenstown on arrival evening
• Lake Matheson walk — optional flat walk near Fox Glacier village, best at sunrise or sunset
• Free time in Queenstown — self-directed afternoon for optional activities such as the Skyline Gondola, jet boating or a lake cruise (costs not included)

Difficulty and fitness — what to expect

Altitude, weather and safety on the South Island

Fox Glacier sits at sea level at the base, with the heli-hike taking you to higher ice fields. There is no significant altitude acclimatisation required. The main weather risk is low cloud and rain on the West Coast, which can ground helicopters. The operator monitors conditions and will not fly if it is unsafe.

Alpine roads, including the Haast Pass, can be affected by slips and flooding after heavy rain. Check road conditions on the New Zealand Transport Agency website before driving. All guided activities use certified operators; guides carry first-aid equipment and communication devices. If an activity is cancelled due to weather, the operator will attempt to reschedule within your trip window or process a refund — confirm the cancellation policy at booking.

Gear and packing checklist

The heli-hike operator provides crampons, an ice axe and a helmet. You need to bring your own clothing. For the glacier, wear warm, moisture-wicking base layers, a mid-layer fleece and a waterproof outer shell. Gloves and a warm hat are essential. For Queenstown, pack layers — temperatures shift quickly between town and the hills.

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
• Fleece or insulated mid-layer
• Sturdy, ankle-supporting walking shoes or boots
• Gloves and warm hat
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (UV is strong at altitude and on snow)
• Small daypack for the glacier hike
• Comfortable clothes and shoes for Queenstown evenings

Leave behind any food, plant material or animal products that could trigger a biosecurity check at the New Zealand border. Declare all applicable items on arrival — fines apply for undeclared goods.

Permits and rules for the activities

The Fox Glacier heli-hike operates within Westland Tai Poutini National Park. National park entry is free. The heli-hike fee is included in this package. If you choose to add a Great Walk such as the Milford Track or Routeburn Track independently, hut and campsite fees apply and must be booked in advance through the Department of Conservation (DOC). Confirm current Great Walk fees on the DOC website before booking.

The Kawarau bungee requires a signed waiver. Participants with heart conditions, high blood pressure, recent surgery or pregnancy should not jump. Confirm the full list of medical exclusions with the operator at booking.

Where you stay: South Island adventure lodges and town hotels

Nights 1, 2 and 5 are in central Queenstown in a 3-star or 4-star hotel. Queenstown is a compact town; most hotels are within walking distance of the lake and the main activity operators. Nights 3 and 4 are in Fox Glacier village in a 3-star hotel or motel. Accommodation in Fox Glacier village is limited, so rooms are booked early — especially in summer. No hotel names are confirmed until booking; the category and location are as described.

Entry, money and flights for Indian travellers visiting New Zealand

Indian passport holders need a visa to enter New Zealand. Apply through the official Immigration New Zealand portal (immigration.govt.nz) before travel. Check the current visa fee and processing time on the official portal, as these change periodically. New Zealand's currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Do not rely on exchange rates quoted online — check the current rate with your bank or forex provider before travel.

Flights from India to New Zealand typically route via Singapore to Auckland Airport (AKL). Journey times from major Indian cities range from approximately 14 hours (Kolkata, Chennai) to around 15.5 hours (Ahmedabad, Delhi), including the connection. From Auckland, a domestic flight or road transfer to Queenstown Airport (ZQN) is required. Domestic flight availability and fares vary by season; book in advance, especially for summer travel. International airfares are not included in this package — confirm current fares at booking.

Tell us your fitness level, experience and dates and we will confirm the right route and difficulty.