Quick answer
A 9-night New Zealand trip covering the North Island and Queenstown costs about ₹2,20,000 per person on a budget, ₹2,80,000 at mid-range and ₹5,20,000 or more for luxury, including return economy flights, the visitor visa and the International Visitor Levy, twin sharing. Flights and activities are the largest costs.
New Zealand at three budgets
Budget
Starting from
₹2,20,000
per person, twin sharing
One-stop flights, motels with kitchenettes, small hire car, a few key activities, some self-catered meals.
Mid-range
Starting from
₹2,80,000
per person, twin sharing
3★–4★ hotels, hire car, domestic flight, Hobbiton, Waitomo, Maori evening, Milford Sound cruise, Shotover Jet, restaurant meals.
Luxury
Starting from
₹5,20,000
per person, twin sharing
5★ lodges and lakefront hotels, private driver-guide, scenic flights and heli-hikes, fine dining.
Starting prices per person on twin sharing for 9 nights, reflecting typical market rates at the time of review. Peak dates (Diwali, Christmas–New Year, May–June school holidays) cost more. GST and TCS apply as per law on packages.
Where the money goes (mid-range, per person)
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Return economy flights | ₹80,000–1,20,000 | One-stop; into Auckland, out of Christchurch |
| Visitor visa and International Visitor Levy | ₹23,000–27,000 | About NZD 441 at the time of review, plus visa-centre charges |
| Travel insurance | ₹2,500–4,500 | Check cover for adventure activities |
| Hotels and motels, 9 nights | ₹50,000–70,000 | 3★–4★ twin share |
| Car hire and fuel | ₹15,000–25,000 | About seven days, two sharing |
| Domestic flight, Auckland to Queenstown | ₹9,000–14,000 | — |
| Activities | ₹38,000–55,000 | Hobbiton, Waitomo, Maori evening, Milford cruise, Shotover Jet, Skyline |
| Food | ₹28,000–42,000 | About NZD 60–90 per day |
Return flight fares from Indian cities
| From | Typical return economy fare |
|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹80,000–1,25,000 |
| Mumbai | ₹82,000–1,25,000 |
| Bengaluru | ₹80,000–1,20,000 |
| Chennai | ₹80,000–1,20,000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹82,000–1,25,000 |
| Kolkata | ₹85,000–1,30,000 |
Booked 4–8 weeks ahead outside peak holidays. Last-minute and festive fares run higher.
How to spend less without ruining the trip
- Travel in March–April or October–November, when rates drop but the weather is still good.
- Book an open-jaw ticket into Auckland and out of Christchurch or Queenstown to avoid backtracking.
- Stay in motels with kitchenettes and cook simple Indian meals; supermarkets carry dal, rice and spices.
- Hire a car rather than joining day tours if you are two or more; it is usually cheaper and more flexible.
- Pick two or three paid Queenstown activities rather than a long list; they add up quickly.
- Book rental cars and Hobbiton early for December to February, when prices rise and availability falls.
How much does a New Zealand trip cost from India?
A 9-night New Zealand trip covering the North Island and Queenstown costs about ₹2,20,000 per person on a budget, ₹2,80,000 at mid-range and ₹5,20,000 and up for luxury, including return economy flights, the visa and the International Visitor Levy, twin sharing.
New Zealand is one of the costlier long-haul trips from India: there are no non-stop flights, the visa plus levy costs more than most, and activities are priced for adventure.
Flights
There are no non-stop flights from India at the time of review. Most routes go via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Sydney or Melbourne, taking 16–22 hours. Expect ₹80,000–1,30,000 return in economy, highest from December to February. An open-jaw ticket into Auckland and out of Christchurch or Queenstown saves a domestic flight.
Visa and visitor levy
Indian travellers need a visitor visa and must pay the International Visitor Levy of NZD 100. At the time of review the visa and levy together come to about NZD 441 (roughly ₹23,000) before visa-centre charges, so budget ₹23,000–27,000. See our New Zealand visa guide.
Hotels, car hire and activities
Mid-range hotels and motels cost NZD 200–300 (₹10,400–15,600) a night for a double, more in Queenstown in summer and ski season. Motels with kitchenettes are common and handy for families who want to cook.
A compact car costs about NZD 60–100 (₹3,100–5,200) a day plus fuel, less outside summer. Activities add up quickly:
| Activity, per person | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Milford Sound coach and cruise | ₹10,500–15,500 |
| Hobbiton tour | ₹6,200–7,000 |
| Shotover Jet | ₹7,800–9,100 |
| Skyline Gondola and luge | ₹4,200–5,200 |
| Maori cultural evening with hangi | ₹6,800–8,300 |
TCS and money
If you buy a package from an Indian operator, TCS is collected on the package value; you claim it back when you file your income tax return. Cards are accepted almost everywhere. See our forex service and travel insurance, which matters for adventure activities.
Book campervans and rental cars early for December to February. In peak summer they sell out and prices can double.
Plan with the best time to visit New Zealand, where to stay in Queenstown and our itinerary ideas.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a New Zealand trip cost for a couple from India?
Is New Zealand more expensive than Australia?
What is the cheapest time to visit New Zealand?
Can I combine Australia and New Zealand in one trip?
How we checked this page
Last reviewed
Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
