Experience the very best of New Zealand on this unforgettable 14-day self-drive journey across the country's spectacular North and South Islands. From the vibrant city of Auckland and the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves to the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua's fascinating geothermal landscapes, every day offers a new adventure. Travel through the Art Deco city of Napier, cruise across the scenic Cook Strait, discover the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds, and explore the dramatic glaciers, alpine mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and charming towns that make New Zealand one of the world's most beautiful destinations. With the freedom of a self-drive itinerary, comfortable accommodations, and iconic experiences throughout, this tour is perfect for couples, families, and nature lovers seeking the ultimate New Zealand holiday.
New Zealand Grand Explorer Self Drive
About the Trip
Tour Route
AArjun Mehta, Destination ExpertOur expert will guide you through this amazing journey.”
Tour Includes
AArjun Mehta, Destination ExpertOur expert will guide you through this amazing journey.”
Highlights
Guided tour of the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Visit to the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies
Authentic Maori cultural experience with the Te Ra Guided Tour, Te Po Evening Experience, and traditional Hangi Dinner
Explore Rotorua's geothermal wonders, Maori heritage, and Kiwi Conservation Centre
Discover Napier's famous Art Deco architecture on a guided walking tour
Scenic Cook Strait Ferry crossing through the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds
Drive along the spectacular Pacific Coast via Kaikoura and Arthur's Pass National Park
Visit the stunning Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier on New Zealand's rugged West Coast
Ride the Skyline Gondola in Queenstown for breathtaking panoramic mountain views
Leisure time in Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital, with optional Milford Sound excursion
Explore the alpine beauty of Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park and picturesque Lake Pukaki
Visit Lake Tekapo, the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, and experience the world-renowned Dark Sky Project
Visit the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch

Trip Summary
Arrive Auckland
Upon arrival, collect your rental vehicle and self drive to your accommodation. Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, set between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east coast and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west coast. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here.
Trip Summary
Upon arrival, collect your rental vehicle and self drive to your accommodation. Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, set between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east coast and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west coast. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here.
Booking Summary
New Zealand Grand Explorer Self Drive
14 Days, 13 Nights · 1 country · 11 cities
Inclusions
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01 Night accommodation in Auckland.
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02 Nights accommodation in Rotorua.
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01 Night accommodation in Napier.
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01 Night accommodation in Wellington.
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01 Night accommodation in Blenheim.
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01 Night accommodation in Christchurch.
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01 Night accommodation in Greymouth.
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01 Night accommodation in the Glacier Region.
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02 Nights accommodation in Queenstown.
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01 Night accommodation in Mt. Cook / Lake Tekapo Region.
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01 Night accommodation in Christchurch.
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Daily breakfast at the hotel.
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13-Day Self-Drive Rental Car.
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Guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
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Entry to the Hobbiton Movie Set.
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Te Ra Guided Experience at Te Puia.
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Te Po Evening Maori Cultural Experience with Traditional Hangi Dinner.
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Entry to the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute.
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Visit to the Kiwi Conservation Centre.
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Visit to Rotorua's Geothermal Valley.
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Guided Art Deco Walking Tour in Napier.
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Scenic Cook Strait Ferry Crossing from Wellington to Picton.
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Journey through the Marlborough Sounds.
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Scenic drive via Kaikoura.
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Drive through Arthur's Pass National Park.
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Visit to Fox Glacier.
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Visit to Franz Josef Glacier.
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Skyline Gondola Ride in Queenstown.
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Visit to Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park.
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Visit to Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd.
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Dark Sky Project Experience at Lake Tekapo.
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Entry to the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch.
Exclusions
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All personal expenses like tips, laundry, telephone calls/fax, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fees at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax, etc.
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Entrance fees at all monuments and sightseeing spots (not mentioned in the inclusions)
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Meals (until specified in the day-wise program)
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Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary or stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks, and/or any factors beyond control
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Tips and gratuities (until specified)
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Anything not mentioned under Package Inclusions
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Hotels will be provided as stated or similar (subject to availability)
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Rate of Exchange will be calculated as per the final date of payment (rate will be taken from xe.com + Rs. 2)
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Please note: We do not currently hold any inventory for land services or airfare. All pricing for these services is dynamic and subject to change without a prior notice.
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Upon receiving your query, within 24hrs we will reconfirm the rates and availability based on your selected date of departure.
Booking Terms
Payment Schedule — International Tours
35% advance (non-refundable) payable at the time of booking
75% of total tour cost payable 60 days prior to departure
100% of total tour cost payable 45 days prior to departure
Airfare Payment
100% of airfare must be paid at the time of booking
Airfare is quoted at proposal stage and is subject to change at actual ticketing
If air tickets are part of the package, they are billed separately from the land component
Specific cancellation terms for airfare will be shared at the time of ticket issuance
Authorized Payment Channels
Payments must only be made via:
Secure payment link shared directly by Cox & Kings
NEFT / RTGS / Cheque payable to: Wilson & Hughes India Private Limited
Cox & Kings does NOT accept payments via:
Personal UPI IDs (GPay, Paytm, etc.) of any employee or representative
WhatsApp QR codes
Direct transfers to individual employee or agent accounts
Cox & Kings bears no liability for payments made through unauthorised channels. All official communications come only from email addresses ending with @coxandkings.com
Cancellation Policy
How to Submit a Cancellation
All cancellations must be submitted in writing — verbal requests will not be accepted
Cancellation is effective only from the date written notice is received by Cox & Kings
Requests must be submitted via:
Email: holidays@coxandkings.com (followed by written confirmation to the registered office)
In writing at: Wilson & Hughes India Private Limited, Southern Park, Saket, New Delhi – 110017
International Tour — Cancellation Charges
More than 60 days before departure: 30% charge (70% refundable)
45 to 59 days before departure: 50% charge (50% refundable)
36 to 44 days before departure: 75% charge (25% refundable)
0 to 35 days before departure / No Show: 100% charge — no refund
Airfare: cancellation charges as per the respective airline's policy
Deemed Cancellations (No Formal Notice Required)
Visa Rejection: Deemed cancelled effective from the date of written intimation of rejection received by the company
Non-Payment: Failure to pay by the scheduled date; cancellation effective from the date the company issues a notice
Outstanding Balance at Departure: Booking is deemed cancelled without notice, attracting 100% cancellation charges
Cancellation by the Company
The company may cancel or amend a tour due to:
Unsafe or adverse conditions as determined by competent authorities
Insufficient demand or low occupancy
Restrictions imposed by governmental or regulatory bodies
Force majeure: natural disasters, war, epidemics, political unrest, or similar unforeseeable events
Refunds are processed within 45 days; no further claims or compensation will be entertained. The company is not responsible for consequential losses such as connecting flights, accommodation, visas, or vaccinations booked independently.
Refund Policy
Refunds, where applicable, are processed within 45 days of cancellation
Airline refunds may take longer depending on the airline's policy
No refund for any unutilised services, regardless of reason — including hotel stays, meals, sightseeing, rides, cruises, entrance tickets, optional tours, illness, late arrival, or personal choice
If the tour cannot operate due to Force Majeure, the company is not obligated to provide a refund; however, it may consider refunds at its sole discretion based on supplier policies and costs incurred
Visa-Related Cancellations
All consular fees, visa processing fees, courier charges, and admin fees are non-refundable — regardless of visa outcome
Standard cancellation charges apply even in the event of a visa rejection
Cancellation is deemed effective from the date the company receives written intimation of rejection
Re-applying after a rejection is entirely at the customer's own risk and cost
The company is not liable for visa rejections, delays, consulate errors, or procedural delays under any circumstance
Rate of Exchange (ROE)
ROE (Rate of Exchange):
ROE is calculated on the final date of payment: RBI daily rate + INR 2.00
The foreign exchange portion is counted towards the traveller's LRS (Liberalised Remittance Scheme) quota
PAN card mandatory for all passengers; Form A2 submission required
Terms & Conditions
Eligibility & User Agreement
Services are available only to persons legally competent to contract under the Indian Contract Act, 1872
Minors, undischarged insolvents, and persons of unsound mind are not eligible
Use of the website or making a booking constitutes unconditional acceptance of all terms
The user is financially responsible for all transactions made under their account
Travel Documents & Statutory Clearances
It is the sole responsibility of the customer to hold all valid travel documents required, including:
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond return date (9 months for Malaysia)
Valid visa, ETA, or other required entry permits for all destinations
Confirmed air tickets
NOC, immigration clearances, and medical certificates where required
Vaccination certificates and health documents as required by destination countries
Cancellation due to invalid or unavailable travel documents attracts standard cancellation charges.
Health & Fitness
By booking, each guest confirms they are physically and mentally fit to travel
Medical clearance is strongly advised for elderly travellers, minors, and those with pre-existing conditions
Pregnant travellers beyond 6 months are strongly discouraged; a fitness-to-travel certificate from a registered doctor is required
All vaccinations, health tests, and required medical documents must be arranged by the customer at their own cost
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory, covering: medical expenses, baggage loss, trip cancellation, and emergency evacuation
Overseas Mediclaim and relevant policies must be purchased from the Cox & Kings-designated insurer at prescribed rates
Cox & Kings acts only as a facilitator — it bears no responsibility for claims processing or settlement
All claims must be addressed directly to the insurance provider
Customers must carry a physical copy of their insurance policy during the tour
Accommodation
Hotel category and standard vary by tour package; hotels may be near airports or in the countryside for international group tours
Triple-occupancy rooms typically include a twin room plus a rollaway bed; no more than 3 persons per room recommended
All personal belongings and valuables are the sole responsibility of the customer; Cox & Kings is not liable for loss, theft, or damage
Any damage to hotel property caused by the customer — wilful or accidental — is the customer's sole liability
Meals & Special Requests
Meals are provided as per pre-set menus specified in the itinerary
Special dietary requests must be submitted in writing at least 45 days before the final payment date
No refund will be provided for any meal not availed, for any reason
Force Majeure & Limitation of Liability
Cox & Kings is not liable for any loss, injury, illness, death, or delay arising from events beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, war, civil unrest, epidemics, pandemics, or governmental actions.
Governing Law, Arbitration & Jurisdiction
These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of India
Disputes shall first be resolved through mutual negotiation within 30 days
Unresolved disputes shall be referred to binding arbitration under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
Seat and venue of arbitration: Chandigarh, India; proceedings in English
Courts at Chandigarh, India shall have exclusive jurisdiction over all judicial matters
Binding Agreement
Execution of the booking form — including via OTP, digital acceptance, or payment of any advance — constitutes full and unconditional acceptance of all terms.
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