The parks are open, the mornings are crisp and the kids are off school. Here is how to plan a tiger safari from New Zealand without the stress.
At a glance: can we do a tiger safari in India these summer holidays?
Yes. India’s main tiger parks reopen their core zones in October after the monsoon. The cool, dry months of December to February line up well with the NZ summer school holidays. Fly from Auckland to Delhi for Ranthambore or Jim Corbett, or to Mumbai for easy connections to central India’s parks, such as Tadoba, Pench and Kanha. Book safari permits and flights early, because late December and January fill up fast.
When do India's tiger parks open?
Most of India’s tiger reserves close their core zones during the monsoon, from around July to September. They reopen in October. For the 2026–27 season, Ranthambore reopens from 1 October. The Madhya Pradesh parks, such as Kanha and Bandhavgarh, have opened around mid-October in recent seasons. At Jim Corbett, most zones open in October, while the popular Dhikala zone usually opens from mid-November.
Opening dates are set by each state’s forest department and can change. Many parks also close certain zones on some days or afternoons each week. Always check the official booking site before you lock in dates.
Which park, and which city to fly into
From New Zealand, you will usually fly into Delhi or Mumbai, then continue by road, train or a short domestic flight. Here is a simple guide.
Park | Fly into | Onward trip (approx.) | Good to know |
Ranthambore | Delhi (or Jaipur) | Train or road to Sawai Madhopur, around 5 to 7 hours from Delhi | Easy to reach and open from 1 October |
Jim Corbett | Delhi | Around 6 to 7 hours by road, or train to Ramnagar | Forest and river scenery. Mornings are very cold in winter |
Tadoba | Mumbai, then a domestic flight to Nagpur | Around 3 hours by road from Nagpur | A good choice for families short on time |
Pench | Mumbai, then Nagpur | Around 2 hours by road from Nagpur | Quieter, with a relaxed feel |
Kanha or Bandhavgarh | Mumbai or Delhi, then Jabalpur (or Nagpur for Kanha) | Around 4 to 6 hours by road | Classic central Indian forests. Worth a longer stay |
Fares to both gateways were showing from NZD 920 per person from Auckland to Delhi and Auckland to Mumbai on our website, checked 29 September 2026. Prices change daily. Flying into Mumbai? Our guide to flights Auckland to Mumbai covers routes, layovers and airports.
Why the NZ summer holidays work so well
For 2026, schools finish Term 4 no later than Friday 18 December. Term 1 2027 starts between late January and early February, depending on your school. That gives most families four to six weeks to play with.
It is also the cool, dry season in central and north India. Days are sunny and pleasant. Early mornings in an open jeep can be very cold, especially in December and January. Wildlife fans will tell you tiger sightings can be even better in the hot months of April to June, when animals gather at waterholes. But that means extreme heat and the middle of the NZ school term. For most Kiwi families, the summer holidays are the comfortable choice.
One thing to plan around: Christmas and New Year are peak weeks at the parks, as well as on flights. Book early, or aim for early December or mid January if your school dates allow.
How to plan a family tiger safari: 7 simple steps
1. Pick one or two parks, not four
Travel between parks takes time. Two or three nights in one park, with four to six safaris, gives you a much better chance of a sighting than rushing between several.
2. Book safari permits early
Safaris are booked through each state’s official portal, and popular zones sell out for the holidays. Foreign visitors need passport details to book and usually pay different fees. Your lodge can often help.
3. Choose your gateway: Delhi or Mumbai
Delhi suits Ranthambore and Corbett. Mumbai suits Tadoba, Pench and the central Indian parks. Visiting family? Build the safari around them, and fly in and out of the city that makes most sense.
4. Check the rules for children
Children are welcome in most parks, but rules on ages, jeep seats and permit details can vary. Check with the park or your lodge before you book.
5. Pack for cold mornings and warm afternoons
Bring layers, a warm hat, gloves and a scarf for dawn drives. Choose muted colours like khaki, olive and brown. Add sunscreen and a hat for later in the day.
6. Build in rest days
After a long flight from New Zealand, don’t jump straight into a 6am safari. Give everyone a day or two to adjust before the early starts begin.
7. Teachers and students: use MannPass
The summer holidays are prime time for teachers. Verified students, teachers, lecturers and education staff in New Zealand can join MannPass for free and get $25 off selected return flights to India. It is valid for 30 days, can be renewed, and can’t be combined with other offers.
Keeping the whole family happy on safari
Set expectations. Tigers are wild animals and sightings are never guaranteed. Deer, monkeys, birds and even the odd leopard make every drive worthwhile.
Bring binoculars for everyone. Kids stay far more engaged when they have their own pair.
Quiet voices. Practise “safari whispers” before the trip. It makes it a game.
Plan afternoon naps. Morning drives start before sunrise, so a rest after lunch helps everyone.
Bumpy tracks. If anyone gets motion sickness, pack what they need and sit them near the front.
Health and documents. See your GP about travel health well ahead. NZ passport holders need an Indian visa or OCI card. Apply through the official Indian visa website before you fly.
Why book your safari flights with Mann Travel?
Our team is based at 153 Eric Baker Place in Papatoetoe, Auckland. We fly families from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown to Delhi, Mumbai and cities across India. We speak Hindi, Punjabi and English, offer 24/7 support, and specialise in family and group bookings. We can also help with hotels in India.
Want to spread the cost? Ask about flexible payment options such as PayLite and Afterpay. Or get in touch and we will help you plan the flights around your safari.
Your family safari starts with the right flight.
Search live fares at manntravel.co.nz/flights or call our Auckland team on 09 973 1940. We are here 24/7.
frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a tiger safari in India from NZ?
For families, December to February is the most comfortable time, and it matches the NZ summer holidays. Parks reopen in October. April to June is hotter but often good for sightings.
Which city should we fly into for a tiger safari?
Fly into Delhi for Ranthambore or Jim Corbett. Fly into Mumbai, then on to Nagpur, for Tadoba and Pench. Kanha and Bandhavgarh are usually reached via Jabalpur or Nagpur.
Which tiger park is best for families?
Ranthambore and Tadoba are popular with families because they are easier to reach. The best park is the one that fits your dates, route and who you are visiting.
Are tiger sightings guaranteed?
No. Tigers are wild. Booking several safaris over two or three days in one park gives you the best chance.
Do New Zealanders need a visa for India?
Yes. NZ passport holders need an Indian visa or OCI card. Apply on the official Indian visa website well before you travel.
Park opening dates, safari rules and fees are set by Indian state forest departments and can change. Fares and availability change daily. Always check official sources and live prices before booking. Information checked on 29 September 2026.
