Backwaters, tea hills and warm, easy days. Here is how to plan a Kerala trip when the kids finish school in December.
Quick answer: is Kerala a good summer holiday from New Zealand?
Yes. Our summer school holidays fall in Kerala’s dry, cooler season, from about December to February. Skies are mostly clear, the backwaters are calm and the hills are fresh. You fly into Kochi, usually with at least one stop from Auckland. Plan for 10 to 14 days, book early because December is peak season, and check your Indian visa before you pay.
Why Kerala suits the NZ summer holidays
When it is summer in Auckland, it is the pleasant season in Kerala. The heavy monsoon rains are gone. Days are warm rather than scorching, and the evenings are comfortable. That makes it one of the easiest parts of India to enjoy with children and grandparents.
Kerala is also compact. Beaches, backwaters, hill stations and old towns sit within a few hours of each other. You do not need long, tiring journeys to see a lot. Many of our Kiwi families also use the trip to visit relatives in Kerala, and then add a few days of sightseeing.
What to see: five places worth your time
Kochi and Fort Kochi
Most flights land in Kochi, so start here. Fort Kochi is a walkable old quarter with Chinese fishing nets, spice markets, art cafes and old churches. Give it two nights. It is a gentle first stop after a long flight.
Alleppey (Alappuzha) backwaters
This is the Kerala most people picture. Palm-lined canals, rice paddies and slow houseboats. Stay one night on a houseboat, or choose a lakeside homestay if you prefer solid ground. Houseboats are popular in December, so book ahead.
Munnar
Rolling tea plantations and cool mountain air. Mornings and nights can be properly chilly, so pack a warm layer. It is roughly a three to four hour drive from Kochi, depending on traffic and the road.
Thekkady (Periyar)
Spice gardens, bamboo rafting and a wildlife reserve. A good pick for curious kids. Ask your hotel about guided walks and boat rides.
Varkala or Kovalam
If you want a few beach days at the end, head south to Varkala’s clifftop beach or the calmer Kovalam. Both are good for unwinding before the flight home.
Best months to go, and a simple 10-day plan
Month | What to expect | Our advice |
Late Nov to mid Dec | Dry and pleasant, fewer crowds | Good for travellers who can leave before school ends. Often easier on prices and hotels. |
Late Dec to early Jan | Peak season, busy and festive | Book flights, houseboats and hotels as early as you can. |
Late Jan to Feb | Still dry, getting warmer | A lovely window for the end of the NZ holidays. |
June to September | Monsoon rains | Green and quiet, but not the best for sightseeing with children. |
A simple 10-day plan:
- Days 1 to 2: Land in Kochi, rest, then explore Fort Kochi.
- Days 3 to 4: Drive to Munnar for tea estates and cool air.
- Days 5 to 6: Thekkady for spices, wildlife and a boat ride.
- Days 7 to 8: Alleppey backwaters, with a houseboat night.
- Days 9 to 10: Beach time at Varkala or Kovalam, then fly home.
Getting from New Zealand to Kochi
Most Kiwi travellers fly from Auckland. You can also start from Wellington, Christchurch or Queenstown, usually connecting through Auckland or another hub. There is no need to guess the best route. Our team checks the options for you.
Expect at least one stop, often in an Asian hub such as Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, or a Gulf hub. Total travel time varies a lot with the airline and layover, so compare the full journey, not just the fare. Some travellers fly into Mumbai, Delhi or Bengaluru and take a short domestic flight to Kochi. Our NZ homepage does not currently show a fare to Kochi, so we do not quote one here. For a live Kochi fare, search at manntravel.co.nz/flights or call us.
For reference, the NZ homepage shows one-way economy fares from Auckland starting from NZD 1,110 per person to Mumbai and NZD 1,203 per person to Delhi, checked 27 October 2026. Prices change daily and depend on dates and baggage.
8 tips for a smooth Kerala holiday
- Book early for December. Flights, houseboats and good hotels fill up first.
- Sort your visa first. New Zealand passport holders need an Indian visa. Apply on the official Indian visa website. We do not process visas.
- Pack light layers. Cotton for the coast, a jumper for Munnar.
- Use insect repellent. Mosquitoes love the backwaters at dusk.
- Drink bottled or filtered water. Eat freshly cooked food while your stomach adjusts.
- Hire a driver for the hills. Roads are winding and a local driver takes the stress out.
- Dress modestly at temples and churches. Shoulders and knees covered is a safe rule.
- Check official advice. Read the latest on SafeTravel, the NZ Government’s travel advice site, and get travel insurance.
Travelling with family
- Keep it slow. Two nights per stop is plenty for children. Long drives plus jet lag add up.
- Break up the flight. A longer layover can suit small kids and older parents better than a rushed connection.
- Ask about extras. Wheelchair assistance, special meals and seat selection are easier to arrange at booking.
- Book everyone together. It keeps seats together and makes any changes simpler.
- Spread the cost. Ask us about flexible payment options such as PayLite and Afterpay.
- Students and teachers: verified NZ students, teachers, lecturers and education staff can join Mann Travel Offer for $25 off selected return flights from New Zealand to India. It is valid for 30 days, can be renewed, and cannot be combined with other promotions.
Why book with Mann Travel?
We specialise in flights to India, including Kochi. Our team speaks Hindi, Punjabi and English, knows family and group travel well, and offers 24/7 support. You are not stuck with a call centre. Visit us at 153 Eric Baker Place, Papatoetoe, Auckland, or call. Let us take you home, or help you discover Kerala for the first time.
Ready for Kerala this summer?
Search live fares at manntravel.co.nz/flights or call our Auckland team on 09 973 1940. Questions? Contact us.
frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a Kerala holiday from New Zealand?
December to February. It is dry and pleasant, and it lines up with the NZ summer school holidays. It is also peak season, so book early.
Is there a direct flight from Auckland to Kochi?
We do not know of a direct option, and most itineraries have at least one stop. Our team can check current routes and layover times for your dates.
How many days do I need in Kerala?
Ten to fourteen days works well for the backwaters, Munnar, Fort Kochi and some beach time. A week is possible if you pick two or three places.
Do New Zealanders need a visa for India?
Yes. Apply through the official Indian visa website, indianvisaonline.gov.in. Mann Travel does not process visas, so check the current rules before you book.
Which NZ cities can I fly from?
Mann Travel books flights to India from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.
Fares and availability change daily and depend on the airline, date and fare type. Always check live prices before booking. Travel information is general; check current official advice before you go.
