New Zealand: Northern Choice | Northbound | Oct 2024 - May 2025
New Zealand: Northern Choice | Northbound | Oct 2024 - May 2025
New Zealand: Northern Choice | Northbound | Oct 2024 - May 2025
12 Days Starting in Christchurch (Nz) and ending in Auckland
Visiting: Kaikoura, Wellington, Mount Ruapehu, Lake Taupo, Rotorua, Auckland, Bay of Islands, Paihia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NNHCDM24
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 50
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Northern Choice Reverse tour from October 2024 to May 2025 and explore the stunning landscapes and rich culture of New Zealand. Starting in Christchurch, this journey takes you through iconic locations such as Mount Ruapehu, Rotorua, and Wellington, offering breathtaking views and unique experiences. Witness the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, visit the Kiwi Hatchery, and marvel at the powerful Huka Falls. Enjoy a traditional Maori cultural performance and feast, and delve into New Zealand's history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Conclude your adventure in Auckland, having experienced the best of New Zealand's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch To Kaikoura
Location: Kaikoura
Accommodation Name: Sudima Kaikoura (Or similar)
Contiki crew, are you ready?! We'll kick start the morning with an inspiring tour of the city that was totally rebuilt after the Christchurch earthquake in 2011. Look out for the Cardboard Cathedral, the only cathedral in the world to be built mostly from plain old cardboard!
Next, we're back on the Contiki coach, travelling through South Island to reach Kaikoura by lunch.
We'll stop off at a seal colony on the seafront to get our daily fix of cuteness, before heading to Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht. She has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura and Contiki has been helping with the fundraising! We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns.
After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!
Day 2: Kaikoura
Location: Kaikoura
Accommodation Name: Sudima Kaikoura (Or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seas and dusky dolphins. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.
Day 3: Kaikoura To Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we'll head back on the Contiki coach, destination Wellington: the capital of NZ since 1865, when it replaced Auckland. Almost thirty years later, Wellington parliament was the first in the world to allow women the right to vote. A pretty cool city all in all. By the afternoon, we'll have reached Wellington, just in time for a tour of the city. After our orientation through the narrow streets, a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.
Day 4: Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll head to a local cafe and try the famed flat white coffee in its city of origin (sorry Australians). Caffeinated and refreshed, we'll take a trip to Zealandia, a 225-hectare (basically massive) eco-sanctuary that protects over 40 rare native wildlife species. Because Zealandia is fully fenced, you'll be able to walk alongside incredibly rare birds like the hihi and the takahē. Look out for the tuatara, a prehistoric reptile known as a 'living fossil', which can only be found in New Zealand!
Day 5: Wellington To Mount Ruapehu
Location: Mount Ruapehu
Accommodation Name: Kings Ohakune (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We wave goodbye to Wellington and its beautiful scenery and we prepare ourselves for our next adventure – and trust us, this one is bucket-list worthy. Known as the après-ski capital of the North island, Ohakune is a tranquil town with stupendous view. Today you have the option to go mountain biking along one of NZ's most picturesque track, "the Old Coach Rd" or spend the day bettering your skills on the slopes or generally treating yourself to all the snowy based activities on offer, then tonight snuggle down in our Special Stay ski lodge, located in prime position at the base of Mt. Ruapehu.
Day 6: Mount Ruapehu To Lake Taupo
Location: Lake Taupo
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up in the spectacular surroundings of Mt. Ruapehu with the epic views of the volcano, and you have the option this morning to go mountain biking along one of NZ's most picturesque track, "the Old Coach Rd" before we head to Taupo. Volcanic peak views & trout fishing will seamlessly slip us into quaint lake life. But don't be fooled by the seemingly still scenery - a skydive is on the menu if that adrenaline itch needs scratching. This evening we jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with our Contiki fam.
Day 7: Lake Taupo To Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
As we leave Lake Taupo keep an eye out for even more recognisable ‘The Lord of the Rings’ backdrops. 220,000 litres (58 000 gallons) of water gush over Huka Falls per second. Just let that sink in for a minute. Wild, right? When you catch your first whiff of that… ‘unusual’ sulphur smell, you’ll know we’ve arrived in Rotorua. Upon arrival in Rotorua we get to learn some fascinating info on NZ's national birds, as well as watch new lives hatch right in front of our eyes! How impressed are you right now? Soak in a hotspring, go skydiving or take a canopy tour - there's plenty of time for you to make the best of this town. Tonight we enjoy a Maori cultural performance and feast on a Hāngi dinner that is sweetly roasted in the ground.
Day 8: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day is yours to roam free in this geothermal paradise. Soak in a hot spring, go white water rafting or hike up a volcano. The options are limitless and the decisions are yours. We recommend the Rotorua Dawn Canopy Tour, exclusive to Contiki, where you'll watch the sun rise, eat some breakfast and drink coffee up in the towering trees as the birds make start their morning calls. Then, you'll get to soar 1200m through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.
Day 9: Rotorua To Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ta-ra, Rotorua! We head to Auckland for lunchtime, where there's an array of awesome Free-Time Add-Ons to choose from. Adrenaline junkies, get ready for a bungee jump, climb over the iconic harbour bridge or sky jump off the Skywalk. For those who prefer to keep two feet on the ground, why not get your taste buds tingling with a multi-sensory icecream experience at Giapo?
Day 10: Auckland To Paihia
Location: Bay of Islands
Accommodation Name: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We'll cross Aucklands Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia. But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Huderwassert art centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to the Bay of Islands. On arrival to the Bay of Islands we're starting off with a dose of Kiwi history on a guided tour at Waitangi Treaty grounds where in 1840 New Zealand officially became a nation of two communities. And because we like to give you that something extra, how about a free admission at the Treaty museum, in case you seek a bit more detail on Kiwi history. Tonight we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana fish'n'chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.
Day 11: Paihia
Location: Paihia
Accommodation Name: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - today's (idyllic) list of optionals reads like a who's who of adventure. This area is filled with natural beauty and is sure to inspire your inner wild child. Make the most of the ME Time experiences on offer - tomorrow we head back to the big city vibes.
Day 12: Paihia To Auckland
Location: Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast
Feeling salty and sun-kissed we'll wave goodbye to beautiful Paihia & sashay our way back down NZ in the direction of Auckland. Our adventure comes to an end in Auckland today. Make sure you swap contact deets and start planning the next adventure. Anyone for 'Straya?
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels and lodges throughout the tour.
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Meals
Meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included at various locations such as the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
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Cultural Experiences
Experience a traditional Maori cultural performance and feast.
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Wildlife Encounters
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery at Rainbow Springs and Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue.
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Scenic Stops
Visit scenic locations such as Huka Falls and Mount Ruapehu.
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City Tours
City tours are included in Wellington and Auckland.
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Eco-Sanctuary Visit
Visit Zealandia, a 225-hectare eco-sanctuary in Wellington.
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Lake Cruise
Enjoy a cruise on Lake Taupo.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as whale watching, helicopter rides, and skydiving are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from New Zealand are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and other travel documentation costs are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel throughout the tour is primarily by Contiki coach, providing comfortable and convenient transportation between destinations such as Christchurch, Kaikoura, Wellington, Mount Ruapehu, Lake Taupo, Rotorua, Auckland, and Paihia.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels and lodges throughout the tour, including stays at Sudima Kaikoura, Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman, Kings Ohakune, Lakeland Resort Taupo, Sudima Lake Rotorua, Lylo, and Bounty Motel.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife encounters can I expect on this tour?
You will visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery at Rainbow Springs and Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue, where you can learn about local wildlife and conservation efforts.
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, you will experience a traditional Maori cultural performance and feast in Rotorua.
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What kind of scenic stops are included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to scenic locations such as Huka Falls and Mount Ruapehu.
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Will there be any city tours during the trip?
Yes, city tours are included in Wellington and Auckland.
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Is there an eco-sanctuary visit included in the itinerary?
Yes, you will visit Zealandia, a 225-hectare eco-sanctuary in Wellington.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at various hotels and lodges throughout the tour.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities such as whale watching, helicopter rides, and skydiving are available but not included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Are flights included in the tour package?
No, international and domestic flights to and from New Zealand are not included.
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What is the starting and ending location of the tour?
The tour starts in Christchurch and ends in Auckland.
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What kind of activities are available in Rotorua?
In Rotorua, you can soak in a hot spring, go skydiving, take a canopy tour, and experience a Maori cultural performance and feast.
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What can I expect on the free day in Kaikoura?
On the free day in Kaikoura, you can take a whale watching tour, go on a helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, or take a kayak trip across the coastline.
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What kind of activities are available in Auckland?
In Auckland, you can choose from activities like bungee jumping, climbing over the iconic harbour bridge, sky jumping off the Skywalk, or enjoying a multi-sensory ice cream experience at Giapo.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
Reviews of this operator
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Oct 10, 2024 - Oct 21, 2024Sunday - Thursday
Nov 03, 2024 - Nov 14, 2024Tuesday - Saturday
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May 30, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions