New Zealand Panorama | Southbound | Oct 2025 - Sep 2026
New Zealand Panorama | Southbound | Oct 2025 - Sep 2026
$2945
New Zealand Panorama | Southbound | Oct 2025 - Sep 2026
16 Days Starting in Queenstown (Nz) and ending in Auckland
Visiting: Queenstown, Wanaka, Haast, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Arthur's Pass, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Wellington, Mount Ruapehu, Lake Taupō, Huka Falls, Rotorua, Auckland
Tour Overview
Feed your adrenaline cravings - relaxation is overrated! Kick it off in Queenstown, the adventure-adrenaline Capital of the World. Ride the Shotover Jet (until Sep 2018) & get a slice of the action! Ever tried bungy jumping, or luging? Now's the time! As you head North, see stunning glaciers, visit Christchurch, try a Maori 'hangi', cruise Lake Taupo & hit Rotorua to try the 'Zorb' or luge!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Lylo (or similar)
Kia Ora and welcome to Queenstown. After checking in to your hotel the rest of the afternoon is yours to start discovering why Queenstown is best known as the adventure capital of the world. Tonight you'll meet up with the rest of the crew, no doubt swapping notes on which thrill seeking activity to tick off first. Let the adventure commence...
Day 2: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to get acquainted with Queenstown and spend some time mulling over the activities up for grabs in the next two days. First stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.
Day 3: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and exploring wine cellars and caves, or you may be that one that crams in a bungy jump and ziplining & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.
Day 4: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient. Tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola and to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. What a way to end our time here!
Day 5: Queenstown To Franz Josef Glacier Via Wanaka And Haast Pass
Location: Queenstown, Wanaka, Haast, Franz Josef
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Time to return our adrenalin levels to normal and make tracks to the wild (and often wet) West Coast and it's towering glaciers.
Enjoying our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty ski resort town situated on a lake front and dwarfed by mountains. This town is fast becoming one of NZ's most popular spots, and a trip to the 'Dough Bin' for a luscious pie should be high on the list today.
Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll away from Queenstown through the Southern Alps.
Playing host tonight is the town of Franz Josef, home to some of NZ's finest natural beauty with bushlands and glaciers that almost reach the sea. Tomorrow we'll be out and about making the most of it - who's excited?
Day 6: Franz Josef Glacier
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning will be another big ol' tick off the list as we take to the ice of Franz Josef Glacier. We've got a heli ride over the glacier up for grabs, or the opportunity to carve your own Pounamu (jade) pendant, under the tuition of a Maori mastercraftsman. Pounamu is sacred to the Māori people, and this is a great way to learn about its cultural significance, while also creating a beautiful please of jewellery.
Day 7: Franz Josef Glacier To Christchurch Via Hokitika And Arthur's Pass
Location: Franz Josef, Hokitika, Arthur's Pass, Christchurch
Accommodation: The Breakfree on Cashel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we hop back on the coach & start making our way back to Christchurch.
In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...
Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.
Tonight we'll sleep well in Christchurch, drifting off to the pleasant memories of NZ's natural beauty that seasoned our day.
Day 8: Christchurch To Kaikoura
Location: Christchurch, Kaikoura
Accommodation: Sudima Kaikoura (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We'll set off on an inspiring tour of Christchurch this morning, the city that was totally rebuilt after the Christchurch earthquake. Look out for the Cardboard Cathedral, which as the name suggests, is the only cathedral in the world to be built mostly from plain old cardboard!
After that, it's another jaw-dropping drive up to the top of the South Island. The coach cuts across the Canterbury Plains to Kaikoura.
Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so have those cameras at the ready as we roll around the coast. Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. 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 9: Kaikoura
Location: Kaikoura
Accommodation: 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 kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Wellington tomorrow morning.
Day 10: Kaikoura To Wellington
Location: Kaikoura, Wellington
Accommodation: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we'll head back on the Contiki coach and head to our next destination. We'll stop at a seal colony, where you'll struggle not to break into a collective 'cuuuute' as you watch these guys sunning themselves on the rocks. Afterwards we'll continue on to 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.
Day 11: Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, why not head to a local cafe and try the famed flat white coffee in its city of origin (sorry Australians). Caffeinated and refreshed, you can opt to 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 12: Wellington To Mount Ruapehu
Location: Wellington, Mount Ruapehu
Accommodation: 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 13: Mount Ruapehu To Lake Taupō
Location: Mount Ruapehu, Lake Taupō
Accommodation: Lakeland Resort Taupo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up in the spectacular surroundings of Mt. Ruapehu with the epic views of the volcano. Today we head off to Lake Taupō!
Day 14: Lake Taupō To Rotorua Via Huka Falls
Location: Lake Taupō, Huka Falls, Rotorua
Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
As we leave Lake Taupō 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 15: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: 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 16: Rotorua To Auckland
Location: Rotorua, Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast and a bit of caffeine, we'll head to Auckland and arrive by lunch to explore the city. Contiki coach song ideas anyone?
We'll end our Contiki trip in Auckland, but not before a day of sightseeing and activities across the city. Here we've got a 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 Chef's Table? Or if you prefer, walk the city and explore at your own pace - what will grab your attention today in this vibrant city?
A evening draws near, it's time to say our goodbyes, as your trip ends here in Auckland. New Zealand, we'll never forget you!
Check out our Q&As
-
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.
-
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.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
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.
-
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
1 Select your preferred date
Monday - Tuesday
Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025Thursday - Friday
Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025Friday - Saturday
Oct 17, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Oct 22, 2025 - Nov 06, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025Thursday - Friday
Oct 30, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025Sunday - Monday
Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 17, 2025Friday - Saturday
Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025Saturday - Sunday
Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Nov 18, 2025 - Dec 03, 2025Sunday - Monday
Nov 23, 2025 - Dec 08, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Nov 26, 2025 - Dec 11, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 16, 2025Thursday - Friday
Dec 04, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Dec 09, 2025 - Dec 24, 2025Friday - Saturday
Dec 12, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Dec 17, 2025 - Jan 01, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Dec 20, 2025 - Jan 04, 2026Sunday - Monday
Dec 21, 2025 - Jan 05, 2026Wednesday - Thursday
Dec 24, 2025 - Jan 08, 2026Thursday - Friday
Dec 25, 2025 - Jan 09, 2026Sunday - Monday
Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 12, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Dec 29, 2025 - Jan 13, 2026Thursday - Friday
Jan 01, 2026 - Jan 16, 2026Friday - Saturday
Jan 02, 2026 - Jan 17, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Jan 05, 2026 - Jan 20, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Jan 06, 2026 - Jan 21, 2026Friday - Saturday
Jan 09, 2026 - Jan 24, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jan 10, 2026 - Jan 25, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Jan 13, 2026 - Jan 28, 2026Wednesday - Thursday
Jan 14, 2026 - Jan 29, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Jan 17, 2026 - Feb 01, 2026Sunday - Monday
Jan 18, 2026 - Feb 02, 2026Wednesday - Thursday
Jan 21, 2026 - Feb 05, 2026Thursday - Friday
Jan 22, 2026 - Feb 06, 2026Sunday - Monday
Jan 25, 2026 - Feb 09, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Jan 26, 2026 - Feb 10, 2026Thursday - Friday
Jan 29, 2026 - Feb 13, 2026Friday - Saturday
Jan 30, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Feb 02, 2026 - Feb 17, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Feb 03, 2026 - Feb 18, 2026Friday - Saturday
Feb 06, 2026 - Feb 21, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 22, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Feb 10, 2026 - Feb 25, 2026Wednesday - Thursday
Feb 11, 2026 - Feb 26, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Feb 14, 2026 - Mar 01, 2026Sunday - Monday
Feb 15, 2026 - Mar 02, 2026Wednesday - Thursday
Feb 18, 2026 - Mar 05, 2026Thursday - Friday
Feb 19, 2026 - Mar 06, 2026Sunday - Monday
Feb 22, 2026 - Mar 09, 2026Friday - Saturday
Feb 27, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Mar 02, 2026 - Mar 17, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Mar 10, 2026 - Mar 25, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Mar 23, 2026 - Apr 07, 2026Thursday - Friday
Mar 26, 2026 - Apr 10, 2026Wednesday - Thursday
Apr 08, 2026 - Apr 23, 2026Saturday - Sunday
Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026Friday - Saturday
Apr 24, 2026 - May 09, 2026Monday - Tuesday
Apr 27, 2026 - May 12, 2026Sunday - Monday
May 10, 2026 - May 25, 2026Wednesday - Thursday
May 13, 2026 - May 28, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
May 26, 2026 - Jun 10, 2026Friday - Saturday
May 29, 2026 - Jun 13, 2026Sunday - Monday
May 31, 2026 - Jun 15, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Jun 09, 2026 - Jun 24, 2026Sunday - Monday
Jun 14, 2026 - Jun 29, 2026Sunday - Monday
Jun 21, 2026 - Jul 06, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Jun 23, 2026 - Jul 08, 2026Sunday - Monday
Jun 28, 2026 - Jul 13, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Jun 30, 2026 - Jul 15, 2026Sunday - Monday
Jul 05, 2026 - Jul 20, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Jul 07, 2026 - Jul 22, 2026Sunday - Monday
Jul 12, 2026 - Jul 27, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Jul 14, 2026 - Jul 29, 2026Sunday - Monday
Jul 19, 2026 - Aug 03, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Jul 21, 2026 - Aug 05, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Jul 28, 2026 - Aug 12, 2026Sunday - Monday
Aug 02, 2026 - Aug 17, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Aug 04, 2026 - Aug 19, 2026Sunday - Monday
Aug 16, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Aug 18, 2026 - Sep 02, 2026Sunday - Monday
Aug 30, 2026 - Sep 14, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 01, 2026 - Sep 16, 2026Sunday - Monday
Sep 13, 2026 - Sep 28, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 15, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 29, 2026 - Oct 14, 2026Book with Confidence
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Terms and Conditions