New Zealand: Northern Choice | Southbound | Oct 2024 - Sep 2025
New Zealand: Northern Choice | Southbound | Oct 2024 - Sep 2025
New Zealand: Northern Choice | Southbound | Oct 2024 - Sep 2025
12 Days Starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch (Nz)
Visiting: New Zealand
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NNHADM24
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through New Zealand with the Northern Choice tour, running from October 2024 to September 2025. This cultural adventure kicks off in Auckland, the "City of Sails," and takes you through the stunning landscapes and rich history of the North and South Islands. Highlights include a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Paihia, exploring the Hundertwasser Art Center in Whangarei, and experiencing the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. You'll also visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, witness the power of Huka Falls, and marvel at the active stratovolcano, Mount Ruapehu. The tour concludes in Christchurch, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and thrilling activities.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland To Paihia Via Whangarei
Accommodation Name: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Contiki crew and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's 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 2: 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 Free Time Add-On experiences on offer - tomorrow we head back to the big city vibes.
Day 3: Paihia To Auckland
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia & sashay our way back down NZ in the direction of Auckland.
Arriving in Auckland 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?
Day 4: Auckland To Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We'll drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks. We'll visit the world’s largest kiwi bird conservation project, watch the birds roam, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow and even visit the incubation centre where over 2,100 kiwi chicks have been born. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a traditional Māori dinner and performance (you’ll also have the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA).
Day 5: 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 6: Rotorua To Lake Taupō Via Huka Falls
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupō, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220,000 litres (that's 58 000 gallons) of water gush over Huka Falls per second. Just let that sink in for a minute. Wild, right? Even wilder still is the Hukafalls Jet experience - a thrilling ride that will get you experiencing the full force of the falls and leave you with even more of a taste for adventure. A good thing really, given Lake Taupō is on the horizon. We arrive at Lake Taupō, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. 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 Ruapehu
Accommodation Name: Kings Ohakune (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We drive through the central plateau to the southern end of the Tongariro National Park, Ohakune is known as the aprés ski capital of the North Island. Today you have the option to go mountain biking along one of NZ's most picturesque track, "the Old Coach Rd".
Tonight we stay in a heritage listed building built in 1913 which is now a vibrant modern ski lodge, located at the base of a volcano, Mt Ruapehu with views unlike any other you've seen.
Day 8: Mount Ruapehu To Wellington
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman
Meals Included: Breakfast
These landscapes are unique and the sights will leave you breathless. On route to the windy capital Wellington where we'll show you the sights of this city. As much as we've been loving the nature time, the change of scenery to New Zealand's well-cultured capital will prove an utter delight. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington, and a chance to explore the great food scene, a night on the town will be on the cards.
Day 9: Wellington
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman
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, 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 10: Wellington To Kaikoura Via Picton
Accommodation Name: Sudima Kaikoura (Or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
So long north island! Today we're making tracks for your southern brother, darting across the Cook Strait via the Inter-Island ferry. Our first port of call on the South Island will be Picton, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Kaikoura is known for its marine life (among many other things), so keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins and seals – which we’ll check out along the way. Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet Sabrina Leucht, a local biologist who’ll teach us about local wildlife, the threats they face and how we can make a difference. Tonight, we’ll check into our seafront hotel for a relaxing evening.
Day 11: 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 seals 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 12: Kaikoura To Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast
So long Kaikoura! Arriving into Christchurch almost marks the end of our adventure (sob). But not before an inspiring tour of the city that was totally rebuilt after the Christchurch earthquake. Look out for the Cardboard Cathedral, the only cathedral in the world to be built mostly from plain old cardboard!
Our time together has been nothing short of perfect, so don't leave it to long before coming back to hang with us for Contiki 2.0.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at various accommodations including Bounty Motel, Jucy Snooze, Sudima Lake Rotorua, Lakeland Resort Taupo, Kings Ohakune, Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman, and Sudima Kaikoura.
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Guided Tour of Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Enjoy a guided tour at Waitangi Treaty Grounds where New Zealand officially became a nation of two communities.
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Free Admission to Treaty Museum
Receive free admission to the Treaty museum for more details on Kiwi history.
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Fish 'n' Chips Dinner
Feast on a true Kiwiana fish 'n' chips dinner overlooking the Bay of Islands.
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Meals
Enjoy included meals such as breakfast and dinner on various days.
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Traditional Maori Hangi Dinner and Cultural Performance
Experience a traditional Maori hangi dinner and cultural performance in Rotorua.
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Lake Taupo Sunset Cruise
Join a sunset cruise on Lake Taupo with fishing and dining.
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Orientation Tour of Wellington
Take an orientation tour through the narrow streets of Wellington.
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Visit to Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary
Explore Zealandia, a 225-hectare eco-sanctuary protecting over 40 rare native wildlife species.
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Inter-Island Ferry to South Island
Travel across the Cook Strait via the Inter-Island ferry to the South Island.
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
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Visa
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Optional Tours and Activities
Mode of Transport
Travel across New Zealand with a mix of coach tours, inter-island ferry rides, and optional thrilling experiences like bungee jumping and skydiving.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of cultural experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will experience a traditional Māori hāngi dinner and cultural performance in Rotorua, and have the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.
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Are there any unique wildlife experiences included in this tour?
Yes, you will visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery at Rainbow Springs, explore Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary, and visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to learn about local wildlife and conservation efforts.
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What kind of adventure activities are available during the tour?
You can enjoy activities such as parasailing, fast boat rides, bungee jumping, climbing the iconic harbour bridge, sky jumping off the Skywalk, white water rafting, hiking up a volcano, and mountain biking along 'the Old Coach Rd'.
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What are some of the natural wonders we will see on this tour?
You will see Rotorua's bubbling geothermic mud pools, Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, and Mount Ruapehu, an active stratovolcano.
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Will there be any opportunities for relaxation during the tour?
Yes, you can soak in a hot spring in Rotorua and enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Taupo.
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What kind of historical sites will we visit?
You will visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where New Zealand officially became a nation of two communities, and receive free admission to the Treaty museum for more details on Kiwi history.
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Are there any special meals included in the tour?
Yes, you will enjoy a traditional Māori hāngi dinner, a fish 'n' chips dinner overlooking the Bay of Islands, and various included meals such as breakfast and dinner on different days.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay at various accommodations including Bounty Motel, Jucy Snooze, Sudima Lake Rotorua, Lakeland Resort Taupo, Kings Ohakune, Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman, and Sudima Kaikoura.
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Will there be any guided tours included?
Yes, you will have a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and an orientation tour of Wellington.
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes travel across the Cook Strait via the Inter-Island ferry to the South Island.
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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.
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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