Ultimate New Zealand | Northbound | Oct 2024 - May 2025
Ultimate New Zealand | Northbound | Oct 2024 - May 2025
Ultimate New Zealand | Northbound | Oct 2024 - May 2025
21 Days Starting in Christchurch (Nz) and ending in Auckland
Visiting: Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau, Arrowtown, Kingston, Te Anau, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Queenstown, Wānaka, Haast, Franz Josef / Waiau, Hokitika, Arthur's Pass, Kaikōura, Wellington, Mount Ruapehu, Lake Taupo, Huka Falls, Rotorua, Auckland, Whangārei, Paihia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NGZCDM24
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Art Galleries & Museums, Boat/Cruise Excursion, Sightseeing, Walking
Tour Overview
Embark on "The Big Tiki Reverse" tour and experience the best of New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Starting in Christchurch and ending in Auckland, this adventure-packed journey takes you through iconic destinations such as Lake Tekapo, Milford Sound, Queenstown, and Rotorua. Marvel at the stunning glacial lakes, explore the vibrant cities, and immerse yourself in Maori culture with traditional performances and feasts. Highlights include a cruise on Milford Sound, a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and adrenaline-pumping activities like bungy jumping in Queenstown. With a mix of natural wonders, historical sites, and thrilling experiences, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of New Zealand.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch To Lake Ohau
Location: Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Lake Ōhau Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Christchurch what's up? New Zealand's South Island is the home to adventure, adrenaline and good times and we're here to take it all on.
We'll stop off to see the intense milky blue waters of glacially-fed Lake Tekapo. Here we'll also get to enjoy an unforgettable Dark Sky experience, an interactive multimedia exhibition that mixes stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy, teaching us how the Māori people used to use stars to harvest food, and about the importance of reducing light pollution.
Onto Lake Ohau, with its glorious views of Mt. Cook. Yet another swoon-worthy location where you'll have to pick that jaw up off the ground.
Day 2: Lake Ohau To Te Anau
Location: Lake Ohau, Arrowtown, Kingston, Te Anau
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Village Inn Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Another day, another natural wonder to discover. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading on. Our next stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveler who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field��� just by turning up. Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilarating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.
Day 3: Te Anau To Queenstown
Location: Te Anau, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's time to make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound.
Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory. Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.
Day 4: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: 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 5: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveler 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 guy that crams in a bungy jump and ziplining & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.
Day 6: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: 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 7: Queenstown To Franz Josef Glacier
Location: Queenstown, Wānaka, Haast, Franz Josef / Waiau
Accommodation Name: 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 Hasast 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 8: Franz Josef Glacier
Location: Franz Josef / Waiau
Accommodation Name: 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 jewelery.
Day 9: Franz Josef Glacier To Christchurch
Location: Franz Josef / Waiau, Hokitika, Arthur's Pass, Christchurch
Accommodation Name: 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 10: Christchurch To Kaikoura
Location: Christchurch, Kaikōura
Accommodation Name: 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. 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.
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 11: Kaikoura
Location: Kaikōura
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 12: Kaikoura To Wellington
Location: Kaikōura, 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 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 13: 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 14: Wellington To Mount Ruapehu
Location: Wellington, 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 15: Mount Ruapehu To Lake Taupo
Location: Mount Ruapehu, 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 16: Lake Taupo To Rotorua
Location: Lake Taupo, Huka Falls, 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 17: 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 18: Rotorua To Auckland
Location: Rotorua, 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 harbor 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 19: Auckland To Paihia
Location: Auckland, Whangārei, Paihia
Accommodation Name: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We'll cross Aucklands Harbor Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' Harbor 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 center, 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 20: 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 21: Paihia To Auckland
Location: Paihia, 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 at various lodges and hotels including Lake Ohau Lodge, The Village Inn Hotel, Jucy Snooze, Rainforest Retreat, Sudima Kaikoura, Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman, Kings Ohakune, Lakeland Resort Taupo, and Sudima Lake Rotorua.
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Lake Tekapo
See the church on the shores of Lake Tekapo with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
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Milford Sound
Cruise along the glassy waters and get the kind of view people write poems about.
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Queenstown
Get your adrenaline pumping on the world's first, and some would say most famous, bungy jump.
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Rotorua
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery at Rainbow Springs and hear about their efforts to save New Zealand's adorable national bird.
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Huka Falls
Visit the awesome Huka Falls.
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Auckland
See the 'City of Sails' harbour made famous by the America's Cup.
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Paihia
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
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Hokitika
Meet with a local Maori Guide to learn about the connection between greenstone and the Maori people.
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Meals
Meals provided include breakfast and dinner at various locations.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as jet boat trips, glow worm cave tours, bungy jumping, ziplining, wine tasting, heli 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.
Mode of Transport
Transport between locations in a comfortable coach.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect in Queenstown?
In Queenstown, you can experience a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities such as bungy jumping at the Kawarau Bungy Bridge, ziplining, and skydiving. You can also enjoy a gondola ride to dine at the Skyline restaurant, or take a stroll around the beautiful town nestled in the Southern Alps.
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique cultural experiences such as a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Paihia, learning about the connection between greenstone and the Maori people in Hokitika, and visiting the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery at Rainbow Springs in Rotorua. Additionally, you can carve your own Pounamu (jade) pendant under the tuition of a Maori mastercraftsman in Franz Josef.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional activities available during the tour, including jet boat trips, glow worm cave tours, bungy jumping, ziplining, wine tasting, heli rides, skydiving, whale watching tours, helicopter rides over the Kaikoura Peninsula, and kayaking trips.
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What kind of wildlife experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several wildlife experiences such as visiting the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery at Rainbow Springs, a visit to Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to learn about local wildlife, and the opportunity to see seals at a seal colony in Kaikoura. Additionally, you can take a whale watching tour in Kaikoura to see giant sperm whales, seals, and dusky dolphins.
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What are the accommodation options during the tour?
Accommodation during the tour includes stays at various lodges and hotels such as Lake Ohau Lodge, The Village Inn Hotel, Jucy Snooze, Rainforest Retreat, Sudima Kaikoura, Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman, Kings Ohakune, Lakeland Resort Taupo, and Sudima Lake Rotorua.
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What meals are provided during the tour?
Meals provided during the tour include breakfast and dinner at various locations. Specific meals include a Hāngi dinner in Rotorua and a Kiwiana fish 'n' chips dinner overlooking the Bay of Islands.
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What kind of transport is used during the tour?
Transport between locations during the tour is provided in a comfortable coach.
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What is the significance of the Dark Sky experience at Lake Tekapo?
The Dark Sky experience at Lake Tekapo is an interactive multimedia exhibition that mixes stargazing, science, and traditional Māori astronomy. It teaches how the Māori people used to use stars to harvest food and highlights the importance of reducing light pollution.
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What can I expect during the visit to Milford Sound?
During the visit to Milford Sound, you will take an included cruise of the fiord, experiencing the beauty of this pristine destination by boat. Milford Sound is known for its stunning combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs, and deep dark waters.
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What activities are available in Rotorua?
In Rotorua, you can visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, soak in a hot spring, go skydiving, take a canopy tour, or enjoy a Maori cultural performance and feast on a Hāngi dinner. Additionally, you can participate in the Rotorua Dawn Canopy Tour, which includes watching the sunrise, having breakfast in the trees, and ziplining through the forest.
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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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