New Zealand: Northern Choice
Experience Overview
Just how much mind-boggling can be packed into a 12-day holiday? Quite a lot when you're prancing around New Zealand. We'll sashay our way from Auckland to Christchurch, chowing down on fish'n'chips and Māori hāngi meals, watching geothermic mud pools boil & signing up for adrenalin rushes that will buzz on in our minds 'til we're old and grey.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Dinner (D)
FAQs
- Christchurch: Which Version is Northbound vs Southbound? Southbound trips start in Auckland and end in Christchurch. Northbound trips start in Christchurch and finish in Auckland. They’re both the same itineraries, just in reverse.
- Sydney: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
Included Experience
- Kaikōura: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, we'll meet eco-warrior Sabrina Leucht, who has dedicated many years of her life to helping New Zealand's injured native birds... and is now working to establish the region's first wildlife hospital.
- Marlborough Sounds: Check out the sunken river valleys of Marlborough Sounds from an iconic Interislander Ferry. You'd wanna get your camera for this one!
- Mount Ruapehu: It's not a real carrot, just a statue. But standing at 7.5 metres tall, it still impresses. This famous spot in Ohakune represents all of the carrot farms (and there are plenty here) in town.
- Mount Ruapehu: Today we'll check out Mt Ruapehu, an active stratovolcano elevated almost 2,800 metres into the air!
- Mount Ruapehu: See even more of the sights made famous by "The Lord of the Rings."
- Huka Falls: Huka falls is a jaw-jutting display of natural hydro power. Here you'll see 220,000 litres of water tumble over the waterfall... per second that is(!)
- Rotorua: Wait til you see 'em. Wait til you smell 'em. These geothermic mudpools are a thing to behold.
- Rotorua: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, we'll head to National Kiwi Hatchery near Rotorua to learn all about the locals' efforts to protect New Zealand's adorable national bird.
- Rotorua: A traditional Māori cultural performance, topped off with a traditional Māori feast... this ought to satisfy even the keenest of culture vultures.
- Auckland: Cameras at the ready folks, the views will be extraordinary here.
- Auckland: With sailboats at every angle, this is a beaut view indeed.
- Whangārei: See the work of the visionary Austrian painter, architect and ecological activist who made New Zealand his spiritual home.
- Paihia: The Waitangi Treaty Grounds might just be NZ's most important historical site, marking the place where the British Crown and the Māori people signed their first accords back in 1840.
- Paihia: A dinner of fish 'n' chips, enjoyed while overlooking the Bay of Islands in Paihia. Is this heaven? No sir, it's just salt and vinegar.
Trip Details
Product Code: 17394
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Contiki (CA)
Supplier Code: 525.1870A
Starts: Christchurch (Nz), New Zealand
Finishes: Auckland, New Zealand
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,985 ($249 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Christchurch (Ōtautahi)! Contiki crew, are you ready?! We'll board the coach, travelling through South Island to reach Kaikōura by lunch. We'll stop off at a seal colony on the seafront to get our daily fix of cuteness, before heading to Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht. She has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikōura 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 Kaikōura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!
Accommodation: Sudima Kaikōura (or similar)
We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikōura! 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 Kaikōura after an action-packed day, before heading to Wellington tomorrow morning.
Accommodation: Sudima Kaikōura (or similar)
Meals: 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.By the afternoon, we'll have reached Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara), 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.
Accommodation: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
Meals: 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!
Accommodation: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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 Mount Ruapehu (Ruapehu).
Accommodation: Kings Ohakune (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Wake up in the spectacular surroundings of Mt. Ruapehu with the epic views of the volcano. Today we head off to Lake Taupō!Here we are in Lake Taupō (Taupō Nui a Kiwa). 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.
Accommodation: Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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 Māori cultural performance and feast on a Hāngi dinner that is sweetly roasted in the ground.
Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Ta-ra, Rotorua! We're headed to Auckland, where there's an array of awesome Free-Time Add-Ons to choose from.Welcome to Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau)! 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 ice cream experience at Giapo?
Accommodation: Lylo (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
We'll cross Aucklands Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia. We'll stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangārei to check out the quirky exterior of the weird and wonderful Hunderwassert 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.We'll start 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 included admission to the Treaty museum for more detail on Kiwi history. Tonight we'll feast like the locals and enjoy a true Kiwiana fish'n'chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.
Accommodation: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Whether it's parasailing or a catamaran cruise - 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.
Accommodation: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Meals: 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?
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Contiki (CA)
Contiki is a New Zealand-based tour company that caters to 18 to 35-year-olds, offering over 350 different tours in over 75 countries in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.[1] It is a subsidiary of The Travel Corporation. Its tours historically had a reputation for partying;[2][3] however, it also operates wellness trips culturally immersive experiences that focus less on alcohol, which are more popular with Generation Z.[4] The company owns lodging facilities in Europe, including the Chateau De Cruix, a 16th century castle in the Beaujolais wine region, and the Gasthof Schoneck in the Austrian Tyrol. The name "Contiki" comes from the portmanteau 'Con' from the word 'Continent' and 'Tiki'; from the Māori referring to the first man, often symbolised as a pendant known as hei-tiki. It can also be attributed to the New Zealand slang 'Tiki-tour' describing taking a longer route to a destination in order to explore.[5]
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2025
This trip was a fantasti. way to enjoy a holiday in New Zealand without having to stress about creating my own itinerary, transportation, and accommodation! I joined this tour because my solo travel plans fell through and I cannot be happier that I did.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2025
Eliza Van Berkel - Traveled, May 2025
The trip was amazing! Our trip was a modular trip so it made it slightly confusing but also meant we got to meet a lot of people doing slightly different trips and got to tell us about the parts we weren't there for.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2025
Bus time was perfect to get to know other members of the group. There was some time to allow us to choose what to do ie go do a walk in the area. Sharing a room was actually great fun and everywhere we stayed was slightly different but we'll equipped. Really handy not having to look for breakfast as it was included. Activities were great although generally made the trip quite expensive as we were encouraged to do certain ones. Big thank you to the tour organiser *Personal information removed by Feefo* and his sidekick *Personal information removed by Feefo*, they really helped make the trip A1.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2025
Laura Smart - Traveled, May 2025
Amazing, amazing people amazing places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/14/2025
Mathieu Audras - Traveled, April 2025
I had an awesome trip. The planned and elective activities were absolutely awesome, fairly well priced and a memorable experience. Our tour guide and bus driver were outstanding and I'd totally want to do another contiki tour of the south island with them both. Would definitely recommend it! Very easy to book. I went through a travel agency but had absolutely no issues when I got to new Zealand or with any of the extra nights accommodation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/30/2025
Ainslie Scully - Traveled, January 2025
Such a great experience, found a family before I knew it, very welcoming and adventurous.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/20/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2025
Activities offered by contiki were all unique, worthwhile and good value for money. Accomodation was overall quite good. Quite easy. Booked very last minute, contiki were responsive and confirmed my booking within 3days (over a weekend). Provided all information I needed once the trip was confirmed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2025
Tharun Balannagari - Traveled, May 2025
Meeting people, doing adventures. Easy to book and there was no hassle.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
We had an amazing time in New Zealand, great activities and lots of amazing experiences. Met a lot of amazing new people! Our trip manager *Personal information removed by Feefo* and Driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* were the best!! Best activities: Dolphin Encounter in Kaikoura, Ziplining in Rotorua, Carino Day Sailing in Paihia and Hobbiton (at least for me as a LOTR freak). Overall a good experience. One thing to mention is that my two friends and I were required to send a lot of confirming e-mails in order to be in one room together. On the trip, the rooming was decided for each location anew, with a clipboard on the bus. It was a lot of unnecessary effort.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2024
Corrine - Traveled, April 2025
Travelling to NZ for my first Contiki trip/solo travel is one of the best things I could have done. The trip is so well organised all you have to do is sit back, relax and literally enjoy the ride. Both trip manager and bus driver were so much fun and always willing to help and answer any question, make recommendations and make sure you are having fun. This 12 day trip and plenty of sightseeing, inclusions and free time, along with getting to see some of the best of NZ with an incredible group of travel buddies. Was very happy with my experience. The trip originally booked had to be changed due to logistics and Contiki made everything so simple.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2025
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