Experience Overview

This isn't just another Contiki New Zealand trip - it's an invitation to live like a local in Aotearoa. Over 15 days, prep a traditional hāngī with your Māori hosts before falling asleep in a wharenui (meeting house) at a Special Stay Marae. From Rotorua's geothermal valleys to the golden shores of Abel Tasman, then on to the rugged South Island West Coast, you'll paddle at sunrise, carve your own sandstone treasure and feast on whitebait fritters by the campfire. Immerse yourself in New Zealand, unplugged, authentic and unforgettable.

Highlights

Dining Summary

1 Lunch (L)
6 Dinner (D)
5 Breakfast (B)

Included Experience

Rotorua: Set on the edge of Lake Rotorua, Ohinemutu Marae is a living Māori village where you’ll be welcomed by the local iwi (tribe) and shown what life’s like - both past and present. You’ll see how geothermal energy is used for cooking and bathing, explore the beautifully carved Meeting House and iconic St Faith’s Church, and sleep Marae-style in the wharenui (meeting house) - all together in one room, just like Māori families do today. It’s an unforgettable, first-hand experience that’s equal parts grounding, eye-opening and heartwarming.
Rotorua: Walk down to the home of the Ngāti Whakaue tribe at Ohinemutu. Check out their cooking methods, hot water vents and even outdoor bathing sheds.
Rotorua: Roll up your sleeves and dive into Māori culture as we prepare a traditional hāngi feast together. From heating the stones to layering the food underground, you’ll learn how this iconic steamed meal has been made for centuries. And of course, enjoy the flavours of Aotearoa the way locals have for generations.
Rotorua: Ever wondered what the Māori customs and protocols are? Learn all about their ‘layers of culture’ from the Māori themselves.
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: Witness Māori culture - beautiful songs, poi dance, traditional weapons. And also the spine-tingling Haka, performed exclusively for Contiki.
Rangitikei: Tucked away in the jaw-dropping Rangitikei Valley, River Valley Lodge is where unplugged nature meets full-send adventure. You can white-water raft, horse trek, or hit the trails on an e-bike (and still be back in time for a farm-to-table dinner made from the lodge’s own backyard!). Whether you're chasing adrenaline or just want to chill riverside with a good view and great vibes, this is rural NZ at its finest.
Rangitikei: Dig into a wholesome organic dinner, made with locally-grown produce. You'll also get to explore the gardens and see where the food is grown. This is as fresh as it gets!
Mārahau: Ocean views? Tick. Gateway to Abel Tasman National Park? Tick. Laid-back Kiwi camping vibes with a side of yoga, outdoor movies and unbeatable stargazing? Big tick. The Barn is where golden beaches meet national park magic. It’s the perfect base to explore walking tracks by day and toast marshmallows by night. Nature lovers and chill seekers, you’re gonna love this one.
Wellington: Kick back and soak up the views as we cross between the North and South Islands aboard the Interislander Ferry, drifting past forested hills, hidden bays, and sparkling blue waters.
Mārahau: Hike across this incredible national park - taking in the gorgeous views of natural rock pools, crystal clear waters and green forests along the way.
Mārahau: Tuck into an included dinner at The Park Cafe, an iconic NZ eatery on the edge of the national park and waterfront. Watch the sun dip below the horizon as you feast on plenty of pizza and fuel up for tomorrow's early start and sunrise waka experience.
Punakaiki Beach Camp: Ever wanted to fall asleep to crashing waves and wake up surrounded by rainforest and ancient cliffs? It's like camping but indoors! Welcome to Punakaiki Beach Camp. Perched between the wild West Coast and Paparoa National Park, this beachfront gem is all bonfires, Pancake Rock hikes, kayaking the Pororari River and even carving your own sandstone taonga (sacred treasure). It’s rugged, raw, and ridiculously beautiful.
Mārahau: Paddle across the river as you witness a magical sunrise. You'll learn about how the Maori honour Te Rā (the sun) and the timatanga (beginning) from the moana (ocean).
Westport: Buckle up for one of NZ’s most scenic drives as we wind our way through Buller Gorge. Think lush rainforest, dramatic river canyons, and views that’ll have you glued to the window the whole way. It’s not just a road trip, it’s nature showing off.
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks: These rock formations didn’t just pop up overnight! They’ve been shaped by karst and coastal erosion over millions of years, thanks to ancient sea creatures, shifting tectonic plates, and ocean forces. Nature's finest work? Quite possibly.
Punakaiki: Come check out this beautifully rugged west coast beach - perfect for your photo ops (with a sunset backdrop)!
Punakaiki: Explore the historical Paparoa Track, passing by river gorges, forests, limestone cliffs and non-stop jaw-dropping views. It's one of NZ's most famous walks for a reason!
Punakaiki: Taste a Māori classic delicacy - a whitebait fritter (basically - an omlette with whitebait)! We'll enjoy a BBQ dinner at Punakaiki Beach Camp and settle down by a campfire to enjoy it with the crew.
Haast: Ready for some incredible views? We'll drive through the gorgeous mountains of the Gates of Haast and catch once-in-a-lifetime views of the river below. Seems like Mother nature does have a favourite!
Doubtful Sound: The Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise takes you deep into Fiordland’s wild heart (that’s accessible only by boat and private coach!), You’ll kayak through glossy water, hear actual silence, and spot dolphins and seals. We’re staying onboard in comfy twin-share cabins with ensuites, and there’s a chef serving up gourmet meals made with local produce and fresh seafood. It’s moody, magical, and 100% unforgettable.
Doubtful Sound: Hop on a boat (with a viewing deck!) for a ride across New Zealand’s second largest lake. Rugged cliffs, beautiful bays and serene waters - you won’t find this kinda natural beauty anywhere else.
Doubtful Sound: Hop on our private coach to ride over the Wilmot Pass that can only be reached by boat. Be prepared to witness a kaleidoscope of stunning rainforest scenery and waterfalls.
Doubtful Sound: Sip some refreshing tea and chef-made cakes that are traditional to New Zealand, all on board a cruise.
Doubtful Sound: A guided kayaking tour is the ultimate way to get up close to the beautiful waters of Doubtful Sound. Jaw-dropping waterfalls, dolphins, penguins, seals - there’s no end to astonishing sights here.
Doubtful Sound: Ready for the coolest once-in-a-lifetime experience? It’s time to jump into glacial waters at Doubtful Sound.
Doubtful Sound: This is your chance to learn all about the land, flora and fauna around this Fiordland. Best part? You’ll have a nature specialist to give you all the details.
Doubtful Sound: Fill up on some delicious chef-made food made with local ingredients, on board a cruise.
Doubtful Sound: Switch off and soak up one of Doubtful Sound’s most memorable moments. As the boat’s engines are turned off, the fiord falls quiet and birdsong takes centre stage. It’s a rare chance to experience the sounds of nature uninterrupted, just as it may have been when Abel Tasman first arrived here in 1642.

View Larger Map

Trip Details

Product Code: 35637

Tour Type: Group Tour

Accommodation: Deluxe

Transport: Private

Guide Language: English

Travel Styles: 18 - 35 Year Olds Only, Budget

Tour Operator: Contiki (CA)

Supplier Code: 652.2225A

Starts: Auckland, New Zealand

Finishes: Christchurch (Nz), New Zealand

Duration: 15 days

Departures: Not Guaranteed

Physical Rating: Easy

Includes

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4365 ($291 /day)

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Auckland to Rotorua

Are you ready for an authentic adventure-packed ride through New Zealand? We begin our journey in Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau), its largest city. It’s time to say hello to your brand new crew before we make our way to our first destination. See that cloud of steam bubbling from the ground? That’s how you know you’re in the natural wonderland of Rotorua. First up, we’ll stop by the Kiwi Hatchery to get up close with one of New Zealand’s most iconic locals and learn about the incredible conservation work helping protect this national treasure. Then it’s time to drop your bags at our lakeside Marae Special Stay before joining a traditional Māori welcome ceremony. Together, we’ll prep a traditional steamed meal — hāngī — and while it cooks, head out on an introductory tour of Ohinemutu Village to learn all about Tikanga and Kawa, Māori customs and protocols. Then it’s back to the guesthouse to enjoy a delicious hāngī dinner with the crew.

Accommodation: Marae Special Stay
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

2

Day 2: Rotorua

Morning, travellers! Fresh air, serene views and a hearty breakfast awaits. You’ve got the entire day to spend exploring this charming landscape with a hike, zipline or tour of Hobbiton - you choose. Later this evening, we'll regroup at the marae to learn about traditional Māori performing arts, including the superbly epic Haka (specially composed for Contiki!). Oh, what a day it’s been! And to think that the adventure has just begun…

Accommodation: Marae Special Stay
Meals: Breakfast

3

Day 3: Rotorua to Rangitikei via Huka and Falls Taupō

It’s time for some more exploration. Fill up on some breakfast before we say farewell to our Māori mates. First up, a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls to see the Waikato River flexing with seriously impressive force. Hungry? You’re free to grab some lunch at a scenic spot in beautiful Taupō (Taupō-nui-a-Tia). Then it’s back on the coach as we roll on to our next destination.Welcome to the oh-so-beautiful River Valley Lodge Special Stay. Rural NZ at its finest! This evening, feast yourself to a wholesome & traditional farm-to-table dinner.

Accommodation: River Valley Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

4

Day 4: Rangitikei

Out here, the wild’s calling the shots. Today you can spend all your time on the optionals that up for grabs. Jump on an e-bike and explore the backcountry at your own pace, or level things up with a hit of white water rafting for an adrenaline rush worth every splash. Then we'll wind things down with another farm-to-table dinner, served fresh with a side of epic countryside views.

Accommodation: River Valley Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

5

Day 5: Rangitikei to Wellington via Paraparaumu

Morning Kiwis, today we’ll wave goodbye to the undulating mountains and make our way down to the coast.Today’s lunch pitstop? The cute and sunny town of Paraparaumu. Feast yourself on good food and good views before we hit the road one more time. (Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for a quick glimpse of the South Island!) 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 (Te Whanganui a Tara), and a chance to explore the great food scene, a night on the town will be on the cards.

Accommodation: Haka House Wellington (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

6

Day 6: Wellington to Mārahau

So long North Island! Today we're making tracks for your southern brother, darting across the Cook Strait via the Interislander ferry.Aaand we’re officially here. We’re in THE Abel Tasman National Park (one of NZ's most famous). Guess what? Tonight, we'll be staying in cosy little cabins right inside the national park(!). So, get ready for a non-stop show of incredible natural beauty - birds, islands, forests - you name it.

Accommodation: The Barn Mārahau (or similar)

7

Day 7: Mārahau

You’ve got the entire day to explore this natural wonderland however you like. River canyoning, skydiving, sailing and hiking are all on the cards, with golden beaches and lush rainforest waiting around every corner. This evening, we'll head to an iconic local spot perched between the national park and the waterfront. Think sunset views and plenty of pizza to fuel you up for a sunrise waka.

Accommodation: The Barn Mārahau (or similar)
Meals: Dinner

8

Day 8: Mārahau to Punakaiki via Kaiteriteri, Murchison and Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

Buh Bye beautiful Mārahau! We’ve got a long day ahead of us.A sunrise paddle Waka? Yup. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll learn all about the ancient Māori practice (and quite possibly catch one of the best sunrise views of your lifetime!).Time for a quick lunch pitstop in this historic gold rush town, decorated by two wonderful rivers. We’ll then drive down the rugged northwest coast, passing by rainforests & beaches (on a clear day you can even see the stunning Aoraki/Mt Cook!).Yes, they’re 300 million years old. Yes, they look incredible And yes, they look like stacks of pancakes. But no, you can’t eat them. Admire (and you will) from a distance.First things first, we’ll head out to explore the famed Paparoa Track. Expect alpine tops, limestone landscapes, thriving rainforests and jaw-dropping views. Next on the agenda? An optional but highly recommended - paddleboarding and sandstone carving experience. And for dinner? Traditional Māori food. We’ll sit by a campfire and prepare a BBQ dinner of whitebait fritters (and more) and watch the starry sky gleaming above us as we settle into our beach camps. This is what dreams are made of, people.

Accommodation: Punakaiki Beach Camp (or similar)
Meals: Dinner

9

Day 9: Punakaiki to Wānaka via Franz Josef and Haast

Punakaiki - you’ve been mesmerising. But we’ve got more wonders waiting to be explored!We'll pull up for lunch in glorious Franz Josef (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere), probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever have set your eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass (Tioripatea), beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.What. A. Beauty. Get ready to witness some of the best views of your lifetime. We’ve satisfied our inner adventurer, now it’s time to rest our travel-tired limbs.

Accommodation: Haka Lodge Wanaka (or similar)

10

Day 10: Wānaka

It’s adventure time! Today is yours to spend just the way you like. Rock climbing, hiking, skydiving - Wanaka is an adrenaline junkie’s dream. When evening rolls around, why not check out one of the local restaurants, or grab some takeaway and head down to the lake’s edge, and watch the sun dip behind Mount Aspiring National Park? It's the perfect way to wrap up your day.

Accommodation: Haka Lodge Wanaka (or similar)

11

Day 11: Wānaka to Doubtful Sound via Lake Manapōuri

It’s time to say goodbye to Wānaka today. But there’s no need to shed tears just yet. Because we’re driving to yet another stunning lake. Got your camera ready? We’re hopping on a cruise to check out the impressive landscape around Lake Manapōuri. But that’s not all. We’ll also drive through the incredibly lush rainforests at Wilmot Pass. Now, this? This is natural beauty at its peak. Welcome onboard. You'll be spending tonight on a luxurious boat (with chefs on board!) So, hop on. Enjoy some afternoon tea and get ready for some more adventure! You’ll kayak through the serene waters, plunge into the icy Fiord and tour Doubtful Sound (Patea) with a nature expert to tell us everything about this extraordinary landscape. And after all that adventure chasing, we’ll be back on board to feast on a chef-made dinner with local produce. And then, it’s just games, music, cruising and good times with your new mates. Fabulous.

Accommodation: Overnight Cruise
Meals: Dinner

12

Day 12: Doubtful Sound to Queenstown via Lake Manapōuri

Another day exploring Fiordland? Don’t mind if you do. Today, you’ll hop on a coach for another look at Wilmot Pass before returning to the waters of Doubtful Sound. But the real highlight? Out on the fjord, when the boat’s engines are switched off and all you can hear is the sound of native birdsong echoing through the wilderness. Epic is an understatement. It’s time to set sail on Lake Manapōuri again, and make our journey towards the final destination of this trip. Welcome to Queenstown (Tāhuna)! Make sure to get some rest tonight for the adventure that awaits us tomorrow.

Accommodation: Nomads Hostel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

13

Day 13: Queenstown

Free time to explore is all you’ve got today - and oh gosh, there’s no end to what you can do here. Bungy jumping, canyon swings, climbing waterfalls, vineyard tours, zip lining, skydiving - we bet you’ll wanna do it all! Afterwards, you can grab some dinner with your crew before resting your travel-tired limbs for round two of the adventure tomorrow.Please Note: The Free Time Add Ons which take place on Day 13 & Day 14 can be booked for either day and your Trip Manager will arrange this for you.

Accommodation: Nomads Hostel (or similar)

14

Day 14: Queenstown

You already know what we’re doing today - ticking off your bucket list! You’re free to spend the day continuing your adventure. Today, you can even choose to have dinner at the Skyline restaurant which has panoramic views of Queenstown. It’s the last full day of the trip, so don’t forget to live it up.

Accommodation: Nomads Hostel (or similar)

15

Day 15: Queenstown to Christchurch

After 15 days filled with adventure, culture, cities and sticks (and getting to know what New Zealand is really ‘bout) - it’s time to say goodbye. What a ride it has been! You may choose to finish up in Queenstown. But if you've chosen to get a transfer to Christchurch, hop on! And the journey has finally come to an end. Don’t forget to exchange contacts with your crew. Because after a magical journey like this one, we bet you’ll want to do it all over again.

Similar Tours

Check Availability

Reviews

Hough M. - Traveled, August 2024

Something spectacular happens when you find yourself in the most beautiful corners of the earth with a whole-hearted group of Contiki travelers. Something precious, that moves you and allows you to step outside of your shell in the best way possible. This trip to New Zealand has helped transcend the limits of my lust for life and adventure. A true adrenaline filled bucket list experience with new friends and new memories that will last a lifetime. I'd do it again, in a heartbeat.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2024

Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024

For a budget trip, it was OK. There was a lot of rural-areas and campy vibes the first week. There wasn't much of time spent in the bigger cities. The accommodation in Wellington has no towels so that's annoying. The included meals at the Maori village were just potatoes, white bread, and some chicken. A visit to the village was nice, but I don't think two days were necessary since there wasn't much to do but busy-activities. The showering situation was rough. This is a good trip for you if you love rural areas, nature, camping, on a budget, and don't want most of the touristy stuff. Group leaders were awesome.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2024

Wild New Zealand

Experience Overview

Trip Details

Itinerary

Tour Operator

Reviews