New Zealand: Northern Choice | Southbound | Oct 2024 - Sep 2025
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "New Zealand: Northern Choice | Southbound" tour, spanning from October 2024 to September 2025. This journey takes you from Auckland to Christchurch, offering a blend of thrilling activities and cultural experiences. Discover the vibrant yacht marina in Whangarei, explore the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and feel the adrenaline rush with bungee jumping in Auckland. In Rotorua, visit the world's largest kiwi bird conservation project and enjoy a traditional Maori dinner. Marvel at the natural beauty of Huka Falls and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Experience the breathtaking Kaikoura Coast, with opportunities for whale watching and seal colony visits. With comfortable accommodations and scenic drives, this tour promises an adventurous exploration of New Zealand's stunning landscapes. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland to Paihia via Whangārei
Location: Auckland, Whangārei, Bay of Islands, Waitangi Treaty Grounds
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 in Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) and cross the 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 and check out the quirky exterior of the Hunderwasser art centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again towards 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.
...more ...less
Day 2: Paihia
Location: Paihia
Accommodation Name: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Whether it's parasailing or cruising the Bay of Islands while sailing on Carino - 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
Location: Paihia, Auckland, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Sky Tower
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
Location: Auckland, Waikato, 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
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 6: Rotorua to Lake Taupō via Huka Falls
Location: Rotorua, Huka Falls, Lake Taupō
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 (Taupō Nui a Kiwa), 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 Taupō to Mount Ruapehu
Location: Lake Taupō, Tongariro National Park, Ohakune, Mount 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 biking along the Mangawhero cycle track.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, Mount Ruapehu (Ruapehu) with views unlike any other you've seen.
Day 8: Mount Ruapehu to Wellington
Location: Mount Ruapehu, Wellington
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
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 (Te Whanganui a Tara), and a chance to explore the great food scene, a night on the town will be on the cards.
Day 9: Wellington
Location: Wellington, Zealandia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 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, 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 Kaikōura via Picton
Location: Wellington, Picton, Kaikōura
Accommodation Name: Sudima Kaikōura (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 (Waitohi), the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Kaikōura 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 Kaikōura 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: Kaikōura
Location: Kaikōura
Accommodation Name: Sudima Kaikōura (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 seals and dusky dolphins. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikōura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, Quadbiking through Glenstrae Farm, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikōura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.
Day 12: Kaikōura to Christchurch
Location: Kaikōura, Christchurch, Cardboard Cathedral, Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast
So long Kaikōura! Arriving into Christchurch (Ōtautahi) 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
-
Auckland Harbour Bridge
Admire the 'City of Sails' harbour as you cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
-
Whangarei Yacht Marina
Visit the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei.
-
Hunderwasser Art Centre
Check out the quirky exterior of the Hunderwasser art centre, a unique architectural project.
-
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Enjoy a guided tour at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a significant historical site in New Zealand.
-
Free Admission to Treaty Museum
Receive free admission to the Treaty museum for more details on Kiwi history.
-
Traditional Maori Dinner and Performance
Experience a traditional Maori dinner and cultural performance in Rotorua.
-
National Kiwi Hatchery
Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery near Rotorua to learn about efforts to protect New Zealand's national bird.
-
Huka Falls
Visit Huka Falls, a jaw-dropping display of natural hydro power.
-
Mount Ruapehu
Check out Mt Ruapehu, an active stratovolcano elevated almost 2,800 metres into the air.
-
Kaikoura Coast Drive
Take a spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast and visit a nearby seal colony.
What's Not Included
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
-
Visa
Visa fees and arrangements are not included in the tour package.
-
Optional Tours and Activities
Optional tours and activities are not included and may incur additional costs.
Mode of Transport
Travel across New Zealand from Auckland to Christchurch, with scenic drives through lush farmlands, ferry crossings, and thrilling jet experiences, ensuring a seamless and adventurous journey through the country's stunning landscapes.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
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
- Auckland: Cameras at the ready folks, the views will be extraordinary here.
- Auckland: With sailboats at every angle, this is a beaut view indeed.
- Whangarei: 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 Maori 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.
- Rotorua: A traditional Maori cultural performance, topped off with a traditional Maori feast... this ought to satisfy even the keenest of culture vultures.
- 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.
- 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(!)
- 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."
- Kaikoura: We'll take a spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast, and pay a visit to a nearby seal colony. Yup, it's a coastal cuteness overload.
- Kaikoura: 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.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable accommodations such as the Bounty Motel in Paihia, Lylo in Auckland, Sudima Lake Rotorua, Lakeland Resort Taupo, Kings Ohakune, Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman, and Sudima Kaikoura, offering a mix of modern amenities and local charm throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including kiwi birds at the National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua, seals and dolphins along the Kaikōura Coast, and possibly giant sperm whales during a whale watching tour in Kaikōura. Additionally, at Zealandia in Wellington, you may encounter rare native birds like the hihi and the takahē, as well as the tuatara, a prehistoric reptile. ...more ...less
-
What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several cultural experiences such as a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, which is a significant historical site in New Zealand. In Rotorua, you will enjoy a traditional Māori dinner and cultural performance, and you will have the opportunity to participate in the world-famous HAKA. ...more ...less
-
Are there any adventure activities available during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers several adventure activities. In Auckland, you can experience bungee jumping or sky jumping. In Rotorua, you can go white water rafting or take a zipline adventure. At Lake Taupō, you have the option to skydive, and in Kaikōura, you can take a thrilling helicopter ride or go quad biking. ...more ...less
-
What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in comfortable accommodations throughout the tour, including the Bounty Motel in Paihia, Lylo in Auckland, Sudima Lake Rotorua, Lakeland Resort Taupō, Kings Ohakune, Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman, and Sudima Kaikōura. These accommodations offer a mix of modern amenities and local charm. ...more ...less
-
What is the transportation like during the tour?
The tour includes travel across New Zealand from Auckland to Christchurch, featuring scenic drives through lush farmlands, ferry crossings, and thrilling jet experiences. This ensures a seamless and adventurous journey through the country's stunning landscapes.
-
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
Book 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
New Zealand: Northern Choice | Southbound | Oct 2024 - Sep 2025
12 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, Whangārei, Bay of Islands, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Paihia, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Sky Tower, Waikato, Rotorua, Huka Falls, Lake Taupō, Tongariro National Park, Ohakune, Mount Ruapehu, Wellington, Zealandia, Picton, Kaikōura, Christchurch, Cardboard Cathedral Christchurch ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NNHADM24
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
