New Zealand: Northern Choice
From CAD $2,804
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
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 sojourn our way from Auckland to Christchurch, chowing 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Rotorua: A traditional Māori cultural performance, topped off with a traditional Māori 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."
- Kaikōura: We'll take a spectacular drive along the Kaikōura Coast, and pay a visit to a nearby seal colony. Yup, it's a coastal cuteness overload.
- 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 17389
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Contiki (CA)
Supplier Code: 525.1866A
Starts: Auckland, New Zealand
Finishes: Christchurch (Nz), New Zealand
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,804 ($234 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Meals: 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?
Accommodation: Lylo (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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).
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
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 Tia), 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.
Accommodation: Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Kings Ohakune (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
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, 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!
Accommodation: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Sudima Kaikōura (or similar)
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Sudima Kaikōura (or similar)
Meals: 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.
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: 05/22/2025
Laura Smart - Traveled, May 2025
Amazing, amazing people amazing places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2025
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: 04/29/2025
Ainslie Scully - Traveled, March 2025
Such a great experience, found a family before I knew it, very welcoming and adventurous.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2025
Corrine - Traveled, May 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
Anonymous - Traveled, March 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: 03/25/2025
Tharun Balannagari - Traveled, May 2025
Meeting people, doing adventures. Easy to book and there was no hassle.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
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: 05/27/2024
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