21-Day Ultimate New Zealand | Southbound | Oct 2025 - Sept 2026

Tour Code 026-21211 Language English
From
US$3883
¥26199
€3359
C$5417
Rs.369421
3% Group Discount

Highlights

This is New Zealand’s greatest hits, packed into 21 days spanning the North Island, the South Island and all the must-sees along the way. Start in Auckland, then take in Paihia, Rotorua and Taupō before ferrying south to Wellington. Spot wildlife in Kaikōura, cross Arthur’s Pass, see Franz Josef Glacier and dive into Queenstown’s adventure scene. Milford Sound, Lake Ōhau, Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook bring the big alpine finish. Icons, fjords, glaciers, beaches and geothermal wonders - all in one bold NZ journey.

Dates & Prices

Price in USD (per person, based on double occupancy)

Limited Offer
3% Group Discount: 1. Receive 3% off when you purchase 3+ rooms on the same tour (single order only). 2. Receive 3% off when you book 3+ multi-day tours with minimum order total of $500 at once. Not valid in conjunction with any other discounts or pricing offers.
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Itinerary

Includes & Excludes

Price Includes

  • 6 Dinner (D)
  • 20 Breakfast (B)
  • 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(!)
  • Ohakune: Tucked just 250m from the Ohakune Mountain Road, Kings Ohakune is peak Kiwiana vibes. We’re talking roaring fireplaces, classic BBQs, hot tubs with epic Mount Ruapehu views and a cosy lodge that’s been welcoming adventurers since 1913. Think: motel-style charm, retro-cute decor, sports on the telly, pool tables, karaoke, darts and local legends repping the Warriors with pride.  
  • 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."
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • Hokitika: The South Island is home to Pounamu (greenstone) – so special the island’s even named Te Wai Pounamu, the greenstone waters. In Hokitika, we’ll meet a local Māori guide from the region, who’ll share the history, sacred sites and cultural significance of this treasured stone. Then it’s off to see if we can spot some Pounamu. All of this, while supporting the local trust that keeps the river healthy.
  • Arthur's Pass: Check out the village that has been a haven for mountain climbers for over a century. Better keep your camera ready and eyes peeled - because this is spot where you might be able to get a glimpse of rare alpine parrots AKA Keas.
  • Wānaka: A lake town with views for days, surrounded by beech forests, alpine lakes, and wilderness glaciers.
  • Milford Sound: Cruise along the glassy waters and get the kind of view people write poems about. You'll soon see why it's a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Te Anau: Today we’ll visit a local farm in Te Anau to support the Fairlight Foundation, which works to advance women in Agriculture. We’ll learn all about farming, as well as the Fairlight Foundation and the work that they do.
  • Arrowtown: A historic gold mining town, Arrowtown is known as one of the cutest towns in New Zealand, so see for yourself on a walking tour that covers all the best things to see in Arrowtown.
  • Lake Tekapo: See the church on the shores of Lake Tekapo with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks - and get that iconic Insta pic too!
  • Lake Tekapo: We'll stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine... and watch happily on as NZ's astonishing natural beauty takes your breath away.

Additional Notes

  • DAY 1: Trip starts in Auckland at 08:00. Travellers to arrive into Auckland Airport (AKL). The kick-start meeting starts at 18:00. It is not recommended to book flights arriving on the first day of the trip. Pre night is recommended in Auckland.
  • DAY 21: Trip ends in Christchurch at 16:00. Travellers to depart from Christchurch Airport (CHC). It is not recommended to book flights prior to 20:00 on the last day of the trip. Post night is recommended in Christchurch.
  • TRANSFERS: Both complimentary and chargeable transfers are not offered through Contiki. Travellers should make their own way from/to the airport at their own expense.
  • NEW ZEALAND: USA passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for New Zealand. It must be obtained on-line prior to departure from the Country of Origin. We recommend applying 60 days prior to departure.
  • IMPORTANT: Please see important visa details sent with your invoice.

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From
US$3883
¥26199
€3359
C$5417
Rs.369421
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