Christchurch: 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.<br><br>Sydney: 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.

21-Day Ultimate New Zealand

Standard Lake Ōhau Lodge (or similar)

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Welcome to Christchurch (Ōtautahi)! New Zealand's South Island is the home to adventure, adrenaline and good times and we're here to take it all on. We’ll stop off at the intense milky-blue waters of glacially-fed Lake Tekapo (Takapō). Take a wander along the lakefront, snap the famous views, and stop by the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, perched on the lakeshore against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Soak up that fresh alpine calm one more time before we roll on. Onto Lake Ōhau (Ōhau), with its glorious views of Mt. Cook. Yet another swoon-worthy location where you'll have to pick that jaw up off the ground. Tonight, we'll come together for a classic Kiwi family-style dinner, complete with lakeside views, mountain scenery and plenty of stories from the road.

Christchurch, New Zealand

The largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is an urban center in the Canterbury region. Nicknamed the Garden City, Christchurch is known for its Anglican cathedral, arts, museums, and as being a gateway for Antarctic expeditions.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is the second-largest of three roughly parallel lakes running north-south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island of New Zealand (the others are Lake Pukaki and Lake Ohau).

Lake Ōhau, New Zealand

A stunning alpine lake on New Zealand's South Island, with turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offering picturesque scenery.

Standard The Village Inn Hotel (or similar)

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Another day, another natural wonder to discover. We'll hit the road and travel through the legendary Lindis Pass, where sweeping tussock-covered hills and epic South Island scenery steal the showWe make a quick stop for lunch in the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown (Kā Muriwai) before heading on.Our next stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to Fiordland National Park? From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilarating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet on dry land? You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh).

Arrowtown, New Zealand

Once a key town in the Central Otago Gold Rush and home to the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, Arrowtown has a rich, unique history. A popular tourist destination, guests can also explore historic buildings as well as resorts, golf courses, boutiques and restaurants.

Kingston, New Zealand

A small lakeside community in New Zealand's South Island, at the southern end of Lake Wakatipu, a gateway to Fiordland, ideal for a peaceful retreat.

Te Anau, New Zealand

Located in the Southland region of New Zealand, Te Anau is a scenic town that borders the Fiordland National Park. Experience the beauty of numerous mountain ranges, Lake Te Anau, bird watching, and easy access to Queenstown and the Milford Sounds.

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It's time to make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) in all its glory. Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown (Tāhuna). Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Milford Sound

Described as the Eighth Wonder of the World, Milford Sound offers breathtaking views and recreation. Visitors can admire staggering cliffs and waterfalls, kayak in the sea, take a helicopter flight, or enjoy a day or overnight boat cruise.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.

Standard Lylo (or similar)

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Today is yours to get acquainted with Queenstown and spend some time mulling over the activities up for grabs in the next two days. First, we'll visit the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge (AKA the home of the world home of the bungy!) for your morning adrenaline hit. Later, we'll stroll around this beautiful city. Please Note: The Free Time Add-Ons which take place in Queenstown can be booked for any day you are there. Just let your Trip Manager know, and they'll arrange this for you.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.

Standard Lylo (or similar)

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It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human, for that matter. You might be the one exploring wine country and uncovering local cellar doors, or you may be the one squeezing in a bungy jump, zipline and anything else that gets the adrenaline going. Looking to slow things down? You can also unwind with an optional session at Watershed Sauna, complete with incredible views over Lake Wakatipu and the chance to brave a cold plunge. It's your holiday, so make it your own.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.

Standard Lylo (or similar)

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With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to conquer those niggling fears. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient. Tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola and to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. What a way to end our time here!

Queenstown, New Zealand

Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.

Standard Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

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Time to return our adrenalin levels to normal and make tracks to the wild (and often wet) West Coast and it's towering glaciers. Enjoying our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wānaka, a pretty ski resort town situated on a lake front and dwarfed by mountains. This town is fast becoming one of NZ's most popular spots, and a trip to the 'Dough Bin' for a luscious pie should be high on the list today. 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 away from Queenstown through the Southern Alps.Playing host tonight is the town of Franz Josef (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere), home to some of NZ's finest natural beauty with bushlands and glaciers that almost reach the sea. Tomorrow we'll be out and about making the most of it - who's excited?

Wanaka, New Zealand

Located in the Otago region, Wanaka is a popular resort town that attracts tourists all year round. From cross-country skiing to water skiing, Wanaka offers endless outdoor activities no matter the season, as well as gorgeous views of mountain ranges, lakes, and more.

Haast, New Zealand

Haast is an area in the Westland District territorial authority on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. The main economic activities in the Haast region are farming, fishing and tourism.

Franz Josef, New Zealand

A small town on New Zealand's West Coast, known for the nearby Franz Josef Glacier and rainforest scenery.

Standard Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

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If ticking off bucket-list experiences is your thing, you can choose to venture onto the ice of Franz Josef Glacier this morning. We've got a heli ride over the glacier up for grabs, or the opportunity to carve your own Pounamu (jade) pendant, under the tuition of a Māori mastercraftsman. Pounamu is sacred to the Māori people, and this is a great way to learn about its cultural significance, while also creating a beautiful piece of jewellery.

Franz Josef, New Zealand

A small town on New Zealand's West Coast, known for the nearby Franz Josef Glacier and rainforest scenery.

Standard Drifter Christchurch (or similar)

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Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we hop back on the coach & start making our way back to Christchurch. In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots... Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps. Tonight we'll sleep well in Christchurch, drifting off to the pleasant memories of NZ's natural beauty that seasoned our day. Not quite ready to call it a night, why not head out and explore the city? Rebuilt following the Christchurch earthquake, this creative hub is packed with street art, riverside spots and innovative architecture, including the iconic Cardboard Cathedral. There's plenty to discover after dark.

Hokitika, New Zealand

Once the center of the West Coast Gold Rush, Hokitika is a rural township whose major industries include greenstone and a growing ecotourism economy. On a clear day, visitors can see the stunning views of Mount Cook.

Christchurch, New Zealand

The largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is an urban center in the Canterbury region. Nicknamed the Garden City, Christchurch is known for its Anglican cathedral, arts, museums, and as being a gateway for Antarctic expeditions.

Standard Sudima Kaikōura (or similar)

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We'll leave Christchurch behind this morning and begin our journey north. As we travel through the Canterbury Plains and along the rugged coastline, keep an eye out for the changing landscapes that make this corner of New Zealand so special. Next stop: Kaikōura. We'll arrive in Kaikōura, known for whales & dolphins, so have those cameras at the ready as we roll around the coast. We'll visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital. We'll learn about the wildlife we might encounter here, the threats they face, and what we can do to make a difference. After a busy day, we'll check into our seafront hotel then enjoy a free evening.

Kaikoura, New Zealand

Kaikoura offers activities all year round. By sea, visitors can swim with dolphins, whale watch or enjoy kayaking and surfing. By land, guests can enjoy wining and dining, shopping, bird watching, spas, hiking, and festivals. The possibilities are endless.

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We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikōura! We recommend taking a dolphin watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see (or swim with) dusky dolphins. Or even kayaking across the coastline! We'll stay another night in Kaikōura after an action-packed day, before heading to Wellington tomorrow morning.

Kaikoura, New Zealand

Kaikoura offers activities all year round. By sea, visitors can swim with dolphins, whale watch or enjoy kayaking and surfing. By land, guests can enjoy wining and dining, shopping, bird watching, spas, hiking, and festivals. The possibilities are endless.

Standard Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)

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After breakfast, we'll head back on the Contiki coach and head to our next destination. On our way, you'll struggle not to break into a collective 'cuuuute' as you watch seals sunning themselves on the rocks as we drive by. 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.

Wellington, New Zealand

As the capital of New Zealand, Wellington is a populous urban center that offers tourists an array of activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy museums, architecture, theatre, and the arts, as well as music festivals, world class cuisine, and more.

Standard Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)

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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!

Wellington, New Zealand

As the capital of New Zealand, Wellington is a populous urban center that offers tourists an array of activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy museums, architecture, theatre, and the arts, as well as music festivals, world class cuisine, and more.

Standard Kings Ohakune (or similar)

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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, "Te Mangawhero Trail". Tonight, snuggle down in our Special Stay ski lodge, located in prime position at the base of Mount Ruapehu (Ruapehu).

Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand

The highest peak on the North Island, an active volcano with renowned ski fields and volcanic landscapes.

Standard Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar)

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Wake up in the spectacular surroundings of Mt. Ruapehu with epic views of the volcano. Today we head off to Lake Taupō!Here we are in Lake Taupō (Taupō Nui a Tia). 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 lake cruise to watch the sunset, go fishing and enjoy some eats with our Contiki fam.

Taupo, New Zealand

Located at the center of the North Islands, Taupo resides along the shores of New Zealand's largest lake. In recent years, the town has become a popular venue for outdoor sporting events like sailing, cross country, biking, and more.

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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 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.

Huka Falls

Experience the natural beauty of Haku Falls, a set of cascading waterfalls that drain into Taupo Lake, the largest lake in New Zealand. Located on the Waikato River, visitors can walk trails, jetboat, or admire views from various observation points.

Rotorua, New Zealand

Located in the Bay of Plenty region, Rotorua is New Zealand's 10th largest urban city. Tourists can visit the Government Gardens and the Rotorua Museum of Art and History. Other popular activities include mountain biking, boating, and fishing.

Standard Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)

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Today is yours to roam free in this geothermal paradise. Soak in a hot spring, go rafting or hike up a volcano. Opt for the Rotorua Dawn Canopy Tour (exclusive to Contiki) and watch the sunrise, enjoy breakfast and coffee up in the trees as the birds make their morning calls. Then, soar 1200m through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Rotorua, New Zealand

Located in the Bay of Plenty region, Rotorua is New Zealand's 10th largest urban city. Tourists can visit the Government Gardens and the Rotorua Museum of Art and History. Other popular activities include mountain biking, boating, and fishing.

Standard Lylo (or similar)

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Ma-Te-Wa, 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?

Auckland, New Zealand

Commonly referred to as the City of Sails, Auckland is a populous urban area in New Zealand. An isthmus (narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas) Auckland's harbors offer beautiful views and a wide range of water activities.

Standard Bounty Motel (or similar)

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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.

Auckland, New Zealand

Commonly referred to as the City of Sails, Auckland is a populous urban area in New Zealand. An isthmus (narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas) Auckland's harbors offer beautiful views and a wide range of water activities.

Whangarei, New Zealand

Whangarei is the regional capital of the Northland region in New Zealand. This urban city is home to Northland Taniwha (a rugby union team) and is also a bustling center for arts, culture, architecture, and more.

Paihia, New Zealand

The main tourist destination in the Bay of Islands, Paihia is a seaside town with beautiful beaches. Visitors can explore the city center's many shops, cafes, and restaurants, take a ferry to nearby Russell, or enjoy swimming, fishing, and more.

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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.

Paihia, New Zealand

The main tourist destination in the Bay of Islands, Paihia is a seaside town with beautiful beaches. Visitors can explore the city center's many shops, cafes, and restaurants, take a ferry to nearby Russell, or enjoy swimming, fishing, and more.

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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?

Paihia, New Zealand

The main tourist destination in the Bay of Islands, Paihia is a seaside town with beautiful beaches. Visitors can explore the city center's many shops, cafes, and restaurants, take a ferry to nearby Russell, or enjoy swimming, fishing, and more.

Auckland, New Zealand

Commonly referred to as the City of Sails, Auckland is a populous urban area in New Zealand. An isthmus (narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas) Auckland's harbors offer beautiful views and a wide range of water activities.

Packages

Northbound | Oct 2026 - Sep 2027

Northbound | Oct 2027 - Sep 2028

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Highlights

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Christchurch, New Zealand

Lake Tekapo

Lake Ōhau, New Zealand

Arrowtown, New Zealand

Kingston, New Zealand

Te Anau, New Zealand

Milford Sound

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown, New Zealand

Wanaka, New Zealand

Haast, New Zealand

Franz Josef, New Zealand

Franz Josef, New Zealand

Hokitika, New Zealand

Christchurch, New Zealand

Kaikoura, New Zealand

Kaikoura, New Zealand

Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington, New Zealand

Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand

Taupo, New Zealand

Huka Falls

Rotorua, New Zealand

Rotorua, New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand

Whangarei, New Zealand

Paihia, New Zealand

Paihia, New Zealand

Paihia, New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand

Includes & Excludes

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Additional Notes

Policies

Confirmation

Redemption

Terms & Condition

Q & A

Popular FAQs

Customer Q & As

Reviews

Photos