10 DAYS NORTHERN CHOICE

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10 DAYS NORTHERN CHOICE

Just how much mind-boggling can be packed into a 10-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 Maori 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.

THE ONE THAT SEES YOU DELVE INTO THE LIKES OF WELLINGTON, AUCKLAND AND ROTORUA


DAY 1 - Auckland to Paihia via Parry Kauri Park

Auckland

Welcome to NZ globe trotters. Time to meet your wolf-pack and start salivating over the overflowing banquet of adventure we have up for grabs here in the land of the ‘long white cloud’. We’ll cross Auckland Harbour Bridge admiring the ‘City of Sails’ harbor before starting our journey north to Paihia.

Parry Kauri Park

We’ll waste no time exploring what this country is famed for – unfathomable nature. Ancient Kauri trees that stand up to 50 metres high and hold over 1000-years of history will delight a walk through the reserve of Parry Kauri Park.

-Walk through native Kauri Forest

Paihia

On arrival to the Bay of Island 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.

Stay

The Kingsgate Hotel (or similar)

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup

Check out Whangarei and Kawakawas famous Hundertwasser toilets

Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour

Tuck into a true Kiwiana fish n chips dinner


DAY 2 - Paihia

Paihia

Whether it’s parasailing or a fast boat ride – 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.

Stay

The Kingsgate Hotel (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Awesome Cape Reinga Trip

NZ$117

Carino Day Sailing

NZ$130

Discover the Bay

NZ$149

Island Adventure Fast Boat

NZ$78

Kiwi Parasail

From NZ$95


DAY 3 - Paihia to Auckland

Paihia

Feeling salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia & sashay our way back down NZ in the direction of Auckland, eager to carry on seeing what else this fine country has in store. Ask your Trip Manager for a bit of intel on the local lingo around here, sure to be the best way to make you feel right at home amongst the Kiwi crowd.

Auckland

Thought we’d “done Auckland” already? Oh hell no. Today is all about discovering yet more of this energetic city, starting with a free night to explore Auckland’s great  nightlife.

Stay

President Hotel (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Auckland Bungy

NZ$165

Auckland Bridge Climb

NZ$130

Sky Walk Sky Jump

NZ$225

Sky Tower Sky Walk

NZ$150

Giapo Chefs Table Experience

NZ$45


DAY 4 - Auckland to Rotorua

Auckland

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand’s best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Hobbiton Village. That’s right, it wouldn’t be a complete experience without a stop at the “Shire”.

Rotorua

When you catch your first whiff of that .. ‘unusual’ sulphur smell, you’ll know we’ve arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some.  Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Maori hāngi dinner & dance performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA. Tongues at the ready peeps.

Stay

The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (or similar)

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

Visit Hobbiton and take a guided tour of the set made famous by the “Lord of the Rings & Hobbit” movies

Traditional Maori cultural performance and Hangi dinner

See the Bubbling geothermic mud pools


DAY 5 - Rotorua

Rotorua

The day is yours to roam free. Soak in a hotspring, go white water rafting, take a canopy tour of hike up a volcano – the options are limitless and the decisions are yours.

Stay

The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Kaitiaki Rafting

NZ$99

Mt. Tarawera Trek

NZ$149

Rotorua Canopy Tours

NZ$149

Te Puia Steambox Tour

NZ$84


DAY 6 - Rotorua to Lake Taupo via Huka Falls

Rotorua

Our Rotorua adventures are (almost) at an end, but not before we stop by the Rainbow Springs Nature Park, where you’ll get the chance to learn about New Zealand’s national bird, kiwis. Like nice surprises? Here’s one for you – your included entrance fee goes towards the kiwi rehabilitation project, a Contiki sponsored initiative. Plus, as part of the project Treadright sponsors an incubator to hatch eggs, so every year we get naming rights to two new baby kiwis. Cute, huh?

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 Taupo is on the horizon.

Lake Taupo

Volcanic peak views & trout fishing will seamlessly slip us into quaint lake life. But don’t be fooled by the seemingly still scenery – a bungy jump or skydive are both on the menu if that adrenaline itch needs scratching.

Stay

Lakeland Hotel (or similar)

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

Take a behind the scenes tour of the of a Kiwi conservation project at the Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Chris Jolly Dinner & Party Cruise

NZ$80

Taupo Tandem Skydiving

From NZ$299

Hukafalls Jet


DAY 7 - Lake Taupo to Mount Ruapehu

Lake Taupo

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 mountain biking along one of NZ’s most picturesque track, “the Old Coach Rd”.

Mount Ruapehu

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, Mt Ruapehu with views unlike any other you’ve seen.

Stay

Kings Hotel Ohakune

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

See an active stratovolcano with Mt Ruapehu

See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings


DAY 8 - Mount Ruapehu to Wellington

Mount Ruapehu

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.

Wellington

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

Stay

Mercure Abel Tasman Hotel (or similar)


DAY 9 - Wellington

Wellington

Galleries, cafes, shops, street performers, vintage markets -Wellington you’re spoiling us. Stroll the eclectic Cuba Street, grab some sushi & pop by the Tattoo Museum where Maori moko face tattoos and modern ink collide, or hop on a quad bike to get down and dirty.

Stay

Mercure Abel Tasman Hotel (or similar)


DAY 10 - Wellington to Christchurch via Picton and Kaikoura

Wellington

So long north island! Today we’re making tracks for your southern brother, darting across the Tasman via the Inter-Island ferry.

Picton

Our first port of call on the South Island will be Picton, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone?

Kaikoura

Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. We’ll stop at a seal colony, where you’ll struggle not to break into a collective ‘cuuuute’ as you watch these guys sunning themselves on the rocks.

Christchurch

Arriving into Christchurch marks the end of our adventure (sob). Our time together has been nothing short of perfect, so don’t leave it too long before coming back to hang with us for Contiki 2.0


WHAT YOU GET

9 nights accommodation

8 nights in Hotel, 1 night in Contiki Special Stay

Throughout your trip you’ll be getting your beauty sleep in comfy beds in cosy multi-share rooms. Your accommodation will always be located in the heart of the action, with communal areas for you and your new best friends to relax and socialise.

12 included Meals

3 Dinner, 9 Breakfast

We’ll get 12 of your meals, you get the rest. You can expect a healthy breakfast every morning, as well as a traditional Maori Hangi and a BBQ or roast along the way. We’ll also give you plenty of opportunities to try the best gourmet eats in NZ.

Team

Expert Trip Manager, Driver and Local Guides

A highly trained Trip Manager who brings your adventure to life. An expert driver who knows foreign roads better than Google Maps. Local Guides who make tourist traps a thing of the past. This is your team. Smart, friendly, fun, and integral to everything we do.

Transport

All transport included during the trip

Included in your trip is transport around New Zealand on our fleet of comfy, state of the art coaches. They’re kitted out with all the necessities: USB charge points, WiFi, Air Con and a rocking sound system. You bring the other essentials, like tunes, friendships and stories from the night before.

Your group

Travel with other 18-35 year olds from around the world

Our trips are exclusively 18-35. This means you’ll be travelling with people just like you, from all over the world- laughter and friendships always guaranteed.

Experiences

10 included, 16 optional that you can add

The coolest thing about travelling with Contiki is all the extra stuff included while you’re rambling around New Zealand. Explore NZ’s native bush at Parry Kauri Park and experience a traditional Maori Hangi dinner and concert in Rotorua. You’ll also get to see Taupo’s raging Huka Falls, visit the magical Hobbiton, cruise along the Desert Road & Kapiti Coast and check out a seal colony on the Kaikoura coastline. There’s so much to do!


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