16 DAYS KIWIANA PANORAMA
| 16 DAYS
Request Information16 DAYS KIWIANA PANORAMA (AUCKLAND TO CHRISTCHURCH SUMMER)
Feed your adrenaline cravings – relaxation is overrated! Hit Rotorua, ‘Zorb’ or luge then chill out in a Polynesian spa! Have a hāngi, cruise Lake Taupo then head to the adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown. Ever tried bungy jumping or canyon swinging? Now ‘s the time! Get into Queenstown’s legendary nightlife before the good times end in Christchurch.
THE ONE THAT PACKS 16 DAYS FULL TO THE BRIM WITH NZ BUCKET LIST MUSTS
DAY 1 - 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
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 2 - 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
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 3 - 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
NZ$115
DAY 4 - 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 5 - 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 6 - 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 7 - Wellington to Christchurch
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
Tonight we sleep well in Christchurch, drifting off to the pleasant memories of NZ’s natural beauty that seasoned our day.
Stay
The Breakfree on Cashel Hotel (or similar)
DAY 8 - Christchurch to Franz Josef
Christchurch
Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on.
Arthurs Pass
Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.
Hokitika
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…
Franz Josef Glacier
We’ll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.
Stay
Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Christchurch City Tour
See a native greenstone carving demonstration
DAY 9 - Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier
This morning will be another big ol’ tick off the list as we take to the ice of Franz Josef Glacier. Want to double tick the list in gold sparkly pen? We’ve got a heli ride over the glacier up for grabs for an ultra special experience. Satisfaction levels on high, tonight wbe topped off with story swapping and crew drinks at the local. Be sure to breathe in that fresh alpine air – doesn’t it feel good.
Stay
Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Glacier Country Kayaks
NZ$115
Across Country Quad Bikes
NZ$160
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing
From NZ$245
Heli Hike
NZ$439
DAY 10 - Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown
Franz Josef Glacier
Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we’ll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way.
Haast Pass
Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.
Wanaka
Intermitting our scenic drive we’ll stop for lunch in Wanaka, 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.
Queenstown
Welcome to the adventure capital of the world. Rest up tonight – the next few days are going to be BIG.
Stay
Jucy Snooze Hotel (or similar)
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge
Drive through Haast Pass and see Thunder Creek Falls
DAY 11 - Queenstown
Queenstown
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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.
Stay
Jucy Snooze Hotel (or similar)
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge
Tour and tasting of a Central Otago Wine vineyard and Craft Brewery
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Group Photograph
NZ$19
Queenstown Wine Trail
DAY 12 - Queenstown
Queenstown
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 trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It’s your holiday – run wild as you see fit.
Stay
Jucy Snooze Hotel (or similar)
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Kawarau Bridge Bungy
NZ$205
Nevis Bungy
NZ$275
Ledge Bungy
NZ$205
Thrillogy
NZ$420
Nevis Swing
NZ$210
Ledge Swing
NZ$165
Queenstown Adventurer Canyoning
NZ$199
DAY 13 - Queenstown
Queenstown
With our last day in adrenalin city ahead of us, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and hurl over any mental barriers you’ve put up around yourself. Jump into #NOREGRETS spirit and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.
Stay
Jucy Snooze Hotel (or similar)
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Ziptrek Zipline Tour
NZ$189
Skyline Restaurant Dinner
NZ$85
Canyon Swing
NZ$215
Funyaks
NZ$359
Ice Bar Experience
NZ$20
Canyon Fox
NZ$150
DAY 14 - Queenstown to Te Anau via Milford Sound
Queenstown
Alright, it’s time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound.
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 in all its glory.
Te Anau
Later, we head to our home for the night in stunning lakeside town of Te Anau.
Stay
The Village Inn Hotel (or similar)
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Milford Sound Cruise
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves
NZ$98
DAY 15 - Te Anau to Lake Ohau
Te Anau
Departing Te Anau we will make a stop at a true Kiwi farm experience, to discover how country life really looks like in this corner of the world. Anyone up for sheep shearing or milking a cow?!
Arrowtown
We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau.
Lake Ohau
We will stop by a farm to experience true country NZ life. Envisage – Horse back farmers, mustering sheep using dogs. Following that we travel to Arrowtown for a lunch stop then onto Lake Ohau.
Stay
Lake Ohau Lodge (or similar)
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau
DAY 16 - Lake Ohau to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo
Lake Ohau
It’s our last day but don’t get sad, we’re sure plans for Contiki 2.0 are already well underway. Kick start the day and end the trip on a high with a spectacular optional glacier flight over Mt. Cook for all new views of the country’s highest mountain.
Lake Tekapo
Later, we’ll stop off to see the inense milky blue waters of glacially-fed Lake Tekapo, before travelling back through the MacKenzie Country to our final destination.
Christchurch
Much of this beautiful city was destroyed in 2011 as well as lives lost when a 6.3 magnitude earthquake shattered everything, yet today Christchurch is experiencing a resurgence to it’s former glory. As we pull in (insert sad face) there’s sure to be some sadness, but memories of your New Zealand adventure will put smiles on faces for many years to come.
WHAT YOU GET
15 nights accommodation
7 nights in Hotel, 1 night in Contiki Special Stay, 7 nights in Lodge
Throughout your trip you’ll be getting your beauty sleep in cosy, warm beds in multi-share rooms, plus the chance to stay in funky sleeping pods that can be completely enclosed for sleeping and chilling out. 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.
20 included Meals
5 Dinner, 15 Breakfast
We’ll get 20 of your meals, you get the rest. You can expect a healthy breakfast most mornings, as well as authentic fish ‘n’ chips and a few BBQs 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
12 included, 26 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. Experience a traditional Maori Hangi dinner and concert, experience the magic of Hobbiton or drive along the Kapiti Coast.. There’s just so much to do!
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