New Zealand: Northern Choice | Northbound | Oct 2024 - May 2025
New Zealand: Northern Choice | Northbound | Oct 2024 - May 2025
New Zealand: Northern Choice | Northbound | Oct 2024 - May 2025
12 Days Starting in Christchurch, New Zealand and ending in Auckland, New Zealand
Visiting: Christchurch, Kaikōura, Wellington, Mount Ruapehu, Taupō, Rotorua, Auckland, Paihia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NNHCDM24
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour 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 sashay our way from Auckland to Christchurch, chowing down on fish'n'chips and Maori hangi 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
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch To Kaikōura
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Sudima Kaikōura (or similar)
Welcome to Christchurch (Ōtautahi)! Contiki crew, are you ready?! We'll board the coach, travelling through South Island to reach Kaikōura by lunch. We'll stop off at a seal colony on the seafront to get our daily fix of cuteness, before heading to Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht. She has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikōura and Contiki has been helping with the fundraising! We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikōura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!
Day 2: Kaikōura
Location: Kaikōura
Accommodation Name: Sudima Kaikōura (or similar)
Meals Included: 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 seas and dusky dolphins. Other free time add-ons include a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikōura after an action-packed day, before heading to Wellington tomorrow morning.
Day 3: Kaikōura To Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we'll head back on the Contiki coach and head to our next destination. 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. Afterwards 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.
Day 4: Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
Meals Included: 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, 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!
Day 5: Wellington To Mount Ruapehu
Location: Wellington, Mount Ruapehu
Accommodation Name: Kings Ohakune (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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, "the Old Coach Rd" or spend the day bettering your skills on the slopes or generally treating yourself to all the snowy based activities on offer, then tonight snuggle down in our Special Stay ski lodge, located in prime position at the base of Mount Ruapehu (Ruapehu).
Day 6: Mount Ruapehu To Lake Taupō
Location: Mount Ruapehu, Taupō
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up in the spectacular surroundings of Mt. Ruapehu with the epic views of the volcano. Today we head off to Lake Taupō!Here we are in Lake Taupō (Taupō Nui a Kiwa). 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.
Day 7: Lake Taupō To Rotorua Via Huka Falls
Location: Taupō
Accommodation Name: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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, go skydiving 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.
Day 8: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 9: Rotorua To Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ta-ra, 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?
Day 10: Auckland To Paihia Via Whangārei
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 11: Paihia
Location: Paihia
Accommodation Name: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 12: Paihia To Auckland
Location: Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast
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?
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels and lodges throughout the tour.
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Meals
Meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included at various locations such as the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
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Cultural Experiences
Experience a traditional Maori cultural performance and feast.
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Wildlife Encounters
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery at Rainbow Springs and Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue.
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Scenic Stops
Visit scenic locations such as Huka Falls and Mount Ruapehu.
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City Tours
City tours are included in Wellington and Auckland.
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Eco-Sanctuary Visit
Visit Zealandia, a 225-hectare eco-sanctuary in Wellington.
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Lake Cruise
Enjoy a cruise on Lake Taupo.
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Included Experience
Check out the sunken river valleys of Marlborough Sounds from an iconic Interislander Ferry.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as whale watching, helicopter rides, and skydiving are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from New Zealand are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and other travel documentation costs are not included.
Dining Summary
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Dinner (D)
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.
Included Experience
- Kaikoura: 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.
- 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!
- Mount Ruapehu: It's not a real carrot, just a statue. But standing at 7.5 metres tall, it still impresses. This famous spot in Ohakune represents all of the carrot farms (and there are plenty here) in town.
- 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."
- 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(!)
- 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.
- Rotorua: A traditional Maori cultural performance, topped off with a traditional Maori feast... this ought to satisfy even the keenest of culture vultures.
- Auckland: Cameras at the ready folks, the views will be extraordinary here.
- Auckland: With sailboats at every angle, this is a beaut view indeed.
- Whangarei: 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 Maori 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.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife experiences can I expect on this tour?
During the tour, you will visit the Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist and learn about the efforts to build a dedicated wildlife hospital. You will also visit the National Kiwi Hatchery near Rotorua to learn about the conservation efforts for New Zealand's national bird, the kiwi.
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a traditional Maori cultural performance and a feast in Rotorua, providing an immersive cultural experience.
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What are some of the scenic locations we will visit during the tour?
The tour includes visits to scenic locations such as Huka Falls, Mount Ruapehu, and the Bay of Islands. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a cruise on Lake Taupo.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour primarily uses a Contiki coach for comfortable and convenient transportation between destinations such as Christchurch, Kaikoura, Wellington, Mount Ruapehu, Lake Taupo, Rotorua, Auckland, and Paihia.
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What type of accommodation is provided on the tour?
Accommodation is provided at various hotels and lodges throughout the tour, including stays at Sudima Kaikoura, Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman, Kings Ohakune, Lakeland Resort Taupo, Sudima Lake Rotorua, Lylo, and Bounty Motel.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are included as specified in the itinerary, with 11 breakfasts and 3 dinners provided during the tour.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities not included in the tour package include whale watching, helicopter rides, skydiving, parasailing, and a catamaran cruise.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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