New Zealand: Sun & Steam
New Zealand: Sun & Steam
$1285
New Zealand: Sun & Steam
6 Days Starting and ending in Auckland, New Zealand
Visiting: Bay of Islands, Paihia, Auckland, Rotorua
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NRZADM24
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through New Zealand with the "Sun & Steam" tour, a cultural adventure that immerses you in the country's rich history and stunning landscapes. Begin your exploration in Auckland, the "City of Sails," before heading north to the Bay of Islands, where you'll delve into Kiwi history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Experience the thrill of adventure in Paihia, with options like parasailing and sailing. In Rotorua, witness the conservation efforts at the National Kiwi Hatchery and enjoy a traditional Maori hangi dinner and cultural performance. Throughout the tour, enjoy comfortable accommodations and delicious meals, including a classic fish 'n' chips dinner overlooking the Bay of Islands. With guided tours, cultural experiences, and breathtaking scenery, this tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, all while supporting sustainable travel initiatives.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland To Paihia Via Whangārei
Location: Bay of Islands
Accommodation Name: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Contiki crew in Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) and cross the 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 and check out the quirky exterior of the Hunderwasser art centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again towards the Bay of Islands.On arrival to the Bay of Islands 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. Tonight we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana fish'n'chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.
Day 2: Paihia
Location: Paihia
Accommodation Name: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Whether it's parasailing or cruising the Bay of Islands while sailing on Carino - 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 3: Paihia To Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia & sashay our way back down NZ in the direction of Auckland. Arriving in Auckland we've got a array of awesome Free-Time Add-Ons to choose from. 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 icecream experience at Giapo?
Day 4: Auckland To Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We'll drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks. We'll visit the world’s largest kiwi bird conservation project, watch the birds roam, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow and even visit the incubation centre where over 2,100 kiwi chicks have been born. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a traditional Māori dinner and performance (you’ll also have the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA).
Day 5: 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 6: Rotorua To Auckland
Location: Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast
Just as we were acclimatising to that funky smell, it's time to leave Rotorua. Take one last look at the bubbling geothermic mud pools before we flee. Your Trip Manager will book you into a transfer service this morning. Arriving into Auckland, we'll say goodbye to the wolf pack (sob). NZ - you've been real.
What's Included
-
Guided Tours
Enjoy guided tours of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Hundertwasser Art Center, and the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery to enrich your knowledge of New Zealand's history, culture, and wildlife.
-
Cultural Experiences
Experience a traditional Maori hangi dinner and cultural performance, including the chance to participate in the world-famous HAKA.
-
Accommodations
Stay in comfortable accommodations throughout your journey, including the Bounty Motel, Jucy Snooze, and Sudima Lake Rotorua or similar.
-
Meals
Enjoy various meals throughout your tour, including a special fish 'n' chips dinner overlooking the Bay of Islands and a traditional Maori hangi dinner.
-
Transportation
Travel comfortably across New Zealand from Auckland to Paihia, Rotorua, and back, with all transportation included.
-
Included Experience
Experience the stunning views of Auckland, the cultural significance of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua.
What's Not Included
-
Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
-
International Travel
International flights to and from New Zealand are not included.
-
Optional Activities
Optional activities such as parasailing, bungee jumping, and other Free-Time Add-Ons are not included in the tour package.
Dining Summary
2 Dinner (D)5 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
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.Rotorua: A traditional Maori cultural performance, topped off with a traditional Maori 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.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably across New Zealand from Auckland to Paihia, Rotorua, and back, with all transportation included.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable accommodations throughout your journey, including the Bounty Motel, Jucy Snooze, and Sudima Lake Rotorua or similar.
Check out our Q&As
-
What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a traditional Maori hangi dinner and cultural performance, where you will also have the chance to participate in the world-famous HAKA.
-
What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in comfortable accommodations throughout the journey, including places like the Bounty Motel, Jucy Snooze, and Sudima Lake Rotorua or similar.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, various meals are included throughout the tour, such as a special fish 'n' chips dinner overlooking the Bay of Islands and a traditional Maori hangi dinner.
-
What transportation is provided during the tour?
All transportation is included, allowing you to travel comfortably across New Zealand from Auckland to Paihia, Rotorua, and back.
-
What activities are available in Rotorua?
In Rotorua, you can enjoy a traditional Maori dinner and performance, soak in hot springs, go white water rafting, hike up a volcano, or take the Rotorua Dawn Canopy Tour, which includes a zipline adventure.
-
What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Rotorua?
The MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Rotorua involves visiting the National Kiwi Hatchery to learn about efforts to protect New Zealand's national bird, the kiwi.
-
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.
-
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.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
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.
-
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.
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026
Tuesday - Sunday
Jan 07, 2025 - Jan 12, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jan 11, 2025 - Jan 16, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jan 19, 2025 - Jan 24, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jan 23, 2025 - Jan 28, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jan 31, 2025 - Feb 05, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Feb 04, 2025 - Feb 09, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Feb 12, 2025 - Feb 17, 2025Monday - Saturday
Feb 24, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Mar 04, 2025 - Mar 09, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Mar 20, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025Monday - Saturday
Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Friday - Wednesday
May 23, 2025 - May 28, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jun 20, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jul 25, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025Monday - Saturday
Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Oct 22, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 30, 2025 - Nov 04, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 12, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 20, 2025Sunday - Friday
Nov 23, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025Monday - Saturday
Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Dec 09, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Dec 17, 2025 - Dec 22, 2025Sunday - Friday
Dec 21, 2025 - Dec 26, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Dec 25, 2025 - Dec 30, 2025Monday - Saturday
Dec 29, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026Friday - Wednesday
Jan 02, 2026 - Jan 07, 2026Tuesday - Sunday
Jan 06, 2026 - Jan 11, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Jan 10, 2026 - Jan 15, 2026Wednesday - Monday
Jan 14, 2026 - Jan 19, 2026Sunday - Friday
Jan 18, 2026 - Jan 23, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
Jan 22, 2026 - Jan 27, 2026Monday - Saturday
Jan 26, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026Friday - Wednesday
Jan 30, 2026 - Feb 04, 2026Tuesday - Sunday
Feb 03, 2026 - Feb 08, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 12, 2026Wednesday - Monday
Feb 11, 2026 - Feb 16, 2026Sunday - Friday
Feb 15, 2026 - Feb 20, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
Feb 19, 2026 - Feb 24, 2026Friday - Wednesday
Feb 27, 2026 - Mar 04, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 12, 2026Monday - Saturday
Mar 23, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026Wednesday - Monday
Apr 08, 2026 - Apr 13, 2026Friday - Wednesday
Apr 24, 2026 - Apr 29, 2026Sunday - Friday
May 10, 2026 - May 15, 2026Tuesday - Sunday
May 26, 2026 - May 31, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Jun 06, 2026 - Jun 11, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Jun 20, 2026 - Jun 25, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 02, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Jul 04, 2026 - Jul 09, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Jul 11, 2026 - Jul 16, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Jul 18, 2026 - Jul 23, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Jul 25, 2026 - Jul 30, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 06, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 20, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 03, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 17, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 01, 2026Book with Confidence
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.