Real New Zealand | End Queenstown
Real New Zealand | End Queenstown
$3595
Real New Zealand | End Queenstown
15 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, Rotorua, Taupō, Whanganui River, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Wānaka, Lake Manapōuri, Doubtful Sound, Queenstown
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NRNZQ24
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
Show-stopping scenery. Timeless tradition. Awesome adventure. Time to discover New Zealand like never before. In 15 incredible days, you’ll go from traditional Maori towns to the incredible Lake Manapouri and beyond. With the dreamy landscapes off Blue Duck Station, bridge-jumping in Queenstown, funky eats at Christchurch and witnessing the Haka IRL, this is as real as it gets.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland To Rotorua
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Marae Special Stay
Accommodation Name: Marae Special Stay
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Are you ready for an authentic adventure-packed ride through New Zealand? We begin our journey in Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau), its largest city. It’s time to say hello to your brand new crew before we make our way to our first destination. See that cloud of steam bubbling from the ground? That’s how you know you’re in the natural wonderland of Rotorua! Drop your bags off at our lakeside Marae Special Stay before we join a traditional Māori welcome ceremony. Then we'll get together to prep a traditional steamed meal - hangi. And while it's cooking, head out for an introductory tour of Ohinemutu Village & learn all about Tikanga and Kawa - Māori customs and protocols. Then, it's back to the guesthouse to reap the reward of our prep, and enjoy a delicious hangi dinner with the crew. Best first day ever? Quite possibly.
Day 2: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Marae Special Stay
Accommodation Name: Marae Special Stay
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning, travellers! Fresh air, serene views and a hearty breakfast awaits. You’ve got the entire day to spend exploring this charming landscape with a hike, or white-water raft ride - you choose. Later this evening, we'll regroup at the marae to learn about traditional Māori performing arts, including the superbly epic Haka (specially composed for Contiki!). Oh, what a day it’s been! And to think that the adventure has just begun…
Day 3: Rotorua To Blue Duck Station Via Lake Taupō
Location: Taupō
Accommodation: Blue Duck Station Special Stay
Accommodation Name: Blue Duck Station Special Stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It’s time for some more exploration. Fill up on some breakfast before we say farewell to our Māori friends. We’re in the Kiwi land, so you know we’re making a stop at the National Kiwi Hatchery - where you’ll learn all about Kiwi conservation and get some cuteness overload from the baby chicks! Hungry? You’re free to grab some lunch at a scenic spot in the beautiful town of Taupō (Taupō Nui a Kiwa). And then it’s back on the coach to our next destination. Welcome to this wonderful wilderness (right in the middle of a dense forest). We’ll check into our riverside Special Stay, and then take a tour of it too! And when you’re back, you’ll find a delicious dinner waiting for you. What better way to end the night than by gazing into the galaxy, surrounded by nature. Ah…this is what life’s about.
Day 4: Blue Duck Station
Location: Whanganui River
Accommodation: Blue Duck Station Special Stay
Accommodation Name: Blue Duck Station Special Stay
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a cosy night’s sleep in the kiwi woods, let’s hope you’re ready for some exploration. First, we’ll grab some breakfast. You can choose to spend today however you like. But not before we head out for an epic jet boat ride across the Whanganui River. Tonight, we'll prepare our own meal together and sit around the camp fire sharing stories of our epic day.
Day 5: Blue Duck Station To Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation: Abel Tasman Hotel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Abel Tasman Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to say goodbye to the forest (just for a while). Because after breakfast, we’re heading to our first city spot!Welcome to Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara)! We’ll check into our hotel and hop straight onto our coach for a guided city tour. The rest of the day is all yours, but don't forget to join us at night to explore the food and nightlife of this buzzing place.
Day 6: Wellington To Picton
Location: Wellington, Picton
Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel
Pull yourself outta that cosy cosy bed & put on your history hats! We'll visit the Te Papa National Museum to learn all about New Zealand’s culture (and also see the colossal squid!). Then, it’s time to journey from the North to South - on a ferry!Welcome to the stunning South Island. We’ll do a walkabout dinner in Picton (Waitohi) and check out a local pub - just you and your newly made buddies. Oh, it’s gonna be a good night!
Day 7: Picton
Location: Picton
Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You wish you could wake up here everyday, don’t you? Well, it gets even better. First, we'll take a short boat to Kaipūpū Sanctuary before jumping back on the boat to explore even more of Marlborough Sounds. Then how about a tour of the finest wineries in Marlborough? And we’ll end the day just like we did last night. A walkabout dinner and some good ol’ tunes. Sweet.
Day 8: Picton To Christchurch Via Kaikōura
Location: Picton, Christchurch
Accommodation: The Breakfree on Cashel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: The Breakfree on Cashel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise and shine! After breakfast, we’re jumping straight into our coach for a journey further down south. It’s time to soothe those hunger pangs with a good meal. And guess what? Your eyes are getting a feast too. Grab some lunch from one of the many beautiful restaurants here - with the backdrop of the sea and stunning mountains. Eclectic street art. Funky but fantastic eats. Serene river views. Christchurch (Ōtautahi) has a lot to offer - and your Trip Manager will show you around. Finally, we’ll end the night with another walkabout dinner.
Day 9: Christchurch To Wānaka
Location: Wānaka
Accommodation: The Brownston Hostel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: The Brownston Hostel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Shake a leg, travellers! After breakfast, we'll make our way to visit another jaw-dropping spot. What. A. Beauty. Get ready to witness some of the best views of your lifetime. Tonight, we'll grab an early dinner before embarking on a cruise of Lake Wanaka. You’ve got the entire night in this gorgeous place to spend however you like. Lucky you.
Day 10: Wānaka
Location: Wānaka
Accommodation: The Brownston Hostel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: The Brownston Hostel (or similar)
It’s adventure time! Today is yours to spend, just the way you like. Grab some breakfast at one of the many local cafes here. Rock climbing, kayaking, skydiving - there’s so much for us adrenaline junkies here. In the evening, take a stroll through the town and grab some dinner before you sink down into your comfy bed. What a long but fulfilling day it has been!
Day 11: Wānaka To Doubtful Sound Via Lake Manapōuri
Location: Lake Manapōuri, Doubtful Sound
Accommodation: Overnight Cruise
Accommodation Name: Overnight Cruise
Meals Included: Dinner
It’s time to say goodbye to Wānaka today. But there’s no need to shed tears just yet. Because after breakfast, we’re driving to another stunning lake. Got your camera ready? We’re hopping on a cruise to check out the impressive landscape around Lake Manapōuri. But that’s not all. We’ll also drive through the incredibly lush rainforests at Wilmot Pass. Now, this? This is natural beauty at its peak. Welcome onboard. You'll be spending tonight on a luxurious boat (with chefs on board!) So, hop on. Enjoy some afternoon tea and get ready for some more adventure! You’ll kayak through the serene waters, plunge into the icy Fiord and tour Doubtful Sound (Patea) with a nature expert to tell us everything about this extraordinary landscape. And after all that adventure chasing, we’ll be back on board to feast on a chef-made dinner with local produce. And then, it’s just games, music, cruising and good times with your new mates. Fabulous.
Day 12: Doubtful Sound To Queenstown Via Lake Manapōuri
Location: Doubtful Sound, Lake Manapōuri, Queenstown
Accommodation: Nomads Hostel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Nomads Hostel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Another day to spend exploring the Fiordland? Wow. Today, you’ll hop on a coach and get another look at Wilmot Pass. It’s time to set sail on Lake Manapōuri again, and make our journey towards the final destination of this trip. Welcome to Queenstown (Tāhuna)! Bet you’re hungry after all that lake exploration. Don’t worry, dinner is on us today! Make sure to get some rest tonight for the adventure that awaits us tomorrow.
Day 13: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Nomads Hostel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Nomads Hostel (or similar)
Wake up like a royal in Queenstown, and start your day with a wholesome breakfast. Free time to explore is all you’ve got today - and oh gosh, there’s no end to what you can do here. Bungy jumping, canyon swings, climbing waterfalls, vineyard tours, zip lining, skydiving - we bet you’ll wanna do it all! Afterwards, you can grab some dinner with your crew before resting your travel-tired limbs for round two of the adventure tomorrow.Please Note: The Free Time Add Ons which take place on Day 13 & Day 14 can be booked for either day.
Day 14: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Nomads Hostel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Nomads Hostel (or similar)
You already know what we’re doing today - ticking off your bucket list! You’re free to spend the day getting some breakfast and continuing your adventure. Today, you can even choose to have dinner at the Skyline restaurant which has panoramic views of Queenstown. It’s the last full day of the trip, so don’t forget to live it up.
Day 15: Queenstown To Christchurch
Location: Queenstown, Christchurch
After 15 days filled with adventure, culture, cities and sticks (and getting to know what New Zealand is really ‘bout) - it’s time to say goodbye. What a ride it has been! If you've chosen to get a transfer to Christchurch, hop on! And the journey has finally come to an end. Don’t forget to exchange contacts with your crew. Because after a magical journey like this one, we bet you’ll want to do it all over again.
What's Included
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Traditional Maori Welcome Ceremony
Join a traditional welcome ceremony called Powhiri in Rotorua, including singing, speeches, cultural performances, and lunch.
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National Kiwi Hatchery Visit
Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery near Rotorua to learn about Kiwi conservation efforts.
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Blue Duck Station Jet Boat Ride
Experience a jet boat ride across the Whanganui River at Blue Duck Station.
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Wellington City Tour
Explore Wellington's thriving art culture with visits to Old St Paul's Cathedral, museums, Oriental Bay, Mt Victoria Lookout, and Wellington Zoo.
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Te Papa Museum Visit
Visit the Te Papa Museum in Wellington to learn about New Zealand's history and culture.
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Marlborough Sounds Ferry Ride
Check out the sunken river valleys of Marlborough Sounds from an iconic Interislander Ferry.
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Doubtful Sound Cruise
Enjoy a cruise on Doubtful Sound with a viewing deck, traditional tea, and chef-made cakes.
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Guided Kayaking Tour in Doubtful Sound
Participate in a guided kayaking tour to explore the beautiful waters of Doubtful Sound.
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Chef-Made Dinner on Cruise
Enjoy a chef-made dinner with local produce on board a cruise in Doubtful Sound.
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Accommodation
Stay at various accommodations including Marae Special Stay, Blue Duck Station Special Stay, Abel Tasman Hotel, and more.
What's Not Included
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Short-Term Exhibitions at Te Papa Museum
Tickets to short-term exhibitions at the Te Papa Museum are not included.
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Free Time Add-Ons
Activities during free time such as bungy jumping, canyon swings, and vineyard tours in Queenstown are not included.
Dining Summary
1 Lunch (L)4 Dinner (D)7 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
Rotorua: Join a traditional welcome ceremony called Powhiri hosted exclusively for Contiki - including singing, speeches, cultural performances and even lunch (Hakari).Rotorua: Walk down to the home of the Ngati Whakaue tribe at Ohinemutu. Check out their cooking methods, hot water vents and even outdoor bathing sheds.Rotorua: Ever wondered what the Maori customs and protocols are? Learn all about their ‘layers of culture’ from the Maori themselves.Rotorua: Witness Maori culture - beautiful songs, poi dance, traditional weapons. And also the spine-tingling Haka, performed exclusively for Contiki.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.Blue Duck Station: Settle in and explore the wilderness around the tranquil waters of Whanganui - on a jet boat!Wellington: Hop onto a coach and explore the city’s thriving art culture. We’ll visit the Old St Paul’s Cathedral, museums, Oriental Bay, Mt Victoria Lookout, Wellington Zoo and so much more!Wellington: Wanna know more about New Zealand’s history & culture? We’ll visit the Te Papa Museum where you’ll find everything you need from the colossal squid to the ancient Moa. Please note: Tickets to short-term exhibitions are not included.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!Picton: Get ready to spot fur seals, penguins, korimako, tui, weta and geckos (but no predators!) at this beautiful sanctuary. We'll explore with a volunteer who helps manage it.Marlborough Sounds: Jump on a jetty to visit the Queen Charlotte track, Meretoto, and Captain Cook’s favourite anchorage before checking out the beautiful Resolution Bay. And to reward all that walking, we’ll do a delicious picnic lunch too.Doubtful Sound: Hop on a boat (with a viewing deck!) for a ride across New Zealand’s second largest lake. Rugged cliffs, beautiful bays and serene waters - you won’t find this kinda natural beauty anywhere else.Doubtful Sound: Hop on our private coach to ride over the Wilmot Pass that can only be reached by boat. Be prepared to witness a kaleidoscope of stunning rainforest scenery and waterfalls.Doubtful Sound: Sip some refreshing tea and chef-made cakes that are traditional to New Zealand, all on board a cruise.Doubtful Sound: A guided kayaking tour is the ultimate way to get up close to the beautiful waters of Doubtful Sound. Jaw-dropping waterfalls, dolphins, penguins, seals - there’s no end to astonishing sights here.Doubtful Sound: Ready for the coolest once-in-a-lifetime experience? It’s time to jump into glacial waters at Doubtful Sound.Doubtful Sound: This is your chance to learn all about the land, flora and fauna around this Fiordland. Best part? You’ll have a nature specialist to give you all the details.Doubtful Sound: Fill up on some delicious chef-made food made with local ingredients, on board a cruise.
Mode of Transport
Travel across New Zealand with a mix of coach rides, ferry journeys, and jet boat adventures, ensuring a seamless and exciting exploration of the country's diverse landscapes.
Accommodation
Stay at various accommodations including Marae Special Stay, Blue Duck Station Special Stay, Abel Tasman Hotel, and more, offering a mix of cultural and comfortable experiences throughout New Zealand.
Check out our Q&As
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a traditional Maori welcome ceremony in Rotorua, where you will experience singing, speeches, cultural performances, and a hangi meal. You will also learn about Maori customs and protocols, and witness traditional Maori performing arts, including the Haka.
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What wildlife experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will visit the National Kiwi Hatchery near Rotorua to learn about kiwi conservation efforts. In Picton, you will explore a wildlife sanctuary where you can spot fur seals, penguins, and native birds. Additionally, during the guided kayaking tour in Doubtful Sound, you may see dolphins, penguins, and seals.
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What activities are available at Blue Duck Station?
At Blue Duck Station, you can enjoy a jet boat ride across the Whanganui River. You will also have the opportunity to explore the wilderness and prepare your own meal to enjoy around a campfire.
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What can I expect during the Doubtful Sound experience?
In Doubtful Sound, you will participate in a guided kayaking tour to explore the beautiful waters. You will also enjoy a cruise with a viewing deck, traditional tea, and chef-made cakes. A nature expert will provide insights into the land, flora, and fauna of the Fiordland.
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Are there any unique dining experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a hangi meal during the Maori welcome ceremony in Rotorua and a chef-made dinner with local produce on board a cruise in Doubtful Sound.
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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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