12-Day New Zealand Southbound Tour: Auckland, Paihia, Rotorua, Wellington and Kaikōura
What you'll experience
Highlights
• Meal Inclusions: 11 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
• Charming Attractions: We'll sojourn our way from Auckland to Christchurch, chowing fish'n'chips and Māori 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
• Group Size: Average 45 people
12 days
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1 — Auckland to Paihia via Whangārei
Auckland: 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.
Whangārei: 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.
Paihia: We're starting off with a dose of Kiwi history on a 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. Tonight we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana fish'n'chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.
Included Experience: Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge, See the Iconic "City of Sails" Harbour, View the Hundertwasser Art Center, Discover the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a Local Guide, Eat Fish and Chips Kiwi Style in Paihia
Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Bounty Motel (or similar) - 2
Day 2 — Paihia
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.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Bounty Motel (or similar) - 3
Day 3 — Paihia to Auckland
Paihia: 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.
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?
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Lylo (or similar) - 4
Day 4 — Auckland to Rotorua
Auckland: 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.
Rotorua: 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).
Included Experience: Watch a Traditional Māori Cultural Performance, See Mud Pools in Rotorua, Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar) - 5
Day 5 — Rotorua
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, 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.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar) - 6
Day 6 — Rotorua to Lake Taupō via Huka Falls
Rotorua: From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupō, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls.
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 Taupō is on the horizon.
Taupō: We arrive at Lake Taupō (Taupō Nui a Kiwa), the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. 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 tour fam.
Included Experience: Feel the Power of Huka Falls
Huka Falls
Lake Taupo
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar) - 7
Day 7 — Lake Taupō to Mount Ruapehu
Taupō: 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, Mount Ruapehu (Ruapehu) with views unlike any other you've seen.
Included Experience: See an Active Stratovolcano, Check out some LOTR Filming Spots
Mount Ruapehu
Tongariro National Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Kings Ohakune (or similar) - 8
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 delight. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara), and a chance to explore the great food scene, a night on the town will be on the cards.
Mount Ruapehu
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar) - 9
Day 9 — Wellington
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, we'll 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!Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar) - 10
Day 10 — Wellington to Kaikōura via Picton
Wellington: So long north island! Today we're making tracks for your southern brother, darting across the Cook Strait via the Inter-Island ferry.
Picton: Our first port of call on the South Island will be Picton (Waitohi), the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone?
Kaikōura: Kaikōura is known for its marine life (among many other things), so keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins and seals – which we'll check out along the way. Next up, we'll visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue to meet Sabrina Leucht, a local biologist who'll teach us about local wildlife, the threats they face and how we can make a difference. Tonight, we'll check into our seafront hotel for a relaxing evening.
Included Experience: See Seals IRL, Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Sudima Kaikōura (or similar) - 11
Day 11 — Kaikōura
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 seals and dusky dolphins. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikōura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, Quadbiking through Glenstrae Farm, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikōura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Sudima Kaikōura (or similar) - 12
Day 12 — Kaikōura to Christchurch
Kaikōura: So long Kaikōura!
Christchurch: Arriving into Christchurch (Ōtautahi) almost marks the end of our adventure (sob). But not before an inspiring tour of the city that was totally rebuilt after the Christchurch earthquake. Look out for the Cardboard Cathedral, the only cathedral in the world to be built mostly from plain old cardboard!
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded
What's included
Included
- 7 nights in Hotels, 2 nights in Featured Accommodation, 1 night in Hostel, 1 night in Special Stay
- 11 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
- Expert Trip Manager, Driver Team, Local Guides
- Included Experiences
Not included
- Flights to and from your starting and ending points
- Travel insurance and visas
- Any personal expenses
- Choice Experiences
- Gratuities
Cancellation policy
| When you cancel | Refund | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 days before | 0% | Cancellation Made Within 2 days prior to departure, No Refund |
| 3–9 days before | 25% | Cancellation Made Within 3 days to 9 days prior to departure, Refund 25% of total purchase amount |
| 10–23 days before | 50% | Cancellation Made Within 10 days to 23 days prior to departure, Refund 50% of total purchase amount |
| 24–61 days before | 75% | Cancellation Made Within 24 days to 61 days prior to departure, Refund 75% of total purchase amount |
| 62+ days before | 200% | Cancellation Made 62 or more days prior to departure, only $200 charge handling fee by person |
Read the full cancellation terms
• Extra hotel accommodation: non-refundable.
•Transfers: non-refundable.
• Special events and activities may incur additional penalty.
Important info
Special notes
* USA passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for New Zealand. It must be obtained on-line prior to departure from the Country of Origin. We recommend applying 60 days prior to departure. Please see important visa details sent with your invoice.
* Passports with a minimum of 6 months validity after return date are required and are at your expense.
* Please contact the consulate/embassy and family doctor for further details on medical vaccinations that may be required for specific countries.
* Non-US citizens please check with your nearest consulate.
* Day 1 is the start date and first hotel night included with the journey. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
* To give ample time for check-in and security, we recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight departure.
* Focusing on 18-35 year olds allows us to tailor a dramatically more powerful travel experience and an itinerary so fun it feels like all of your best Friday nights combined.
* Group sizes are completely dependent on where and how you choose to travel.
* In Europe and in most of North America and New Zealand, group sizes can range between 24 - 53 awesome travellers.
* In regions like Asia, Australia, Africa and Latin America, and on some North America and New Zealand trips, our group sizes are considerably smaller – as low as 12 or up to 30 travellers max.
* Detour trips offer a different type of experience and max out at 16 people led by a local host.
* It's a requirement of traveling that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, personal liability & loss of personal property and Covid related expenses before you travel with us. * * It's also super important to check that your insurance covers all of the activities you'll be trying out, particularly any adventure activities (for all you adrenaline junkies).
* Our typical luggage allowances: For our European, North American, Australian and New Zealand trips, luggage is restricted to one decent sized, suitcase, approximately 29" × 20" × 10" (73cm x 50cm x 25cm) with a maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs.) plus one small hand/day bag that can go on the transport with you. Metal frame backpacks are not advised as their bulky shape makes packing vehicles tricky, plus they are more likely to damage other luggage.
* For our train trips please note you must be able to carry your own bags on this trip. As we will be taking public transport in cities & getting to the heart of the destinations we visit, pack wisely.
* On European ski trips and New Zealand trips with a ski option you have the option to bring one pair of skis and ski boots or snowboard.
* Each trip contains the right amount of free time for you to explore or indulge your travel desires. We offer Free Time Add-Ons, which are additional experiences that are not included in the overall price. These add ons are highlighted on the specific trip page. Your Trip Manager will highlight these to you and organise their booking on trip. Exceptions may apply where pre booking is required but this will be made known to you in your pre departure information.
* A number of meal times are left open for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail, so budgeting for your taste in non-catered meals is important.
* Travel insurance and visas are also not included in the cost of your trip, and should be booked separately.
Tour operator
Tours4Fun Provider 10327
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from
$2281
NPR 3,07,935