Description
Feed your adrenaline cravings – relaxation is overrated! Kick it off in Queenstown, the adventure-adrenaline Capital of the World. Ride the Shotover Jet (until Sep 2018) & get a slice of the action! Ever tried bungy jumping, or luging? Now’s the time! As you head North, see stunning glaciers, visit Christchurch, try a Māori ‘hangi’, cruise Lake Taupō & hit Rotorua to try the ‘Zorb’ or luge!
NZ Panorama – Auckland to Queenstown Highlights
Dining Summary
- 15 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Dinner (D)
What’s included
- 15 Breakfasts
- 3 Dinners
- Expert Trip Manager, Driver Team, Local Guides
- 16 included experiences
- ALL INTERNAL TRANSPORT
- ALL ACCOMMODATION
What’s not included
- Flights to/from the start/end location
- Travel insurance
- Free-time Add-ons
Itinerary
Kia Ora and welcome to Queenstown (Tāhuna). Aer checking in to your hotel the rest of the aernoon is yours to start discovering why Queenstown is best known as the adventure capital of the world. Tonight you’ll meet up with the rest of the crew, no doubt swapping notes on which thrill seeking activity to tick off first. Let the adventure commence…
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, we’ll visit the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge (AKA the home of the world home of the bungy!) for your morning adrenaline hit. Later, we’ll stroll around this beautiful city.
Please Note: The Free Time Add-Ons which take place in Queenstown can be booked for any day you are there. Just let your Trip Manager know, and they’ll arrange this for you.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences: Visit the AJ Hacke Kawarau Bridge
It’s times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that maer. You might be the one trailing through wine country and exploring wine cellars and caves, or you may be that one that crams in a bungy jump and ziplining & still craves more. It’s your holiday – run wild as you see fit.
Meals: Breakfast
With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to conquer those niggling fears. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient. Tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola and to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. What a way to end our time here!
Meals: Breakfast
Queenstown
Time to return our adrenalin levels to normal and make tracks to the wild (and oen wet) West Coast and it’s towering glaciers.
Wānaka
Enjoying our scenic drive we’ll stop for lunch in Wānaka, a prey 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.
Haast
Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass (Tioripatea), beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll away from Queenstown through the Southern Alps.
Franz Josef
Playing host tonight is the town of Franz Josef (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere), home to some of NZ’s finest natural beauty with bushlands and glaciers that almost reach the sea. Tomorrow we’ll be out and about making the most of it – who’s excited?
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences:
- Discover Wānaka
- Drive through the Show-Stopping Haast Pass
This morning will be another big ol’ tick off the list as we take to the ice of Franz Josef Glacier. We’ve got a heli ride over the glacier up for grabs, or the opportunity to carve your own Pounamu (jade) pendant, under the tuition of a Māori mastercrasman. Pounamu is sacred to the Māori people, and this is a great way to learn about its cultural significance,
while also creating a beautiful please of jewellery.
Meals: Breakfast
Franz Josef
Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we hop back on the coach & start making our way back to Christchurch.
Hokitika
In the gold rush town of Hokitika we’ll meet a local Māori guide who will take us on a journey of the area to learn about pounamu (jade), it’s history and special connection to the Māori people. Back on the coach we’re coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots…
Arthur’s Pass
Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.
Christchurch
Tonight we’ll sleep well in Christchurch (Ōtautahi), driing off to the pleasant memories of NZ’s natural beauty that seasoned our day.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences:
- Learn about Pounamu with a Local Māori Guide MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
- Visit Arthur’s Pass Village
Christchurch
We’ll set off on an inspiring tour of Christchurch this morning, the city that was totally rebuilt aer the Christchurch earthquake. Look out for the Cardboard Cathedral, which is the only cathedral in the world to be built mostly from plain old cardboard! Aer that, it’s another jaw-dropping drive up to the top of the South Island. The coach cuts across the Canterbury Plains to Kaikoura.
Kaikōura
We’ll arrive in Kaikōura, known for whales & dolphins, so have those cameras at the ready as we roll around the coast. We’ll visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital. We’ll learn about the wildlife we might encounter here, the threats they face, and what we can do to make a difference. Aer a busy day, we’ll check into our seafront hotel, then head out for dinner. Did you know that Kaikōura literally translates into ‘eat (kai) crayfish (koura)’? So, no prizes for guessing what type of cuisine we’ll be trying!
Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences: Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
We all love a free day – especially one spent in beautiful Kaikōura! We recommend taking a dolphin watching tour, where you’ll have the opportunity to see (or swim with) dusky dolphins. Or even kayaking across the coastline! We’ll stay another night in Kaikōura aer an action-packed day, before heading to Wellington tomorrow morning.
Meals: Breakfast
Kaikōura
Aer 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. Aerwards 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 prey cool city all in all.
Picton
Aaaand, it’s time to hit the North Island. So, hop on to the ferry!
Wellington
By the aernoon, we’ll have reached Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara), just in time for a tour of the city. Aer 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences:
- See Marlborough Sounds from a Ferry
- See Seals IRL
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!
Meals: Breakfast
Wellington
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.
Mount Ruapehu
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, “Te Mangawhero Trail”. Tonight, snuggle down in our Special Stay ski lodge, located in prime position at the base of Mount Ruapehu (Ruapehu).
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Stay at Kings Ohakune
- Check out the World’s Biggest Carrot
- See an Active Stratovolcano
Mount Ruapehu
Wake up in the spectacular surroundings of Mt. Ruapehu with epic views of the volcano. Today we head off to Lake Taupō!
Taupō
Here we are in Lake Taupō (Taupō Nui a Tia). 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 lake cruise to watch the sunset, go fishing and enjoy some eats with our Contiki fam.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences: Check out some LOTR Filming Spots
Taupō
As we leave Lake Taupō keep an eye out for even more recognisable ‘The Lord of the Rings’ backdrops.
Huka Falls
220,000 litres (58 000 gallons) of water gush over Huka Falls per second. Just let that sink in for a minute. Wild, right?
Rotorua
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences:
- Feel the Power of Huka Falls
- See Mud Pools in Rotorua
- Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®Experience
- Watch a Traditional Māori Cultural Performance
Today is yours to roam free in this geothermal paradise. Soak in a hot spring, go raing or hike up a volcano. Opt for the Rotorua Dawn Canopy Tour (exclusive to Contiki) and watch the sunrise, enjoy breakfast and coffee up in the trees as the birds make their morning calls. Then, soar 1200m through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Rotorua
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.
Auckland
Arriving into Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau), we’ll say goodbye to the wolf pack (sob). NZ – you’ve been real.
Meal: Breakfast
Included Experience
Queenstown
- Check out the epic views of the valley from the world’s first ever (and some would say most famous) bungy jump bridge. You might even witness some epic bungy jumps!
Wānaka
- A lake town with views for days, surrounded by beech forests, alpine lakes, and wilderness glaciers.
Haast
- Ready for some incredible views? We’ll drive through the gorgeous mountains of the Gates of Haast and catch once-in-a-lifetime views of the river below. Seems like Mother nature does have a favourite!
Hokitika
- The South Island is known for Pounamu (in fact, it’s even named after the stuff.) Today in Hokitika, we’ll meet with a local Māori Guide, who’ll tell us all about the connection between the illustrious greenstone and the Māori people. After that, we’ll go and check some out for ourselves.
Arthur’s Pass
- Check out the village that has been a haven for mountain climbers for over a century. Better keep your camera ready and eyes peeled – because this is spot where you might be able to get a glimpse of rare alpine parrots AKA Keas.
Kaikōura
- We’ll take a spectacular drive along the Kaikōura Coast, and pay a visit to a nearby seal colony. Yup, it’s a coastal cuteness overload.
- 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
- Today we’ll check out Mt Ruapehu, an active stratovolcano elevated almost 2,800 metres into the air!
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- A traditional Māori cultural performance, topped off with a traditional Māori feast… this ought to satisfy even the keenest of culture vultures.
- Wait til you see ’em. Wait til you smell ’em. These geothermic mudpools are a thing to behold.
Important Info
Trip starts in Queenstown at 5.30pm and ends in Auckland at 3pm. It is not recommended to book flights prior to 7pm on the last day of trip. When booking a twin room you are guaranteed a twin bed (2 beds) configuration in all locations except Queenstown where you may get a double room (1 Queen size bed). Please contact reservations to confirm if travellers require 1 or 2 beds (applicable to the hotel stay in Queenstown), subject to availability.
Please ensure that your name is correct on your ticket, as per your passport. Name changes or amendments may incur Contiki and/or Airline fees. It is the passenger’s responsibility to have a valid passport and all visas, permits and certificates required for their selected holiday as well as any necessary vaccinations. It is compulsory for travellers to take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and evacuation expenses before travelling on a Contiki holiday. We strongly recommend insurance also covers cancellation, personal liability and loss of personal property, and is arranged at time of deposit. Contiki has the right to refuse travellers without the required insurance cover to join our trips. For full details please visit www.contiki.com/booking-conditions. As Contiki trips are specifically designed for likeminded 18-35 year old travellers, to confirm space on the trip each travellers date of birth must be provided. Full payment must be received no later than 60 days before the trip start date.
