Active New Zealand | Nov 2025 - Apr 2026

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • What's Included
  • FAQ
  • Dates

Embark on an exhilarating journey through New Zealand with the "Active New Zealand" tour, running from November 2025 to April 2026. Starting and ending in Christchurch, this adventure-packed itinerary takes you through stunning landscapes and thrilling activities. Experience the majestic beauty of Arthur's Pass and Fox Glacier, where you can opt for an E-bike tour or a breathtaking helicopter ride. In Wanaka, enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities like via ferrata and skydiving, or unwind with a serene Lake Wanaka cruise. Queenstown offers the thrill of bungy jumping and the scenic Routeburn Track hike. As you journey to Tekapo, marvel at Aoraki/Mount Cook and indulge in stargazing in the world's largest International Dark Sky Reserve. Conclude your adventure with a scenic drive back to Christchurch, enriched by the vibrant culture and natural wonders of New Zealand.

Highlights
  • Explore the stunning alpine scenery of Arthur's Pass and Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
  • Experience the breathtaking views of Fox Glacier, with options for an E-bike tour or a helicopter ride.
  • Enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities in Wanaka, including via ferrata, kayaking, and skydiving.
  • Visit the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown and experience the thrill of bungy jumping at Kawarau Bridge.
  • Hike the world-famous Routeburn Track, known for its jaw-dropping mountain views and unique wildlife.
  • Discover the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown, with options for boat trips, vineyard tours, and ziplining.
  • Marvel at the natural beauty of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo.
  • Experience stargazing in the world's largest International Dark Sky Reserve at Lake Tekapo.
Mode of Transport
Travel through New Zealand's stunning landscapes by coach, with stops at iconic locations such as Arthur's Pass, Fox Glacier, and Queenstown, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of accommodations including the Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier, conveniently located hostels, and the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey in New Zealand.
Optional Activities
Optional activities such as E-bike tours, helicopter rides, boat trips, vineyard tours, ziplining, and adventure canyoning are not included.
Meals Not Specified
Meals that are not specified in the itinerary are not included.
Dining Summary
  • 6 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Dinner (D)
Included Experience
  • Glenorchy: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you hike up the side of this breathtaking mountain and bond with your group. This simply is a Queenstown must-do.
  • Glenorchy: Come learn about the incredible work that goes behind conserving NZ's unique wildlife on this talk. With around 80,000 native species (many found nowhere else), it’s a biodiversity jackpot. But all the introduced mammals have wreaked havoc, pushing native species to the brink. That’s where the Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust steps in, leading predator control efforts to save them. (Now you see why Kiwis are such eco-warriors!).
Destinations
  • Australasia
  • New Zealand
Tour Types
  • Active
  • Hiking
  • Adrenaline Sports
  • Trekking
  • Walking
  • Adventure Tours

Location: Christchurch, Arthur's Pass, Hokitika, Fox Glacier

Hello & welcome adventurers! We kick off our journey right here in Christchurch (Ōtautahi), famous for its botanical gardens, cycle routes and sumptuous dining spots. With no time to waste, we’ll hit the road to our very first stop, Arthur's Pass. Driving through Arthurs Pass National Park and Westland Tai Poutini National Park, we’ll make a quick stop for refreshments and take in all the magical alpine scenery. Lunch breaks are rarely ever this scenic. So make sure your camera’s fully charged when we hit Hokitika.  And, here we are - in the Fox Glacier (Te Moeka o Tuawe)! Come bond with your crew over a delicious 2-course dinner and then catch some sleep for the big day tomorrow.<br/>

Accommodation Name: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (or similar)

Meals: Dinner

Location: Fox Glacier, Wānaka

Time to get exploring! Here at Fox Glacier, you’ll have the chance to look around on foot, sure, but the action doesn’t stop there. That’s right, you’ll have the opportunity to take an E-bike tour or even better, get an absolutely spectacular view of the glacier from a helicopter (!). We’ve satisfied our inner adventurer, now it’s time to satisfy our hungry tummies. Tonight, we’ll grab some dinner at a rustic 150-year-old hotel (with the mountains as our backdrop!). And then it’s back to our hotel to rest our travel-tired limbs.<br/>

Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hostel

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Wānaka, Lake Wānaka

Another morning waking up to breathtaking natural beauty. How lucky are we? Today is yours to spend, just the way you like. Grab some breakfast at one of the many local cafes here. Via ferrata, kayaking, skydiving - there’s so much for us adrenaline junkies here. In the evening, you can join us for a cruise of the stunning Lake Wānaka. What a way to end the day.<br/>

Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hostel

Location: Wānaka, Kawarau Bridge Bungy, Arrowtown, Queenstown

Morning, daredevils. We’ve got some more exploration to do today. You can grab some breakfast in town before we hop onto our coach towards our next destination. Nothing spells adventure like jumping off a bridge. And you best believe, that’s exactly what we’re doing at the world’s first commercial bungy jumping site. Plus, the view of the crystal blue river is a sight in itself. It really is an experience for a lifetime. Hungry? Luckily, the historic gold mining town of  Arrowtown (Kā Muriwai) has a spot or two to satisfy the rumble. Our home for the coming few days? The adventure capital of the world! Tonight you can choose to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. We’ve got 4 days of non-stop adventure ahead of us. So rest up!<br/>

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (or similar)

Location: Queenstown, Routeburn Track, Queenstown

Wakey wakey, we’re up and out bright and early today to get a head start on one of the best hikes in New Zealand. Yup, today we’re taking on the Routeburn Track. The world famous Routeburn Track: 19 km of jaw-dropping mountain views and plenty of chats with your crew in a seriously picturesque setting. What more could you ask for? Well, how about us taking care of your tickets, so you can save all your brainpower for the trek? We’re already a step ahead. Oh, and did we mention you’ll get the inside scoop on the Routeburn’s incredible wildlife and the conservation efforts making it all possible? You have a free night tonight, so you can either sample Queenstown’s laid-back-yet-legendary nightlife… or you can hit the hay and dream about what a wonderful day you just had. The call is yours.<br/>

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Queenstown

Today is yours to spend however you like – you can explore in your own way, or join us on an optional boat trip, vineyard tour, e-biking experience, ziplining adventure and adventure canyoning. (Safe to say adventure with a capital A lies in store for us.)Please Note: The Free Time Add Ons which take place on Day 6 & Day 7 can be booked for either day through your Trip Manager.<br/>

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Queenstown

Another day, another catapult… skydive… bungy jump… Yup, there’s loads more optional activities in store for us today, so make sure you eat all your morning oats – it’s gonna be a big one. And if you wanna explore Queenstown your way? You're welcome to! (We’re all about freedom here.) Dinner's on us tonight, so come hungry!

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Queenstown, Twizel, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Lake Tekapo

Queenstown, it’s been a blast but we’ve gotta be off now. We’re making our way to even more mesmerising views. Twizel is a worthy stop-off on any NZ trip. Luckily, this is where you'll munch on some lunch (surrounded by enchanting natural beauty). It's a feast for your tummy and your eyes... It's hike time! Hike underneath the incredible Aoraki Mount Cook AKA Aotearoa New Zealand's highest mountain. It's one of NZ's most famous hiking tracks. Or as the Kiwis call it - 'tramping tracks'. Staying on the edge of one of NZ's most photographed lakes, we’ll arrive into the glacier-fed beauty of Tekapo. Tonight, you have the option to wind down inside a hot pool (surrounded by alpine scenery).

Accommodation Name: The Godley Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Lake Tekapo, Geraldine, Christchurch

You know it’s a good morning when you wake up to unreal lake views. And today, you have the chance to see it all from above with the famous Grand Traverse Flight! Next, we’ll get a move on, making our way back to Christchurch. This quaint farming town is the gateway to the oh-so-stunning central & southern lakes and the Canterbury plains too. (P.S. It’s a great stop to try local jams, chutneys, juices and cheeses!).  It’s time to say goodbye (sadly). What an adrenaline & scenery-packed ride it has been! But not to worry, because we’ll be back again another time, in another place, for another adventure. That’s what life’s about, right?<br/>

Meals: Breakfast

Included
  • Glenorchy Hike
    -Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you hike up the side of this breathtaking mountain and bond with your group. This simply is a Queenstown must-do.
  • Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust Talk
    -Learn about the incredible work that goes behind conserving New Zealand's unique wildlife on this talk. With around 80,000 native species, it's a biodiversity jackpot.
  • Routeburn Track Tickets
    -Tickets for the Routeburn Track hike are included, allowing you to enjoy the trek without any hassle.

Not Included
  • Optional Activities
    -Optional activities such as E-bike tours, helicopter rides, boat trips, vineyard tours, ziplining, and adventure canyoning are not included.
  • Meals Not Specified
    -Meals that are not specified in the itinerary are not included.
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.
At Fox Glacier, you have the opportunity to explore on foot, take an E-bike tour, or enjoy a spectacular view of the glacier from a helicopter.
In Wānaka, you can enjoy activities such as via ferrata, kayaking, skydiving, or join a cruise on Lake Wānaka.
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.
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.
The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand's best hikes, offering 19 km of stunning mountain views and insights into local wildlife and conservation efforts.
In Queenstown, you can choose from activities like a boat trip, vineyard tour, e-biking, ziplining, adventure canyoning, skydiving, and bungy jumping.
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
In Tekapo, you can enjoy a stargazing experience in the world's largest International Dark Sky Reserve, or relax in a hot pool surrounded by alpine scenery.
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.

Dates Price Availability
06-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights
Multi-share (Mixed sex) £1395.00
04-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights
Multi-share (Mixed sex) £1395.00
18-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights
Multi-share (Mixed sex) £1395.00
22-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights
Multi-share (Mixed sex) £1395.00
05-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights
Multi-share (Mixed sex) £1395.00
26-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights
Multi-share (Mixed sex) £1395.00
19-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights
Multi-share (Mixed sex) £1395.00
16-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights
Multi-share (Mixed sex) £1395.00

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This tour is operated by Contiki

9 days from £1395 pp exc.flights; Enquire
Start:Christchurch, New Zealand
Finish:Christchurch, New Zealand
Suitable for: 18-35
Physical rating:Medium
Diets:Vegetarians
Tour operated in: English
Tour Reference: AVADM25
Contact us
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2 Call directly 0203 7939446