New Zealand: Northern Choice | Southbound | Oct 2024 - Sep 2025
- Overview
- Itinerary
- What's Included
- FAQ
- Dates
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "New Zealand: Northern Choice | Southbound" tour, spanning from October 2024 to September 2025. This journey takes you from Auckland to Christchurch, offering a blend of thrilling activities and cultural experiences. Discover the vibrant yacht marina in Whangarei, explore the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and feel the adrenaline rush with bungee jumping in Auckland. In Rotorua, visit the world's largest kiwi bird conservation project and enjoy a traditional Maori dinner. Marvel at the natural beauty of Huka Falls and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Experience the breathtaking Kaikoura Coast, with opportunities for whale watching and seal colony visits. With comfortable accommodations and scenic drives, this tour promises an adventurous exploration of New Zealand's stunning landscapes.
Highlights
- Explore the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei and the unique Hunderwasser art centre.
- Discover the Bay of Islands and the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
- Experience the thrill of bungee jumping or sky jumping in Auckland.
- Visit the world's largest kiwi bird conservation project in Rotorua.
- Marvel at the powerful Huka Falls and enjoy a jet boat ride.
- Take a scenic drive along the Kaikoura Coast and visit a seal colony.
- Enjoy a whale watching tour in Kaikoura, spotting giant sperm whales and dolphins.
Mode of Transport
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- Christchurch: Which Version is Northbound vs Southbound? Southbound trips start in Auckland and end in Christchurch. Northbound trips start in Christchurch and finish in Auckland. They’re both the same itineraries, just in reverse.
- Sydney: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
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.
- 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(!)
- Mount Ruapehu: Today we'll check out Mt Ruapehu, an active stratovolcano elevated almost 2,800 metres into the air!
- Mount Ruapehu: See even more of the sights made famous by "The Lord of the Rings."
- Kaikoura: We'll take a spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast, and pay a visit to a nearby seal colony. Yup, it's a coastal cuteness overload.
- Kaikoura: 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.
Accommodation
Travel Insurance
Visa
Optional Tours and Activities
Destinations
- Australasia
- New Zealand
Tour Types
- Wildlife Tours
- Whale Watching
- Cultural
- Walking
- Eco Conscious
- Adventure Tours
Location: Auckland, Whangārei, Bay of Islands, Waitangi Treaty Grounds
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.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Location: 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.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Paihia, Auckland, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Sky Tower
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?
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Auckland, Waikato, Rotorua
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).
Accommodation Name: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Location: 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, 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.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Rotorua, Huka Falls, Lake Taupō
From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupō, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome 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. We arrive at Lake Taupō (Taupō Nui a Tia), 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 Contiki fam.
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Lake Taupō, Tongariro National Park, Ohakune, Mount Ruapehu
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 biking along the Mangawhero cycle track.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.
Accommodation Name: Kings Ohakune (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Location: Mount Ruapehu, Wellington
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.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.
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Wellington, Zealandia
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!<br/>
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Wellington, Picton, Kaikōura
So long north island! Today we're making tracks for your southern brother, darting across the Cook Strait via the Inter-Island ferry. Our first port of call on the South Island will be Picton (Waitohi), the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? 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.
Accommodation Name: Sudima Kaikōura (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: 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.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Sudima Kaikōura (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Kaikōura, Christchurch, Cardboard Cathedral, Christchurch
So long Kaikōura! 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. Our time together has been nothing short of perfect, so don't leave it to long before coming back to hang with us for Contiki 2.0.<br/>
Meals: Breakfast
Included
-
Auckland Harbour Bridge
-Admire the 'City of Sails' harbour as you cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
-
Whangarei Yacht Marina
-Visit the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei.
-
Hunderwasser Art Centre
-Check out the quirky exterior of the Hunderwasser art centre, a unique architectural project.
-
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
-Enjoy a guided tour at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a significant historical site in New Zealand.
-
Free Admission to Treaty Museum
-Receive free admission to the Treaty museum for more details on Kiwi history.
-
Traditional Maori Dinner and Performance
-Experience a traditional Maori dinner and cultural performance in Rotorua.
-
National Kiwi Hatchery
-Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery near Rotorua to learn about efforts to protect New Zealand's national bird.
-
Huka Falls
-Visit Huka Falls, a jaw-dropping display of natural hydro power.
-
Mount Ruapehu
-Check out Mt Ruapehu, an active stratovolcano elevated almost 2,800 metres into the air.
-
Kaikoura Coast Drive
-Take a spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast and visit a nearby seal colony.
-
Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue
-Meet eco-warrior Sabrina Leucht and learn about local wildlife conservation efforts.
Not Included
-
Travel Insurance
-Travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
-
Visa
-Visa fees and arrangements are not included in the tour package.
-
Optional Tours and Activities
-Optional tours and activities are not included and may incur additional costs.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
20-Jun-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1661.00 | |
|
20-Jun-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2655.00 | |
|
20-Jun-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1818.00 | |
|
04-Jul-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1607.00 | |
|
04-Jul-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2601.00 | |
|
04-Jul-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1764.00 | |
|
18-Jul-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1607.00 | |
|
18-Jul-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2601.00 | |
|
18-Jul-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1764.00 | |
|
01-Aug-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1607.00 | |
|
01-Aug-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2601.00 | |
|
01-Aug-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1764.00 | |
|
15-Aug-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1607.00 | |
|
15-Aug-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2601.00 | |
|
15-Aug-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1764.00 | |
|
12-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1785.00 | |
|
12-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2890.00 | |
|
12-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1960.00 | |
|
26-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1607.00 | |
|
26-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2601.00 | |
|
26-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1764.00 | |
|
06-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
06-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
06-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
14-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
14-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
14-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
30-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
30-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
30-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
07-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
07-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
07-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
15-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
15-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
15-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
01-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
01-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
01-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
17-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
17-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
17-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
21-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
21-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
21-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
25-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
25-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
25-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
29-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
29-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
29-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
02-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
02-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
02-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
06-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
06-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
06-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
10-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
10-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
10-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
18-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
18-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
18-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
22-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
22-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
22-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
30-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
30-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
30-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
03-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
03-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
03-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
11-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
11-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
11-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
15-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
15-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
15-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
27-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
27-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
27-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
07-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
07-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
07-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
23-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
23-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
23-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
08-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
08-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
08-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
24-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
24-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
24-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
10-May-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
10-May-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
10-May-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
26-May-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
26-May-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
26-May-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
06-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
06-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
06-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
20-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
20-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
20-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
27-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1595.00 | |
|
27-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2460.00 | |
|
27-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1760.00 | |
|
04-Jul-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1515.00 | |
|
04-Jul-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2337.00 | |
|
04-Jul-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1672.00 | |
|
11-Jul-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1515.00 | |
|
11-Jul-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2337.00 | |
|
11-Jul-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1672.00 | |
|
18-Jul-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1515.00 | |
|
18-Jul-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2337.00 | |
|
18-Jul-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1672.00 | |
|
25-Jul-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1515.00 | |
|
25-Jul-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2337.00 | |
|
25-Jul-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1672.00 | |
|
01-Aug-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1515.00 | |
|
01-Aug-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2337.00 | |
|
01-Aug-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1672.00 | |
|
15-Aug-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1515.00 | |
|
15-Aug-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2337.00 | |
|
15-Aug-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1672.00 | |
|
29-Aug-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1515.00 | |
|
29-Aug-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2337.00 | |
|
29-Aug-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1672.00 | |
|
12-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1515.00 | |
|
12-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2337.00 | |
|
12-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1672.00 | |
|
26-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights |
Multi-share (Mixed sex) | £1515.00 | |
|
26-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £2337.00 | |
|
26-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £1672.00 |
