1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (06.05.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (07.05.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (08.05.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (09.05.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (10.05.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (11.05.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (12.05.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (13.05.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (14.05.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (15.05.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (16.05.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (17.05.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (18.05.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (19.05.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (20.05.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (21.05.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (22.05.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (23.05.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (24.05.2024)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (25.05.2024)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (26.05.2024)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (07.06.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (08.06.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (09.06.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (10.06.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (11.06.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (12.06.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (13.06.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (14.06.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (15.06.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (16.06.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (17.06.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (18.06.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (19.06.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (20.06.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (21.06.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (22.06.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (23.06.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (24.06.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (25.06.2024)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (26.06.2024)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (27.06.2024)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (21.06.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (22.06.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (23.06.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (24.06.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (25.06.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (26.06.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (27.06.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (28.06.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (29.06.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (30.06.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (01.07.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (02.07.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (03.07.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (04.07.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (05.07.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (06.07.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (07.07.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (08.07.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (09.07.2024)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (10.07.2024)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (11.07.2024)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (05.07.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (06.07.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (07.07.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (08.07.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (09.07.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (10.07.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (11.07.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (12.07.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (13.07.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (14.07.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (15.07.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (16.07.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (17.07.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (18.07.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (19.07.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (20.07.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (21.07.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (22.07.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (23.07.2024)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (24.07.2024)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (25.07.2024)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (19.07.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (20.07.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (21.07.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (22.07.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (23.07.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (24.07.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (25.07.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (26.07.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (27.07.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (28.07.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (29.07.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (30.07.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (31.07.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (01.08.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (02.08.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (03.08.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (04.08.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (05.08.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (06.08.2024)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (07.08.2024)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (08.08.2024)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (26.07.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (27.07.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (28.07.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (29.07.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (30.07.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (31.07.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (01.08.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (02.08.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (03.08.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (04.08.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (05.08.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (06.08.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (07.08.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (08.08.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (09.08.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (10.08.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (11.08.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (12.08.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (13.08.2024)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (14.08.2024)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (15.08.2024)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (02.08.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (03.08.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (04.08.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (05.08.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (06.08.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (07.08.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (08.08.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (09.08.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (10.08.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (11.08.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (12.08.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (13.08.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (14.08.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (15.08.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (16.08.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (17.08.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (18.08.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (19.08.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (20.08.2024)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (21.08.2024)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (22.08.2024)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (30.08.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (31.08.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (01.09.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (02.09.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (03.09.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (04.09.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (05.09.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (06.09.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (07.09.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (08.09.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (09.09.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (10.09.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (11.09.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (12.09.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (13.09.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (14.09.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (15.09.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (16.09.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (17.09.2024)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (18.09.2024)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (19.09.2024)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (13.09.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (14.09.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (15.09.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (16.09.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (17.09.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (18.09.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (19.09.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (20.09.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (21.09.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (22.09.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (23.09.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (24.09.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (25.09.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (26.09.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (27.09.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (28.09.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (29.09.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (30.09.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (01.10.2024)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (02.10.2024)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (03.10.2024)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (27.09.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (28.09.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (29.09.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (30.09.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (01.10.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (02.10.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (03.10.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (04.10.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (05.10.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (06.10.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (07.10.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (08.10.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (09.10.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (10.10.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (11.10.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (12.10.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (13.10.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (14.10.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (15.10.2024)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (16.10.2024)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (17.10.2024)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (03.10.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (04.10.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (05.10.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (06.10.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (07.10.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (08.10.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (09.10.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (10.10.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (11.10.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (12.10.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (13.10.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (14.10.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (15.10.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (16.10.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (17.10.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (18.10.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (19.10.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (20.10.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (21.10.2024)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (22.10.2024)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (23.10.2024)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (11.10.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (12.10.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (13.10.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (14.10.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (15.10.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (16.10.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (17.10.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (18.10.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (19.10.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (20.10.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (21.10.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (22.10.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (23.10.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (24.10.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (25.10.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (26.10.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (27.10.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (28.10.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (29.10.2024)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (30.10.2024)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (31.10.2024)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (19.10.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (20.10.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (21.10.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (22.10.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (23.10.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (24.10.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (25.10.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (26.10.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (27.10.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (28.10.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (29.10.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (30.10.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (31.10.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (01.11.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (02.11.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (03.11.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (04.11.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (05.11.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (06.11.2024)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (07.11.2024)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (08.11.2024)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (27.10.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (28.10.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (29.10.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (30.10.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (31.10.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (01.11.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (02.11.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (03.11.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (04.11.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (05.11.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (06.11.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (07.11.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (08.11.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (09.11.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (10.11.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (11.11.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (12.11.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (13.11.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (14.11.2024)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (15.11.2024)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (16.11.2024)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (04.11.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (05.11.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (06.11.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (07.11.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (08.11.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (09.11.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (10.11.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (11.11.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (12.11.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (13.11.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (14.11.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (15.11.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (16.11.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (17.11.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (18.11.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (19.11.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (20.11.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (21.11.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (22.11.2024)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (23.11.2024)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (24.11.2024)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (12.11.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (13.11.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (14.11.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (15.11.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (16.11.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (17.11.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (18.11.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (19.11.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (20.11.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (21.11.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (22.11.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (23.11.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (24.11.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (25.11.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (26.11.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (27.11.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (28.11.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (29.11.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (30.11.2024)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (01.12.2024)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (02.12.2024)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (20.11.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (21.11.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (22.11.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (23.11.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (24.11.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (25.11.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (26.11.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (27.11.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (28.11.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (29.11.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (30.11.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (01.12.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (02.12.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (03.12.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (04.12.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (05.12.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (06.12.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (07.12.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (08.12.2024)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (09.12.2024)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (10.12.2024)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (28.11.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (29.11.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (30.11.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (01.12.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (02.12.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (03.12.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (04.12.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (05.12.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (06.12.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (07.12.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (08.12.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (09.12.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (10.12.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (11.12.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (12.12.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (13.12.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (14.12.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (15.12.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (16.12.2024)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (17.12.2024)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (18.12.2024)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (06.12.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (07.12.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (08.12.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (09.12.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (10.12.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (11.12.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (12.12.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (13.12.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (14.12.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (15.12.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (16.12.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (17.12.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (18.12.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (19.12.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (20.12.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (21.12.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (22.12.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (23.12.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (24.12.2024)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (25.12.2024)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (26.12.2024)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (14.12.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (15.12.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (16.12.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (17.12.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (18.12.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (19.12.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (20.12.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (21.12.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (22.12.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (23.12.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (24.12.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (25.12.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (26.12.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (27.12.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (28.12.2024)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (29.12.2024)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (30.12.2024)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (31.12.2024)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (01.01.2025)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (02.01.2025)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (03.01.2025)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (18.12.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (19.12.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (20.12.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (21.12.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (22.12.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (23.12.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (24.12.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (25.12.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (26.12.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (27.12.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (28.12.2024)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (29.12.2024)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (30.12.2024)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (31.12.2024)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (01.01.2025)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at the lake side town of Wanaka

16. Tag: Queenstown (02.01.2025)

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 stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. We then take take it down a few notches and soak in the veiws and the tastes of the region where we visit the Gibbston Valley, world famous for its Sav Blanc wine. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Optional Activities:
Canyon Swing - NZD 249
Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD 205
Ice Bar Experience - NZD 15
Adventurer Canyoning - NZD 199

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge visit
Visit a vineyard in Gibbston Valley

17. Tag: Queenstown (03.01.2025)

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Optional Activities:
Ledge Bungy Jump - NZD 205
Bungy Thrillogy (Conquer the AJ Hackett Bungy challenge & jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the Ledge & Nevis) - price on request
Ledge Swing - NZD 165
Vineyard Tour - NZD 169
Ziptrek Zipline Tour - NZD 199
Shotover Jet - price on request
Walter Peak Horse Trek - NZD 179

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

18. Tag: Queenstown (04.01.2025)

With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Optional Activities:
Funyaks - NZD 399
Nevis Bungy - NZD 275
Nevis Swing - NZD 225
Nevis Catapult - NZD 225
NZONE Skydiving - NZD 379

19. Tag: Queenstown - Te Anau (05.01.2025)

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Optional Activities:
Te Anau Glow Worm Caves - NZD 99
Fiordland JetBoat Tour - NZD 169

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Milford Sound Cruise

20. Tag: Te Anau - Lake Ohau (06.01.2025)

So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up.

Next, the arrow points to Arrowtown. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ohau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

21. Tag: Lake Ohau - Christchurch (07.01.2025)

We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important.

And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
Visit the Dark Sky Experience

1. Tag: Auckland - Paihia (22.12.2024)

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Crew in Auckland and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We'll cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

But first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we'll check out the weird and wonderful Hundertwasser Art Centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to 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 stay in Paihia and we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana Fish'n'Chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and the famous Hundertwasser Art Center
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Eat fish ‘n’ chips in Paihia

2. Tag: Paihia (23.12.2024)

Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - 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.

Optional Activities:
Cape Rienga & Ninety Mile Beach Full Day Trip - NZD 165
Carino Day Sailing Adventure - NZD 168
Explore Discover the Bay - NZD 135
Kiwi Parasail - NZD 105
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279

3. Tag: Paihia - Auckland (24.12.2024)

After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia and 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?

Optional Activities:
Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump - NZD 165
Harbour Bridge Climb - NZD 130
Sky Tower Sky Jump - NZD 225
Sky Tower Sky Walk - NZD 150
Giapo's Behind the Scene's Experience - Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats - NZD 55

4. Tag: Auckland - Rotorua (25.12.2024)

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. We'll stop off at the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery, the largest conservation project for the kiwi bird in the world. Watch these adorable little birds roam around, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow, and visit the incubation centre, where over 2100 kiwi chicks have been born. Who knows, maybe you'll see a newly-hatched kiwi chick!

Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Māori hāngi dinner & cultural performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Traditional Māori Cultural Performance including Hangi Dinner
See Rotorua's Geothermic Mud Pools
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery

5. Tag: Rotorua (26.12.2024)

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 1200 meters through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Optional Activities:
Kaitiaki Rafting - NZD 129
Mt. Tarawera Hike - NZD 164
Rotorua Ultimate Canopy Tours - NZD 199
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZD 179

6. Tag: Rotorua - Lake Taupo (27.12.2024)

From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupo, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220.000 litres 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 Taupo is on the horizon.

We arrive at Lake Taupo, 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 you can choose to jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with your crew.

Optional Activities:
Lake Taupo Sunset Dinner Cruise - NZD 90
Tandem Skydive - NZD 279
Huka Jet Boat Ride - NZD 119

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit the Huka Falls

7. Tag: Lake Taupo - Mount Ruapehu (28.12.2024)

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 Road". 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 with views unlike any other you've seen.

Optional activities:
Old Coach Road Mountain Bike Trail - NZD 59

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See an active stratovolcano with Mount Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

8. Tag: Mount Ruapehu - Wellington (29.12.2024)

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 delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.

9. Tag: Wellington (30.12.2024)

Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we'll 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!

Optional activities:
Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary - NZD 60

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

10. Tag: Wellington - Kaikoura (31.12.2024)

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, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. 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.

Next up, we'll visit Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura. We'll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference - locally and in our own hometowns. After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we'll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we'll be trying!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

11. Tag: Kaikoura (01.01.2025)

We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Optional activities:
Pacific to Peak Heli Flight - NZD 250
Seal Kayak Tour - NZD 120
Whale Watching Kaikoura - NZD 165
Wings over Whales Panorama flight - NZD 190

12. Tag: Kaikoura - Christchurch (02.01.2025)

So long Kaikoura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take 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!

13. Tag: Christchurch - Franz Josef (03.01.2025)

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery at Arthur's Pass as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

14. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier (04.01.2025)

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 Maori mastercraftsman. 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. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Optional Activities:
Glacier Country Kayaks - NZD 110
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing - NZD 300
Heli Hike - NZD 585
Pounamu (Jade) Carving - NZD 75
Boat and SUP to the Kiwi Sanctuary - NZD 145

15. Tag: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown (05.01.2025)

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty 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.

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown. We'll hit the ground running because 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 start our time here! Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Optional activities:
Skyline Restaurant Dinner - NZD 109