Excellent trip.
New Zealand was a wonderful country to visit. It has a casual laid back vibe which was ideal for an intense touring holiday. There is plenty to see and do.
We were a small group so it gave us the time and opportunity to see more sites than featured in the itinerary. Cities, towns, places of interest and geographic sites were all covered. There was plenty of walking involved to counteract some of the longer journeys.
Our guide/driver, Thiago was exceptional with an excellent local knowledge that added interest and variety to the trip’s itinerary. Changes were made to adapt to the everchanging weather conditions to ensure we had the best experiences. He was always patient and professional.
All the hotels were of a good standard with comfortable beds and working bathrooms! Most of the hotel rooms in New Zealand had some level of catering facility in each room, as well as the usual tea and coffee making facilities.
If I had to pick favourite places it would be the stay at Lake Wanaka and the walk and views around Mount Cook.
I would thoroughly recommend this trip.
Great overview of New Zealand. , our tour guide really made the trip seamless. Knowledge, kind and considerate. The trip was well planned out and I enjoyed the ability to participate in extra activities during our down time outside of the tour.
The bus drivers and were terrific.
This trip sees you exploring magical valleys, gigantic glaciers and truly lovely lakes. From Arthur’s Pass to Wanaka & Fox Glacier (and a 4-day stint in Queenstown!) - you’re in for a thrill-packed ride. With plenty of hiking, biking, skydiving, stargazing and lake exploration to channel your energy into. And enough incredible views to clog up your camera reel - this is adventure done right.
An amazing and unforgettable experience exploring the breathtaking South Island with an awesome group of people. This was my first Contiki and international solo travel and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Contiki and our trip manager Brad made planning and organising the trip effortless and the locations, activities and transport were sensational. I cannot recommend this trip enough!
Good trip, wonderful scenary. Really good infrastructure for walking in the trails. It should have been a walk at the Fiordland National Park (close to Wilford Sound) We just did a really small portion towards Marian Lake. It would have been different from the other trails that we did
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Christchurch, Franz Jo
Auckland, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Twizel, Mount Cook National Park, Akaroa, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Wellington, Picton, Nelson, Punakaiki
New Zealand’s South Island beckons with its wild beauty and legendary hospitality on the New Zealand South Island Adventure—a 12-day journey for those with a thirst for nature and discovery. From Christchurch to Queenstown, this moderate-activity tour package is packed with highlights: hike ancient forests, kayak past glacier-carved cliffs, and set sail on the pristine waters of Fiordland National Park’s Milford Sound.
Unwind with botanical gin tastings in Reefton, soak in natural spas, and cross to untouched Stewart Island, where listening for the call of the kiwi bird becomes a nighttime adventure. Each day brings a new landscape—towering mountains, coastal caves, and tranquil lakes—ensuring that no two experiences are the same.
The tour’s USP? A seamless blend of adventure and authentic Kiwi culture, offering both high-energy activities and moments of serene beauty for an unforgettable South Island escape.
This tour is a great way to see the major sights in New Zealand. Many optional activities offer for an additional price which you can choose to participate in or not. Our tour guide George, made the trip very memorable. He loves his country and his enthusiasm was contagious. Our group started as strangers and left as friends.
The tour operator was amazing. I fell in love with New Zealand. Simon was great guide and the small tour group made it even better as we all became close friends. I would highly recommend the tour operator to all my friends and Family. I loved every moment that I was in New Zealand. I would come back in a heart beat and travel with the operator again.
The trip was absolutely amazing!! We had an amazing trip Manager and bus driver! The group on the contiki was the best and I definitely made some life long friends!! The trip was pure enjoyment and I couldn't fault it.
Set off from Auckland on an 11-day beach tour adventure, journeying through the wonders of New Zealand’s North and South Islands. Highlights include soaking in Coromandel’s Hot Water Beach, exploring Rotorua’s geothermal marvels, and learning the Haka before enjoying a hangi feast at a Maori village. Venture to Taupo, discover iconic Hobbiton, and ferry through the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds to end in lively Christchurch. Accommodation is in mixed-gender hostels with shared facilities, fostering a social, youthful atmosphere. The tour’s USP is its blend of bucket-list sights and authentic cultural experiences, making it a top choice for those eager for an energetic, immersive getaway.