Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.
Starts
Auckland, New Zealand
Ends
Auckland, New Zealand
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New Zealand Panorama
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Sistema di prenotazione semplice e intuibile. In caso di necessità le istruzioni presenti sul sito sono risultate utili e chiare. Nessun problema riscontrato
Queenstown: Check out the epic views of the valley from the world's first ever (and some would say most famous) bungy jump bridge. You might even witness some epic bungy jumps!
Wānaka: A lake town with views for days, surrounded by beech forests, alpine lakes, and wilderness glaciers.
Haast: Ready for some incredible views? We'll drive through the gorgeous mountains of the Gates of Haast and catch once-in-a-lifetime views of the river below. Seems like Mother nature does have a favourite!
Hokitika: The South Island is home to Pounamu (greenstone) – so special the island’s even named Te Wai Pounamu, the greenstone waters. In Hokitika, we’ll meet a local Māori guide from the region, who’ll share the history, sacred sites and cultural significance of this treasured stone. Then it’s off to see if we can spot some Pounamu. All of this, while supporting the local trust that keeps the river healthy.
Arthur's Pass: Check out the village that has been a haven for mountain climbers for over a century. Better keep your camera ready and eyes peeled - because this is spot where you might be able to get a glimpse of rare alpine parrots AKA Keas.
Kaikōura: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, we'll meet eco-warrior Sabrina Leucht, who has dedicated many years of her life to helping New Zealand's injured native birds... and is now working to establish the region's first wildlife hospital.
Marlborough Sounds: Check out the sunken river valleys of Marlborough Sounds from an iconic Interislander Ferry. You'd wanna get your camera for this one!
Kaikōura: We'll take a spectacular drive along the Kaikōura Coast, and pay a visit to a nearby seal colony. Yup, it's a coastal cuteness overload.
Ohakune: Tucked just 250m from the Ohakune Mountain Road, Kings Ohakune is peak Kiwiana vibes. We’re talking roaring fireplaces, classic BBQs, hot tubs with epic Mount Ruapehu views and a cosy lodge that’s been welcoming adventurers since 1913. Think: motel-style charm, retro-cute decor, sports on the telly, pool tables, karaoke, darts and local legends repping the Warriors with pride.
Mount Ruapehu: It's not a real carrot, just a statue. But standing at 7.5 metres tall, it still impresses. This famous spot in Ohakune represents all of the carrot farms (and there are plenty here) in town.
Mount Ruapehu: Today we'll check out Mt Ruapehu, an active stratovolcano elevated almost 2,800 metres into the air!
Mount Ruapehu: See even more of the sights made famous by "The Lord of the Rings."
Huka Falls: Huka falls is a jaw-jutting display of natural hydro power. Here you'll see 220,000 litres of water tumble over the waterfall... per second that is(!)
Rotorua: Wait til you see 'em. Wait til you smell 'em. These geothermic mudpools are a thing to behold.
Rotorua: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, we'll head to National Kiwi Hatchery near Rotorua to learn all about the locals' efforts to protect New Zealand's adorable national bird.
Rotorua: A traditional Māori cultural performance, topped off with a traditional Māori feast... this ought to satisfy even the keenest of culture vultures.
Kaikōura: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, we'll meet eco-warrior Sabrina Leucht, who has dedicated many years of her life to helping New Zealand's injured native birds... and is now working to establish the region's first wildlife hospital.
Marlborough Sounds: Check out the sunken river valleys of Marlborough Sounds from an iconic Interislander Ferry. You'd wanna get your camera for this one!
Kaikōura: We'll take a spectacular drive along the Kaikōura Coast, and pay a visit to a nearby seal colony. Yup, it's a coastal cuteness overload.
Ohakune: Tucked just 250m from the Ohakune Mountain Road, Kings Ohakune is peak Kiwiana vibes. We’re talking roaring fireplaces, classic BBQs, hot tubs with epic Mount Ruapehu views and a cosy lodge that’s been welcoming adventurers since 1913. Think: motel-style charm, retro-cute decor, sports on the telly, pool tables, karaoke, darts and local legends repping the Warriors with pride.
Mount Ruapehu: It's not a real carrot, just a statue. But standing at 7.5 metres tall, it still impresses. This famous spot in Ohakune represents all of the carrot farms (and there are plenty here) in town.
Mount Ruapehu: Today we'll check out Mt Ruapehu, an active stratovolcano elevated almost 2,800 metres into the air!
Mount Ruapehu: See even more of the sights made famous by "The Lord of the Rings."
Huka Falls: Huka falls is a jaw-jutting display of natural hydro power. Here you'll see 220,000 litres of water tumble over the waterfall... per second that is(!)
Rotorua: Wait til you see 'em. Wait til you smell 'em. These geothermic mudpools are a thing to behold.
Rotorua: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, we'll head to National Kiwi Hatchery near Rotorua to learn all about the locals' efforts to protect New Zealand's adorable national bird.
Rotorua: A traditional Māori cultural performance, topped off with a traditional Māori feast... this ought to satisfy even the keenest of culture vultures.
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Customer Reviews
Read what other travelers have to say about New Zealand Panorama
As first time traveling solo, was the best trip to start with! Had I known it was a modular trip, I wouldn’t just done the ultimate NZ instead (more days exploring). Overall would highly recommend! and were the best. 🫶🏻
K
Khodi D.Verified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
Great experience travelling New Zealand can’t recommend contiki more great time
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
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.
3 other people are considering this tour right now.
Itinerary
Craving a rush of adrenaline in one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes? The "New Zealand Panorama" trip is tailored to adventurous young adults eager to experience the ultimate blend of outdoor thrills and cultural immersion over 16 unforgettable days. From Auckland’s urban buzz to Queenstown’s legendary adventure sports, this guided group tour delivers non-stop excitement and natural wonders at every turn.
Launch your journey in Queenstown, the self-proclaimed adventure capital, where you can ride the heart-pounding Shotover Jet, try bungy jumping, or zip down a luge track. As you traverse New Zealand’s North and South Islands, marvel at glaciers, explore vibrant Christchurch, indulge in a traditional Māori ‘hangi’ feast, and cruise across scenic Lake Taupō. Rotorua offers the chance to roll inside a Zorb or enjoy more luge action, while every stop is packed with opportunities for new friendships and exhilarating memories.
This active and outdoor tour’s USP is its focus on adventure activities and authentic local experiences, all set amidst dramatic scenery. With accommodation, transport, and meals included, you’ll have the freedom to chase thrills by day and relax in comfort by night. If you’re a young traveler eager to see New Zealand from every angle—whether on foot, by boat, or in the air—this is the tour package that delivers the best of everything in one action-packed panorama.
day 1 - Queenstown
Kia Ora and welcome to Queenstown (Thuna). After checking in to your hotel the rest of the afternoon is yours to start discovering why Queenstown is best known as the adventure capital of the world. Tonight you'll meet up with the rest of the crew, no doubt swapping notes on which thrill seeking activity to tick off first. Let the adventure commence...
Location Visited:Queenstown
Accommodation:Lylo (or similar)
day 2 - Queenstown
Today is yours to get acquainted with Queenstown and spend some time mulling over the activities up for grabs in the next two days. First, we'll visit the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge (AKA the home of the world home of the bungy!) for your morning adrenaline hit. Later, we'll stroll around this beautiful city. Please Note: The Free Time Add-Ons which take place in Queenstown can be booked for any day you are there. Just let your Trip Manager know, and they'll arrange this for you.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Queenstown
Accommodation:Lylo (or similar)
day 3 - Queenstown
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 exploring wine cellars and caves, or you may be that one that crams in a bungy jump and ziplining & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Queenstown
Accommodation:Lylo (or similar)
day 4 - Queenstown
With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to conquer those niggling fears. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient. Tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola and to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. What a way to end our time here!
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Queenstown
Accommodation:Lylo (or similar)
day 5 - Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wnaka and Haast
Time to return our adrenalin levels to normal and make tracks to the wild (and often wet) West Coast and it's towering glaciers. Enjoying our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wnaka, 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. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass (Tioripatea), beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll away from Queenstown through the Southern Alps.Playing host tonight is the town of Franz Josef (K Roimata o Hine Hukatere), home to some of NZ's finest natural beauty with bushlands and glaciers that almost reach the sea. Tomorrow we'll be out and about making the most of it - who's excited?
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Queenstown, Wānaka, Haast, Franz Josef
Accommodation:Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
day 6 - Franz Josef
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 Mori mastercraftsman. Pounamu is sacred to the Mori people, and this is a great way to learn about its cultural significance, while also creating a beautiful please of jewellery.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Franz Josef
Accommodation:Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
day 7 - Franz Josef to Christchurch via Hokitika and Arthur's Pass
Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we hop back on the coach & start making our way back to Christchurch (tautahi). 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... Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps. Tonight we'll sleep well in Christchurch, drifting off to the pleasant memories of NZ's natural beauty that seasoned our day.
We'll set off on an inspiring tour of Christchurch this morning, the city that was totally rebuilt after the Christchurch earthquake. Look out for the Cardboard Cathedral, which is the only cathedral in the world to be built mostly from plain old cardboard! After that, it's another jaw-dropping drive up to the top of the South Island. The coach cuts across the Canterbury Plains to Kaikoura. We'll arrive in Kaikura, known for whales & dolphins, so have those cameras at the ready as we roll around the coast. We'll visit Kaikura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital. We'll learn about the wildlife we might encounter here, the threats they face, and what we can do to make a difference. After a busy day, we'll check into our seafront hotel, then head out for dinner. Did you know that Kaikura literally translates into 'eat (kai) crayfish (koura)'? So, no prizes for guessing what type of cuisine we'll be trying!
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Christchurch, Kaikōura
Accommodation:Sudima Kaikōura (or similar)
day 9 - Kaikura
We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikura! We recommend taking a dolphin watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see (or swim with) dusky dolphins. Or even kayaking across the coastline! We'll stay another night in Kaikura after an action-packed day, before heading to Wellington tomorrow morning.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Kaikōura
Accommodation:Sudima Kaikōura (or similar)
day 10 - Kaikura to Wellington via Picton
After breakfast, we'll head back on the Contiki coach and head to our next destination. We'll stop at a seal colony, where you'll struggle not to break into a collective 'cuuuute' as you watch these guys sunning themselves on the rocks. Afterwards we'll continue on to Wellington, the capital of NZ since 1865, when it replaced Auckland. Almost thirty years later, Wellington parliament was the first in the world to allow women the right to vote. A pretty cool city all in all.By the afternoon, we'll have reached Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara), just in time for a tour of the city. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington, and a chance to explore the great food scene, a night on the town will be on the cards.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Kaikōura, Picton, Wellington
Accommodation:Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
day 11 - Wellington
Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, why not head to a local cafe and try the famed flat white coffee in its city of origin (sorry Australians). Caffeinated and refreshed, you can opt to take a trip to Zealandia, a 225-hectare (basically massive) eco-sanctuary that protects over 40 rare native wildlife species. Because Zealandia is fully fenced, you'll be able to walk alongside incredibly rare birds like the hihi and the takah. Look out for the tuatara, a prehistoric reptile known as a 'living fossil', which can only be found in New Zealand!
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Wellington
Accommodation:Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
day 12 - Wellington to Mount Ruapehu
We wave goodbye to Wellington and its beautiful scenery and we prepare ourselves for our next adventure and trust us, this one is bucket-list worthy.Known as the aprs-ski capital of the North island, Ohakune is a tranquil town with stupendous view. Today you have the option to go mountain biking along one of NZ's most picturesque track, "Te Mangawhero Trail". Tonight, snuggle down in our Special Stay ski lodge, located in prime position at the base of Mount Ruapehu (Ruapehu).
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Wellington, Mount Ruapehu
Accommodation:Kings Ohakune (or similar)
day 13 - Mount Ruapehu to Lake Taup
Wake up in the spectacular surroundings of Mt. Ruapehu with epic views of the volcano. Today we head off to Lake Taup!Here we are in Lake Taup (Taup Nui a Tia). Don't be fooled by the seemingly still scenery - a skydive is on the menu if that adrenaline itch needs scratching. This evening we jump on a lake cruise to watch the sunset, go fishing and enjoy some eats with our Contiki fam.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Mount Ruapehu, Taupō
Accommodation:Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar)
day 14 - Lake Taup to Rotorua via Huka Falls
As we leave Lake Taup keep an eye out for even more recognisable The Lord of the Rings backdrops. 220,000 litres (58 000 gallons) of water gush over Huka Falls per second. Just let that sink in for a minute. Wild, right? When you catch your first whiff of that unusual sulphur smell, youll know weve arrived in Rotorua. Upon arrival in Rotorua we get to learn some fascinating info on NZ's national birds, as well as watch new lives hatch right in front of our eyes! How impressed are you right now? Soak in a hotspring, go skydiving or take a canopy tour - there's plenty of time for you to make the best of this town. Tonight we enjoy a Mori cultural performance and feast on a Hngi dinner that is sweetly roasted in the ground.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Taupō, Huka Falls, Rotorua
Accommodation:Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
day 15 - Rotorua
Today is yours to roam free in this geothermal paradise. Soak in a hot spring, go rafting or hike up a volcano. Opt for the Rotorua Dawn Canopy Tour (exclusive to Contiki) and watch the sunrise, enjoy breakfast and coffee up in the trees as the birds make their morning calls. Then, soar 1200m through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Rotorua
Accommodation:Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
day 16 - Rotorua to Auckland
Just as we were acclimatising to that funky smell, it's time to leave Rotorua. Take one last look at the bubbling geothermic mud pools before we flee. Arriving into Auckland (Tmaki Makaurau), we'll say goodbye to the wolf pack (sob). NZ - you've been real.
