Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.
Starts
Auckland, New Zealand
Ends
Auckland, New Zealand
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Highlights
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.
Rotorua: Wait til you see 'em. Wait til you smell 'em. These geothermic mudpools are a thing to behold.
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(!)
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: 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."
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.
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.
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.
Wānaka: A lake town with views for days, surrounded by beech forests, alpine lakes, and wilderness glaciers.
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."
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.
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.
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.
Wānaka: A lake town with views for days, surrounded by beech forests, alpine lakes, and wilderness glaciers.
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 - Auckland to Rotorua
All aboard the Contiki bus! Starting in Auckland (Tmaki Makaurau), we'll drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks. We'll visit the worlds largest kiwi bird conservation project, watch the birds roam, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow and even visit the incubation centre where over 2,100 kiwi chicks have been born. Tonight, well enjoy a traditional Mori dinner and performance (youll also have the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA).
Meals:Dinner
Location Visited:Auckland, Rotorua
Accommodation:Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
day 2 - Rotorua
The day is yours to roam free in this geothermal paradise. Soak in a hot spring, go white water rafting or hike up a volcano. The options are limitless and the decisions are yours. We recommend the Rotorua Dawn Canopy Tour, exclusive to Contiki, where you'll watch the sun rise, eat some breakfast and drink coffee up in the towering trees as the birds make start their morning calls. Then, you'll get to soar 1200m through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Rotorua
Accommodation:Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
day 3 - Rotorua to Lake Taup via Huka Falls
From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taup, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220,000 litres (that's 58 000 gallons) of water gush over Huka Falls per second. Just let that sink in for a minute. Wild, right? Even wilder still is the Hukafalls Jet experience - a thrilling ride that will get you experiencing the full force of the falls and leave you with even more of a taste for adventure. A good thing really, given Lake Taup is on the horizon. We arrive at Lake Taup (Taup Nui a Tia), the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. Volcanic peak views & trout fishing will seamlessly slip us into quaint lake life. But don't be fooled by the seemingly still scenery - a skydive is on the menu if that adrenaline itch needs scratching. This evening we jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with our Contiki fam.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Rotorua, Huka Falls, Taupō
Accommodation:Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar)
day 4 - Lake Taup to Mount Ruapehu
We drive through the central plateau to the southern end of the Tongariro National Park, Ohakune is known as the aprs ski capital of the North Island. Today you have the option to go biking along the Mangawhero cycle track.Tonight we stay in a heritage listed building built in 1913 which is now a vibrant modern ski lodge, located at the base of a volcano, Mount Ruapehu (Ruapehu) with views unlike any other you've seen.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Taupō, Mount Ruapehu
Accommodation:Kings Ohakune (or similar)
day 5 - Mount Ruapehu to Wellington
These landscapes are unique and the sights will leave you breathless. On route to the windy capital Wellington where we'll show you the sights of this city.As much as we've been loving the nature time, the change of scenery to New Zealand's well-cultured capital will prove an utter delight. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington (Te- Whanganui-a-Tara), and a chance to explore the great food scene, a night on the town will be on the cards.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Mount Ruapehu, Wellington
Accommodation:Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
day 6 - 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, 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 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 7 - Wellington to Kaikura via Picton
So long north island! Today we're making tracks for your southern brother, darting across the Cook Strait via the Inter-Island ferry. Our first port of call on the South Island will be Picton (Waitohi), the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Kaikura is known for its marine life (among many other things), so keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins and seals which well check out along the way. Next up, we'll visit Kaikura Wildlife Rescue to meet Sabrina Leucht, a local biologist wholl teach us about local wildlife, the threats they face and how we can make a difference. Tonight, well check into our seafront hotel for a relaxing evening.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Wellington, Picton, Kaikōura
Accommodation:Sudima Kaikōura (or similar)
day 8 - 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 Christchurch tomorrow morning.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Kaikōura
Accommodation:Sudima Kaikōura (or similar)
day 9 - Kaikura to Christchurch
We're onto our next destination, so long Kaikura! We'll arrive in Christchurch (tautahi) 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!
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Kaikōura, Christchurch
Accommodation:Drifter Christchurch (or similar)
day 10 - Christchurch to Franz Josef via Arthur's Pass and Hokitika
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 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 meet with a local Mori guide wholl teach us all about pounamu on a unique tour. Well learn about the history of the illustrious green stones (which the South Island is named after) and its connection with the Mori people. Back on the coach, we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots (and thats saying something) We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef (K Roimata o Hine Hukatere), probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Christchurch, Arthur's Pass, Hokitika, Franz Josef
Accommodation:Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
day 11 - Franz Josef
This morning 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 12 - Franz Josef to Queenstown via Haast and Wnaka
With a new appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop on the coach & continue to Queenstown, with a few cheeky stops along the way.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 towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.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.Welcome to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown (Thuna)! First stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump. Tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola and to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG. 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.
Today is yours to get acquainted with Queenstown and check out the activities up for grabs in the next two days. Take a stroll around beautiful this stunning town, nestled in the Southern Alps that has so much to offer.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Queenstown
Accommodation:Lylo (or similar)
day 14 - 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 guy that crams in a bungy jump and ziplining & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit. Please note: If you're here during ski season, you can opt for an exclusive Ski day-trip to Cardrona. Check out Dates & Pricing to see these "Special Departures".
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Queenstown
Accommodation:Lylo (or similar)
day 15 - Queenstown
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.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Queenstown
Accommodation:Lylo (or similar)
day 16 - Queenstown
This morning our adventure comes to an end (sob). Hug it out with your new bff's, with plans no doubt in place for Contiki 2.0. NZ, you've been real.
3 other people are considering this tour right now.
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
It was a really great way to see New Zealand in such a short amount of time. I’m very glad that there was a huge importance placed on the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER and Māori culture activities! It was great learning about how New Zealand is taking their environment and indigenous culture very seriously. The amount of thrill seeking and chill activities were great as well! I felt that the trip gave you a chance to have a moment to yourself to enjoy yourself and the beautiful environment around you, as well as be part of the group and enjoy adrenaline adventures as well.
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
4.0 out of 5
A
Aiyana P.Verified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
I liked the group of people, I think they made it 100% worth it. I love the opportunities of activities to do. The only thing I would change is that on the itinerry before you book the trip and get htere they put weight limits on the activites so you are not dissapointed when you find out when you get there there are activiteis you cannnot do.
J
Jasmin H.Verified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
Loved everything, had loads of fun, did loads of activities. The contiki trip manager was amazing and the bus driver went above and beyond
K
Khodi D.Verified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
Great experience travelling New Zealand can’t recommend contiki more great time
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