If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Our travel experts are ready to help.
Why Book with Bookmundi
No credit card or booking fees.
Best price guaranteed.
Carbon neutral tours.
25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
What are customers saying about Bookmundi
4.67/5
Excellent based on 848 customer reviews from
Bronwyn
Booking with Bookmundi is so easy. The website is straightforward and easy to use. Peter Adley is an absolute star! He is quick to respond to my many queries and to offer helpful guidance. I am looking forward to the 2 tours I have booked!
3 weeks ago
New Zealand: Sun and Steam
BM-20595Share this tour link.
5.0Based on
6 days
“
Exceeded expectations! The BEST trip manager and bus driver duo. Short bus drives, great accommodation. So many amazing activities to choose from. Everything planned for you, you can just switch off and enjoy!
Elena | Traveled in January
5 - Excellent
Carbon neutral
CO2 emissions resulting from all trips on Bookmundi will be offset via investments in carbon reduction projects.
Customer Reviews
4.9
based on 12 reviews
11
1
6 daysDuration
Group TourJoin a group of travelers
48 peopleMaximum group size
18 - 35 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.
Auckland: Cameras at the ready folks, the views will be extraordinary here.
Auckland: With sailboats at every angle, this is a beaut view indeed.
Whangārei: See the work of the visionary Austrian painter, architect and ecological activist who made New Zealand his spiritual home.
Paihia: The Waitangi Treaty Grounds might just be NZ's most important historical site, marking the place where the British Crown and the Māori people signed their first accords back in 1840.
Paihia: A dinner of fish 'n' chips, enjoyed while overlooking the Bay of Islands in Paihia. Is this heaven? No sir, it's just salt and vinegar.
Rotorua: A traditional 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.
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.
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.
What's Included
Accommodation
Bounty Motel (or similar) HotelLylo (or similar) HotelSudima Lake Rotorua (or similar) Hotel
Meals
Dinner (x2)Breakfast (x5)
Transport
Travel by coach
Guide
Experienced Driver Guide
Itinerary
Over 20 optional adventures & a banquet of inclusions; this is going to be a week to remember. The brave will hurl themselves down a hill in an inflated Zorb ball, the more chilled will take a boat cruise around the Bay of Islands. Then we'll all compare notes of Hobbits, fish 'n' chips, the Haka over a few drinks in the city of Auckland.
day 1Auckland to Paihia via Whangrei
Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Contiki crew in Auckland (Tmaki Makaurau) and cross the Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.We'll stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangrei and check out the quirky exterior of the Hunderwasser art centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again towards the Bay of Islands.On arrival to the Bay of Islands we're starting off with a dose of Kiwi history on a guided tour at Waitangi Treaty grounds where in 1840 New Zealand officially became a nation of two communities. And because we like to give you that something extra, how about a free admission at the Treaty museum, in case you seek a bit more detail on Kiwi history. Tonight we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana fish'n'chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.
Meals
Dinner
Location Visited
Auckland, Whangārei, Paihia
Accommodation
Bounty Motel (or similar)
day 2Paihia
day 3Paihia to Auckland
day 4Auckland to Rotorua
day 5Rotorua
day 6Rotorua to Auckland
Good to Know
Travel Insurance
Visa
Other Practical Information
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
Overall, this was a great trip! All of the included activities were culturally relevant to New Zealand - the kiwi hatchery, going to a Maori village and the tour of the founding grounds. It was really awesome to see the cultural significance embedded into it from the start. The free-time add ons also highlight the adventurousness of NZ as well! Our Trip Manager was extremely knowledgeable, laid back, and level headed. He worked as hard as he could to ensure everyone was able to get onto every single activity that they wanted to and really worked to accomodate everyone's needs and free time wants on the trip. One thing to mention is that this a modular trip - some people will be joining halfway through, and other will be leaving. There are obviously dynamics internally that will arise because of this. All in all, this was a fantastic trip with people that are kind and respectful. I would recommend it to others! I wish I had stayed on for the South Island as well :)
C
Courtney S.Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
Perfect for a first time traveller to dip their toes in! Not too overwhelming or rushed, still very much a choose your own adventure type trip and a really good way to introduce yourself to the contiki vibe!
Would love to do the panorama trip next to explore the rest of NZ!
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
The trip was great! It was organized and run seamlessly. Everyone was open, kind, and a pleasure to be around. 10/10 experience!
L
Lauren N.Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
Sailing with everybody to start the trip is such an unbelievable experience. Such a well planned trip with an awesome guide! If you don’t book the full trip, you are going to wish you did.
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
4.0 | Very Good
I got to tick off some bucket list items during my short time in New Zealand on the sun and steam tour. I made lots of friends and the group manager and driver were excellent. It was tough to say goodbye when I was leaving as others were still continuing their trip. If you choose to do shorter trips definitely be prepared for some FOMO. In the future I would like to do the sweet as south trip so that I can explore the South Island. Also be prepared to spend some $$$. The free time add ons can really add up. Overall would recommend!
Monthly Price Comparison
What's Excluded
Similar Tours You Might Like
Discover our top tours similar to New Zealand: Sun and Steam that you might like.
For those who want it all, the "Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand" chill-out trip delivers 18 days of sun, city life, and wild escapes. Starting in Melbourne and ending in Christchurch, you’ll soak up the Great Barrier Reef, immerse in vibrant cities, and marvel at Queenstown’s adventure capital, Milford Sound’s grandeur, and Maori warrior tales. This easy-paced, guided tour for experienced travelers is defined by its variety—giving you the best of both countries’ landscapes and cultures in one well-crafted package.
Craving adventure in the Land of the Long White Cloud? The New Zealand: Best of the North Island trip is tailor-made for young travelers seeking action and culture. Over seven days, paddle a sea kayak in secluded harbors, learn to surf iconic breaks, and dive deep into Maori heritage.
This photography-focused tour connects you with nature and local traditions, from the geothermal wonders of Taupo to Wellington’s creative pulse.
What sets this trip apart is its immersive, hands-on approach to New Zealand’s adventure scene—perfect for those wanting to live, breathe, and capture the North Island’s spirit in just one energetic tour package.
On this epic week-long MTB tour you’ll experience Mountain Biking as it should be! We’ll head up towering mountains and descend with rocky white-knuckle highs and flows. You’ll get to see some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes, enjoy Southern hospitality, have the chance to heli-bike (make your friends back home jealous!) and take on the adventure playground of Queenstown plus get your fill of mountain biking.
Our expert guides will take you to the meccas of New Zealand mountain biking (Wanaka, Queenstown, Christchurch), as well as the spectacular spots that you've never heard of but you won’t be able to stop raving about!
New Zealand’s South Island offers MTB intermediates and connoisseurs mountains and trails for days! But no two mountains or MTB parks are the same: one day we’ll be riding through tussocky backcountry, the next, we’ll ascend via gondola, the next we’ll take on lakeside vistas and craggy alpine pioneer tracks. You’ll conquer mountains and your own limits!
At the end of each day of the itinerary we’ve included an example of one of our guest's ride statistics for that day – this is just a rough guide, and may include uplifts. You might decide to do more or less riding, it’s always your choice.
In the evenings on the tour you’re welcome to relax at the accommodation, rest your legs and soak in the local hot tub(s), cook in, eat out and have a beer.
As the tour starts early in the morning you can opt to stay at our Christchurch accommodation the night before the tour – only having to walk downstairs on Day 1 makes for a stress free morning. Likewise, you can book an extra night in Queenstown after your tour ends.
As you build your tour online, you’ll see a few optional activities available to add – remember, none of these are compulsory. Not sure which activities to choose? No problem. Once you’ve paid a deposit and secured your seat you can add activities anytime until 45 days prior to departure.
Your Haka MTB Guide can also book activities for you while on the road. We can't guarantee availability when booking at the last minute, so if you have some must-do activities, pre-booking is a great idea. We try to fit these activities around our riding but some additional activities may clash with riding times – check with us if you're unsure.
Accommodation on tour is dorm-share, but if you like your own space you can upgrade your accommodation to a private room.
Craving adventure in New Zealand’s North Island? The North Island Multisport tour is your ticket to action, blending biking, hiking, jet boating, and kayaking across eight electrifying days. From the geothermal wonders of Rotorua to the dramatic landscapes of Tongariro National Park, and the wild Whanganui River, this guided active trip is designed for energetic travelers and thrill-seekers. Experience the world-renowned Tongariro Crossing, fast-flowing rivers, and a traditional hangi dinner. The unique aspect of this package is its dynamic mix of outdoor activities that provide a true taste of New Zealand’s diverse and breathtaking scenery.
Imagine New Zealand’s wild beauty at your own pace on "The Endless Shores," an 8-day guided beach tour from Wellington to Auckland. Designed for travelers seeking a relaxed holiday, this trip blends the country’s natural wonders with cultural experiences. Walk the lush suspension bridges of Rotorua’s Redwoods Treewalk, explore Hawke’s Bay’s world-class wineries, and descend into the magical glow worm caves of Waitomo. An exclusive highlight is the behind-the-scenes look at a kiwi bird nursery, offering rare insights into local wildlife conservation. Savor a traditional Māori Hāngī feast and unwind with stunning views at every stop. With everything from comfortable accommodations to curated excursions included, this tour package is perfect for those who want to enjoy New Zealand’s laid-back charm and rich heritage—without missing a single must-see.
Set sail for a bite-sized adventure with "Jewels of the Bay," a 4-day sailing tour that starts and ends in Auckland, leading experienced travelers on a whirlwind exploration of New Zealand’s northern treasures. Glide across Auckland’s legendary harbor, dotted with yachts, before venturing to the Bay of Islands—a subtropical archipelago best discovered by boat.
This NZ tour is more than just stunning seascapes: immerse yourself in the heritage and Maori culture that define the region. Walk the streets of New Zealand’s first European settlement and seaport, and learn how the nation joined the Commonwealth. Each day blends historic intrigue, local flavor, and breathtaking coastal scenery.
With the perfect mix of guided sightseeing and relaxed cruising, this trip is ideal for those who appreciate a taste of New Zealand’s highlights and a dash of adventure. The unique feature of this tour package is its ability to pack rich cultural experiences and natural beauty into a short, exhilarating getaway—ensuring you leave inspired for your next journey.
Imagine a land of endless lakes, dramatic mountains, and adventure at every turn—welcome to the New Zealand South Island Express. Over nine days, discover the South Island’s highlights: stargazing in Lake Tekapo, adrenaline-fueled activities in Queenstown, and the wild beauty of Franz Josef Glacier and Wanaka. Led by a passionate local guide, this beach tour is packed with options for thrill-seekers and scenery lovers alike.
The unique selling point of this trip is its hands-on approach, offering hostel stays and a dynamic social atmosphere—perfect for travelers ready to experience New Zealand’s legendary landscapes and vibrant spirit.
Discover New Zealand’s southern soul on the "Queenstown Southern Loop," a six-day cultural and nature-focused trip through the country’s most dramatic landscapes. Starting and ending in Queenstown, this moderate-activity tour is tailored for those who crave equal parts adventure and relaxation.
Cruise the silent waters of Fiordland National Park’s Milford Sound, where glacier-carved cliffs tower above sparkling lakes. Hike to hidden caves in the Catlins, and cross to the wilds of Stewart Island, listening for the elusive call of the kiwi. Explore the Otago Peninsula’s rugged beauty, with time to unwind and soak up the scenery between explorations.
All accommodations, meals, and transport are included, letting you focus on the journey. The unique selling point of this tour package is its blend of iconic natural wonders and off-the-beaten-path gems, offering an active yet well-balanced getaway for travelers seeking the best of New Zealand’s South Island.
