New Zealand: Sun and Steam

This trip was such an incredible taste of the North Island in NZ. If you are thinking of doing your first Contiki or have reservations, I would highly suggest this short trip to get a good taste of everything that is involved ! Ash (Tour Manager) and Joonas (Driver) were incredible and I felt so welcomed the minute I met both. Please note this is a Modular trip so we started the trip with people doing the full 21 days and then were joined by another group 3 days in. There is a lot of different people coming and going but hey that just adds to the experience. Breakfast was included every morning for Sun and Steam as well as some dinners and some amazing different included experiences. There is ALOT off amazing additional add ons that I had already pre planned/ put money away for, however please keep this in mind when doing this trip. There were many fellow Aussie's on this trip however there was still people from around the world and it was such a great introduction into the Contiki Family !! Overall the scenery and the vibes great and I would do this again in a heartbeat ! PS. Please pack a GOOOOOD raincoat and some warm layers, the weather can change in an instance !

The add-on activities were worth the money. However considering this was a modular trip that was combined with the 21 days Contiki, the send off for us who were part of Sun & Steam was disappointing as there was no proper farewell and we were transferred to use the public transport on the way back to Auckland. I would expect a proper goodbye for what is supposed to be an engaging group trip

The trip was extremely fun and stress free for a first time traveller. I was extremely nervous to meet new people but everyone there was so lovely and I liked that our tour manager had meet and greets. The bus rides were fun and so were the group dinners. I would certainly go on another Contiki again. It's a great way to meet new people and now I have friends that I keep in contact regularly after the trip has finished.

This trip was great. Overall, a solid 7.9/10. The trip organiser was amazing (if you get just know you’ve won the lottery in tour guides), and everything was so packed in it felt like you got a whole 2 1/2 week holiday done in just 6 days. However, it should be written somewhere that this trip is modular, meaning you’re actually just joining other people who are on the longer trip. At times, it can feel like you’re just ‘ guests’ on “their trip”, rather than being on your own. For the amount of money you pay that was a bit sad. Speaking of the money, please note that all your paying for is accomodation, travel between locations, breakfasts and 3-4 dinners on this trip. Everything else, you pay for. I did a lot of the optional extras (because honestly, if you didn’t you just sit in the hotel.. alone.. whilst everyone else does stuff..), and because of this I spent over $2,000 on extra activities, food, transport, and alcohol. Just remember that. I know I’ve spoken about all that was bad about the trip, but honestly.. that’s all negative there is to say. Everything else was great. The trip was amazing, the tour organiser was super knowledgeable and a great chat, and the people you’ll meet along the way are incredible. Whilst they might be expensive, the optional extras were so so so so fun and definitely worth the time. Overall, 7.9/10, would do again - will be doing Sweet As South in November :)

The tour was super fun. The trip manager and bus driver was amazing and super well informed.

This trip was an absolute blast! From start to finish, it was packed with adventure, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Every activity kept us engaged, from parasailing, hiking, zip-lining, and rafting to exploring hidden gems in the area. The itinerary was well-balanced, giving us the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation. Big shoutout to our trip managers and drivers for making everything run smoothly! If you’re looking for a fun, adventurous trip, this one is a must. Can’t wait for the next one!

Everything about this trip was amazing, the planning, accommodations, the svenery, the activities including free time are ons and the trip manager and drivers. Everyone on the trip made sure that everyone on the tour was included and was having a good time. I wish I chose a longer tour because 6 days was no where near enough I just wanted more from the moment it ended

What a ****** time! Our legendary team, Angelic Ash and Luscious Lewis, brought together a huge group of strangers from aroudn the world and through manic bus rides, crazy adventrues, group selfies, drinks and plenty of eats together; created a family. I walked away from this trip knowing more than ever about Kiwi Culture, beautiful NZ, myself, and had the trip of a lifetime all while. In a short 7 days, you'll feel like you've done enough adventuring and growing for a whole month. What a rager for my first Contiki and solo travel - will definitely be back for more! <3 to my new fam + trip parents Ash and Lew (goated)

Accommodation and food were both amazing. All methods of transportation were of high quality. Probably need a bit more independency next time, and more sleep ins. Trip manager was very good with communication & made me feel welcome. Overall I had a great experience, looking forward to my next Contiki.

I loved the people, the places and the staff made such the short trip a fabulous time

This was my first Contiki tour, and I absolutely loved it! I am definitely going on more tours with Contiki in the future. The trip was incredibly well-organized, offering a fantastic balance of exciting activities and relaxing free time. New Zealand (NZ) was such a lovely country to visit. I embarked on this trip as both a first-time solo traveler and a first-time international traveler, and Contiki truly felt like a big, happy family. I stepped outside my comfort zone, trying countless new activities and delicious foods.

A quick trip around the north island, giving a little taster of New Zealand with great included and add-on activities. Something for everyone to do.

The add on extra activities were great. Trip manager was really good as was the driver. Would go again.