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.
Itinerary
This 16-day New Zealand trip brings the icons together from Auckland to Queenstown: geothermal valleys, Māori culture, glacier-carved landscapes and coastal beauty. Meet kiwis in Rotorua, feel the force of Huka Falls and stay beneath Mount Ruapehu before crossing south. Spot seals in Kaikōura, take in Christchurch, cross Arthur’s Pass and see Franz Josef Glacier. Fjords, mountains, wildlife and iconic landscapes all come together in one scenic journey.
day 1Auckland 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).
day 2Rotorua
day 3Rotorua to Lake Taup via Huka Falls
day 4Lake Taup to Mount Ruapehu
day 5Mount Ruapehu to Wellington
day 6Wellington
day 7Wellington to Kaikura via Picton
day 8Kaikura
day 9Kaikura to Christchurch
day 10Christchurch to Franz Josef via Arthur's Pass and Hokitika
day 11Franz Josef
day 12Franz Josef to Queenstown via Haast and Wnaka
day 13Queenstown
day 14Queenstown
day 15Queenstown
day 16Queenstown
What's Included
Customer Reviews
The NZ panorama trip was 10/10, absolutely loved every stop!!! And the group was amazing!! Perfect amount of time to take in both islands, would recommend highly to anyone!
Good trip, shame about some of the weather but that can’t be helped
Great trip, awesome driver and guide who gave great info and touring tips.
Everyone was very friendly and easy to talk to and welling answering any questions And made the trip esay and relaxing by organising all the activities for me
The hostels and hotel and were great, the trip manager was amazing and the activities were so so good!!
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