Highlights
Rotorua: Set on the edge of Lake Rotorua, Ohinemutu Marae is a living Māori village where you’ll be welcomed by the local iwi (tribe) and shown what life’s like - both past and present. You’ll see how geothermal energy is used for cooking and bathing, explore the beautifully carved Meeting House and iconic St Faith’s Church, and sleep Marae-style in the wharenui (meeting house) - all together in one room, just like Māori families do today. It’s an unforgettable, first-hand experience that’s equal parts grounding, eye-opening and heartwarming.
Rotorua: Walk down to the home of the Ngāti Whakaue tribe at Ohinemutu. Check out their cooking methods, hot water vents and even outdoor bathing sheds.
Rotorua: Roll up your sleeves and dive into Māori culture as we prepare a traditional hāngi feast together. From heating the stones to layering the food underground, you’ll learn how this iconic steamed meal has been made for centuries. And of course, enjoy the flavours of Aotearoa the way locals have for generations.
Rotorua: Ever wondered what the Māori customs and protocols are? Learn all about their ‘layers of culture’ from the Māori themselves.
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: Witness Māori culture - beautiful songs, poi dance, traditional weapons. And also the spine-tingling Haka, performed exclusively for Contiki.
Rangitikei: Tucked away in the jaw-dropping Rangitikei Valley, River Valley Lodge is where unplugged nature meets full-send adventure. You can white-water raft, horse trek, or hit the trails on an e-bike (and still be back in time for a farm-to-table dinner made from the lodge’s own backyard!). Whether you're chasing adrenaline or just want to chill riverside with a good view and great vibes, this is rural NZ at its finest.
Rangitikei: Dig into a wholesome organic dinner, made with locally-grown produce. You'll also get to explore the gardens and see where the food is grown. This is as fresh as it gets!
Mārahau: Ocean views? Tick. Gateway to Abel Tasman National Park? Tick. Laid-back Kiwi camping vibes with a side of yoga, outdoor movies and unbeatable stargazing? Big tick. The Barn is where golden beaches meet national park magic. It’s the perfect base to explore walking tracks by day and toast marshmallows by night. Nature lovers and chill seekers, you’re gonna love this one.
Wellington: Kick back and soak up the views as we cross between the North and South Islands aboard the Interislander Ferry, drifting past forested hills, hidden bays, and sparkling blue waters.
Mārahau: Hike across this incredible national park - taking in the gorgeous views of natural rock pools, crystal clear waters and green forests along the way.
Mārahau: Tuck into an included dinner at The Park Cafe, an iconic NZ eatery on the edge of the national park and waterfront. Watch the sun dip below the horizon as you feast on plenty of pizza and fuel up for tomorrow's early start and sunrise waka experience.
Punakaiki Beach Camp: Ever wanted to fall asleep to crashing waves and wake up surrounded by rainforest and ancient cliffs? It's like camping but indoors! Welcome to Punakaiki Beach Camp. Perched between the wild West Coast and Paparoa National Park, this beachfront gem is all bonfires, Pancake Rock hikes, kayaking the Pororari River and even carving your own sandstone taonga (sacred treasure). It’s rugged, raw, and ridiculously beautiful.
Mārahau: Paddle across the river as you witness a magical sunrise. You'll learn about how the Maori honour Te Rā (the sun) and the timatanga (beginning) from the moana (ocean).
Westport: Buckle up for one of NZ’s most scenic drives as we wind our way through Buller Gorge. Think lush rainforest, dramatic river canyons, and views that’ll have you glued to the window the whole way. It’s not just a road trip, it’s nature showing off.
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks: These rock formations didn’t just pop up overnight! They’ve been shaped by karst and coastal erosion over millions of years, thanks to ancient sea creatures, shifting tectonic plates, and ocean forces. Nature's finest work? Quite possibly.
Punakaiki: Come check out this beautifully rugged west coast beach - perfect for your photo ops (with a sunset backdrop)!
Punakaiki: Explore the historical Paparoa Track, passing by river gorges, forests, limestone cliffs and non-stop jaw-dropping views. It's one of NZ's most famous walks for a reason!
Punakaiki: Taste a Māori classic delicacy - a whitebait fritter (basically - an omlette with whitebait)! We'll enjoy a BBQ dinner at Punakaiki Beach Camp and settle down by a campfire to enjoy it with the crew.
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!
Doubtful Sound: The Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise takes you deep into Fiordland’s wild heart (that’s accessible only by boat and private coach!), You’ll kayak through glossy water, hear actual silence, and spot dolphins and seals. We’re staying onboard in comfy twin-share cabins with ensuites, and there’s a chef serving up gourmet meals made with local produce and fresh seafood. It’s moody, magical, and 100% unforgettable.
Doubtful Sound: Hop on a boat (with a viewing deck!) for a ride across New Zealand’s second largest lake. Rugged cliffs, beautiful bays and serene waters - you won’t find this kinda natural beauty anywhere else.
Doubtful Sound: Hop on our private coach to ride over the Wilmot Pass that can only be reached by boat. Be prepared to witness a kaleidoscope of stunning rainforest scenery and waterfalls.
Doubtful Sound: Sip some refreshing tea and chef-made cakes that are traditional to New Zealand, all on board a cruise.
Doubtful Sound: A guided kayaking tour is the ultimate way to get up close to the beautiful waters of Doubtful Sound. Jaw-dropping waterfalls, dolphins, penguins, seals - there’s no end to astonishing sights here.
Doubtful Sound: Ready for the coolest once-in-a-lifetime experience? It’s time to jump into glacial waters at Doubtful Sound.
Doubtful Sound: This is your chance to learn all about the land, flora and fauna around this Fiordland. Best part? You’ll have a nature specialist to give you all the details.
Doubtful Sound: Fill up on some delicious chef-made food made with local ingredients, on board a cruise.
Doubtful Sound: Switch off and soak up one of Doubtful Sound’s most memorable moments. As the boat’s engines are turned off, the fiord falls quiet and birdsong takes centre stage. It’s a rare chance to experience the sounds of nature uninterrupted, just as it may have been when Abel Tasman first arrived here in 1642.
Rotorua: Witness Māori culture - beautiful songs, poi dance, traditional weapons. And also the spine-tingling Haka, performed exclusively for Contiki.
Rangitikei: Tucked away in the jaw-dropping Rangitikei Valley, River Valley Lodge is where unplugged nature meets full-send adventure. You can white-water raft, horse trek, or hit the trails on an e-bike (and still be back in time for a farm-to-table dinner made from the lodge’s own backyard!). Whether you're chasing adrenaline or just want to chill riverside with a good view and great vibes, this is rural NZ at its finest.
Rangitikei: Dig into a wholesome organic dinner, made with locally-grown produce. You'll also get to explore the gardens and see where the food is grown. This is as fresh as it gets!
Mārahau: Ocean views? Tick. Gateway to Abel Tasman National Park? Tick. Laid-back Kiwi camping vibes with a side of yoga, outdoor movies and unbeatable stargazing? Big tick. The Barn is where golden beaches meet national park magic. It’s the perfect base to explore walking tracks by day and toast marshmallows by night. Nature lovers and chill seekers, you’re gonna love this one.
Wellington: Kick back and soak up the views as we cross between the North and South Islands aboard the Interislander Ferry, drifting past forested hills, hidden bays, and sparkling blue waters.
Mārahau: Hike across this incredible national park - taking in the gorgeous views of natural rock pools, crystal clear waters and green forests along the way.
Mārahau: Tuck into an included dinner at The Park Cafe, an iconic NZ eatery on the edge of the national park and waterfront. Watch the sun dip below the horizon as you feast on plenty of pizza and fuel up for tomorrow's early start and sunrise waka experience.
Punakaiki Beach Camp: Ever wanted to fall asleep to crashing waves and wake up surrounded by rainforest and ancient cliffs? It's like camping but indoors! Welcome to Punakaiki Beach Camp. Perched between the wild West Coast and Paparoa National Park, this beachfront gem is all bonfires, Pancake Rock hikes, kayaking the Pororari River and even carving your own sandstone taonga (sacred treasure). It’s rugged, raw, and ridiculously beautiful.
Mārahau: Paddle across the river as you witness a magical sunrise. You'll learn about how the Maori honour Te Rā (the sun) and the timatanga (beginning) from the moana (ocean).
Westport: Buckle up for one of NZ’s most scenic drives as we wind our way through Buller Gorge. Think lush rainforest, dramatic river canyons, and views that’ll have you glued to the window the whole way. It’s not just a road trip, it’s nature showing off.
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks: These rock formations didn’t just pop up overnight! They’ve been shaped by karst and coastal erosion over millions of years, thanks to ancient sea creatures, shifting tectonic plates, and ocean forces. Nature's finest work? Quite possibly.
Punakaiki: Come check out this beautifully rugged west coast beach - perfect for your photo ops (with a sunset backdrop)!
Punakaiki: Explore the historical Paparoa Track, passing by river gorges, forests, limestone cliffs and non-stop jaw-dropping views. It's one of NZ's most famous walks for a reason!
Punakaiki: Taste a Māori classic delicacy - a whitebait fritter (basically - an omlette with whitebait)! We'll enjoy a BBQ dinner at Punakaiki Beach Camp and settle down by a campfire to enjoy it with the crew.
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!
Doubtful Sound: The Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise takes you deep into Fiordland’s wild heart (that’s accessible only by boat and private coach!), You’ll kayak through glossy water, hear actual silence, and spot dolphins and seals. We’re staying onboard in comfy twin-share cabins with ensuites, and there’s a chef serving up gourmet meals made with local produce and fresh seafood. It’s moody, magical, and 100% unforgettable.
Doubtful Sound: Hop on a boat (with a viewing deck!) for a ride across New Zealand’s second largest lake. Rugged cliffs, beautiful bays and serene waters - you won’t find this kinda natural beauty anywhere else.
Doubtful Sound: Hop on our private coach to ride over the Wilmot Pass that can only be reached by boat. Be prepared to witness a kaleidoscope of stunning rainforest scenery and waterfalls.
Doubtful Sound: Sip some refreshing tea and chef-made cakes that are traditional to New Zealand, all on board a cruise.
Doubtful Sound: A guided kayaking tour is the ultimate way to get up close to the beautiful waters of Doubtful Sound. Jaw-dropping waterfalls, dolphins, penguins, seals - there’s no end to astonishing sights here.
Doubtful Sound: Ready for the coolest once-in-a-lifetime experience? It’s time to jump into glacial waters at Doubtful Sound.
Doubtful Sound: This is your chance to learn all about the land, flora and fauna around this Fiordland. Best part? You’ll have a nature specialist to give you all the details.
Doubtful Sound: Fill up on some delicious chef-made food made with local ingredients, on board a cruise.
Doubtful Sound: Switch off and soak up one of Doubtful Sound’s most memorable moments. As the boat’s engines are turned off, the fiord falls quiet and birdsong takes centre stage. It’s a rare chance to experience the sounds of nature uninterrupted, just as it may have been when Abel Tasman first arrived here in 1642.
Itinerary
This isn't just another Contiki New Zealand trip - it's an invitation to live like a local in Aotearoa. Over 15 days, prep a traditional hāngī with your Māori hosts before falling asleep in a wharenui (meeting house) at a Special Stay Marae. From Rotorua's geothermal valleys to the golden shores of Abel Tasman, then on to the rugged South Island West Coast, you'll paddle at sunrise, carve your own sandstone treasure and feast on whitebait fritters by the campfire. Immerse yourself in New Zealand, unplugged, authentic and unforgettable.
day 1Auckland to Rotorua
Are you ready for an authentic adventure-packed ride through New Zealand? We begin our journey in Auckland (Tmaki Makaurau), its largest city. Its time to say hello to your brand new crew before we make our way to our first destination. See that cloud of steam bubbling from the ground? Thats how you know youre in the natural wonderland of Rotorua. First up, well stop by the Kiwi Hatchery to get up close with one of New Zealands most iconic locals and learn about the incredible conservation work helping protect this national treasure. Then its time to drop your bags at our lakeside Marae Special Stay before joining a traditional Mori welcome ceremony. Together, well prep a traditional steamed meal hng and while it cooks, head out on an introductory tour of Ohinemutu Village to learn all about Tikanga and Kawa, Mori customs and protocols. Then its back to the guesthouse to enjoy a delicious hng dinner with the crew.
day 2Rotorua
day 3Rotorua to Rangitikei via Huka and Falls Taup
day 4Rangitikei
day 5Rangitikei to Wellington via Paraparaumu
day 6Wellington to Mrahau
day 7Mrahau
day 8Mrahau to Punakaiki via Kaiteriteri, Murchison and Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
day 9Punakaiki to Wnaka via Franz Josef and Haast
day 10Wnaka
day 11Wnaka to Doubtful Sound via Lake Manapuri
day 12Doubtful Sound to Queenstown via Lake Manapuri
day 13Queenstown
day 14Queenstown
day 15Queenstown to Christchurch
What's Included
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