Grand Explorer (Queenstown to Auckland) View More Reviews

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Fly over the international date line on your way to New Zealand.

Kia Ora! Meet up with the other Contiki travellers and your Contiki crew before we hit the road and travel deeper through to Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage listed site. Get ready for the epic scenery of Milford Sound, where high mountains rise straight out of the sea and waterfalls pour down sheer cliffs into the deep, dark waters of the fjord.

Get another angle on this natural wonder from the water when we board our overnight cruise and learn about this jaw-droppingly beautiful region from the on-board nature specialist. You’ll get a really good look around the area and up close to its more hidden spots.

You can chill out and enjoy the scenery on deck or get out onto the water and have a go with the paddle, kayaking around secluded coves and inlets. Hopefully, you’ll get a chance to spot seals, dolphins, whales and penguins.

Wrap up the day with dinner with the group on the boat, before settling into you cabin. The overnight cruise is the perfect way to get to know your group.

Overnight Cruise Dinner

It’s a great start to the day when you wake up to peaceful Milford Sound. Enjoy a full cooked breakfast and head back to the mainland before heading on to Arrowtown, the centre of Otago’s important gold-rush history. See old stone buildings and historic cottages that give this town its rustic charm. You can even give gold panning a try.

On the way in to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, we stop at the famous bungy-jumping bridge in the gorgeous Kawarau gorge. It’s home to the original AJ Hackett bungy, the ground breaking site where the now famous bungy all started. There’s time to have a go yourself, if you’re keen.

Queenstown is one high-energy destination that has something for everyone. From jet boat rides to fantastic local food, gorgeous countryside and the world’s most southern wineries, the list really is endless. Chill out tonight at our lakeside lodge.

Lodge Breakfast, Dinner

With two days here, you’ve got time to try out adrenaline-pumping activities, to take it easy with a glass of local wine or beer and of course, to party – something Queenstown in known for.

There’s also the option to take advantage of our explore more highlight optional – your chance to experience the stunning Milford Sound.

Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s gems. This slice of paradise has been voted one of the world’s top destinations & is known around the world for its gorgeous waters & stunning scenery. Set in Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site so get ready for the epic scenery - high mountains rise straight out of the sea and waterfalls pour down sheer cliffs into the deep, dark waters of the fiord.

You’ll get the ultimate angle on this natural wonder from the water when we cruise – you’ll learn about this jaw-droppingly beautiful region from the on-board nature specialist. You’ll get a really good look around the area and up close to its more hidden spots.

You can chill out and enjoy the scenery on deck & hopefully you’ll get a chance to spot seals, dolphins, whales and penguins.

Choose to take a coach over, then jump on a boat & cruise this stunning spot then head back to Queenstown on the coach. Or, if you’re feeling up for it, there’s the option to fly back to Queenstown too.

Back in Queenstown, if the season’s right, get into the alpine action and hit the slopes of some of New Zealand’s best ski resorts over the next two days. Ski and board for 2 full days and explore what the Southern Hemisphere has to offer. Take off at your own pace or carve up the mountain with some friends. We can even organise ski equipment and lessons for you, so you don’t need to worry about a thing.

Walk around the quaint town, hit the shops or head down to the lake for beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges, fittingly called The Remarkables. Board the old steam boat, the TSS Earnslaw, for a lake cruise and see it all from the water.

For adrenaline junkies, there’s bungy jumpy, sky diving, jet boating, canyon swinging and quad biking. In fact there are so many adventure activities in Queenstown that you couldn’t do them all in the 2 days if you tried. For those who like to keep their feet planted firmly on the ground, take an easy-going hike or push yourself with a tougher trail.

Pumping at night, Queenstown is the place to hit some of New Zealand’s best bars and clubs. With cool cocktail bars, old-style pubs and plenty of clubs, there is so much to choose from.

Lodge Breakfast, Breakfast

Relax on the coach, chat with friends and take in the stunning scenery as we head to the rugged West Coast. Leaving the golden grasslands, cliffs and hills of the Otago region behind us, we travel through Haast Pass. See the ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls that give this area its unique atmosphere.

Then cruise past remote beaches and the coastal dunes of the West Coast before arriving in the Westland National Park, where lush bush land and glaciers almost reach the sea.

Get physical and pull on your crampons, grab an ice-pick and head out onto the ice of either the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. On this optional activity, you’ll learn about how these glaciers came about with our professional Local Guides. Otherwise, you can get a bird’s eye view over these icy formations and sweeping vistas in an optional helicopter ride.

We overnight in Franz Josef, a cute alpine township.

Hotel Breakfast, Dinner

Sticking to the untamed coastline, we stop in at the former gold rush town of Hokitika on the West Coast. It’s great for a look into a traditional Maori art. Watch authentic carvers work with New Zealand greenstone (jade) and learn about the importance of this stone. You could even pick up a piece to take home.

We travel east through stunning Arthur’s Pass, following an old trade route. The dense native forest, alpine atmosphere and crystal clear rivers give the area its pioneer feel.

Then it’s back to Christchurch for a chilled out evening.

Please note: Due to the devastating earthquake that hit Christchurch on the 22nd February 2011, the central city is closed as many buildings are set to be demolished. There are changes to our regular itinerary in Christchurch, for the foreseeable future, so expect things to be different. One thing that hasn’t changed is the warm Canterbury hospitality extended to visitors. Contiki remains committed to supporting the people and businesses in this region as the rebuilding of Christchurch begins.

Hotel Breakfast

It’s another jaw-dropping drive up to the top of the South Island today.

The coach cuts across the Canterbury Plains to Kaikoura. This seaside settlement is known for whales, dolphins and delicious, fresh crayfish sold from roadside vans. We’ll stop at a seal colony before travelling up the wild, rugged east coast and the wine country of Marlborough.

Jump on the Inter-Island ferry and leave the South Island behind. Cruise through the gorgeous Marlborough Sounds, where thick forested peaks rise straight up from the sea. It’s a camera-friendly spot with picturesque inlets, remote coves and tiny beaches that dot the islands. You’ll also see some old wooden baches (New Zealand holiday houses) and boat jetties.

We dock in the capital city of Wellington - the country’s political centre and cultural core with funky shops, fringe festivals, galleries, as well as a huge amount of cool cafes and bars.

The peak of Mt Victoria gives an amazing overview of the windy city. Take in the sweeping views of pretty beaches, narrow streets, and weather worn Victorian houses.

Tonight, enjoy an optional dinner with the group in the heart of the downtown area, which has a great, lively atmosphere and plenty of cutting edge restaurants and bars.

Hotel Breakfast

You’ve got a full day to discover Wellington - its compact centre is perfect for exploring on foot.

Walk alongside the harbour or visit the innovative Te Papa Museum for a look into New Zealand history and culture.

You could take a tour around New Zealand’s political heart by visiting some of its government buildings. Hear about the architecture behind the iconic ‘Beehive’ building & its distinctive shape, which was specially designed to cope in case of an earthquake.

You could hang out on alternative Cuba Street, watch street performers or rummage through some of the surrounding retro stores. If you’re hungry, try out some of the great ethnic foods you can find in this multi-cultural city, like sushi, Thai, kebabs and Italian gelatos.

For something different, learn about the age-old art of tattooing at the Tattoo Museum. From traditional Maori moko (face tattoos) through to colourful contemporary designs. There’s even a tattoo parlour on site if you’re game!

Hotel Breakfast

Spot the dramatic volcanic landscapes today that were used as backdrops in the Lord of the Rings, when we drive past World Heritage listed Tongariro National Park. The park is also home to the still active volcano, Mt Ruapehu, which doubles as NZ’s biggest ski field.

Continue on to the popular low-key resort town of Taupo. Here, there’s some of the best trout fishing in the country and some of the most amazing long-distance views of Tongariro National Park’s three volcanic peaks.

Cap off your day with our optional dinner cruise out on New Zealand’s largest lake – Taupo. You can have a go at fishing and after dinner, karaoke!

Later, back on land, play some pool at one of Taupo’s lakeside bars.

Resort Breakfast

On the way out of Taupo, a visit to the raging Huka Falls will impress. Tonnes of water surge over these falls at a rate of 220,000 litres (58 000 gallons) per second.

It’s a short drive to Rotorua, famous for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools, hot springs and ‘interesting’ sulphur smell.

For some crazy ‘Kiwi ingenuity’, try an optional called zorbing. It’s an activity where you get inside a huge plastic ball and roll down a 200m hill, either by yourself or with a friend.

Rotorua is an important hub of Maori culture. To recognise this, we have an optional authentic cultural experience, complete with a fantastic Maori hangi and traditional dance concert. Some of the foods you can try from the hangi are sweet potato and chicken cooked on hot rocks in an underground pit - just as they have been for centuries. Listen to stories, songs and chants while learning about ancient Maori mythology and beliefs.

Hotel Breakfast

This morning, we stop at the Agrodome farm show for an interactive introduction into farming and agriculture, which is New Zealand’s main industry. You’ll see sheep-shearing and watch an impressive sheepdog demo. These dogs are highly-trained and skilled at controlling livestock.

Next up is Waitomo and the Waitomo Caves. Famous for their incredible limestone formations and glow-worms, the caves are a stunning subterranean world. You’ll see the Glow-worm Grotto, where the cave roof is covered with twinkling insects.

For adventure, you can head deeper into the caves in an optional activity and see them either on foot or by tubing down an underground river.

Tonight, it’s a pizza dinner and a visit to a typical country pub. Kick back with your new friends and some of the locals. Maybe try out the local beer – it’s good!

Lodge Breakfast, Dinner

Northbound, we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato – an area that produces many of New Zealand’s best rugby players for the All Blacks, before stopping for lunch in Auckland. New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city is surrounded by volcanoes, islands and a stunning harbour. You’ll soon understand why this is the “City of Sails” and was once home to the America’s Cup.

We’ll see the Sky Tower downtown, before crossing the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge. There are full-blown vistas of the harbour, Rangitoto, and other neighbouring volcanic islands on the way.

With a stop at Parry Kauri Park, there’s time to walk through this famous reserve and see many of New Zealand’s ancient Kauri (a native tree). Some of the Kauri are 50ms high and over 1000 years old.

The final stop today is the small coastal town of Paihia. It’s the gateway to the Bay of Islands, one of New Zealand’s photogenic natural playgrounds.

Your Tour Manager will show you the colonial style Treaty House at Waitangi. This is where modern-era New Zealand was born when the British Crown and Maori signed a treaty in 1840. You’ll also find out about local Maori culture as you check out the Nga Puhi tribal lands.

Tonight, hang out with the other Contiki travellers, your Tour Manager and Driver over a typical ‘Kiwi’ dinner – a BBQ – where you can eat outdoors under the night sky if the weather is good. After dinner, head out to a local music venue in Paihia with the group.

Resort Breakfast, Dinner

With a full free day here, you’ll really get to enjoy the laid-back, natural beauty of the Bay of Islands. Chill out, or choose from loads of activities on offer here. There’s a catamaran cruise where you can stop off at remote islands, swim and feast on a tasty BBQ lunch. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot some dolphins.

Or you could use your free time to head off with some friends to learn about New Zealand’s settler history. Jump on a ferry out to New Zealand’s former capital, the pretty township of Russell. Grab an ice-cream, relax in its cute cafes and walk past some of the town’s historic cottages.

We also offer you the option of a day trip to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s most northern point where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean merge. Our Local Guide can tell you all about the Maori beliefs associated with this site. Then it’s off to the sand dunes of Ninety Mile beach and a drive through the Northland Region.

Lastly, for the adrenaline-junkies, there’s a chance to go parasailing - perfect for getting views of the awesome surrounding bay scenery

Resort Breakfast

This morning we head south, past the rolling Northland countryside, arriving back in to Auckland. Catch some great city & harbor views before the tour ends around lunchtime & it's time to say farewell to your new friends.

Breakfast