Select trip type

Southbound (Previously The Big Tiki)

Northbound (Previously The Big Tiki)

Same trip, southbound. Starting in Auckland, ending in Christchurch.

What makes this trip special...

The one that unearths the best of NZ, covering both islands in 21 unforgettable days

Ultimate New Zealand

21

days

1

country

23

cities

FROM

$4,497

Standard Price

$5,789

Geysers and glaciers. Māori settlements, mighty cities and majestic mountains. If NZ doesn't impress you with its diverse beauty, nothing will. Cruising from Auckland in the north to Christchurch in the South – with stop-offs in Rotorua, Wellington, Queenstown and more top class adventure spots along the way – this one is the ultimate adventure, offering up over 65 optional activities from  swimming with dolphins to skydiving and beyond.

What’s included

4.8

Based on 113 Independent Reviews

Map & Itinerary

Download Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1

Auckland

Whangārei

Paihia

Day 2

Paihia

Day 3

Paihia

Auckland

Day 4

Auckland

Rotorua

Day 5

Rotorua

Day 6

Rotorua

Huka Falls

Taupō

Day 7

Taupō

Mount Ruapehu

Day 8

Mount Ruapehu

Wellington

Day 9

Wellington

Day 10

Wellington

Picton

Kaikōura

Day 11

Kaikōura

Day 12

Kaikōura

Christchurch

Day 13

Christchurch

Arthur's Pass

Hokitika

Franz Josef

Day 14

Franz Josef

Day 15

Franz Josef

Haast

Wānaka

Queenstown

Day 16

Queenstown

Day 17

Queenstown

Day 18

Queenstown

Day 19

Queenstown

Milford Sound

Te Anau

Day 20

Te Anau

Kingston

Arrowtown

Lake Ōhau

Day 21

Lake Ōhau

Lake Tekapo

Christchurch

Trip Reviews

Trusted Customer

Ultimate New Zealand

(5.0)

Trip Experience

Thread Contiki Support

Thank

you

for

your

5-star

review

of

the

Ultimate

New

Zealand

product.

We

appreciate

you

taking

the

time

to

share

your

feedback.

Trusted Customer

Ultimate New Zealand

(5.0)

Trip Experience

Was

an

amazing

adventure.

Got

to

see

and

experience

so

many

things.

*Personal

information

removed

by

Feefo*and

*Personal

information

removed

by

Feefo*

were

full

off

knowledge

...

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Thread Contiki Support

Thank

you

for

sharing

your

wonderful

experience

on

the

Ultimate

New

Zealand

adventure.

We're

thrilled

to

hear

you

had

such

an

amazing

time.

It's

fantastic

that

you

connected

w...

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Trusted Customer

Ultimate New Zealand

(4.0)

Trip Experience

The

Ultimate

New

Zealand

was

a

great

way

to

get

out

and

see

NZ.

I

travelled

by

myself

and

would

have

otherwise

lacked

the

confidence

to

go.

It

was

a

convenient

and

comfortable...

Read more

(4.0)

Customer Experience

Select travel date

2025
August

Southbound (Previously The Big Tiki)

Northbound (Previously The Big Tiki)

Last MInute Deal

15 August 2025, Fri

4 September 2025, Thu

15% off

CALL US

Southbound (Previously The Big Tiki)

Standard Price

$5,815

$4,943

Ultimate New Zealand

Southbound (Previously The Big Tiki)

15 August, 2025

Friday, 08:00 (Local Time)

Auckland, New Zealand

4 September, 2025

Thursday, 16:00 (Local Time)

Christchurch, New Zealand

Special Departures

The 'Ski in Cadrona' Free-Time Add On is available only during the winter months (June to September). Don't worry, your trip will still be as cool as ever!

Further Information

When booking a twin room you are guaranteed a twin bed configuration in all locations except Queenstown where you may get a double room ( 1 Queen size bed)

Southbound (Previously The Big Tiki) - Ultimate New Zealand

$5,815

Savings

-$872

Last MInute Deal

Total Price

Based on multishare room

$4,943

Secure today with AUD$200 deposit

Last Minute Deal

12 September 2025, Fri

2 October 2025, Thu

20% off

Southbound (Previously The Big Tiki)

Standard Price

$5,815

$4,652

Ultimate New Zealand

Southbound (Previously The Big Tiki)

12 September, 2025

Friday, 08:00 (Local Time)

Auckland, New Zealand

2 October, 2025

Thursday, 16:00 (Local Time)

Christchurch, New Zealand

Special Departures

The 'Ski in Cadrona' Free-Time Add On is available only during the winter months (June to September). Don't worry, your trip will still be as cool as ever!

Further Information

When booking a twin room you are guaranteed a twin bed configuration in all locations except Queenstown where you may get a double room ( 1 Queen size bed)

Southbound (Previously The Big Tiki) - Ultimate New Zealand

$5,815

Savings

-$1,163

Last Minute Deal

Total Price

Based on multishare room

$4,652

CONTINUE

Secure today with AUD$200 deposit

26 September 2025, Fri

16 October 2025, Thu

Southbound (Previously The Big Tiki)

$5,815

Ultimate New Zealand

Southbound (Previously The Big Tiki)

26 September, 2025

Friday, 08:00 (Local Time)

Auckland, New Zealand

16 October, 2025

Thursday, 16:00 (Local Time)

Christchurch, New Zealand

Special Departures

Further Information

When booking a twin room you are guaranteed a twin bed configuration in all locations except Queenstown where you may get a double room ( 1 Queen size bed)

Southbound (Previously The Big Tiki) - Ultimate New Zealand

$5,815

Total Price

Based on multishare room

$5,815

CONTINUE

Secure today with AUD$200 deposit