Okay. So. We have to admit, this was just a little April Fool’s joke from your pals here at Contiki. We can’t take you to space just yet – but we’ve got some pretty incredible “out-of-this-world” trips you can take closer to home right now. And trust us, when you’re walking through the ancient forests of the Daintree, marvelling at the Mars-like landscapes of the Northern Territory or taking an icy hike on Franz Josef Glacier, you’ll feel just like you’ve touched down on another planet.
With unique new domestic trips and all of the old-favourites, you’re sure to find an Australian or New Zealand Contiki trip to suit your travel style, leaving us to take care of all the details. Scroll through to see a few of our otherworldly trips below…
New Zealand Off-Grid
For the keen adventurers among us, you can’t go past the thrilling new New Zealand Off-Grid trip. Over 15 days you’ll see stunning natural scenery like the volcanic Mount Tarawera and beautiful Lake Wakatipu, have the chance to stay in some seriously cool accommodation like Lochmara Lodge and the Glenorchy Eco Retreat, meet the local Ngāti Whakaue Māori tribe to learn of their customs, and indulge in foodie experiences like a farm-to-table feast at Blue Duck Station. This unplugged tour of the South and North Islands is sure to leave you feeling over the moon.
Image source:Contiki
Australian Ski Adventure
A brand new Contiki trip for all the snow bunnies out there! The Australian Ski Adventure will be kicking off in June 2021, taking travellers to the snow-capped mountain peaks of the Perisher Ski Fields and staying in Jindabyne. You’ll hit the slopes, enjoy an included schnapps and gin tasting at the Wild Brumby Distillery and have the chance to join epic experiences like the Neon Night Ski, Snowy Mountains mountain biking and guided horse trek through the scenic wilderness.
Uluru Explorer
It doesn’t get much more surreal than this: a trip to the stunning Red Centre of the Northern Territory. See the world-famous sacred site of Uluru and discover beautiful natural scenes on this four-day Uluru Explorer trip.
You’ll take a hike through the spectacular King’s Canyon, visit the Olgas (Kata Tjuta), the Walpa Gorge and the Valley of the Winds, see the Field of Light art installation and meet local Anangu artists who will help you create your own special piece to take home. Best of all, you’ll have the chance to admire the majestic Uluru with sunrise and sunset viewings, a guided walking tour and optional scenic helicopter ride or segway tour.
The Big Tiki
Uncover the very best of New Zealand, exploring diverse landscapes across the North and South Islands over 19 days. Bask in the sunshine as you sail through the idyllic Bay of Islands, marvel at the powerful Huka Falls, explore the fantastical Hobbiton set from Lord of the Rings, take a once-in-a-lifetime heli hike of Franz Josef Glacier and bungy jump in Queenstown. With such awe-inspiring destinations and activities to be enjoyed, it’s no wonder The Big Tiki has been so popular with travellers for many years.
Image source:Contiki
Sweet As South
This South Island tour of New Zealand is a must for thrill-seekers keen to explore the sights of Queenstown, Franz Josef and more over nine fun-filled days. See the magical twinkle of the Te Anau glowworm caves, choose your own adventure in Franz Josef Glacier, take the plunge with an AJ Hackett bungy jump or enjoy an exhilarating funyak and jetboat tour in Queenstown. But it’s not all go, go, go! You’ll have the chance to experience some pretty spellbinding destinations including Lake Tekapo, Milford Sound and Haast Pass.
North Queensland Adventure
This one is for the sun-seekers. Dive into the striking blue waters of The Whitsundays, snorkel amid the colourful coral of the Great Barrier Reef and reach great heights ziplining through the ancient Daintree Rainforest. This is the North Queensland Adventure. Hitting up some of the most stunning natural sights in Australia, this trip kicks off in Airlie Beach, visiting The Whitsundays, Magnetic Island, Townsville and Cairns over nine unforgettable days.
Image source:Marcel Wiemers / Unsplash
Keen to see more out of this world Contiki trips? See our New Zealand trips here and Australian trips here.
