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Kiwiana Panorama

(Auckland to Christchurch Winter)

4.6
236 reviews
Up to 15% off

Financing available at checkout

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00:00 / 00:00
troyajones-2018-11-28-3087604523

The one that feeds your adrenaline cravings and then some, as you discover NZ in Winter

Travel Style

In-Depth Explorer

Learn about our travel styles.

  • Duration

    16 days

  • Places

    20 places

  • Meals

    15 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners

  • Transport Style

    Coach

  • Group Size

    Average 45 people

  • Team

    Expert Trip Manager, Driver and Local Guides

Auckland, Rotorua, Mount Ruapehu, Wellington, Christchurch, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, Te Anau, Lake Ohau, Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, Picton, Kaikoura, Arthurs Pass, Hokitika, Haast Pass, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Arrowtown, Lake Tekapo

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    Your Trip Host has designed every trip to be packed with incredible, local experiences, made even more amazing as you share it with other incredible 18-35 year old travelers.

About this trip

Ready for the ultimate 2 week adrenaline rush? This one uncovers both enchanting islands, where you'll eat with the Māori in Rotorua, hike up an active volcano, cruise on Lake Taupo and head to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. Ever tried bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging? There's never been a better opportunity.

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  • Only $99 deposit to book*

    For a limited time, reserve your space now with a deposit of only $99, pay the rest 45 days before departure

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Trip Variation

Customize the itinerary of your trip depending on yours preferences

  • Kiwiana Panorama

    (Auckland to Christchurch Winter)

    This is the full version of the trip, starting in Auckland and finishing in Christchurch during winter

    Up to 15% off

    SELECTED

  • Kiwiana Panorama

    (Auckland to Christchurch Summer)

    This is the full version of the trip, starting in Auckland and finishing in Christchurch during summer

    Up to 10% off

    View Trip

  • Kiwiana Panorama

    (Auckland to Queenstown Summer)

    This trip version is two days shorter and will take you from Auckland to Queenstown in summer

    Up to 10% off

    View Trip

  • Kiwiana Panorama

    (Auckland to Queenstown Winter)

    This trip version is two days shorter and will take you from Auckland to Queenstown in winter

    Up to 15% off

    View Trip

  • Kiwiana Panorama

    (Christchurch to Auckland Summer)

    This is the full version of the trip, starting in Christchurch and finishing in Auckland during summer

    Up to 10% off

    View Trip

  • Kiwiana Panorama

    (Christchurch to Auckland Winter)

    This is the full version of the trip, starting in Christchurch and finishing in Auckland during winter

    Up to 15% off

    View Trip

  • Kiwiana Panorama

    (Queenstown to Auckland Summer)

    This trip version is two days shorter and will take you from Queenstown to Auckland in summer

    Up to 10% off

    View Trip

  • Kiwiana Panorama

    (Queenstown to Auckland Winter)

    This trip version is two days shorter and will take you from Queenstown to Auckland in winter

    Up to 15% off

    View Trip

Map & Itinerary

  • Start location
  • End location
  • Trip day
  • Via location
  • River route
  • Plane route

Nights spent per location

  1. Auckland

  2. 2 2 nights

    Rotorua

  3. via via

    Huka Falls

  4. via via

    Lake Taupo

  5. 2 2 nights

    Mount Ruapehu

  6. 2 2 nights

    Wellington

  7. via via

    Picton

  8. via via

    Kaikoura

  9. 1 1 night

    Christchurch

  10. via via

    Arthurs Pass

  11. via via

    Hokitika

  12. 2 2 nights

    Franz Josef Glacier

  13. via via

    Haast Pass

  14. via via

    Wanaka

  15. 4 4 nights

    Queenstown

  16. via via

    Milford Sound

  17. 1 1 night

    Te Anau

  18. via via

    Arrowtown

  19. 1 1 night

    Lake Ohau

  20. via via

    Lake Tekapo

  21. Christchurch

+11 more

DAY 1 - Auckland to Rotorua

Auckland

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Hobbiton Village. That's right, it wouldn't be a complete experience without a stop at the "Shire". 

Rotorua

When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some.  Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Maori hāngi dinner & dance performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA. Tongues at the ready peeps.

Stay

The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Visit Hobbiton and take a guided tour of the set made famous by the "Lord of the Rings & Hobbit" movies

  • Experience a traditional Maori cultural performance and feast on a ground-smoked hangi dinner

  • See (and smell) Rotorua's bubbling geothermic mud pools

DAY 2 - Rotorua

Rotorua

The day is yours to roam free in this geothermal paradise. Soak in a hot spring, go white water rafting or hike up a volcano. The options are limitless and the decisions are yours, but we recommend the exhilarating Rotorua Canopy Tour, an optional where you'll watch the sun rise and drink coffee up in the towering trees, as the birds make start their morning calls. Then, you'll get to soar 1200m through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Stay

The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Go white water rafting down the crashing Kaituna River

    NZ$99

  • Hike the unique volcanic landscape of Mt Tarawera, Rotorua

    NZ$149

  • Explore native rainforest at dawn with breakfast & coffee followed by ziplining on a Contiki Exclusive Rotorua Rainforest Canopy tour

    NZ$149

  • Cook your kai (food) the traditional way over an active steam vent at Te Puia Maori Village, followed by a guided tour & hands-on weaving experience

    NZ$84

DAY 3 - Rotorua to Mount Ruapehu via Huka Falls and Lake Taupo

Rotorua

Our Rotorua adventures are (almost) at an end, but not before we stop by the Rainbow Springs Nature Park, where you’ll get the chance to learn about New Zealand's national bird, kiwis. Like nice surprises? Here’s one for you - your included entrance fee goes towards the kiwi rehabilitation project, a Contiki sponsored initiative. Plus, as part of the project Treadright sponsors an incubator used to hatch eggs, so every year we get naming rights to two new baby kiwis. Cute, huh?

Huka Falls

220,000 litres (that's 58 000 gallons) of water gush over Huka Falls per second. Just let that sink in for a minute. Wild, right? Even wilder still is the Hukafalls Jet experience - a thrilling ride that will get you experiencing the full force of the falls and leave you with even more of a taste for adventure. A good thing really, given Lake Taupo is on the horizon. 

Lake Taupo

We'll break up our journey today with a nature jaunt to gorgeous glassy Lake Taupo.

Mount Ruapehu

Then it's on to Mt Ruapehu for some powder riding fun. Whether you consider yourself a pro, or perhaps just an aspiring ski enthusiast, this is the perfect place for you to ‘slide’ into new adventures. And yes we do make excellent puns.

Stay

Kings Hotel Ohakune

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Take a behind the scenes tour of the of a Kiwi conservation project at the Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter

DAY 4 - Mount Ruapehu

Mount Ruapehu

Known as the après-ski capital of the North island, Ohakune is a tranquil town with utterly unreal views. Spend the day bettering your skills on the slopes or generally treating yourself to all the snowy based activities on offer, then tonight snuggle down in our Special Stay ski lodge, located in prime position at the base of Mt. Ruapehu.

Stay

Kings Hotel Ohakune

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • See an active stratovolcano with Mt Ruapehu

  • See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

DAY 5 - Mount Ruapehu to Wellington

Mount Ruapehu

These landscapes are unique and the sights will leave you breathless. On route to the windy capital Wellington where we'll show you the sights of this city.

Wellington

As much as we've been loving the nature time, the change of scenery to New Zealand's well-cultured capital will prove an utter delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on. 

Stay

Mercure Abel Tasman Hotel (or similar)

DAY 6 - Wellington

Wellington

The day is yours to explore Wellington! In the early evening we'll head to a local cafe and try the famed flat white coffee in its city of origin (sorry Australians). Then you'll have a free afternoon, or (from Oct 2020) we'll meet Parris Quinn our 2019 changemaker, and try some of her Heart Parcels brownies. Heart Parcels is a charity that Parris started to ensure Wellington's homeless have enough food to eat. Buy a delicious brownie here and the proceeds go straight towards feeding people living on the streets of Wellington. If it's a Monday night, you're welcome to join Paris as she hands out donations. It's inspiring stuff.

Stay

Mercure Abel Tasman Hotel (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Tuck into coffee and cake in one of Wellington's cafes, including a 'Heart parcels' brownie with proceeds going towards supporting the homeless

  • Join our 2019 Changemaker Parris Quinn in handing out 'Heart Parcels' food to Wellington's homeless (from Oct 2020 - selected departures)

  • Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

DAY 7 - Wellington to Christchurch

Wellington

So long north island! Today we're making tracks for your southern brother, darting across the Tasman via the Inter-Island ferry.

Picton

Our first port of call on the South Island will be Picton, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone?

Kaikoura

Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. We'll stop at a seal colony, where you'll struggle not to break into a collective 'cuuuute' as you watch these guys sunning themselves on the rocks.

Christchurch

Tonight we sleep well in Christchurch, drifting off to the pleasant memories of NZ's natural beauty that seasoned our day.

Stay

The Breakfree on Cashel Hotel (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast and visit to a seal colony

DAY 8 - Christchurch to Franz Josef

Christchurch

Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on.

Arthurs Pass

Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

Hokitika

In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...

Franz Josef Glacier

We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.

Stay

Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Take a guided city tour of a city in transition: Christchurch

  • View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

DAY 9 - Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier

This morning will be another big ol' tick off the list as we take to the ice of Franz Josef Glacier. We've got a heli ride over the glacier up for grabs, or the opportunity to carve your own Pounamu (jade) pendant, under the tuition of a Maori mastercraftsman. Pounamu is sacred to the Māori people, and this is a great way to learn about its cultural significance, while also creating a beautiful please of jewellery. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Stay

Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Glacier Country Kayaks

    NZ$115

  • Across Country Quad Bikes

    NZ$160

  • Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing

    From NZ$245

  • Heli Hike

    NZ$439

  • Carve your own pounamu (jade) pendant using traditional Māori methods with a master carver

  • Boat and SUP the Kiwi Sanctuary

DAY 10 - Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown

Franz Josef Glacier

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way.

Haast Pass

Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.

Wanaka

Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty ski resort town situated on a lake front and dwarfed by mountains. This town is fast becoming one of NZ's most popular spots, and a trip to the 'Dough Bin' for a luscious pie should be high on the list today.

Queenstown

Welcome to the adventure capital of the world. Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.

Stay

Jucy Snooze Hotel (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

  • Take a scenic drive through Haast Pass & see Thunder Creek Falls

DAY 11 - Queenstown

Queenstown

Today is yours to get acquainted with Queenstown and spend some time mulling over the activities up for grabs in the next two days. First stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.

Stay

Jucy Snooze Hotel (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Group Photograph

    NZ$19

  • Queenstown Wine Trail

DAY 12 - Queenstown

Queenstown

It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.

Stay

Jucy Snooze Hotel (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Take the plunge on the world's OG bungy at Kawarau Bridge, Queenstown

    NZ$205

  • Jump off the third highest bungy platform in the world at AJ Hackett's Nevis Bungy in Queenstown

    NZ$275

  • Get a thrilling perspective of Queenstown's skyline with the famous AJ Hackett Ledge bungy

    NZ$205

  • Go all out with Thrillogy - 3 of Queenstown's world class bungy jumps including the historic Kawarau Bungy, the freestyle Ledge Bungy, and the hair-raising Nevis Bungy

    NZ$420

  • Take the swing of your life on the 300m Nevis Swing, one of the world's biggest canyon swings in Queenstown

    NZ$210

  • Get your adrenalin pumping with AJ Hackett's Ledge Swing with sweeping views of Queenstown

    NZ$165

  • Queenstown Adventurer Canyoning

    NZ$199

DAY 13 - Queenstown

Queenstown

With our last day in adrenalin city ahead of us, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and hurl over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Jump into #NOREGRETS spirit and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.

Stay

Jucy Snooze Hotel (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Swing through the tree tops on a Ziptrek Zipline tour in Queenstown

    NZ$189

  • Enjoy dinner with unparallelled views at Queenstown's Skyline restaurant

    NZ$85

  • Canyon Swing

    NZ$215

  • Funyaks

    NZ$359

  • Take your happy hour in sub-zero temperatures at Queenstown's Ice Bar experience

    NZ$20

  • Canyon Fox

    NZ$150

DAY 14 - Queenstown to Te Anau via Milford Sound

Queenstown

Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound. 

Milford Sound

Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.

Te Anau

Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not take a guided jet boat trip to Fiordland National Park? From Te Anau through lake Manapouri, it's an exhilarating way to soak up the scenery. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.

Stay

The Village Inn Hotel (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Cruise the glassy waters of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Milford Sound

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Be awed by the magical twinkle of the Te Anau glowworm caves

    NZ$98

DAY 15 - Te Anau to Lake Ohau

Te Anau

Departing Te Anau we will make a stop at a true Kiwi farm experience, to discover how country life really looks like in this corner of the world. Anyone up for sheep shearing or milking a cow?!

Arrowtown

We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau. 

Lake Ohau

We will stop by a farm to experience true country NZ life. Envisage - Horse back farmers, mustering sheep using dogs. Following that we travel to Arrowtown for a lunch stop then onto Lake Ohau.

Stay

Lake Ohau Lodge (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau

  • See the peak of Mt Cook from across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

DAY 16 - Lake Ohau to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo

Lake Ohau

It's our last day, let's end it on a high!

Lake Tekapo

We'll stop off to see the intense milky blue waters of glacially-fed Lake Tekapo. Here (from October 2020) we'll also get to enjoy an unforgettable Dark Sky experience, an interactive multimedia exhibition that mixes stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy, teaching us how the Māori people used to use stars to harvest food, and about the importance of reducing light pollution.

Christchurch

Onto Christchurch and there's sure to be some sadness. But don't worry - memories  will put smiles on faces for many years to come.

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • See the historic Church of the Good Shepard

  • Stop at Lake Pukaki Lake Tekapo and Geraldine

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Grand Traverse Scenic Flight

    NZ$340

Travel your way

This trip can be booked in smaller or bigger sections, so you can pick your dream adventure, tailored for you

1 Country, 19 Days

The Big Tiki

(Christchurch to Auckland Winter)

4.8

Visiting 21 places

1 Country, 19 Days

The Big Tiki

(Auckland to Christchurch Winter)

4.8

Visiting 22 places

Where You'll Stay

Learn more about the accommodation available on this trip

  • 15 nights

    All accommodation is included on this trip

    6 nights in Hotel, 2 nights in Contiki Special Stay, 7 nights in Lodge

    Throughout your trip you’ll be getting your beauty sleep in cosy, warm beds in multi-share rooms, plus the chance to stay in funky sleeping pods that can be completely enclosed for sleeping and chilling out. Your accommodation will always be located in the heart of the action, with communal areas for you and your new best friends to relax and socialise.

236 Reviews

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4.6
236 independent reviews
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I am rating Contiki a four as it is a great way to travel on your own and see a lot of things in a short amount of time in a safe environment. This was my first big trip traveling alone, I wanted to just enjoy the trip, not have to think about where I was going next, how I was going to get there and where I was going to stay. The guide and driver were very knowledgeable as they were from New Zealand. The trip manager was organized, made sure everyone got on there add-on activities and was good at taking us out to local spots in the evening for good entertainment. The driver was very approachable, friendly and helpful at suggesting different places to see or things to do on your free time. If I could change anything about Contiki it would be to have more involvement with group activities at minimal- no cost. I found that everything was very go, go, go and everything involved paying for it. I knew there were add on extras, but did not realize how busy it was and the only way to experience things. If you did not have an add-on extra than you basically had to find stuff to do on your own. There were 50ish people in my group, (also had no idea groups were that large) I did not even get to know or interact with half of them because of how busy it was. Id suggest coupons for local places for discounts on food would be beneficial as cost of food was expensive and added up quickly. Most of time I went to grocery stores to grab food to take on the trip. Coming from Canada, a trip costing 3200 + Flight + extras + food all adds up quickly. The trip ended up costing me roughly another 4g on top of just the Contiki price. Recommendations for other travelers: Make sure to have extra money for free time add-ons- amazing views, scenery for days, take lots of pictures / videos but don't forget to live in the moment because it goes by quickly. YOLO #NO REGRETS, It was an AMAZING experience, I will definitely will be returning to NZ one day. I ABSOLUTE LOVED IT!
Itinerary and activities were awesome! So action packed and I wanted to do as much as possible! Trip manager and bus driver were so amazing and went above and beyond my expectations! Would definitely recommend contiki to anyone it was amazing!
My Trip Manager (Chelsea) and Driver (Al) were brilliant. Super helpful, knowledgeable and loads of fun. I thought some of the included accommodation left something to be desired but overall I think the included activities were great as we're the choice stops.

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