Kiwiana Panorama

(Queenstown to Auckland Summer)

4.6

236 reviews

00:00 / 00:00

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The one that takes you from scenery to spa to skydiving for the ultimate 2-week adrenaline rush

Travel Style

In-Depth Explorer

Take your time and explore in-detail each destination on this trip. Find out more

Duration

14 days
Places

15 places
Meals

13 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
Transport Style

Coach
Group Size

Average 45 people
Team

Expert Trip Manager, Driver and Local Guides

Queenstown, Franz Josef Glacier, Christchurch, Wellington, Mount Ruapehu, Lake Taupo, Rotorua, Auckland, Wanaka, Haast Pass, Hokitika, Arthurs Pass, Kaikoura, Picton, Huka Falls

Where I'll Stay?

Learn more about the accommodation available on this trip

13 nights

All accommodation is included on this trip

6 nights in Lodge, 6 nights in Hotel, 1 night in Contiki Special Stay

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.

About this trip

Feed your adrenaline cravings - relaxation is overrated! Kick it off in Queenstown, the adventure-adrenaline Capital of the World. Ride the Shotover Jet (until Sep 2018) & get a slice of the action! Ever tried bungy jumping, or luging? Now's the time! As you head North, see stunning glaciers, visit Christchurch, try a Maori 'hangi', cruise Lake Taupo & hit Rotorua to try the 'Zorb' or luge!

Buy With Confidence

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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No booking fee, no change fees
Change your travel dates or even your trip for free
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Map & Itinerary

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

Nights spent per location

4 4 nights
Queenstown
via via
Wanaka
via via
Haast Pass
2 2 nights
Franz Josef Glacier
via via
Hokitika
via via
Arthurs Pass
1 1 night
Christchurch
via via
Kaikoura
via via
Picton
2 2 nights
Wellington
1 1 night
Mount Ruapehu
1 1 night
Lake Taupo
via via
Huka Falls
2 2 nights
Rotorua
Auckland

+5 more

DAY 1 - Queenstown

Queenstown

Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand, the land of Hobbits and an epic Rugby team, not to mention adrenalin, wildlife, surfing, beach breaks...are you hooked yet? You'll be hitting up the stunning South first, arriving into Queenstown with a free afternoon to kill. This being the adventure capital of the world though, we really doubt you'll struggle to stay entertained. Tonight you'll meet up with your Contiki Crew & fellow adventurers, no doubt swapping notes on which thrill seeking activity to tick off first.

Stay

Jucy Snooze Hotel (or similar)

DAY 2 - 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. To get you warmed up, we'll be treating you to an exhilirating Shotover Jet experience (until Sep 2018), so throw those hands in the air as you fly through narrow Shotover canyons at speeds of up to 85 kph.

Stay

Jucy Snooze Hotel (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Group Photograph

NZ$19

DAY 3 - 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 4 - 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
Cruise the glassy waters of the Milford Sound on a day trip from Queenstown

NZ$139

DAY 5 - Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier via Wanaka & Haast Pass

Queenstown

Time to return our adrenalin levels to normal and make tracks to the wild (and often wet) West Coast and it's towering glaciers. But before we do, bridge bungy jump, anyone?

Wanaka

Enjoying 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.

Haast Pass

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

Franz Josef Glacier

Playing host tonight is the town of Franz Josef, home to some of NZ's finest natural beauty with bushlands and glaciers that almost reach the sea. Tomorrow we'll be out and about making the most of it - who's excited?

Stay

Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Drive through Haast Pass and see Thunder Creek Falls (until Sep 2018)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

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

NZ$205

DAY 6 - 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

DAY 7 - Franz Josef Glacier to Christchurch via Hokitika & Arther's Pass

Franz Josef Glacier

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we hop back on the coach & start making our way back to Christchurch.

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...

Arthurs Pass

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

Christchurch

Tonight we'll 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

Take a guided city tour of a city in transition: Christchurch
View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

DAY 8 - Christchurch to Wellington via Kaikoura & Picton

Christchurch

It’s another jaw-dropping drive up to the top of the South Island today. The coach cuts across the Canterbury Plains to Kaikoura.

Kaikoura

Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so have those cameras at the ready 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.

Picton

Our next drive takes us 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.

Wellington

We dock in the capital city of Wellington, where no doubt New Zealand's well-cultured capital will prove an utter delight. After an orientation through the narrow streets 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)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

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

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Wellington Dinner

NZ$49

DAY 9 - 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 10 - Wellington to Mount Ruapehu

Wellington

We wave goodbye to Wellington and its beautiful scenery and we prepare ourselves for our next adventure – and trust us, this one is bucket-list worthy.

Mount Ruapehu

Known as the après-ski capital of the North island, Ohakune is a tranquil town with stupendous view. Today you have the option to go mountain biking along one of NZ's most picturesque track, "the Old Coach Rd" or 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 more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings
See an active stratovolcano with Mt Ruapehu

DAY 11 - Mount Ruapehu to Lake Taupo

Mount Ruapehu

Wake up in the spectacular surroundings of Mt. Ruapehu with the epic views of the volcano, and you have the option this morning to go mountain biking along one of NZ's most picturesque track, "the Old Coach Rd" before we head to Taupo.

Lake Taupo

Volcanic peak views & trout fishing will seamlessly slip us into quaint lake life. But don't be fooled by the seemingly still scenery - a bungy jump or skydive are both on the menu if that adrenaline itch needs scratching.

Stay

Lakeland Hotel (or similar)

DAY 12 - Lake Taupo to Rotorua via Huka Falls

Lake Taupo

As we leave Lake Taupo keep an eye out for even more recognisable ‘The Lord of the Rings’ backdrops.

Huka Falls

220,000 litres (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 Huka Falls 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.

Rotorua

When you catch your first whiff of that… ‘unusual’ sulphur smell, you’ll know we’ve arrived in Rotorua. Upon arrival in Rotorua we get to learn some fascinating info on NZ's national birds, as well as watch new lives hatch right in front of our eyes! How impressed are you right now? Soak in a hotspring, go skydiving or take a canopy tour - there's plenty of time for you to make the best of this town. Tonight we enjoy a Maori dance performance and feast on a Hāngi dinner that is sweetly roasted in the ground.

Stay

The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Take a behind the scenes tour of the of a Kiwi conservation project at the Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter
See (and smell) Rotorua's bubbling geothermic mud pools
Experience a traditional Maori cultural performance and feast on a ground-smoked hangi dinner

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Ogo Ball

From NZ$35
Experience the rush of a Huka Falls Jet boat ride

NZ$115

DAY 13 - 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. If you're travelling after October 2020, we recommend the Rotorua Dawn Canopy Tour, exclusive to Contiki, where you'll watch the sun rise, eat some breakfast 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 14 - Rotorua to Auckland

Rotorua

Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland and then some. But don't let the allure of this place consume you, for there's a fun stop at Hobbiton village we must complete. Join us at our short visit at the land of 'Lord of the Rings', before we head to Auckland. That's right, it wouldn't be a complete experience without a stop at the "Shire".

Auckland

This is it! And what an adventure we've had. Say your goodbyes to your new-found family as your trip ends on arrival here in Auckland. New Zealand, we’ll never forgot you.

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

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

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Get a multi-sensory icecream extravaganza with a Giapo Chef's Table icecream experience

NZ$45

236 Reviews

4.6

236 independent reviews

Star rating

179

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Travelled Apr 2020

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!

Anonymous

Travelled Mar 2020

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!

Stacey-Louise Towell

Travelled Mar 2020

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.

Questions group

Open What health and hygiene protocols are in place on trip?

What health and hygiene protocols are in place on trip?

The health and wellbeing of everyone who travels with Contiki has been, and always will be, our top priority. That’s why we’ve rigorously evaluated our experiences, training and protocols to make sure we not only meet our travellers wellbeing expectations, but exceed them in every single way. We sought guidance from the World Health Organisation and government agencies, and, as members of the World Travel and Tourism Council, we’ve been involved in defining global protocols. Due to our diligent work during this time, we’ve been awarded the WTTC safe travels stamp - meaning we’re a business which has adopted global, standardised health and hygiene protocols. You can find details about how we’re prioritising your wellbeing when you travel with us here.

Open Are flights included in my trip?

Are flights included in my trip?

International flights to/from the destination your trip starts and ends in are not included in the cost of the trip, and must be purchased separately. You can book these independently if you want to shop around for the best quote, or through your travel agent.

Any flights you take during your Contiki are included in the cost of your trip. On certain Australian trips we use planes to get you from A to B as quickly as possible, and all of this is included.

Open What documents do I need to travel?

What documents do I need to travel?

Depending on your nationality, you may require visas to enter Australia & New Zealand. You are fully responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your trip. Contiki is not legally permitted to knowingly allow anybody who does not have a valid visa (if required) to join a trip. Visa & other entry & exit conditions such as currency, arrival/ departure taxes, customs & quarantine regulations change regularly, so make sure you stay up-to-date before you travel. See here for more info: https://www.australia.gov.au/information-and-services/immigration-and-visas
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/options/visit
It is also essential that you have any necessary vaccinations & comply with all laws of the countries visited.

Open What are the luggage restrictions?

What are the luggage restrictions?

On our Australia & New Zealand trips, you can bring one bag or suitcase of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”), with a max weight of 20kg (44lbs) plus one piece of hand luggage suitable as a carry-on for flights.

Open What do the Contiki team do?

What do the Contiki team do?

People are at the heart of everything we do, and our team is what makes our trips the best. Our worldwide On-Road Team, locally based staff & network of Local Guides are all extensively trained & widely travelled, & are the best in the business. But we know it’s not just about training, it’s about passion & our team have it in their blood.
Your Trip Manager is like your walking, talking guidebook – just for you. They plan your itinerary every day, organise your food and accomodation and book your Free Time Add ons, and because they know everything about where you’re going, you will too. Your Drivers are the experts on getting you from A to B efficiently and safely in Australia & New Zealand. They know their way around like the back of their hands & they’ll drop you at your door & unload your bags for you. Local Guides provide specialist knowledge when you need it, like when you’re journeying into the bush, and will always help you avoid the tourist traps.

Open How do I redeem the % off deal?

How do I redeem the % off deal?

Our great deals and offers are only in market for a limited time are subject to pay in full deadlines. If you cannot pay in full by the specified date shown alongside the offer/deal you can still lock in the trip date of your choice at our Standard Price where normal payment terms of pay in full 45 days prior to your trip departing apply. Visit the deals page for the full terms & conditions. Discounts apply to the land portion of your trip price only (this excludes taxes, included flight costs, extra accommodation & optional activities. Your trip price does not include the costs of international flights that start or end your trip).

Kiwiana Panorama

(Queenstown to Auckland Summer)

The one that takes you from scenery to spa to skydiving for the ultimate 2-week adrenaline rush

Travel Style

Duration

Places

Meals

Transport Style

Group Size

Team