New Zealand Off-Grid

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The one that lets you experience NZ like a local, for an authentic & unplugged discovery of heritage sites, retreats & surf towns

Travel Style

In-Depth Explorer

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

Duration

15 days
Places

12 places
Meals

10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 5 Dinners
Transport Style

Coach, Ferry & Boat
Group Size

Max 20 people
Average Group Age

18 - 35 year olds
Team

Trip Manager & Driver

Auckland, Raglan, Rotorua, Blue Duck Station, Wellington, Marlborough Sounds, Christchurch, Mt Cook, Glenorchy, Queenstown, Lake Tekapo, Arrowtown

29 included & 30 free time add-ons available to add later

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

Included

Rotorua
Learn about the wildlife recovery programme at Lochmara on a guided conservation tour

Included

Wellington
Learn about the wildlife recovery programme at Lochmara on a guided conservation tour

Included

Marlborough Sounds
Master the waves with a surf lesson at the chilled surf town of Raglan

Free Time Add-On

Raglan
Visit a Māori master pounamu (jade) carver in Rotorua & learn how to carve your own masterpiece

Free Time Add-On

Rotorua
Take a half day horseriding adventure through pine forests and mountains near Blue Duck Station

Free Time Add-On

Blue Duck Station

Where I'll Stay?

Learn more about the accommodation available on this trip

Traditional Maori Marae

Rotorua , New Zealand

Ever wanted to learn a haka? This ornately carved Māori marae (home & meeting place for a Māori community) is as authentic as it gets. Prepare a hāngi dinner with your hosts and uncover a culture of rich traditions.

2 nights
Blue Duck Station

Ruapehu, New Zealand

Chase some waterfalls or explore on horseback this beautiful farm in the wilderness of Ruapehu

2 nights
14 nights

All accommodation is included on this trip

3 nights in Hotel, 2 nights in Special Stay - Marae, 2 nights in Special Stay - Blue Duck Station, 2 nights in Special Stay - Lochmara Lodge, 1 night in Lodge, 2 nights in Special Stay - Eco Camp, 2 nights in Hostel

About this trip

Sometimes you just want to get off the tourist trails. Sometimes you're on the hunt for local experiences. Sometimes you're hungry for accommodation that’s truly special - accessible only by boat, or not usually open to the public. That’s why we've put together New Zealand Off-Grid. From learning the ways of Māori culture to hand-feeding parakeets in the wilderness of Lochmara, this isn’t more of the same: this is the future of travel - conscious, hyper-local and as authentic as it gets.

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Map & Itinerary

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

Nights spent per location

Auckland
1 1 night
Raglan
2 2 nights
Rotorua
2 2 nights
Blue Duck Station
1 1 night
Wellington
2 2 nights
Marlborough Sounds
1 1 night
Christchurch
via via
Lake Tekapo
1 1 night
Mt Cook
via via
Arrowtown
2 2 nights
Glenorchy
2 2 nights
Queenstown

+2 more

DAY 1 - Auckland to Raglan

Auckland

Welcome to Auckland! We'll meet and greet in New Zealand's largest city today, before setting off on our first adventure.

Raglan

Surf's up! Welcome to the laid-back town of Raglan, set along the mesmerising Manu Bay. As well as an easy-going surf culture and word-class swells, Raglan is a tight-knit and eco-conscious community. The people who live here champion numerous green initiatives to ensure the town has an environmental impact, and we'll learn how the residents keep green before hitting the waves. You can do as the locals do and opt for some surf lessons, or if you're after something a bit different, Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a great way to explore the coast with a bit more stability. As the evening draws in, we'll have the option to end our first day in style, with a cruise and dinner while we watch the sunset along the bay. NZ - you've stolen our hearts already, and we're just getting started.

Stay

Sunset Motel

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Master the waves with a surf lesson at the chilled surf town of Raglan
Take a Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour along the coast of Raglan
Take a sunset dinner cruise along the bay of Raglan

DAY 2 - Raglan to Rotorua

Raglan

See ya, Raglan; what a cool little town you are. Don't be too sad, though - we're headed onto Rotorua next.

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, bubbling hot springs and lush canopies, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. It's also home to the Ngāti Whakaue Māori tribe, who will be our hosts for the next two nights. That's right, this is the first Special Stay of our trip, a traditional lakeside Marae, which is a traditional, ornately carved Māori home. Our hosts will make use feel welcome as they teach us Tikanga and Kawa, their customs and protocols. We'll then help them in the preparation of the steam Hangi (dinner) as they tell stories around the kitchen table. After a meal, we'll learn about Māori spirituality and healing practises, before the moment you've been waiting for. Yep, put on your best war face, as you're about to learn a haka! After showing you the ropes, our hosts will show us how it's done with their own cultural performance. Pinch yourself, it doesn't get much more authentic than this.

Stay

Marae (Special Stay)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Learn about Tikanga and Kawa, Māori customs and protocols of the marae, in Rotorua
Help prepare a Māori hangi feast while listening to traditional stories around the table
Learn Wairua and Rongoa Māori /Romiromi, Māori spirituality and traditional healing practices, during your stay at the marae
Discover traditional Maori performing arts and learn a haka and a waiata at Ohinemutu marae followed by a cultural performance

DAY 3 - Rotorua

Rotorua

The day is yours to roam free in this remarkable landscape. If you're feeling active, hike up volcanic Mt Tarawera or go White Water Rafting in the Kaituna River. Alternatively, you can take a Pounamu (jade) carving lesson with a local Māori master craftsman. This stone is sacred to the Māori people, and as well as being an incredible cultural experience, you get a beautiful piece of jewellery at the end of it. Another optional highlight today is the Rotorua canopy tour. This will see you rise with the dawn and watch the sunset from a platform high up in the trees. After a coffee and some breakfast, you'll then harness up and soar through the treetops on your zipline. It's an enthralling way to experience Rotorua's stunning scenery. In this natural playground, the options are limitless and the decisions are yours.

Stay

Marae (Special Stay)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

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

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Hike the unique volcanic landscape of Mt Tarawera, Rotorua

NZ$149
Go white water rafting down the crashing Kaituna River
Explore native rainforest at dawn with breakfast & coffee followed by ziplining on a Contiki Exclusive Rotorua Rainforest Canopy tour (from Oct 2020)
Visit a Māori master pounamu (jade) carver in Rotorua & learn how to carve your own masterpiece

DAY 4 - Rotorua to Blue Duck Station

Rotorua

Leaving Rotorua behind, we'll stop off at the Treadright-supported New Zealand Kiwi hatchery, where we'll meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national animal. We'll learn all about the incredible conservation effort being made for New Zealand's native birds, and also get the cuteness overload when we see some of the chicks. Then, staying on theme, we're headed to Blue Duck Station.

Blue Duck Station

Another day, another Special Stay! Blue Duck station is nestled in the wilderness of the Ruapehu District, surrounded by Whanganui National Park. The site aims to conserve New Zealand's endangered wildlife, particularly its birdlife. Some of the kiwis we met earlier are released into the area surrounding the Station. Tonight, we'll enjoy an included farm to plate dinner, with produce harvested on the farm and meat that's been hunted in the surrounding bush. It's as sustainable as it gets, and it's utterly delicious.

Stay

Blue Duck Station (Special Stay)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Depart Ohinemutu with a traditional Poroporoaki, Māori farewell ceremony
Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery at Rainbow Springs near Rotorua and hear about their efforts to save New Zealand's adorable national bird
Take a lunch stop in the North Island's lakeside resort town of Taupo
Enjoy a fresh & sustainably-sourced farm-to-table feast at the spectacular Blue Duck Station

DAY 5 - Blue Duck Station

Blue Duck Station

Rise and shine, we've got endless options for an adventure filled day today. With over 5,000 acres of tracked land, the land surrounding the station is perfect for hiking or horse trekking, as you traverse bush canopies, pine forests and mountain passes. You could kayak the Whanganui river (with a return journey by Jet Boat for the sake of your tired arms), or maybe take a bush safari. On this adventure you'll learn what the Blue Duck station is all about as you hear about their conservation work and even kayak to the Kaiwhakauka falls in summer - eyes peeled for the blue duck itself! In the evening, there's an option to try the Chef's Table fine dining experience. Under the summer night's sky, framed by Mt Ruapehu, you'll enjoy a 10 course degustation menu, with every ingredient sourced from the local land.

Stay

Blue Duck Station (Special Stay)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Explore the hiking trails at Blue Duck Station, along the banks of both the Whanganui and Retaruke Rivers

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Take a half day horseriding adventure through pine forests and mountains near Blue Duck Station
Kayak from Whakahoro into Whanganui National Park and get picked up by jet boat later the same day
Take a Blue Duck Station ATV bush safari and hear about the amazing conservation work on this breathtaking landscape
Enjoy a unique Chef's Table 10-course fine dining experience under the night sky in Tongariro

DAY 6 - Blue Duck Station to Wellington

Blue Duck Station

We're headed out of the wilderness today and into the compact cultural hub of Wellington.

Wellington

With its stunning hook-shaped harbour and vibrant food scene, Wellington is a city like no other. After getting acquainted with the place with an included city tour, we'll visit the National Museum of Te Papa, before heading into town to explore the food & nightlife scene.

Stay

Abel Tasman Hotel

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Get a guided city tour of the captivating cultural hub of Wellington
Visit Te Papa Museum and learn about New Zealand's rich indigenous & colonial heritage

DAY 7 - Wellington to Marlborough Sounds

Wellington

We'll have a morning to explore Wellington further today. This place has more cafes per capita than NYC, so make sure you grab brunch before we take a boat ride from Picton towards the Lochmara Lodge.

Marlborough Sounds

We're catching the ferry to the wild and wonderful South Island, where we'll hop on a smaller boat to travel to our next Special Stay - only accessible by water. Lochmara Lodge is more than just a place to stay, it's a natural haven, and a unique way to experience the magic of the Marlborough Sounds. There's no road access and no TVs - just gorgeous views, nature walks, art and wildlife and, at night, clear starswept skies. Facilities include free kayaks and paddleboards, hammocks, a beach, and world famous nature trails. There's also the Underwater Observatory, where we'll get a tour from a marine biologist who will tell us all about their work to replenish fish populations of the sounds. We'll also take the sculpture and art trail along 10 acres of a 'living gallery' with mixed media art by renowned global artists.

Stay

Lochmara Lodge (Special Stay)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Cruise Cook Strait and Marlborough Sounds
Take an underwater observatory tour with a marine biologist and learn about marine conservation in the Marlborough Sounds
Learn about the wildlife recovery programme at Lochmara on a guided conservation tour

DAY 8 - Marlborough Sounds

Marlborough Sounds

We've got a full day to explore the sounds. Go kayaking or stand up paddleboarding, hike to the Queen Charlotte Sound or take the Seafood Odyssey Cruise. Featuring Regal salmon, Cloudy Bay clams and Greenshell mussels with local Sauvignon Blanc for the perfect food and wine match, you'll also get to enjoy the beauty of the sounds as you cruise aboard a luxury launch. Bliss.

Stay

Lochmara Lodge (Special Stay)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Enjoy included kayaking, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) and hiking from your base at Lochmara Lodge
Hike to the coastal paradise of Queen Charlotte Sound
Explore 10 acres of living gallery on the quirky outdoor sculpture and art trail at Lochmara Lodge
Learn about the wildlife recovery programme at Lochmara on a guided conservation tour
Hand-feed native parakeets and stingrays at Lochmara Lodge

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Take a cruise of the sunken valleys of the Marlborough Sounds while enjoying a seafood feast paired with local wine

DAY 9 - Marlborough Sounds to Christchurch

Marlborough Sounds

We're taking a quick break from nature today as we head onto Christchurch.

Christchurch

Christchurch is still recovering from the devastating 2010 earthquakes that destroyed its centre, but it remains a vibrant city steeped in its European heritage. We'll check out the local sights of this city in transition with an included tour before retiring and getting ready for our next venture into nature.

Stay

Breakfree on Cashel

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

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

DAY 10 - Christchurch to Mt Cook

Christchurch

Get ready for your next Special Stay in Mt Cook - but first, we have a unique stop on the agenda.

Lake Tekapo

We'll stop off to see the intense milky blue waters of glacially-fed Lake Tekapo, and here, we'll also get to enjoy an unforgettable Dark Sky experience. You'll be blown away by this interactive multimedia exhibition that mixes stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy, teaching us how the Māori people originally used to use stars to harvest food, and about the importance of limiting light pollution.

Mt Cook

Our next Special Stay is a lodge located in Mt Cook National Park, a majestic landscape of glaciers, terminal lakes, turbulent rivers and Australasia's tallest peak, the mighty Aoraki (Mt Cook) soaring above at 3,724 metres. There's endless adventures to choose from today - walk some of the famed hiking trails or take a scenic flight over the glacier followed by a snow landing and glacier walk. If heights aren't your thing, take a cruise up close to the glaciers, where you to touch and taste 300-500 year old glacial crystals. As the pitch black night draws in, opt for a unique stargazing experience.

Stay

Mt Cook Lodge

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Immerse yourself in an awe-inspiring multimedia Dark Sky Reserve experience, 13.8 billion years in the making, combining science and tātai arora (Māori astronomy)
Take a short and spectacular hike to Tasman Glacier Lake

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Fly in a plane and helicopter over the soaring peaks of majestic Mt Cook, followed by a glacier snow landing
Visit the Tasman Glacier, cruise the terminal lakes past icebergs and crystals & touch 300-500 year old glacial crystals
Make the most of the pitch black sky with a unique stargazing experience from your Mount Cook Lodge

DAY 11 - Mt Cook to Glenorchy

Mt Cook

Rise and shine! You won't want to miss our morning hike to Kea point, to watch a golden sunrise stretch over the mountains. Hungry? We've definitely earned a buffet breakfast, and we'll enjoy floor to ceiling views of Mt Cook as we dine in the Heritage Hotel.

Arrowtown

Whether or not you have any room left after breakfast, you'll be happy to know we have a quick stop off for lunch in Arrowtown, New Zealand's historic gold-mining town. A bit like a New Zealand version of the Wild West, Arrowtown is full of charming wooden-fronted shops, cafes and remnants of the goldrush era. Be sure to check out the replica miner's huts, buy some flakes of gold, wade in the river where people still go gold-panning, or buy some old-timey sweets from the Remarkable Sweet Shop on the main street.

Glenorchy

Arriving in Glenorchy we'll get a guided tour of our eco-retreat Special Stay. Nestled among some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery, this place celebrates nature through buildings designed with non-toxic construction materials, native plantings, and creative touches from New Zealand artists and craftspeople. State-of-the-art technology helps to reduce water and energy use. We'll enjoy an included Kiwi BBQ dinner before turning in for the night. We've got a big day of exploration tomorrow.

Stay

Eco Retreat (Special Stay)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Take an early morning hike to Kea Point to see a golden sunrise fall over majestic Mt Cook
Eat a full buffet breakfast at the Heritage Hotel with floor to ceiling views of Mt Cook
Stop off in the charming historic goldrush settlement of Arrowtown
Enjoy a classic Kiwi BBQ dinner at Camp Glenorchy Eco-Lodge

DAY 12 - Glenorchy

Glenorchy

We've got a day to explore the great outdoors! Lucky us. Maybe start the day with some free yoga; after that the opportunities are limitless. Get the ultimate thrill with some tandem skydiving; take an e-bike tour of the Routeburn track; maybe take the safari kayak adventure and explore the islands of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the spectacular Southern Alps...New Zealand is the gift that keeps on giving, and we're not done yet.

Stay

Eco Retreat (Special Stay)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Start the morning with a yoga session at Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Hike part of the Routeburn Track, one of the world's top hiking trails
Take a foodie movie set or bike and hike e-bike tour of the Routeburn track Glenorchy
Take a Glenorchy kayak safari and explore the Lake Wakatipu islands in the shadow of the Southern Alps
Skydive over the soaring Southern Alps in tandem with an expert instructor

DAY 13 - Glenorchy to Queenstown

Glenorchy

Glenorchy, it's been emotional, but we're headed to the adventure capital of the world.

Queenstown

Framed by the aptly named Remarkable Mountains, the birthplace of bungee gets the pulse racing in more ways than one. We'll take an orientation tour, and then there's a menu of adventures to choose from. So, where to start? You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horseback riding, or you may insist on cramming in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft. It's your adventure - run wild as you see fit.

Stay

Jucy Snooze

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

Check out Queenstown's top adventure spots & nightlife from your centrally located Jucy Snooze hostel

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

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

NZ$165
Get a thrilling perspective of Queenstown's skyline with the famous AJ Hackett Ledge bungy

NZ$205
Take the plunge on the world's OG bungy at Kawarau Bridge, Queenstown

NZ$205
Paddle over Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu with Funyaks kayaking
Take an splashy adventure thrill ride on Queenstown's Shotover Jet

NZ$129

DAY 14 - Queenstown

Queenstown

With our last day (sob) in adrenaline 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. Maybe conquer those niggling fears once and for all. We recommend the exhilarating Shotover Jet experience, where you can throw those hands in the air as you fly through narrow Shotover canyons at speeds of up to 85 kph. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying the beautiful wineries, cute cafes and incredible mountains is fine too!

Stay

Jucy Snooze (Hostel)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

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

NZ$275
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
Swing through the tree tops on a Ziptrek Zipline tour in Queenstown

NZ$189
Do a tour and tasting of a Central Otago Wine vineyard and Craft Brewery in Queenstown
Enjoy dinner with unparallelled views at Queenstown's Skyline restaurant

NZ$85

DAY 15 - Queenstown

Queenstown

This morning our adventure comes to an end (sob) here in Queenstown, or you can take an optional transfer back to Christhurch. Hug it out with your New Zealand crew. We're sad to say goodbye, but memories of what we've experienced will put stupid grins on our faces for years to come.

Short on time?

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

1 Country, 9 Days

South Island Off-Grid

NEW TRIP

Visiting 8 places

1 Country, 7 Days

North Island Off-Grid

NEW TRIP

Visiting 5 places

Questions group

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New Zealand Off-Grid

The one that lets you experience NZ like a local, for an authentic & unplugged discovery of heritage sites, retreats & surf towns

Travel Style

Duration

Places

Meals

Transport Style

Group Size

Average Group Age

Team

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