Northern Choice
(Christchurch to Auckland Summer)
The one that takes you on an adrenaline-filled journey from the South Island to the North
Visiting Christchurch, Wellington, Mount Ruapehu, Lake Taupo, Rotorua, Auckland, Paihia, Kaikoura, Picton, Huka Falls, Parry Kauri Park
Is this trip for me?
Travel Style
In-Depth Explorer
Group Size
Average 45 people
Transport Style
Coach
Highlights
- Wellington Dinner
- Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
- See more of the sights made famous in the "The Lord of the Rings"
- Only $200 deposit to book
- Part pay financing available with UpLift
- No change fees
- No booking fees
What's included?
9 nights accommodation
8 nights in Hotel, 1 night in Contiki Special Stay
12 Meals
9 Breakfast, 3 Dinner
Team
Expert Trip Manager, Driver and Local Guides
Transport
All transport included during the trip
Experiences
11 included, 13 optional that you can add
- Be floored by the beauty of the Milford Sound fjord, witnessing cascading waterfalls and sheer cliffs on a guided cruise
- Combine an exhilarating helicopter ride above the Franz Josef glacier with an icy once-in-a-lifetime hike*
- Sample a glass of world class Sauvignon Blanc with a tour of a Queenstown vinyard
- Take on the thrill of a hair-raising river rapids ride on the Shotover Jet boat, Queenstown*
- Get a behind the scenes look at mustering sheep on horseback at an authentic, family-run merino farm, Te Anau
- Explore the pristine waters of the Mt Aspiring National Park on a Funyak kayaking tour*
*This experience is a Free Time Add-on and not included in trip costs
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Northern Choice (Christchurch to Auckland Summer)
11 Inclusions
Experiences that are included with your trip
- Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
- See more of the sights made famous in the "The Lord of the Rings"
- See an active stratovolcano with Mt Ruapehu
- Take a behind the scenes tour of the of a Kiwi conservation project at the Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter
- See Rotorua's bubbling geothermic mud pools
- Traditional Maori cultural performance and Hangi dinner
- Visit Hobbiton and take a guided tour of the set made famous by the "Lord of the Rings & Hobbit" movies
- See the 'City of Sails' harbour made famous by the America's Cup
- Check out Whangarei & Kawakawa's famous Hundertwasser toilets
- Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
- Tuck into a true Kiwiana fish 'n' chips dinner
13 Free Time Add-Ons
Optional experiences that you can choose from and pay for on your trip
- Wellington Dinner NZ$49
- OGO Ball From NZ$35
- Hukafalls Jet NZ$115
- Kaitiaki Rafting NZ$99
- Mt. Tarawera Trek NZ$149
- Rotorua Canopy Tours NZ$149
- Te Puia Steambox Tour NZ$84
- Giapo Chefs Table Experience NZ$45
- Awesome Cape Reinga Trip NZ$117
- Carino Day Sailing NZ$130
- Discover the Bay NZ$149
- Island Adventure Fast Boat NZ$78
- Kiwi Parasail From NZ$95
Itinerary
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.