THE ONE THAT TAKES YOU ON AN ADRENALINE-FILLED JOURNEY FROM THE SOUTH ISLAND TO THE NORTH
Just how much mind-boggling can be packed into a 10-day holiday? Quite a lot when you're prancing around New Zealand. We'll sojourn our way from Auckland to Christchurch, chowing fish'n'chips and Maori hāngi meals, watching geothermic mud pools boil & signing up for adrenalin rushes that will buzz on in our minds 'til we're old and grey.
WHAT YOU GET
9 nights accommodation
8 nights in Hotel, 1 night in Contiki Special Stay
Throughout your trip you’ll be getting your beauty sleep in comfy beds in cosy multi-share rooms. 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.
12included Meals
9 Breakfast, 3 Dinner
We'll get 12 of your meals, you get the rest. You can expect a healthy breakfast every morning, as well as a traditional Maori Hangi and a BBQ or roast along the way. We'll also give you plenty of opportunities to try the best gourmet eats in NZ.
Team
Expert Trip Manager, Driver and Local Guides
A highly trained Trip Manager who brings your adventure to life. An expert driver who knows foreign roads better than Google Maps. Local Guides who make tourist traps a thing of the past. This is your team. Smart, friendly, fun, and integral to everything we do.
Transport
All transport included during the trip
Included in your trip is transport around New Zealand on our fleet of comfy, state of the art coaches. They're kitted out with all the necessities: USB charge points, WiFi, Air Con and a rocking sound system. You bring the other essentials, like tunes, friendships and stories from the night before.
Your group
Travel with other 18-35 year olds from around the world
Our trips are exclusively 18-35. This means you'll be travelling with people just like you, from all over the world- laughter and friendships always guaranteed.
Experiences
10 included, 12 optional that you can add
The coolest thing about travelling with Contiki is all the extra stuff included while you’re rambling around New Zealand. Take in the view from Auckland's iconic Sky Tower (until Sep 2018), explore NZ’s native bush at Parry Kauri Park and experience a traditional Maori Hangi dinner and concert in Rotorua. You'll also get to see Taupo’s raging Huka Falls, cruise along the Desert Road & Kapiti Coast and check out a seal colony on the Kaikoura coastline. There's so much to do!
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Just how much mind-boggling can be packed into a 10-day holiday? Quite a lot when you're prancing around New Zealand. We'll sojourn our way from Auckland to Christchurch, chowing fish'n'chips and Maori hāngi meals, watching geothermic mud pools boil & signing up for adrenalin rushes that will buzz on in our minds 'til we're old and grey.
step 1
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Want to explore Australia, too? If you add an Australia trip you may qualify for a 5% discount. Please call us for more information.
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NORTHERN CHOICE (CHRISTCHURCH TO AUCKLAND SUMMER)
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itinerary
Map
Itinerary
ITINERARY
Nights spent per location
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
1
1 night
Auckland
via
via
Parry Kauri Park
2
2 nights
Paihia
Auckland
+2 more
see detailed itinerary
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Map
Itinerary
Start location
End location
Trip day
Via location
Bus route
River route
Plane route
Traveller Photos
DAY 1 - 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.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast and visit to a seal colony
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Wellington Dinner
NZ$49
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)
DAY 2 - Wellington
Wellington
Galleries, cafes, shops, street performers, vintage markets -Wellington you're spoiling us. Stroll the eclectic Cuba Street, grab some sushi & pop by the Tattoo Museum where Maori moko face tattoos and modern ink collide, or hop on a quad bike to get down and dirty.
Stay
Mercure Abel Tasman Hotel (or similar)
DAY 3 - 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.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings
See an active stratovolcano with Mt Ruapehu
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
DAY 4 - 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 5 - 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.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Take a behind the scenes tour of the of a Kiwi conservation project at the Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter
See the Bubbling geothermic mud pools
Traditional Maori cultural performance and Hangi dinner
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Ogo Ball
From NZ$35
Hukafalls Jet
NZ$115
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)
DAY 6 - Rotorua
Rotorua
The day is yours to roam free. Soak in a hotspring, go white water rafting, take a canopy tour of hike up a volcano – the options are limitless and the decisions are yours.
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Kaitiaki Rafting
NZ$99
Mt. Tarawera Trek
NZ$149
Rotorua Canopy Tours
NZ$149
Te Puia Steambox Tour
NZ$84
Stay
The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (or similar)
DAY 7 - 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".
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Visit Hobbiton and take a guided tour of the set made famous by the "Lord of the Rings & Hobbit" movies
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Giapo Chefs Table Experience
NZ$45
Auckland
Stay
President Hotel (or similar)
DAY 8 - Auckland to Paihia via Parry Kauri Park
Auckland
We'll cross Aucklands Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Check out Whangarei and Kawakawas 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
Parry Kauri Park
We'll waste no time exploring what this country is famed for - unfathomable nature. Ancient Kauri trees that stand up to 50 metres high and hold over 1000-years of history will delight a walk through the reserve of Parry Kauri Park.
-Walk through native Kauri Forest
Paihia
On arrival to the Bay of Island we're starting off with a dose of Kiwi history on a guided tour at Waitangi Treaty grounds where in 1840 New Zealand officially became a nation of two communities. And because we like to give you that something extra, how about a free admission at the Treaty museum, in case you seek a bit more detail on Kiwi history.
Stay
The Kingsgate Hotel (or similar)
DAY 9 - Paihia
Paihia
Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - today's (idyllic) list of optionals reads like a who's who of adventure. This area is filled with natural beauty and is sure to inspire your inner wild child. Make the most of the Free Time Add-On experiences on offer - tomorrow we head back to the big city vibes.
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
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
Stay
The Kingsgate Hotel (or similar)
DAY 10 - Paihia to End Auckland
Paihia
Feeling salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to beautiful Paihia & sashay our way back down NZ in the direction of Auckland.
Auckland
Time to say adios to the wolf pack and re-live the dream that was the land of the long white cloud, no doubt also dreaming of what might be next in store on an upcoming Contiki adventure, Asia, adventure?
I personally think this tour was bad value for money. It included basic accomodation, bus transfers, a few included meals and tours. There were lots of fun add on activities, but some were incredibly overpriced and nothing like their advertisement.
There were positives to this tour, as I got to see the beauty that the North Island of New Zealand had to offer. In saying that, I would only recommend this tour if you want to travel very quickly or don't have a lot of time. It doesn't give you much time in places, sometimes only one night which means you barely get to explore the area.
This tour was not for me, but I met some great people and am thankful for the opportunity to travel in the first place.
I had the absolute best time. We had the best group, driver, tour guide and New Zealand is beautiful and we had plenty of action packed activities to keep us busy, but also a few lazy days to chill. 100% will be back!
Loved everything there was to have tondonwithbthis trip, people, places, activities, food, accomadation, travels, the thrills and adventures, the Chur life of NZ culture and the hype of the guides and the knowledge shared between each guide and new friends along the way and the new stories to laugh about or cry about. Beste st life change going on contiki!! ***
Booked from Bundeena Royal National ParkTraveled Jan 2019
This was my first Contiki and I absolutely loved it! Everything was so organized and everyone was so welcoming! Already looking at booking another one!
A great trip with fantastic guides who were very informative and made sure everyone was taken care of and the trip ran smoothly. Provided there was clearer information I would of done the larger tour so I could stay with my group for longer and enjoy more of the amazing New Zealand
What you are paying for, effectively...is transportation and shared rooms.
The music was so loud on the bus that the rides were highly unenjoyable. Could not easily converse with the person sitting next to you.
Was stranded by bus driver so he could go drink one evening, compromising my safety.
I am actively reviewing Contiki on as many social media and review platforms as possible to share my experiences.
Sorry! The reviews aren't available for the chosen filter.
REVIEWS
for Northern Choice (Christchurch to Auckland Summer)
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10 total reviews
4.5
81 independent reviews
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81 independent reviews
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Lauren
Traveled Feb 2019
What a trip!
Loved it! But I kind of wish I did the South Island as well... time was a factor for me!
READ MORE
Jagjeet Cheema
Traveled Feb 2019
Northern Choice (Christchurch to Auckland Summer)
Great value for the all the activities we did and places we stayed
READ MORE
Robert Francis Dixon
Traveled Feb 2019
Northern Choice (Auckland to Christchurch Summer
The Northern Choice exceeded my expectations, the destinations were great and the tour manager/bus driver were very friendly
READ MORE
Anonymous
Traveled Jan 2019
Not for me
I personally think this tour was bad value for money. It included basic accomodation, bus transfers, a few included meals and tours. There were lots of fun add on activities, but some were incredibly overpriced and nothing like their advertisement.
There were positives to this tour, as I got to see the beauty that the North Island of New Zealand had to offer. In saying that, I would only recommend this tour if you want to travel very quickly or don't have a lot of time. It doesn't give you much time in places, sometimes only one night which means you barely get to explore the area.
This tour was not for me, but I met some great people and am thankful for the opportunity to travel in the first place.
READ MORE
Anonymous
Traveled Jan 2019
Good and bad
Optional activities were expensive but worth it
READ MORE
Ravinder Cheema
Traveled Jan 2019
Northern Choice (Christchurch to Auckland Summer)
Worth it, optionals we’re the highlight but the included aspects were personally pretty good
READ MORE
Kirrilly Wootton
Traveled Jan 2019
Living my best life!
Could have included a few more activities within the tour, e.g. more included dinners
READ MORE
Emily Angione
Traveled Jan 2019
Northern Choice (Auckland to Christchurch Summer
Sites were amazing and there were so many things to do
READ MORE
Ruby Carter
Traveled Jan 2019
Awesome trip
amazingly beautiful, no where in the world quiet like it
READ MORE
Sally Wilson
Traveled Jan 2019
Places we stopped at were well-thought out
Amazing! Loved the North Island and was given an authentic and truely board experiences
READ MORE
Liz Burdis
Traveled Jan 2019
Life changing
I had the absolute best time. We had the best group, driver, tour guide and New Zealand is beautiful and we had plenty of action packed activities to keep us busy, but also a few lazy days to chill. 100% will be back!
READ MORE
Bianca North
Traveled Jan 2019
Chur!! Wicked awesome!! Life well done!! Living to the fullest with contiki
Loved everything there was to have tondonwithbthis trip, people, places, activities, food, accomadation, travels, the thrills and adventures, the Chur life of NZ culture and the hype of the guides and the knowledge shared between each guide and new friends along the way and the new stories to laugh about or cry about. Beste st life change going on contiki!! ***
READ MORE
Dana Hill
Traveled Jan 2019
Northern Choice (Auckland to Christchurch Summer
Hotels were great and service was amazing, definitely worth the money :)
READ MORE
Issabella Mccosker
Traveled Jan 2019
Amazing!
This was my first Contiki and I absolutely loved it! Everything was so organized and everyone was so welcoming! Already looking at booking another one!
READ MORE
Anonymous
Traveled Jan 2019
Northern Choice (Wellington to Auckland Summer)
Some much on offer throughout this trip. The things that were including in the trip was a bonus because they added to the trip
READ MORE
Ryan Finnigan
Traveled Jan 2019
A fun, easy time abroad
A great trip with fantastic guides who were very informative and made sure everyone was taken care of and the trip ran smoothly. Provided there was clearer information I would of done the larger tour so I could stay with my group for longer and enjoy more of the amazing New Zealand
READ MORE
Courtney Haines
Traveled Dec 2018
Best way to see the North!
It was super good value and I got to see so much of the north and a little taste test of the south as well!
READ MORE
Jennifer Dodd
Traveled Dec 2018
I am actively advising my friends to not use this service.
What you are paying for, effectively...is transportation and shared rooms.
The music was so loud on the bus that the rides were highly unenjoyable. Could not easily converse with the person sitting next to you.
Was stranded by bus driver so he could go drink one evening, compromising my safety.
I am actively reviewing Contiki on as many social media and review platforms as possible to share my experiences.
READ MORE
Anonymous
Traveled Oct 2018
Northern Choice
Definatly worth the money, very organized
READ MORE
Shaylee Tierney
Traveled Sep 2018
Life changing
It was life changing. A trip of a life time for me!
READ MORE
READ ALL REVIEWS
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