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.
read more
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.
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NORTHERN CHOICE (CHRISTCHURCH TO AUCKLAND SUMMER)
Only $200 deposit to book.
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Price breakdown:
(Adult Port Tax)
All prices in
ITINERARY
Time spent in each place (in days)
YOU WILL VISIT
New ZealandNew Zealand, and 5 more
SEE FULL ITINERARY
Via
Via
1
2
Time spent in each place (in days)
approx time spent
Via
1
2
Christchurch
Kaikoura
Picton
Wellington
2 days
Mount Ruapehu
1 day
Lake Taupo
1 day
Huka Falls
Rotorua
2 days
Auckland
1 day
Parry Kauri Park
Paihia
2 days
Auckland
Via
1
2
DAY 1:
Christchurch to Wellington
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.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast and visit to a seal colony
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.
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Wellington Dinner
NZ$49
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.
Wellington
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.
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.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings
See an active stratovolcano with Mt Ruapehu
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.
DAY 5:
Lake Taupo to Rotorua
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
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.
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Hukafalls Jet
NZ$115
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.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
See the Bubbling geothermic mud pools
Traditional Maori cultural performance and Hangi dinner
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Ogo Ball
From NZ$35
Skyline Gondola And Luge Rides
NZ$34
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
Rotorua
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Te Puia (Maori Arts & Crafts Institute)
NZ$84
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 & Hobbt" movies
Auckland
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
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.
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 ME Time experiences on offer - tomorrow we head back to the big city vibes.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
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
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
Paihia
DAY 10:
Paihia to 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?
WHAT'S INCLUDED
HOW DOES CONTIKI WORK?
Accommodation included
A-class team
Transport sorted
Authentic foodie experiences
No Regrets Inclusions
An army of new friends
find out more
ACCOMMODATION
9 nights:
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.
TEAM
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.
FOOD
12 meals:
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.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
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!
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
With Contiki, there's plenty of time to relax and do your own thing, but for travellers seeking a little extra, we've also got plenty activities to fill your ME Time. Whether you want to do some fishing at Lake Taupo or go sailing and snorkelling with a catamaran in Paihia, we can definitely point you in the right direction.
TRANSPORT
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.
FLEXIBLE PAYMENT
Save your space with only a 200 deposit
FREEDOM GUARANTEEChange your departure date or trip for FREE
FLEX DEPOSITNever lose your deposit even if you can’t travel
IN-DEPTH EXPLORER
travel style
Classify yourself as a full time foodie/culturally curious wanderer/lover of everything foreign and wonderful? We call that In-Depth Explorer. Spend less time travelling and more time unearthing every last little secret about a destination.
More About Travel Styles
Loved every single bit of the trip besides the homework I brought along with me from the states. Made lasting memories and connections. With it being my first time out of the country, I have to say it was a great experience for me as a whole and I can see myself going back again for holiday!
Great way to get around the north island of New Zealand, includes all the major stops and few special locations you’d never think to visit if you were booking yourself.
My Northern Choice Contiki trip in New Zealand was amazing. Chelsea, our trip manager, was incredibly knowledgeable, fun and organised and our drivers were excellent! The trip took the hassle out of exploring a new country and allowed me a stress free trip with a bunch of great people. Would absolutely recommend.
Meet and greet never happened as I was the only one starting that day, would of been good if someone notified this was a hop on hop off tour and that we weren't starting with a new group. Having to sit on a bus for 6 hours with everyone hungover wasn't a great start to my trip.
Also to realise the people who started in Wellington paid $450 less than me was a shock because all I did was sit on a bus for 6hrs and then a ferry for 4hrs to then meet the new people in Wellington.
Anyways in the end the tour was fun, the activities were amazing and the people were cool :)
Sorry! The reviews aren't available for the chosen filter.
REVIEWS
Read what other travellers are saying about Northern Choice (Christchurch to Auckland Summer)this trip
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AVERAGE RATING FOR
Northern Choice (Christchurch to Auckland Summer)
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63 independent reviews
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Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Oct 2018
Northern Choice
Definatly worth the money, very organized
READ MORE
Shaylee Tierney
Booked from
Traveled Sep 2018
Life changing
It was life changing. A trip of a life time for me!
READ MORE
Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Sep 2018
Northern Choice
There was a lot of cool and new add-on options and included items. I needed to spend extra money due to communications issues.
READ MORE
Adriana Carolina Ceron Gutierrez
Booked from
Traveled Aug 2018
A great trip!
Everything was perfect but I think the add-on activities were too expensive, they should tell before the trip an estimate cost of those activities.
READ MORE
Neil Gibson
Booked from
Traveled Aug 2018
Northern Choice
Accommodation was always sharing and sometimes not the best at times it would be 4 lads in a room
READ MORE
Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Aug 2018
Fantastic service!
Was such good fun, a good way to see the country and seeing the highlights and some spectacular views!
READ MORE
Kristen Humphrey
Booked from
Traveled Aug 2018
Northern Choice
Accomodations were mediocre.
READ MORE
Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Aug 2018
Northern Choice
It was well organized and fun!!
READ MORE
Joanna Paris
Booked from
Traveled Jul 2018
Northern Choice
Such a great 10 days. I had an amazing time meeting new people from around the world and traveling with them. Definitely a trip of a lifetime.
READ MORE
Bonnie Dornom
Booked from
Traveled Jul 2018
Northern Choice
Worth every dollar #noregrets
READ MORE
Sophia Pappalardo
Booked from
Traveled Jul 2018
Northern Choice
It was a pretty good deal that we were able to get for our first contiki tour
READ MORE
Jeff
Booked from
Traveled Jun 2018
Firsts and Friends
Loved every single bit of the trip besides the homework I brought along with me from the states. Made lasting memories and connections. With it being my first time out of the country, I have to say it was a great experience for me as a whole and I can see myself going back again for holiday!
READ MORE
Jessica Clark
Booked from
Traveled May 2018
Amazing !
Best birthday present I ever got myself
READ MORE
Michelle Louise Douglass
Booked from
Traveled May 2018
Northern Choice
Great way to get around the north island of New Zealand, includes all the major stops and few special locations you’d never think to visit if you were booking yourself.
READ MORE
Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Apr 2018
A stress-free way to travel
My Northern Choice Contiki trip in New Zealand was amazing. Chelsea, our trip manager, was incredibly knowledgeable, fun and organised and our drivers were excellent! The trip took the hassle out of exploring a new country and allowed me a stress free trip with a bunch of great people. Would absolutely recommend.
READ MORE
Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Mar 2018
Northern Choice
No real alternatives when weather was a factor. Most accommodation was ok
READ MORE
Natalia Siwek
Booked from
Traveled Mar 2018
Northern Choice
Meet and greet never happened as I was the only one starting that day, would of been good if someone notified this was a hop on hop off tour and that we weren't starting with a new group. Having to sit on a bus for 6 hours with everyone hungover wasn't a great start to my trip.
Also to realise the people who started in Wellington paid $450 less than me was a shock because all I did was sit on a bus for 6hrs and then a ferry for 4hrs to then meet the new people in Wellington.
Anyways in the end the tour was fun, the activities were amazing and the people were cool :)
READ MORE
Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Feb 2018
Northern Choice
It was absolutely amazing, the people were so fun, energetic and overall lovely, and the activities were exceptionally amazing and fun
READ MORE
Jessie Taylor
Booked from
Traveled Feb 2018
Trip of a life time
This was the best purchase I have made
READ MORE
Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Feb 2018
Northern Choice
We got to see so much of the North Island in the limited time we had.
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