Experience the best of New Zealand’s South Island - it's an adventure you won't want to end. Kick off this tour in the land of the Lord of the Rings, Wellington & quad bike in the bush! Hike a glacier, then it's on to Queenstown. Go bungy jumping, canyon swinging & quad biking - the activities endless (& the nightlife is legendary!) Choose to cruise through Milford Sound & take an amazing scenic flight over Mt. Cook!
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Experience the best of New Zealand’s South Island - it's an adventure you won't want to end. Kick off this tour in the land of the Lord of the Rings, Wellington & quad bike in the bush! Hike a glacier, then it's on to Queenstown. Go bungy jumping, canyon swinging & quad biking - the activities endless (& the nightlife is legendary!) Choose to cruise through Milford Sound & take an amazing scenic flight over Mt. Cook!
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At present the Kaikoura route is not available. Contiki will be travelling an alternate route between Christchurch and Wellington until further notice.
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'SWEET AS' SOUTH (START WELLINGTON)
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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
3
4
Via
1
2
3
4
Time spent in each place (in days)
approx time spent
Via
1
2
3
4
Wellington
Picton
Kaikoura
Christchurch
1 day
Arthurs Pass
Hokitika
Franz Josef Glacier
2 days
Haast Pass
Wanaka
Queenstown
4 days
Milford Sound
Te Anau
1 day
Arrowtown
Lake Ohau
1 day
Lake Tekapo
Christchurch
Via
1
2
3
4
DAY 1:
Wellington to Christchurch via Picton and Kaikoura
Wellington
So long north island! Today we're making tracks for your southern brother, darting across the Tasman via the Inter-Island ferry.
Picton
Our first port of call on the South Island will be Picton, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone?
Kaikoura
Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge 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
Christchurch
Tonight we sleep well in Christchurch, drifting off to the pleasant memories of NZ's natural beauty that seasoned our day.
DAY 2:
Christchurch to Franz Josef via Arthers Pass and Hokitika
Christchurch
Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on.
Arthurs Pass
Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.
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...
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
See a native greenstone carving demonstration
Franz Josef Glacier
We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.
DAY 3:
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. Want to double tick the list in gold sparkly pen? We've got a heli ride over the glacier up for grabs for an ultra special experience. Satisfaction levels on high, tonight will be topped off with story swapping and crew drinks at the local. Be sure to breathe in that fresh alpine air - doesn't it feel good.
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Glacier Country Kayaks
NZ$115
Ice Explorer
NZ$359
Across Country Quad Bikes
NZ$160
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing
From NZ$245
Franz Josef Glacier
DAY 4:
Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown
Franz Josef Glacier
Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way.
Haast Pass
Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Drive through Haast Pass and see Thunder Creek Falls
Wanaka
Intermitting 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.
Queenstown
Welcome to the adventure capital of the world. Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.
DAY 5:
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. First stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bungy. Later, take a stroll around beautiful Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps this stunning town has plenty to offer other than adventure activities.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge
Tour and tasting of a Central Otago Wine vineyard and Craft Brewery (From Oct 2018)
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Group Photograph
NZ$19
Queenstown
DAY 6:
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.
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Ziptrek Zipline Tour
NZ$189
Skyline Restaurant Dinner
NZ$85
Canyon Swing
NZ$215
Funyaks
NZ$359
Ice Bar Experience
NZ$20
Canyon Fox
NZ$150
Queenstown
DAY 7:
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.
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Milford Sound Day Trip & CruiseMilford Sound Day Trip & Cruise (Until September 2018)
NZ$139
Kawarau Bridge Bungy
NZ$205
The Nevis Bungy
NZ$275
Ledge Bungy Bungy
NZ$205
Thrillogy
NZ$420
The Nevis Swing
NZ$210
Ledge Swing
NZ$165
Queenstown Adventurer Canyoning
NZ$199
Queenstown
DAY 8:
Queenstown to Te Anau via Milford Sound
Queenstown
Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of Milford Sound.
Milford Sound
Welcome to New Zealand's most stunning attraction, with a magical combination of mountain peaks, forest-clad cliffs and deep dark waters. We take an included cruise of the fiord and experience the beauty of this pristine destination by boat, the best way to see Milford Sound in all its glory.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Milford Sound Cruise
Te Anau
Later, we head to our home for the night in stunning lakeside town of Te Anau.
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Glow Worm Caves
NZ$90
DAY 9:
Te Anau to Lake Ohau via Arrowtown
Te Anau
Departing Te Anau we will make a stop at a true Kiwi farm experience, to discover how country life really looks like in this corner of the world. Anyone up for sheep shearing or milking a cow?!
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Experience rural NZ country life with a farm visit in Te Anau
Arrowtown
We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ohau.
Lake Ohau
We will stop by a farm to experience true country NZ life. Envisage - Horse back farmers, mustering sheep using dogs. Following that we travel to Arrowtown for a lunch stop then onto Lake Ohau.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
See Mt Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau
DAY 10:
Lake Ohau to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo
Lake Ohau
It's our last day but don't get sad, we're sure plans for Contiki 2.0 are already well underway. Kick start the day and end the trip on a high with a spectacular optional glacier flight over Mt. Cook for all new views of the country's highest mountain.
Lake Tekapo
Later, we'll stop off to see the inense milky blue waters of glacially-fed Lake Tekapo, before travelling back through the MacKenzie Country to our final destination.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
See the historic Church of the Good Shepard
Stop at Lake Pukaki Lake Tekapo and Geraldine
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Grand Traverse Scenic Flight
NZ$340
Christchurch
Much of this beautiful city was destroyed in 2011 as well as lives lost when a 6.3 magnitude earthquake shattered everything, yet today Christchurch is experiencing a resurgence to it's former glory. As we pull in (insert sad face) there's sure to be some sadness, but memories of your New Zealand adventure will put smiles on faces for many years to come.
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 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.
TEAM
Don't worry, your Trip Manager and Driver will show you the ropes, not to mention all your new travel mates. Whether providing local knowledge or lols, our team members are people you can trust.
FOOD
12 meals:
We'll get 12 of your meals, you get the rest. You can expect a healthy breakfast every morning, as a few dinners 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 the South Island. Ride the iconic Shotover Jet, visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd in Christchurch and take a tour of the iconic Speight’s Brewery (with a tasting of course).
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
While our tours are action packed, we also provide opportunity for you to have some extra fun. Ride the slightly terrifying 109m canyon swing in Queenstown, learn ice climbing at Franz Josef Glacier or take a scenic flight over Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak.
TRANSPORT
You’ll be riding with your new best mates on our Contiki coach. We know comfort and style are equally important, that’s why we provide air-con and heating, powerpoints to charge your devices and only the best Drivers and Trip Managers.
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
Positives are at the end of the review. The trip only offered 'add-ons' etc. and information on businesses and tours Contiki is affiliated with, selling them like 'products', I was not told about some of the main attractions in Queenstown so I'm lucky I did prior research and booked them myself - everyone else on the tour was super disappointed when they found out about the Onsen Hot Pools, the Skyline Stargazing tour etc. when it was too late to book. We were assured we would be in max quad share and ended up in 8-pod rooms - ended up paying $200 for a room upgrade and having to send evidence that we were told quad room just to get a refund - which we did. We weren't informed that we would be joining up with a group who had already been travelling together for over a week and it made it very awkward as they had separated into groups and the tour manager did not properly introduce us (like she did when the original group started, they did activities/games to get to know each other and used the mic to introduce themselves, we weren't offered this). Didn't see the trip manager unless the whole group was together and she didn't really enquire as to whether we were having a nice time. The rooming was unfair, it was passed from the front of the bus to back and you were only meant to write your name down, it had gone through 6 people and had 33 names on it already so it was very clique-y - like high school or school camp. Anyway, Queenstown and NZ in general is stunning, our driver was awesome and trip manager had some good local/cultural knowledge - just felt a little more like numbers than friends.
The tour itself was incredible. I originally thought we would be spending waaaaay too long in Queenstown but I could've stayed there for another year - there is so much to do! It has to be one of the world's most beautiful cities.
Awesome people. Awesome trip manager and bus driver. Great experiences including bungy and ziplining that helped me improve personally and socially. I couldn't have asked for a better first time overseas trip.
Incredible action packed adventure with plenty of time to chill out and see amazing cities such as Queenstown!
I have made life long friends from this trip and and so happy that I booked it, great work team and Contiki!
My Experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du3k0lZ3ayk
This was my first Contiki and traveled by myself; I loved every moment! Made so many friends and was a great tour of New Zealand to see the scenery and do so many activities! Wish I could have stayed longer!
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Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Oct 2018
Wasn't expecting this
Positives are at the end of the review. The trip only offered 'add-ons' etc. and information on businesses and tours Contiki is affiliated with, selling them like 'products', I was not told about some of the main attractions in Queenstown so I'm lucky I did prior research and booked them myself - everyone else on the tour was super disappointed when they found out about the Onsen Hot Pools, the Skyline Stargazing tour etc. when it was too late to book. We were assured we would be in max quad share and ended up in 8-pod rooms - ended up paying $200 for a room upgrade and having to send evidence that we were told quad room just to get a refund - which we did. We weren't informed that we would be joining up with a group who had already been travelling together for over a week and it made it very awkward as they had separated into groups and the tour manager did not properly introduce us (like she did when the original group started, they did activities/games to get to know each other and used the mic to introduce themselves, we weren't offered this). Didn't see the trip manager unless the whole group was together and she didn't really enquire as to whether we were having a nice time. The rooming was unfair, it was passed from the front of the bus to back and you were only meant to write your name down, it had gone through 6 people and had 33 names on it already so it was very clique-y - like high school or school camp. Anyway, Queenstown and NZ in general is stunning, our driver was awesome and trip manager had some good local/cultural knowledge - just felt a little more like numbers than friends.
READ MORE
Emily Hogan
Booked from
Traveled Oct 2018
Simply amazing!
Totally worth every cent!
READ MORE
Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Oct 2018
The best TM and Driver in Contiki!
The tour itself was incredible. I originally thought we would be spending waaaaay too long in Queenstown but I could've stayed there for another year - there is so much to do! It has to be one of the world's most beautiful cities.
READ MORE
Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Oct 2018
Memorable Experience.
From the East to the West, the views and activities on offer were nothing short of amazing!
READ MORE
Scott Burling
Booked from
Traveled Oct 2018
'Sweet as' South
Great way to see the South Island of NZ. Great tour team that always go above and beyond
READ MORE
Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Oct 2018
Memorable experience and money can't buy opportunity
Awesome people. Awesome trip manager and bus driver. Great experiences including bungy and ziplining that helped me improve personally and socially. I couldn't have asked for a better first time overseas trip.
READ MORE
Christine Shaji
Booked from Brisbane
Traveled Oct 2018
Absolutely amazing and would definitely tour with Contiki again
So worth it. Definitely did more than what I expected and had a lot of fun!
READ MORE
Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Oct 2018
'Sweet as' South
Loved it all! Nothing to fault
READ MORE
Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Oct 2018
'Sweet as' South
I thought the trip would have included more on Maori culture.
READ MORE
Alvinesh Sivarajah
Booked from
Traveled Sep 2018
'Sweet as' South
Perfect trip overall!!!!!
READ MORE
Bradley Watson
Booked from Adelaide
Traveled Sep 2018
Just awesome, unforgettable people!
Incredible action packed adventure with plenty of time to chill out and see amazing cities such as Queenstown!
I have made life long friends from this trip and and so happy that I booked it, great work team and Contiki!
My Experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du3k0lZ3ayk
READ MORE
Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Sep 2018
'Sweet as' South
I liked that the travel days had stops to explore little bits of the country I otherwise would've missed
READ MORE
Rose
Booked from Taiwan
Traveled Sep 2018
'Sweet as' South
I’m one of the six Asians out of a group of 40, and our trip manager Jay made me feel as welcome as possible!
READ MORE
Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Sep 2018
Time of my life
Amazing ! Fun ! Big family environment ! Wont br disappointment
READ MORE
Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Aug 2018
'Sweet as' South
Very well priced tour for all that is included thank you!
READ MORE
Isabelle Distler
Booked from
Traveled Aug 2018
Incredible experience
I love New Zealand. People, food, landscapes and cities are incredible.
READ MORE
Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Aug 2018
'Sweet as' South
It was great fun, absolutely awesome experience, adrenalin-intense activities and majestic scenery tied into one.
READ MORE
Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Aug 2018
'Sweet as' South
This was my first Contiki and traveled by myself; I loved every moment! Made so many friends and was a great tour of New Zealand to see the scenery and do so many activities! Wish I could have stayed longer!
READ MORE
Anonymous
Booked from
Traveled Aug 2018
If you're after adventure, Contiki New Zealand is the way to go.
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