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The Big Tiki

(Auckland to Queenstown Winter)

4.8
218 reviews
Up to 15% off

Financing available at checkout

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people white water rafting in New Zealand
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The one that unearths the best of NZ, covering both islands in 19 unforgettable days

Travel Style

In-Depth Explorer

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

  • Duration

    17 days

  • Places

    17 places

  • Meals

    16 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners

  • Transport Style

    Coach

  • Group Size

    Average 45 people

  • Team

    Expert Trip Manager, Driver and Local Guides

Auckland, Paihia, Rotorua, Mount Ruapehu, Wellington, Christchurch, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, Parry Kauri Park, Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, Picton, Kaikoura, Arthurs Pass, Hokitika, Haast Pass, Wanaka

The Big Tiki (Auckland to Queenstown Winter)

18 Inclusions

Experiences that are included with your trip

  • 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, seafood chowder or NZ Lamb salad overlooking the Bay of Islands in Paihia
  • Visit Hobbiton and take a guided tour of the set made famous by the "Lord of the Rings & Hobbit" movies
  • Experience a traditional Maori cultural performance and feast on a ground-smoked hangi dinner
  • See (and smell) Rotorua's bubbling geothermic mud pools
  • Take a behind the scenes tour of the of a Kiwi conservation project at the Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter
  • See an active stratovolcano with Mt Ruapehu
  • See more of the sights made famous in the "The Lord of the Rings"
  • Tuck into coffee and cake in one of Wellington's cafes, including a 'Heart parcels' brownie with proceeds going towards supporting the homeless
  • Join our 2019 Changemaker Parris Quinn in handing out 'Heart Parcels' food to Wellington's homeless (from Oct 2020 - selected departures)
  • Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world
  • Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
  • Take a guided city tour of a city in transition: Christchurch
  • View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika
  • Stop at AJ Hackett's Kawarau Bridge
  • Take a scenic drive through Haast Pass & see Thunder Creek Falls

33 Free Time Add-Ons

Optional experiences that you can choose from and pay for on your trip

  • Take a day trip to Cape Reinga at the very top of New Zealand's North Island NZ$117
  • Carino Day Sailing NZ$130
  • Discover the Bay NZ$149
  • Island Adventure Fast Boat NZ$78
  • Glide through NZ's Bay of Islands on a Parasailing experience in Paihia From NZ$95
  • Auckland Bungy NZ$165
  • Live life on the edge with a climb over Auckland's iconic harbour bridge NZ$130
  • Sky Walk Sky Jump NZ$225
  • Take a walk on the wild side with a Sky Walk around Auckland's 328m high Sky Tower NZ$150
  • Get a multi-sensory icecream extravaganza with a Giapo Chef's Table icecream experience NZ$45
  • Go white water rafting down the crashing Kaituna River NZ$99
  • Hike the unique volcanic landscape of Mt Tarawera, Rotorua NZ$149
  • Explore native rainforest at dawn with breakfast & coffee followed by ziplining on a Contiki Exclusive Rotorua Rainforest Canopy tour NZ$149
  • Cook your kai (food) the traditional way over an active steam vent at Te Puia Maori Village, followed by a guided tour & hands-on weaving experience NZ$84
  • Glacier Country Kayaks NZ$115
  • Across Country Quad Bikes NZ$160
  • Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing From NZ$245
  • Helihike NZ$439
  • Group Photograph NZ$19
  • Take the plunge on the world's OG bungy at Kawarau Bridge, Queenstown NZ$205
  • Jump off the third highest bungy platform in the world at AJ Hackett's Nevis Bungy in Queenstown NZ$275
  • Get a thrilling perspective of Queenstown's skyline with the famous AJ Hackett Ledge bungy NZ$205
  • 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
  • Get your adrenalin pumping with AJ Hackett's Ledge Swing with sweeping views of Queenstown NZ$165
  • Queenstown Adventurer Canyoning NZ$199
  • Cruise the glassy waters of the Milford Sound on a day trip from Queenstown NZ$139
  • Swing through the tree tops on a Ziptrek Zipline tour in Queenstown NZ$189
  • Enjoy dinner with unparallelled views at Queenstown's Skyline restaurant NZ$85
  • Canyon Swing NZ$215
  • Funyaks NZ$359
  • Take your happy hour in sub-zero temperatures at Queenstown's Ice Bar experience NZ$20
  • Canyon Fox NZ$150

Where I'll Stay?

Learn more about the accommodation available on this trip

  • 16 nights

    All accommodation is included on this trip

    8 nights in Hotel, 2 nights in Contiki Special Stay, 6 nights in Lodge

    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.

About this trip

Geysers, glaciers, mountains, Maori settlements, cool cities and cooler mountain climbs: if New Zealand in winter doesn't impress you, best check your pulse. The winter Big Tiki from Auckland to Queenstown soaks it all up and offers an astounding list of over 65 optional activities to ramp up your trip. Anyone brave enough for the Nevis swing?

Buy With Confidence

  • Only $99 deposit to book*

    For a limited time, reserve your space now with a deposit of only $99, pay the rest 45 days before departure

  • Pay over time, interest free

    Can't pay in full? We've got you covered with our Part Pay Program

  • No booking fee, no change fees

    Change your travel dates or even your trip for free

  • Financing available with UpLift

    Book now, pay later when you're eligible for Uplift

Map & Itinerary

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

Nights spent per location

  1. Auckland

  2. via via

    Parry Kauri Park

  3. 2 2 nights

    Paihia

  4. 1 1 night

    Auckland

  5. 2 2 nights

    Rotorua

  6. via via

    Huka Falls

  7. via via

    Lake Taupo

  8. 2 2 nights

    Mount Ruapehu

  9. 2 2 nights

    Wellington

  10. via via

    Picton

  11. via via

    Kaikoura

  12. 1 1 night

    Christchurch

  13. via via

    Arthurs Pass

  14. via via

    Hokitika

  15. 2 2 nights

    Franz Josef Glacier

  16. via via

    Haast Pass

  17. via via

    Wanaka

  18. 4 4 nights

    Queenstown

+8 more

DAY 1 - Auckland to Paihia via Parry Kauri Park

Auckland

Welcome to NZ globe trotters. Time to meet your wolf-pack and start salivating over the overflowing banquet of adventure we have up for grabs here in the land of the 'long white cloud'. We'll cross Aucklands Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' habour before starting our journey north to Paihia. 

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)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • 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, seafood chowder or NZ Lamb salad overlooking the Bay of Islands in Paihia

DAY 2 - 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.

Stay

The Kingsgate Hotel (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Take a day trip to Cape Reinga at the very top of New Zealand's North Island

    NZ$117

  • Carino Day Sailing

    NZ$130

  • Discover the Bay

    NZ$149

  • Island Adventure Fast Boat

    NZ$78

  • Glide through NZ's Bay of Islands on a Parasailing experience in Paihia

    From NZ$95

DAY 3 - Paihia to Auckland

Paihia

This morning we'll tuck into breakfast supplied by the Eat My Lunch - every meal purchases a lunch which is delivered to schools for kids in need.

Auckland

Then, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia & sashay our way back down NZ in the direction of Auckland. We'll say sad goodbyes, but there are always more adventures around the corner.

Stay

President Hotel (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Auckland Bungy

    NZ$165

  • Live life on the edge with a climb over Auckland's iconic harbour bridge

    NZ$130

  • Sky Walk Sky Jump

    NZ$225

  • Take a walk on the wild side with a Sky Walk around Auckland's 328m high Sky Tower

    NZ$150

  • Get a multi-sensory icecream extravaganza with a Giapo Chef's Table icecream experience

    NZ$45

DAY 4 - Auckland to Rotorua

Auckland

Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Hobbiton Village. That's right, it wouldn't be a complete experience without a stop at the "Shire". 

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, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some.  Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Maori hāngi dinner & dance performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA. Tongues at the ready peeps.

Stay

The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Visit Hobbiton and take a guided tour of the set made famous by the "Lord of the Rings & Hobbit" movies

  • Experience a traditional Maori cultural performance and feast on a ground-smoked hangi dinner

  • See (and smell) Rotorua's bubbling geothermic mud pools

DAY 5 - Rotorua

Rotorua

The day is yours to roam free in this geothermal paradise. Soak in a hot spring, go white water rafting or hike up a volcano. The options are limitless and the decisions are yours, but we recommend the exhilarating Rotorua Canopy Tour, an optional where you'll watch the sun rise and drink coffee up in the towering trees, as the birds make start their morning calls. Then, you'll get to soar 1200m through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.

Stay

The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Go white water rafting down the crashing Kaituna River

    NZ$99

  • Hike the unique volcanic landscape of Mt Tarawera, Rotorua

    NZ$149

  • Explore native rainforest at dawn with breakfast & coffee followed by ziplining on a Contiki Exclusive Rotorua Rainforest Canopy tour

    NZ$149

  • Cook your kai (food) the traditional way over an active steam vent at Te Puia Maori Village, followed by a guided tour & hands-on weaving experience

    NZ$84

DAY 6 - Rotorua to Mount Ruapehu via Huka Falls and Lake Taupo

Rotorua

Our Rotorua adventures are (almost) at an end, but not before we stop by the Rainbow Springs Nature Park, where you’ll get the chance to learn about New Zealand's national bird, kiwis. Like nice surprises? Here’s one for you - your included entrance fee goes towards the kiwi rehabilitation project, a Contiki sponsored initiative. Plus, as part of the project Treadright sponsors an incubator used to hatch eggs, so every year we get naming rights to two new baby kiwis. Cute, huh?

Huka Falls

220,000 litres (that's 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 Hukafalls 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. A good thing really, given Lake Taupo is on the horizon. 

Lake Taupo

We'll break up our journey today with a nature jaunt to gorgeous glassy Lake Taupo.

Mount Ruapehu

Then it's on to Mt Ruapehu for some powder riding fun. Whether you consider yourself a pro, or perhaps just an aspiring ski enthusiast, this is the perfect place for you to ‘slide’ into new adventures. And yes we do make excellent puns.

Stay

Kings Hotel Ohakune

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

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

DAY 7 - Mount Ruapehu

Mount Ruapehu

Known as the après-ski capital of the North island, Ohakune is a tranquil town with utterly unreal views. 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

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • See an active stratovolcano with Mt Ruapehu

  • See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings

DAY 8 - Mount Ruapehu to Wellington

Mount Ruapehu

These landscapes are unique and the sights will leave you breathless. On route to the windy capital Wellington where we'll show you the sights of this city.

Wellington

As much as we've been loving the nature time, the change of scenery to New Zealand's well-cultured capital will prove an utter delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington 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 9 - Wellington

Wellington

The day is yours to explore Wellington! In the early evening we'll head to a local cafe and try the famed flat white coffee in its city of origin (sorry Australians). Then you'll have a free afternoon, or (from Oct 2020) we'll meet Parris Quinn our 2019 changemaker, and try some of her Heart Parcels brownies. Heart Parcels is a charity that Parris started to ensure Wellington's homeless have enough food to eat. Buy a delicious brownie here and the proceeds go straight towards feeding people living on the streets of Wellington. If it's a Monday night, you're welcome to join Paris as she hands out donations. It's inspiring stuff.

Stay

Mercure Abel Tasman Hotel (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Tuck into coffee and cake in one of Wellington's cafes, including a 'Heart parcels' brownie with proceeds going towards supporting the homeless

  • Join our 2019 Changemaker Parris Quinn in handing out 'Heart Parcels' food to Wellington's homeless (from Oct 2020 - selected departures)

  • Check out the cafe & restaurant scene in Wellington, voted the coolest little capital in the world

DAY 10 - Wellington to Christchurch

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.

Christchurch

Tonight we sleep well in Christchurch, drifting off to the pleasant memories of NZ's natural beauty that seasoned our day.

Stay

The Breakfree on Cashel Hotel (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast and visit to a seal colony

DAY 11 - Christchurch to Franz Josef

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...

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.

Stay

Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

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

  • View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika

DAY 12 - 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. We've got a heli ride over the glacier up for grabs, or the opportunity to carve your own Pounamu (jade) pendant, under the tuition of a Maori mastercraftsman. Pounamu is sacred to the Māori people, and this is a great way to learn about its cultural significance, while also creating a beautiful please of jewellery. An optional highlight today is a boat cruise across Lake Mapourika. But this ain't your ordinary boat cruise. You'll cruise up the glassy lake, framed by glaciers and mountains, before switching to a stand up paddle board and gliding along a narrow estuary. This takes you to your journey's destination, the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you'll get to meet New Zealand's adorable but vulnerable national bird.

Stay

Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Glacier Country Kayaks

    NZ$115

  • Across Country Quad Bikes

    NZ$160

  • Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing

    From NZ$245

  • Heli Hike

    NZ$439

DAY 13 - 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.

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.

Stay

Jucy Snooze Hotel (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge

  • Take a scenic drive through Haast Pass & see Thunder Creek Falls

DAY 14 - 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. To get you warmed up, we'll be treating you to an exhilirating Shotover Jet experience (until Sep 2018), so throw those hands in the air as you fly through narrow Shotover canyons at speeds of up to 85 kph.

Stay

Jucy Snooze Hotel (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Group Photograph

    NZ$19

DAY 15 - 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.

Stay

Jucy Snooze Hotel (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Take the plunge on the world's OG bungy at Kawarau Bridge, Queenstown

    NZ$205

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

    NZ$275

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

    NZ$205

  • 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

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

    NZ$165

  • Queenstown Adventurer Canyoning

    NZ$199

  • Cruise the glassy waters of the Milford Sound on a day trip from Queenstown

    NZ$139

DAY 16 - 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.

Stay

Jucy Snooze Hotel (or similar)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Swing through the tree tops on a Ziptrek Zipline tour in Queenstown

    NZ$189

  • Enjoy dinner with unparallelled views at Queenstown's Skyline restaurant

    NZ$85

  • Canyon Swing

    NZ$215

  • Funyaks

    NZ$359

  • Take your happy hour in sub-zero temperatures at Queenstown's Ice Bar experience

    NZ$20

  • Canyon Fox

    NZ$150

DAY 17 - Queenstown

Queenstown

This morning our adventure comes to an end (sob). Hug it out with your new bff's, with plans no doubt in place for Contiki 2.0. NZ, you've been real.

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, 14 Days

Kiwiana Panorama

4.6

Visiting 15 places

1 Country, 14 Days

Kiwiana Panorama

4.6

Visiting 14 places

218 Reviews

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being on "the big Tiki" was the absolute experience of a lifetime Saul was a ripper our manager that somehow knew the best places to get a drink on the cheap and Squiddy was a great bus driver to be piloting us through NZ. I met the best group of people who ill stay friends with for ever.
The Big Tiki was amazing! Our tour manager, Brit was amazing and not only showed up some amazing parts of New Zealand but gave us the best tree facts! Could not recommend this trip highly enough, particularly for solo travellers.
This trip was absolutely amazing ! I could not fault it. Pat and Dan were the best guides I could have asked for, they had so much knowledge on all of the places we went and on the local culture, they were so helpful organising us and getting us to all activities. Dan was especially helpful with my dietary requirement, he always made sure I had something to eat and that I was looked after. There was such a great energy on the trip. I will cherish the memories I made on this trip forever.

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