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The Big Tiki

(Queenstown to Auckland Summer)

4.8
218 reviews
PRICE
$2,409
from
$2,048
00:00 / 00:00
055nwzd2017
See full itinerary

The one that soaks it all up over 19 days, from mountains to mud pools

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

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

Top Experiences

15 included & 33 free time add-ons available to add later

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

    Included

    Rotorua

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

    Included

    Rotorua

  • Funyaks

    NZ$359

    Queenstown

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

    NZ$275

    Queenstown

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

    NZ$117

    Paihia

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

    From NZ$95

    Paihia

The Big Tiki (Queenstown to Auckland Summer)

15 Inclusions

Experiences that are included with your trip

  • Drive through Haast Pass and see Thunder Creek Falls (until Sep 2018)
  • Take a guided city tour of a city in transition: Christchurch
  • View a native greenstone carving demonstration in the goldrush town of Hokitika
  • Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast & visit to a seal colony
  • 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
  • Take a behind the scenes tour of the of a Kiwi conservation project at the Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter
  • See (and smell) Rotorua's bubbling geothermic mud pools
  • Experience a traditional Maori cultural performance and feast on a ground-smoked 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, seafood chowder or NZ Lamb salad overlooking the Bay of Islands in Paihia

33 Free Time Add-Ons

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

  • Group Photograph NZ$19
  • 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
  • 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
  • Take the plunge on the world's OG bungy at Kawarau Bridge, Queenstown NZ$205
  • Glacier Country Kayaks NZ$115
  • Across Country Quad Bikes NZ$160
  • Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing From NZ$245
  • Helihike NZ$439
  • Wellington Dinner NZ$49
  • OGO Ball From NZ$35
  • Experience the rush of a Huka Falls Jet boat ride NZ$115
  • 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
  • Get a multi-sensory icecream extravaganza with a Giapo Chef's Table icecream experience NZ$45
  • 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

Where You'll Stay

Learn more about the accommodation available on this trip

  • 16 nights

    All accommodation is included on this trip

    6 nights in Lodge, 9 nights in Hotel, 1 night in Contiki Special Stay

    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

Waterfalls, glaciers, hobbits and hangi: if NZ doesn't impress you, best check your pulse. The Big Tiki from Queenstown to Auckland soaks it all up over 17 unforgettable days, with 60 optional activities to ramp up your trip. Anyone here 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. 4 4 nights

    Queenstown

  2. via via

    Wanaka

  3. via via

    Haast Pass

  4. 2 2 nights

    Franz Josef Glacier

  5. via via

    Hokitika

  6. via via

    Arthurs Pass

  7. 1 1 night

    Christchurch

  8. via via

    Kaikoura

  9. via via

    Picton

  10. 2 2 nights

    Wellington

  11. 1 1 night

    Mount Ruapehu

  12. 1 1 night

    Lake Taupo

  13. via via

    Huka Falls

  14. 2 2 nights

    Rotorua

  15. 1 1 night

    Auckland

  16. via via

    Parry Kauri Park

  17. 2 2 nights

    Paihia

  18. Auckland

+8 more

DAY 1 - Queenstown

Queenstown

Kia Ora and welcome to Queenstown. After checking in to your hotel the rest of the afternoon is yours to start discovering why Queenstown is best known as the adventure capital of the world. Tonight you'll meet up with the rest of the crew, no doubt swapping notes on which thrill seeking activity to tick off first. Let the adventure commence...

Stay

Jucy Snooze Hotel (or similar)

DAY 2 - 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 3 - 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 4 - 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 5 - Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier via Wanaka & Haast Pass

Queenstown

Time to return our adrenalin levels to normal and make tracks to the wild (and often wet) West Coast and it's towering glaciers. But before we do, bridge bungy jump, anyone?

Wanaka

Enjoying 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.

Haast Pass

Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Hasast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll away from Queenstown through the Southern Alps.

Franz Josef Glacier

Playing host tonight is the town of Franz Josef, home to some of NZ's finest natural beauty with bushlands and glaciers that almost reach the sea. Tomorrow we'll be out and about making the most of it - who's excited?

Stay

Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

  • Drive through Haast Pass and see Thunder Creek Falls (until Sep 2018)

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

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

    NZ$205

DAY 6 - 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 7 - Franz Josef Glacier to Christchurch via Hokitika & Arther's Pass

Franz Josef Glacier

Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we hop back on the coach & start making our way back to Christchurch.

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...

Arthurs Pass

Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.

Christchurch

Tonight we'll 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

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

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

DAY 8 - 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.

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)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

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

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Wellington Dinner

    NZ$49

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 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.

Stay

Kings Hotel Ohakune

DAY 11 - 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 12 - 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.

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)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

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

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

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

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

  • Ogo Ball

    From NZ$35

  • Experience the rush of a Huka Falls Jet boat ride

    NZ$115

DAY 13 - 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. If you're travelling after October 2020, we recommend the Rotorua Dawn Canopy Tour, exclusive to Contiki, where you'll watch the sun rise, eat some breakfast 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 14 - 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". 

Auckland

Stay

President Hotel (or similar)

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

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

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

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

    NZ$45

DAY 15 - 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.

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 16 - 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 17 - 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?

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 15 places

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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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