Ultimate New Zealand | Southbound | Oct 2025 - Sept 2026
Ultimate New Zealand | Southbound | Oct 2025 - Sept 2026
Ultimate New Zealand | Southbound | Oct 2025 - Sept 2026
21 Days Starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch (Nz)
Visiting: Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Whangārei, Paihia, Rotorua, Huka Falls, Taupō Nui a Kiwa (Lake Taupō), Ruapehu (Mount Ruapehu), Te Whanganui a Tara (Wellington), Waitohi (Picton), Kaikōura, Ōtautahi (Christchurch), Arthur's Pass, Hokitika, Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef), Tioripatea (Haast), Wānaka, Tāhuna (Queenstown), Piopiotahi (Milford Sound), Te Anau, Takerehaka (Kingston), Kā Muriwai (Arrowtown), Ōhau (Lake Ōhau), Takapō (Lake Tekapo)
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GZAD25
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Geysers and glaciers. Maori settlements, mighty cities and majestic mountains. If NZ doesn't impress you with its diverse beauty, nothing will. Cruising from Auckland in the north to Christchurch in the South – with stop-offs in Rotorua, Wellington, Queenstown and more top class adventure spots along the way – this one is the ultimate adventure, offering up over 65 optional activities from whale watching to skydiving and beyond.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) To Paihia Via Whangārei
Location: Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Whangārei, Paihia
Accommodation: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Contiki crew and cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.We'll stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangārei and check out the quirky exterior of the Hunderwasser art centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again towards the Bay of Islands.On arrival to the Bay of Islands 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. Tonight we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana fish'n'chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.
Day 2: Paihia
Location: Paihia
Accommodation: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Whether it's parasailing or cruising the Bay of Islands while sailing on Carino - 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.
Day 3: Paihia To Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)
Location: Paihia, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)
Accommodation: Lylo (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia & sashay our way back down NZ in the direction of Auckland. Arriving in Auckland we've got a array of awesome Free-Time Add-Ons to choose from. Adrenaline junkies, get ready for a bungee jump, climb over the iconic harbour bridge or sky jump off the Skywalk. For those who prefer to keep two feet on the ground, why not get your taste buds tingling with a multi-sensory icecream experience at Giapo?
Day 4: Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) To Rotorua
Location: Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Rotorua
Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We'll drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks. We'll visit the world’s largest kiwi bird conservation project, watch the birds roam, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow and even visit the incubation centre where over 2,100 kiwi chicks have been born. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a traditional Māori dinner and performance (you’ll also have the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA).
Day 5: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. 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.
Day 6: Rotorua To Taupō Nui A Kiwa (Lake Taupō) Via Huka Falls
Location: Rotorua, Huka Falls, Taupō Nui a Kiwa (Lake Taupō)
Accommodation: Lakeland Resort Taupo (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupō, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome 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 Taupō is on the horizon. We arrive at Lake Taupō, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. Volcanic peak views & trout fishing will seamlessly slip us into quaint lake life. But don't be fooled by the seemingly still scenery - a skydive is on the menu if that adrenaline itch needs scratching.This evening we jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with our Contiki fam.
Day 7: Taupō Nui A Kiwa (Lake Taupō) To Ruapehu (Mount Ruapehu)
Location: Taupō Nui a Kiwa (Lake Taupō), Ruapehu (Mount Ruapehu)
Accommodation: Kings Ohakune (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Kings Ohakune (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We drive through the central plateau to the southern end of the Tongariro National Park, Ohakune is known as the aprés ski capital of the North Island. Today you have the option to go mountain biking along one of NZ's most picturesque track, "the Old Coach Rd".Tonight we stay in a heritage listed building built in 1913 which is now a vibrant modern ski lodge, located at the base of a volcano, Mt Ruapehu with views unlike any other you've seen.
Day 8: Ruapehu (Mount Ruapehu) To Te Whanganui A Tara (Wellington)
Location: Ruapehu (Mount Ruapehu), Te Whanganui a Tara (Wellington)
Accommodation: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.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 delight. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington, and a chance to explore the great food scene, a night on the town will be on the cards.
Day 9: Te Whanganui A Tara (Wellington)
Location: Te Whanganui a Tara (Wellington)
Accommodation: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, why not head to a local cafe and try the famed flat white coffee in its city of origin (sorry Australians). Caffeinated and refreshed, we'll take a trip to Zealandia, a 225-hectare (basically massive) eco-sanctuary that protects over 40 rare native wildlife species. Because Zealandia is fully fenced, you'll be able to walk alongside incredibly rare birds like the hihi and the takahē. Look out for the tuatara, a prehistoric reptile known as a 'living fossil', which can only be found in New Zealand!
Day 10: Te Whanganui A Tara (Wellington) To Kaikōura Via Waitohi (Picton)
Location: Te Whanganui a Tara (Wellington), Waitohi (Picton), Kaikōura
Accommodation: Sudima Kaikoura (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Sudima Kaikōura (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
So long north island! Today we're making tracks for your southern brother, darting across the Cook Strait via the Inter-Island ferry. Our first port of call on the South Island will be Picton, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Kaikōura is known for its marine life (among many other things), so keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins and seals – which we’ll check out along the way. Next up, we'll visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue to meet Sabrina Leucht, a local biologist who’ll teach us about local wildlife, the threats they face and how we can make a difference. Tonight, we’ll check into our seafront hotel for a relaxing evening.
Day 11: Kaikōura
Location: Kaikōura
Accommodation: Sudima Kaikoura (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Sudima Kaikōura (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikōura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals and dusky dolphins. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikōura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, Quadbiking through Glenstrae Farm, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikōura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.
Day 12: Kaikōura To Ōtautahi (Christchurch)
Location: Kaikōura, Ōtautahi (Christchurch)
Accommodation: The Breakfree on Cashel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: The Breakfree on Cashel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We're onto our next destination, so long Kaikōura! We'll arrive in Christchurch by lunch-time, where we'll take an inspiring tour of the city that was totally rebuilt after the Christchurch earthquake. Look out for the Cardboard Cathedral, the only cathedral in the world to be built mostly from plain old cardboard!
Day 13: Ōtautahi (Christchurch) To Kā Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef) Via Hokitika And Arthur's Pass
Location: Ōtautahi (Christchurch), Arthur's Pass, Hokitika, Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef)
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps. In the gold rush town of Hokitika, we'll meet with a local Māori guide who’ll teach us all about pounamu on a unique tour. We’ll learn about the history of the illustrious green stones (which the South Island is named after) and its connection with the Māori people. Back on the coach, we're coastline bound to one of the island’s most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots (and that’s saying something…) 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 14: Kā Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef)
Location: Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef)
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning 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 Māori 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.
Day 15: Kā Roimata O Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef) To Tāhuna (Queenstown) Via Tioripatea (Haast) And Wānaka
Location: Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef), Tioripatea (Haast), Wānaka, Tāhuna (Queenstown)
Accommodation: Lylo (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
With a new appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop on the coach & continue to Queenstown, with a few cheeky stops along the way.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.We'll stop for lunch in Wānaka, 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.Welcome to the adventure capital of the world! First stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump. Tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola and to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.
Day 16: Tāhuna (Queenstown)
Location: Tāhuna (Queenstown)
Accommodation: Lylo (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to get acquainted with Queenstown and check out the activities up for grabs in the next two days. Take a stroll around beautiful this stunning town, nestled in the Southern Alps that has so much to offer.
Day 17: Tāhuna (Queenstown)
Location: Tāhuna (Queenstown)
Accommodation: Lylo (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 exploring wine cellars and caves, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump and ziplining & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit. Please note: If you're here during ski season, you can opt for an exclusive Ski day-trip to Cardrona. Check out ‘Dates & Pricing’ to see these "Special Departures".
Day 18: Tāhuna (Queenstown)
Location: Tāhuna (Queenstown)
Accommodation: Lylo (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Lylo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure 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.
Day 19: Tāhuna (Queenstown) To Te Anau Via Piopiotahi (Milford Sound)
Location: Tāhuna (Queenstown), Piopiotahi (Milford Sound), Te Anau
Accommodation: The Village Inn Hotel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: The Village Inn Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Alright, it's time to return our adrenaline levels to a normal level and make tracks to the spectacular natural wonder of 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. Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to explore the Fiordland National Park. From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilirating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet (or wheels) on dry land. You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh) or simply cycle the gorgeous trails through native bush.
Day 20: Te Anau To Ōhau (Lake Ōhau) Via Takerehaka (Kingston) And Kā Muriwai (Arrowtown)
Location: Te Anau, Takerehaka (Kingston), Kā Muriwai (Arrowtown), Ōhau (Lake Ōhau)
Accommodation: Lake Ohau Lodge (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Lake Ōhau Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
So long, Te Anau. It's been fun. Our first stop today is Kingston for an authentic and important NZ farm experience. Where a charity helps local girls to learn practical farming skills and gain qualifications. Contiki makes a donation on behalf of every traveller who visits the farm, so you can help more NZ women and girls plough through barriers and get ahead in their ‘field’ just by turning up. We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before heading onto Lake Ōhau. For our last night, we'll go out with a bang. Or perhaps a splash. Sketchbooks at the ready folks - we'll spend our final night by Lake Ōhau, with a spectacular view of Mt Cook in the distance!
Day 21: Ōhau (Lake Ōhau) To Ōtautahi (Christchurch) Via Takapō (Lake Tekapo)
Location: Ōhau (Lake Ōhau), Takapō (Lake Tekapo), Ōtautahi (Christchurch)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We’ll kick off our final day with a visit to the glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, admiring the crystal clear water. Next, it's time for a Dark Sky experience - a multimedia exhibition that combines stargazing, science and traditional Māori astronomy. Here we'll learn how the Māori people would use the stars to help aid their harvests, plus why reducing light pollution is so important. And then the adventure ends in Christchurch. Sure, there'll be some sadness, but that's normal when awesome things end. And this has been more than awesome. On a brighter note, the memories will put a smile on your face for years to come.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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We look after you every step of the way.