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Best of New Zealand | Northbound | Oct 2026 - Sep 2027
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Length
21 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Christchurch (New Zealand)
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Ends in
Auckland (New Zealand)
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Available Tour Start Dates
OCT 4, 2026 to MAY 24, 2027
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Activity Level
No Rating Provided
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Language
English
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
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Special Interest(s)
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Contiki tours are only available for 18- to 35-year olds., Highlights
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$3,414.53
Overview
This is New Zealand’s greatest hits, packed into 21 days spanning the North Island, the South Island and all the must-sees along the way. Start in Christchurch, then take in Lake Tekapo, Lake Ōhau, Mt Cook and Milford Sound before diving into Queenstown’s adventure scene. See Franz Josef Glacier, cross Arthur’s Pass and spot wildlife in Kaikōura, then ferry north to Wellington. Rotorua, Taupō, Paihia and Auckland bring the geothermal, coastal and cultural finish. Icons, fjords, glaciers, beaches and big alpine views - all in one bold NZ journey.
Visited During Tour
Arrowtown / Ka Muriwai (New Zealand) | Arthur's Pass (New Zealand) | Auckland (New Zealand) | Christchurch / Otautahi (New Zealand) | Franz Josef / Ka Roimata O Hine Hukatere (New Zealand) | Haast (New Zealand) | Hokitika (New Zealand) | Huka Falls (New Zealand) | Kaikoura (New Zealand) | Kingston | Lake Ohau (New Zealand) | Lake Tekapo / Takapo (New Zealand) | Milford Sound / Piopiotahi (New Zealand) | Mount Ruapehu (New Zealand) | Paihia (New Zealand) | Picton (New Zealand) | Queenstown (New Zealand) | Rotorua (New Zealand) | Taupo (New Zealand) | Te Anau (New Zealand) | Wanaka (New Zealand) | Wellington (New Zealand) | Whangarei (New Zealand)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Best of New Zealand | Northbound | Oct 2026 - Sep 2027 tour dates available from Contiki. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Tour Itinerary
Contiki Tour Code 547-1864
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Day
1Christchurch to Lake Ōhau via Lake Tekapo
Welcome to Christchurch (Ōtautahi)! New Zealand's South Island is the home to adventure, adrenaline and good times and we're here to take it all on. We’ll stop off at the intense milky-blue waters of glacially-fed Lake Tekapo (Takapō). Take a wander along the lakefront, snap the famous views, and stop by the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, perched on the lakeshore against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Soak up that fresh alpine calm one more time before we roll on. Onto Lake Ōhau (Ōhau), with its glorious views of Mt. Cook. Yet another swoon-worthy location where you'll have to pick that jaw up off the ground. Tonight, we'll come together for a classic Kiwi family-style dinner, complete with lakeside views, mountain scenery and plenty of stories from the road.
- Meals Included:
- Dinner
Accommodations: Lake Ōhau Lodge (or similar) -
Day
2Lake Ōhau to Te Anau via Arrowtown and Kingston
Another day, another natural wonder to discover. We'll hit the road and travel through the legendary Lindis Pass, where sweeping tussock-covered hills and epic South Island scenery steal the showWe make a quick stop for lunch in the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown (Kā Muriwai) before heading on.Our next 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.Arriving in the stunning lakeside town of Te Anau, why not opt to take a guided jet boat trip to Fiordland National Park? From Te Anau through Lake Manapouri, it's a pretty exhilarating way to soak up the scenery. Prefer to keep you feet on dry land? You can also take a trip to the ethereal glow worm caves (woaahhh).
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: The Village Inn Hotel (or similar) -
Day
3Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound
It's time to 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 (Piopiotahi) in all its glory. Welcome to the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown (Tāhuna). Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Lylo (or similar) -
Day
4Queenstown
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, we'll visit the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge (AKA the home of the world home of the bungy!) for your morning adrenaline hit. Later, we'll stroll around this beautiful city. Please Note: The Free Time Add-Ons which take place in Queenstown can be booked for any day you are there. Just let your Trip Manager know, and they'll arrange this for you.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Lylo (or similar) -
Day
5Queenstown
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 exploring wine country and uncovering local cellar doors, or you may be the one squeezing in a bungy jump, zipline and anything else that gets the adrenaline going. Looking to slow things down? You can also unwind with an optional session at Watershed Sauna, complete with incredible views over Lake Wakatipu and the chance to brave a cold plunge. It's your holiday, so make it your own.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Lylo (or similar) -
Day
6Queenstown
With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to conquer those niggling fears. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient. Tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola and to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. What a way to end our time here!
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Lylo (or similar) -
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7Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka and Haast
Time to return our adrenalin levels to normal and make tracks to the wild (and often wet) West Coast and it's towering glaciers. Enjoying our scenic drive 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 today. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass (Tioripatea), beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll away from Queenstown through the Southern Alps.Playing host tonight is the town of Franz Josef (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere), 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?
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Rainforest Retreat (or similar) -
Day
8Franz Josef
If ticking off bucket-list experiences is your thing, you can choose to venture onto the ice of Franz Josef Glacier this morning. 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 piece of jewellery.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Rainforest Retreat (or similar) -
Day
9Franz Josef to Christchurch via Hokitika and Arthur's Pass
Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we hop back on the coach & start making our way back to Christchurch. 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... Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps. Tonight we'll sleep well in Christchurch, drifting off to the pleasant memories of NZ's natural beauty that seasoned our day. Not quite ready to call it a night, why not head out and explore the city? Rebuilt following the Christchurch earthquake, this creative hub is packed with street art, riverside spots and innovative architecture, including the iconic Cardboard Cathedral. There's plenty to discover after dark.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Drifter Christchurch (or similar) -
Day
10Christchurch to Kaikōura
We'll leave Christchurch behind this morning and begin our journey north. As we travel through the Canterbury Plains and along the rugged coastline, keep an eye out for the changing landscapes that make this corner of New Zealand so special. Next stop: Kaikōura. We'll arrive in Kaikōura, known for whales & dolphins, so have those cameras at the ready as we roll around the coast. We'll visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht, who has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital. We'll learn about the wildlife we might encounter here, the threats they face, and what we can do to make a difference. After a busy day, we'll check into our seafront hotel then enjoy a free evening.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Sudima Kaikōura (or similar) -
Day
11Kaikōura
We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikōura! We recommend taking a dolphin watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see (or swim with) dusky dolphins. Or even kayaking across the coastline! We'll stay another night in Kaikōura after an action-packed day, before heading to Wellington tomorrow morning.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Sudima Kaikōura (or similar) -
Day
12Kaikōura to Wellington via Picton
After breakfast, we'll head back on the Contiki coach and head to our next destination. On our way, you'll struggle not to break into a collective 'cuuuute' as you watch seals sunning themselves on the rocks as we drive by. We'll continue on to Wellington, the capital of NZ since 1865, when it replaced Auckland. Almost thirty years later, Wellington parliament was the first in the world to allow women the right to vote. A pretty cool city all in all.By the afternoon, we'll have reached Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara), just in time for a tour of the city. 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar) -
Day
13Wellington
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, you can opt to 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!
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar) -
Day
14Wellington to Mount Ruapehu
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.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, "Te Mangawhero Trail". Tonight, snuggle down in our Special Stay ski lodge, located in prime position at the base of Mount Ruapehu (Ruapehu).
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Kings Ohakune (or similar) -
Day
15Mount Ruapehu to Lake Taupō
Wake up in the spectacular surroundings of Mt. Ruapehu with epic views of the volcano. Today we head off to Lake Taupō!Here we are in Lake Taupō (Taupō Nui a Tia). 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 lake cruise to watch the sunset, go fishing and enjoy some eats with our Contiki fam.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar) -
Day
16Lake Taupō to Rotorua via Huka Falls
As we leave Lake Taupō keep an eye out for even more recognisable ‘The Lord of the Rings’ backdrops. 220,000 litres (58 000 gallons) of water gush over Huka Falls per second. Just let that sink in for a minute. Wild, right? 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 or take a canopy tour - there's plenty of time for you to make the best of this town. Tonight we enjoy a Māori cultural performance and feast on a Hāngi dinner that is sweetly roasted in the ground.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar) -
Day
17Rotorua
Today is yours to roam free in this geothermal paradise. Soak in a hot spring, go rafting or hike up a volcano. Opt for the Rotorua Dawn Canopy Tour (exclusive to Contiki) and watch the sunrise, enjoy breakfast and coffee up in the trees as the birds make their morning calls. Then, soar 1200m through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar) -
Day
18Rotorua to Auckland
Ma-Te-Wa, Rotorua! We're headed to Auckland, where there's an array of awesome Free-Time Add-Ons to choose from.Welcome to Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau)! 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 ice cream experience at Giapo?
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Lylo (or similar) -
Day
19Auckland to Paihia via Whangārei
We'll cross Aucklands 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 to check out the quirky exterior of the weird and wonderful Hunderwassert art centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again onwards to the Bay of Islands.We'll start 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 included admission to the Treaty museum for more detail on Kiwi history. Tonight we'll feast like the locals and enjoy a true Kiwiana fish'n'chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Bounty Motel (or similar) -
Day
20Paihia
Whether it's parasailing or a catamaran cruise - 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Bounty Motel (or similar) -
Day
21Paihia to Auckland
Feeling salty and sun-kissed we'll wave goodbye to beautiful Paihia & sashay our way back down NZ in the direction of Auckland. Our adventure comes to an end in Auckland today. Make sure you swap contact deets and start planning the next adventure. Anyone for 'Straya?
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
More Details
Contiki is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Best of New Zealand | Northbound | Oct 2026 - Sep 2027 tour:
Travelers Notes
* DAY 1: Trip starts in Christchurch at 09:00. Travellers to arrive into Christchurch Airport (CHC). The kick-start meeting starts at 18:00. It is not recommended to book flights arriving on the first day of the trip. Pre night is recommended in Christchurch.* DAY 21: Trip ends in Auckland at 15:00. Travellers to depart from Auckland Airport (AKL). It is not recommended to book flights prior to 19:00 on the last day of the trip. Post night is recommended in Auckland.* TRANSFERS: Both complimentary and chargeable transfers are not offered through Contiki. Travellers should make their own way from/to the airport at their own expense.* NEW ZEALAND: USA passport holders require a visa for New Zealand. Visa must be obtained prior to departure. We recommend applying 60 days prior to departure. * IMPORTANT: Please see important visa details sent with your invoice.
Pricing listed above for tours is per person, in US Dollars, and is based on double occupancy. Pricing may change for other occupancy types. Pricing is based on the last time the vendor electronically sent us pricing data, which varies by vendor (usually occurs overnight or multiple times throughout each day).
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by Contiki. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Contiki (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.