Day 1 : Auckland to Rotorua
Are you ready for an authentic adventure-packed ride through New Zealand? We begin our journey in Auckland (Tamaki Makaurau), its largest city. It’s time to say hello to your brand new crew before we make our way to our first destination. See that cloud of steam bubbling from the ground? That’s how you know you’re in the natural wonderland of Rotorua! Drop your bags off at our lakeside Marae Special Stay before we join a traditional Maori welcome ceremony. Then we'll get together to prep a traditional steamed meal - hangi. And while it's cooking, head out for an introductory tour of Ohinemutu Village & learn all about Tikanga and Kawa - Maori customs and protocols. Then, it's back to the guesthouse to reap the reward of our prep, and enjoy a delicious hangi dinner with the crew. Best first day ever? Quite possibly.
Accommodation : Marae Special Stay
Day 2 : Rotorua
Morning, travellers! Fresh air, serene views and a hearty breakfast awaits. You’ve got the entire day to spend exploring this charming landscape with a hike, or white-water raft ride - you choose. Later this evening, we'll regroup at the marae to learn about traditional Maori performing arts, including the superbly epic Haka (specially composed for Contiki!). Oh, what a day it’s been! And to think that the adventure has just begun…
Accommodation : Marae Special Stay
Day 3 : Rotorua to Blue Duck Station via Lake Taupo
It’s time for some more exploration. Fill up on some breakfast before we say farewell to our Maori friends. We’re in the Kiwi land, so you know we’re making a stop at the National Kiwi Hatchery - where you’ll learn all about Kiwi conservation and get some cuteness overload from the baby chicks! Hungry? You’re free to grab some lunch at a scenic spot in the beautiful town of Taupo (Taupo Nui a Kiwa). And then it’s back on the coach to our next destination. Welcome to this wonderful wilderness (right in the middle of a dense forest). We’ll check into our riverside Special Stay, and then take a tour of it too! And when you’re back, you’ll find a delicious dinner waiting for you. What better way to end the night than by gazing into the galaxy, surrounded by nature. Ah…this is what life’s about.
Accommodation : Blue Duck Station Special Stay
Day 4 : Blue Duck Station
After a cosy night’s sleep in the kiwi woods, let’s hope you’re ready for some exploration. First, we’ll grab some breakfast. You can choose to spend today however you like. But not before we head out for an epic jet boat ride across the Whanganui River. Tonight, we'll prepare our own meal together and sit around the camp fire sharing stories of our epic day.
Accommodation : Blue Duck Station Special Stay
Day 5 : Blue Duck Station to Wellington
It’s time to say goodbye to the forest (just for a while). Because after breakfast, we’re heading to our first city spot!Welcome to Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara)! We’ll check into our hotel and hop straight onto our coach for a guided city tour. The rest of the day is all yours, but don't forget to join us at night to explore the food and nightlife of this buzzing place.
Accommodation : Abel Tasman Hotel (or similar)
Day 6 : Wellington to Picton
Pull yourself outta that cosy cosy bed & put on your history hats! We'll visit the Te Papa National Museum to learn all about New Zealand’s culture (and also see the colossal squid!). Then, it’s time to journey from the North to South - on a ferry!Welcome to the stunning South Island. We’ll do a walkabout dinner in Picton (Waitohi) and check out a local pub - just you and your newly made buddies. Oh, it’s gonna be a good night!
Accommodation : A conveniently located hotel
Day 7 : Picton
You wish you could wake up here everyday, don’t you? Well, it gets even better. First, we'll take a short boat to Kaipupu Sanctuary before jumping back on the boat to explore even more of Marlborough Sounds. Then how about a tour of the finest wineries in Marlborough? And we’ll end the day just like we did last night. A walkabout dinner and some good ol’ tunes. Sweet.
Accommodation : A conveniently located hotel
Day 8 : Picton to Christchurch via Kaikoura
Rise and shine! After breakfast, we’re jumping straight into our coach for a journey further down south. It’s time to soothe those hunger pangs with a good meal. And guess what? Your eyes are getting a feast too. Grab some lunch from one of the many beautiful restaurants here - with the backdrop of the sea and stunning mountains. Eclectic street art. Funky but fantastic eats. Serene river views. Christchurch (Otautahi) has a lot to offer - and your Trip Manager will show you around. Finally, we’ll end the night with another walkabout dinner.
Accommodation : The Breakfree on Cashel (or similar)
Day 9 : Christchurch to Wanaka
Shake a leg, travellers! After breakfast, we'll make our way to visit another jaw-dropping spot. What. A. Beauty. Get ready to witness some of the best views of your lifetime. Tonight, we'll grab an early dinner before embarking on a cruise of Lake Wanaka. You’ve got the entire night in this gorgeous place to spend however you like. Lucky you.
Accommodation : The Brownston Hostel (or similar)
Day 10 : Wanaka
It’s adventure time! Today is yours to spend, just the way you like. Grab some breakfast at one of the many local cafes here. Rock climbing, kayaking, skydiving - there’s so much for us adrenaline junkies here. In the evening, take a stroll through the town and grab some dinner before you sink down into your comfy bed. What a long but fulfilling day it has been!
Accommodation : The Brownston Hostel (or similar)
Day 11 : Wanaka to Doubtful Sound via Lake Manapouri
It’s time to say goodbye to Wanaka today. But there’s no need to shed tears just yet. Because after breakfast, we’re driving to another stunning lake. Got your camera ready? We’re hopping on a cruise to check out the impressive landscape around Lake Manapouri. But that’s not all. We’ll also drive through the incredibly lush rainforests at Wilmot Pass. Now, this? This is natural beauty at its peak. Welcome onboard. You'll be spending tonight on a luxurious boat (with chefs on board!) So, hop on. Enjoy some afternoon tea and get ready for some more adventure! You’ll kayak through the serene waters, plunge into the icy Fiord and tour Doubtful Sound (Patea) with a nature expert to tell us everything about this extraordinary landscape. And after all that adventure chasing, we’ll be back on board to feast on a chef-made dinner with local produce. And then, it’s just games, music, cruising and good times with your new mates. Fabulous.
Accommodation : Overnight Cruise
Day 12 : Doubtful Sound to Queenstown via Lake Manapouri
Another day to spend exploring the Fiordland? Wow. Today, you’ll hop on a coach and get another look at Wilmot Pass. It’s time to set sail on Lake Manapouri again, and make our journey towards the final destination of this trip. Welcome to Queenstown (Tahuna)! Bet you’re hungry after all that lake exploration. Don’t worry, dinner is on us today! Make sure to get some rest tonight for the adventure that awaits us tomorrow.
Accommodation : Nomads Hostel (or similar)
Day 13 : Queenstown
Wake up like a royal in Queenstown, and start your day with a wholesome breakfast. Free time to explore is all you’ve got today - and oh gosh, there’s no end to what you can do here. Bungy jumping, canyon swings, climbing waterfalls, vineyard tours, zip lining, skydiving - we bet you’ll wanna do it all! Afterwards, you can grab some dinner with your crew before resting your travel-tired limbs for round two of the adventure tomorrow.Please Note: The Free Time Add Ons which take place on Day 13 & Day 14 can be booked for either day.
Accommodation : Nomads Hostel (or similar)
Day 14 : Queenstown
You already know what we’re doing today - ticking off your bucket list! You’re free to spend the day getting some breakfast and continuing your adventure. Today, you can even choose to have dinner at the Skyline restaurant which has panoramic views of Queenstown. It’s the last full day of the trip, so don’t forget to live it up.
Accommodation : Nomads Hostel (or similar)
Day 15 : Queenstown to Christchurch
After 15 days filled with adventure, culture, cities and sticks (and getting to know what New Zealand is really ‘bout) - it’s time to say goodbye. What a ride it has been! If you've chosen to get a transfer to Christchurch, hop on! And the journey has finally come to an end. Don’t forget to exchange contacts with your crew. Because after a magical journey like this one, we bet you’ll want to do it all over again.