The Big Tiki (Auckland to Christchurch Summer)(Multi Share,Start Auckland, End Christchurch)

19 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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USTOA

Group Tour
This is the big one. Kicking off in Auckland, you'll bungee and skydive in Queenstown, feast on a ground-smoked Māori 'hangi' in Rotorua, stroll wine trails, visit Hobbiton, hike active volcanoes and experience the otherworldly beauty of Milford Sound in an unforgettable 19 day adventure. Drastic in beauty but humble in charm, New Zealand is here to steal you...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • 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

What's this trip about?

    This is the big one. Kicking off in Auckland, you'll bungee and skydive in Queenstown, feast on a ground-smoked Māori 'hangi' in Rotorua, stroll wine trails, visit Hobbiton, hike active volcanoes and experience the otherworldly beauty of Milford Sound in an unforgettable 19 day adventure. Drastic in beauty but humble in charm, New Zealand is here to steal your heart away. Get ready for the ultimate adrenaline rush.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityAuckland
End CityChristchurch (Nz)

Travel Themes

  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

Attractions

  • Alps
  • Auckland
  • Christchurch
  • Queenstown
  • Wellington

Activities

  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland to Paihia via Parry Kauri Park

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 st...

Day 2: 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.

Day 3: Paihia to Auckland

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.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.

Day 4: Auckland to Rotorua

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".Whe...

Day 5: 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, exc...

Day 6: Rotorua to Lake Taupo via Huka Falls

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 t...

Day 7: Lake Taupo to Mount Ruapehu

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...

Day 8: Mount Ruapehu to Wellington

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 ...

Day 9: 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, a...

Day 10: Wellington to Christchurch

So long north island! Today we're making tracks for your southern brother, darting across the Tasman 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? Our next drive takes us through...

Day 11: Christchurch to Franz Josef

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...

Day 12: 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...

Day 13: Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown

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. Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, sma...

Day 14: 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. First stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your morning adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump at the world home of the bu...

Day 15: 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.

Day 16: 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.

Day 17: Queenstown to Te Anau via Milford Sound

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 wa...

Day 18: Te Anau to Lake Ohau

Departing Te Anau we will make a stop at a true Kiwi farm experience, to discover how country life really looks like in this corner of the world. Anyone up for sheep shearing or milking a cow?!We make a quick stop for lunch in this historic gold mining town before hea...

Day 19: Lake Ohau to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo

It's our last day, let's end it on a high!We'll stop off to see the intense milky blue waters of glacially-fed Lake Tekapo. Here (from October 2020) we'll also get to enjoy an unforgettable Dark Sky experience, an interactive multimedia exhibition that mixes stargazin...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,944
Price per day$155
Last Updated: 10/16/2024

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Contiki Reviews & Ratings

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Nov 2024

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Tour Operator

Contiki

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We’re firm believers that life’s greatest experiences are made better by the people you share them with. That’s why Contiki invented group travel for young people in 1962 and we’ve spent the past 53 years perfecting it. You’ll explore amazing destinations with a group of 18-35 year olds from around the world who share your passion for adventure, good times and creating memories that define what it is to be young, wild and free.

No two travellers are the same and we know that, which is why we offer eight unique ways to explore the world. We have a number of options to choose from to create a vacation that’s perfect for you, from budget to accommodation style.

We're all about exploring the world with like-minded people, which is why we only run trips for 18-35 year olds, to celebrate being young, spirited and curious. You can expect to join a group of 18-53 awesome people from around the world on our Europe, Australia, North America and New Zealand trips, and in Asia and Latin America it's all about small group adventures with up to 25 travellers. Don't worry if you're not traveling as a couple or with a friend from home – though there are plenty of pairs, 50% of our travellers set off solo, meaning you'll have a ton of opportunities to make new friends.

With over 270 trips around the world and plenty of departure dates to work into your schedule, you'll never be short of options on where to go for your next great adventure.

About the company:
Contiki are the world leaders in social youth travel. We’ve been providing amazing travel experiences for young travellers, from 18-35 years old, since 1962. Imagine how good you would be at something if you had been doing it for more than 60 years?

Everything about Contiki is deeply rooted in our core values ‘Make Every Moment Count’ and ‘We’re about people’. We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk and live by our brand philosophy of ‘Travel.Together.’ which means to travel with one another, the destinations we visit, the cultures we enjoy and the environment, too.

Why we love this operator
Their trips create life-long memories for young people setting off to discover the world.
What they’re known for
Social travel for 18-35 year olds around the world.

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Logistics

Accommodation

    Travel Insurance
    We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
    Visa requirements
    Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
    Meals Included
    • We'll get 24 of your meals, you get the rest. You can expect a healthy breakfast every morning, as well as authentic fish 'n' chips and a few BBQs along the way. We'll also give you plenty of opportunities to try the best gourmet eats in NZ.
    Age Requirements
    No age restrictions
    Additional Information
    Trip ID
    contiki-NGZADM2115

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