NEW ZEALAND PANORAMA
Overview
Ready for the ultimate 2 week adrenaline rush? Eat with the Māori in Rotorua, hike up an active volcano, cruise on Lake Taupō and head to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. Ever tried bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging? Now’s your chance.
Included/Excluded
Day 1Auckland to Rotorua
Auckland
Rotorua
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 2Rotorua
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. 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 3Rotorua to Lake Taupō via Huka Falls
Rotorua
From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupō, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls.
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.
Taupō
We arrive at Lake Taupō (Taupō Nui a Kiwa), 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 4Lake Taupō to Mount Ruapehu
Taupō
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”.
Mount Ruapehu
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, Mount Ruapehu (Ruapehu) with views unlike any other you’ve seen.
See an Active Stratovolcano
Today we’ll check out Mt Ruapehu, an active stratovolcano elevated almost 2,800 metres into the air!
Check out some LOTR Filming Spots
See even more of the sights made famous by “The Lord of the Rings.”
Day 5Mount Ruapehu to Wellington
Mount Ruapehu
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.
Wellington
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 (Te Whanganui a Tara), and a chance to explore the great food scene, a night on the town will be on the cards.
Day 6Wellington
Wellington
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 7Wellington to Kaikōura via Picton
Wellington
So long north island! Today we’re making tracks for your southern brother, darting across the Cook Strait via the Inter-Island ferry.
Picton
Our first port of call on the South Island will be Picton (Waitohi), the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone?
Kaikōura
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 8Kaikōura
Kaikōura
Day 9Kaikōura to Christchurch
Kaikōura
We’re onto our next destination, so long Kaikōura!
Christchurch
We’ll arrive in Christchurch (Ōtautahi) 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 10Christchurch to Franz Josef via Arthur’s Pass and Hokitika
Christchurch
Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on.
Arthur’s Pass
Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.
Hokitika
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…)
Franz Josef
We’ll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere), probably one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.
Day 11Franz Josef
Franz Josef
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 12Franz Josef to Queenstown via Haast and Wānaka
Franz Josef
With a new appreciation for frozen water, we’ll hop on the coach & continue to Queenstown, with a few cheeky stops along the way.
Haast
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 towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.
Wānaka
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.
Queenstown
Welcome to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown (Tāhuna)! 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 13Queenstown
Queenstown
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 14Queenstown
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 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 15Queenstown
Queenstown
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 16Queenstown
Queenstown
