New Zealand: Northern Choice | Southbound | Oct 2025 - Sep 2026


Deal Number 21500545

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Monthly $405
Weekly $94
Plus $99 setup fee

from $3,640* per person

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Just how much mind-boggling can be packed into a 12-day holiday? Quite a lot when you're prancing around New Zealand. We'll sojourn our way from Auckland to Christchurch, chowing fish'n'chips and Māori hāngi meals, watching geothermic mud pools boil & signing up for adrenalin rushes that will buzz on in our minds 'til we're old and grey.

Duration 12 days

Destination Christchurch

Company Contiki

Availability From 06/10/2025 to 07/10/2026


Call 133 133

What's Included?

  • Highlights
  • 3 Dinner (D)11 Breakfast (B)Christchurch: Which Version is Northbound vs Southbound? Southbound trips start in Auckland and end in Christchurch
  • Northbound trips start in Christchurch and finish in Auckland
  • They’re both the same itineraries, just in reverse
  • Sydney: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations
  • There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers
  • Auckland: Cameras at the ready folks, the views will be extraordinary here
  • Auckland: With sailboats at every angle, this is a beaut view indeed
  • Whangārei: See the work of the visionary Austrian painter, architect and ecological activist who made New Zealand his spiritual home
  • Paihia: The Waitangi Treaty Grounds might just be NZ's most important historical site, marking the place where the British Crown and the Māori people signed their first accords back in 1840
  • Paihia: A dinner of fish 'n' chips, enjoyed while overlooking the Bay of Islands in Paihia
  • Is this heaven? No sir, it's just salt and vinegar
  • Rotorua: A traditional Māori cultural performance, topped off with a traditional Māori feast
  • this ought to satisfy even the keenest of culture vultures
  • Rotorua: Wait til you see 'em
  • Wait til you smell 'em
  • These geothermic mudpools are a thing to behold
  • Rotorua: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, we'll head to National Kiwi Hatchery near Rotorua to learn all about the locals' efforts to protect New Zealand's adorable national bird
  • Huka Falls: Huka falls is a jaw-jutting display of natural hydro power
  • Here you'll see 220,000 litres of water tumble over the waterfall
  • per second that is(!)Mount Ruapehu: Today we'll check out Mt Ruapehu, an active stratovolcano elevated almost 2,800 metres into the air!Mount Ruapehu: See even more of the sights made famous by "The Lord of the Rings
  • "Kaikōura: We'll take a spectacular drive along the Kaikōura Coast, and pay a visit to a nearby seal colony
  • Yup, it's a coastal cuteness overload
  • Kaikōura: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, we'll meet eco-warrior Sabrina Leucht, who has dedicated many years of her life to helping New Zealand's injured native birds
  • and is now working to establish the region's first wildlife hospital

Availability

  • From 06/10/2025 to 07/10/2026

Visit Christchurch

Day 1

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Contiki crew in Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) and cross the 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

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

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

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

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

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 (Taupō Nui a Tia), 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

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 biking along the Mangawhero cycle track.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.

Day 8

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 (Te Whanganui a Tara), and a chance to explore the great food scene, a night on the town will be on the cards.

Day 9

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

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 (Waitohi), 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

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

So long Kaikōura! Arriving into Christchurch (Ōtautahi) almost marks the end of our adventure (sob).

But not before 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. Our time together has been nothing short of perfect, so don't leave it to long before coming back to hang with us for Contiki 2.0.

Departure dates and Pricing

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Mon 6th October, 202506/10/2025Fri 17th October, 202517/10/2025available
Per person from$3295*
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Tue 14th October, 202514/10/2025Sat 25th October, 202525/10/2025available
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Thu 30th October, 202530/10/2025Mon 10th November, 202510/11/2025available
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Fri 7th November, 202507/11/2025Tue 18th November, 202518/11/2025available
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Sat 15th November, 202515/11/2025Wed 26th November, 202526/11/2025available
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Mon 1st December, 202501/12/2025Fri 12th December, 202512/12/2025available
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Wed 17th December, 202517/12/2025Sun 28th December, 202528/12/2025available
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Sun 21st December, 202521/12/2025Thu 1st January, 202602/01/2025available
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Thu 25th December, 202525/12/2025Mon 5th January, 202606/01/2025available
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Mon 29th December, 202529/12/2025Fri 9th January, 202610/01/2025available
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Fri 2nd January, 202603/01/2025Tue 13th January, 202614/01/2025available
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Tue 6th January, 202607/01/2025Sat 17th January, 202618/01/2025available
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Sat 10th January, 202611/01/2025Wed 21st January, 202622/01/2025available
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Sun 18th January, 202619/01/2025Thu 29th January, 202630/01/2025available
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Thu 22nd January, 202623/01/2025Mon 2nd February, 202603/02/2025available
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Fri 30th January, 202631/01/2025Tue 10th February, 202611/02/2025available
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Tue 3rd February, 202604/02/2025Sat 14th February, 202615/02/2025available
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Wed 11th February, 202612/02/2025Sun 22nd February, 202623/02/2025available
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Sun 15th February, 202616/02/2025Thu 26th February, 202627/02/2025available
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Fri 27th February, 202628/02/2025Tue 10th March, 202611/03/2025available
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Sat 7th March, 202608/03/2025Wed 18th March, 202619/03/2025available
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Mon 23rd March, 202624/03/2025Fri 3rd April, 202604/04/2025available
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Wed 8th April, 202609/04/2025Sun 19th April, 202620/04/2025available
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Fri 24th April, 202625/04/2025Tue 5th May, 202606/05/2025available
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Sun 10th May, 202611/05/2025Thu 21st May, 202622/05/2025available
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Tue 26th May, 202627/05/2025Sat 6th June, 202607/06/2025available
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Sat 6th June, 202607/06/2025Wed 17th June, 202618/06/2025available
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Sat 20th June, 202621/06/2025Wed 1st July, 202602/07/2025available
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Sat 27th June, 202628/06/2025Wed 8th July, 202609/07/2025available
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Sat 4th July, 202605/07/2025Wed 15th July, 202616/07/2025available
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Sat 11th July, 202612/07/2025Wed 22nd July, 202623/07/2025available
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Sat 18th July, 202619/07/2025Wed 29th July, 202630/07/2025available
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Sat 25th July, 202626/07/2025Wed 5th August, 202606/08/2025available
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Sat 1st August, 202602/08/2025Wed 12th August, 202613/08/2025available
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Sat 15th August, 202616/08/2025Wed 26th August, 202627/08/2025available
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Sat 29th August, 202630/08/2025Wed 9th September, 202610/09/2025available
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Sat 12th September, 202613/09/2025Wed 23rd September, 202624/09/2025available
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Sat 26th September, 202627/09/2025Wed 7th October, 202608/10/2025available
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Terms and conditions

  • Prices quoted valid for sale until 13 August 2025 unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
  • Price is per person and subject to availability. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
  • Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
  • Local payments, "trip kittys" or food funds may apply and may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel agent prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted.
  • Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
  • Additional conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Please enquire for further details.
  • Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at time of publication.
  • Additional levies, government charges and other applicable fees may apply and are beyond our control.
  • Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.
  • Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.
  • Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or Bpay.
  • These prices are a guide to the best price. Prices are correct as at 08 August 2025 and are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases. Please enquire for further details.
  • We receive payment from third party travel service providers when you use us to book travel and travel-related products and services with them on your behalf.
  • Our liability to you is limited in certain situations, and we may charge you a cancellation fee(s) in certain circumstances. See our booking terms and conditions for further details.
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