The Big Tiki (Auckland to Christchurch - until Sept 2017) (Start Auckland, end Christchurch)
Overview
Highlights
- See the 'City of Sails' harbour made famous by the America's Cup
- Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge
- Walk through native Kauri Forest
- Check out Whangarei & Kawakawa's famous Hundertwasser toilets
- Tuck into a true Kiwiana fish 'n' chips dinner
- Guided tour of the 'Sulfur City', Rotorua
- Traditional Maori hāngi dinner & dance performance
- See Rotorua's bubbling geothermic mud pools
- Visit the mighty Huka Falls
- View Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake
What's this trip about?
Details
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Itinerary
Arrive in Auckland & check into the Mercure Hotel Auckland from 2:00pm. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore! Meet your fellow travelers & Trip Manager this evening.
Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. Surrounded by volcanoes, islands and a stunning harbour, you’ll soon understand why this is the “City of Sails” and was once home to the America’s Cup. This morning we’ll crossing the iconic Auckla...
With a full free day here, you’ll really get to enjoy the laid-back, natural beauty of the Bay of Islands. Chill out, or choose from loads of activities on offer here. There’s a catamaran cruise where you can stop off at remote islands, swim and feast on a tasty BBQ l...
With our beach fix complete, it’s time to say goodbye to the paradise of Paihia & head back to the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland! On arrival, your expert Trip Manager will get you in the know with all the details you need to know (and more) on the country’s largest ci...
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. Next up is Waitomo and the Waitomo Caves. Famous for their incredible limestone formations and glowworms, the caves are a stunning...
For some crazy ‘Kiwi ingenuity’, try our zorbing optional. It’s an activity where you get inside a huge plastic ball and roll down a 200m hill, either by yourself or with a friend. Later, we pull into Rotorua, famous for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools, hot sp...
This morning, you’ll learn all about the history of the Maori people, their customs & traditions, plus have the opportunity to ask questions & learn as much as possible about this amazing spot – it’s the perfect way to get in the know. With the rest of the da...
On the way to Taupo, a visit to the raging Huka Falls will impress. Tonnes of water surge over these falls at a rate of 220,000 litres (58 000 gallons) per second. It’s only a short drive today to the popular low-key resort town of Taupo. Here, there’s some of the bes...
Spot the dramatic volcanic landscapes that were used as backdrops in "The Lord of the Rings" films today, when we drive past World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park. The park is also home to the still active volcano, Mt. Ruapehu, which doubles as NZ’s biggest sk...
You’ve got a full day to discover Wellington – its compact centre is perfect for exploring on foot. Walk alongside the harbour or visit the innovative Te Papa Museum for a look into New Zealand history and culture. You could take a walk around New Zealand’s political ...
Jump on the Inter-Island ferry and leave the North Island behind. The South Island means a complete change of scenery with loads of wild nature. Cruise through the gorgeous Marlborough Sounds, where thick forested peaks rise straight up from the sea. It’s a camera-fri...
After a leisurely start to the day we begin our journey west through stunning Arthur’s Pass, following an old trade route. The dense native forest, alpine atmosphere and crystal clear rivers give the area its pioneer feel. We’ll stop in at the former gold rush town of...
This morning, get physical and pull on your crampons, grab an ice-pick and head out onto the ice of either the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. On this optional activity, you’ll learn about how these glaciers came about with our professional Local Guides. Otherwise, you can get a bird’s eye view over these icy formations and sweeping vistas in an optional helicopter ride.
Relax on the coach, chat with friends and take in the stunning scenery of the Haast Pass & Thunder Creek Falls as we head down to Queenstown. Cruise past remote beaches and the coastal dunes of the west coast before hitting Haast Pass. Ancient rainforests, small g...
This morning, you’ll take a ride on ‘The world’s most exciting jetboat’ the iconic Shotover Jet! Hold on tight - speeding down the Shotover River on a jetboat amongst the fierce canyon walls (so close you could probably touch them) is a thrilling experience & gett...
With two more days here, you’ve got time to try out adrenaline-pumping activities, to take it easy with a glass of local wine or beer and of course, to party – something Queenstown is known for. There’s also the option to take advantage of our explore more highlight o...
It’s time to jump on the coach as we head to New Zealand’s student hub, Dunedin. This really is the city that looks old, but definitely thinks young! Originally a Scottish settlement, you’ll see references to the city’s past dotted throughout the city. This afternoon ...
Before we farewell Dunedin we’ll head to the base of Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest street, for a look at the sheer angle. It’s time to hit the road, via Moeraki for a look at these massive boulders located right on the beach. It’s hard to believe these impressi...
Kick start the day with a spectacular optional glacier flight over Mt Cook. Later, we’ll stop off to see the intense milky blue waters of glacially-fed Lake Tekapo, before travelling back through the MacKenzie country to Christchurch. Make your last night on tour one to remember and enjoy a fun night out with your friends!
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Contiki.
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.
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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.
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