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2028

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Who is travelling?

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From
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New Zealand: Northern Choice (Northbound)

12 days
•
From Christchurch to Auckland
4.7
16 reviews
  • Golden sandy beach and turquoise waters dotted with yachts in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands.
  • Sweeping New Zealand high country of golden hills, winding roads and a distant turquoise lake under scattered clouds.
  • Rugged Kaikoura coastline with crashing waves and a grassy headland jutting into the deep blue Pacific.
  • Powerful Pohutu Geyser erupts, sending steam and water high into the vivid blue Rotorua sky.
  • Historic stone building and ornamental fountain reflected in a clear pool under bright Christchurch skies.
    View all
  • Angler sitting on a wooden jetty at dusk over calm lake waters framed by pink clouds.
  • Morning sea fog drifts across Kaikoura Bay beneath snow-capped mountains and a seaside town.
    View all
From
$2,450
-18%
US $2,003 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best price guarantee Learn More

Contiki

4.7(6,248 reviews)

Replies within 9 hours •84% response rate

Platinum Operator
Contiki
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Group Tour
Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 8 - 50
Ages 18-35
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Christchurch to Kaikōura

    Meals
    Dinner (Local crayfish cuisine)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Sudima Kaikōura (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Visit seal colony on the seafront
    • Meet wildlife biologist at Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue and learn about wildlife conservation
    Landmarks
    Kaikōura Seal Colony
    Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  2. Day 2

    Kaikōura

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Sudima Kaikōura (or similar))

    Optional Activities

    • Dolphin watching tour with opportunity to swim with dusky dolphins
    • Kayaking across the coastline
  3. Day 3

    Kaikōura to Wellington via Picton

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Visit seal colony
    • City orientation tour of Wellington
    Landmarks
    Seal Colony
    Itinerary Image 1
  4. Day 4

    Wellington

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar))

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Zealandia eco-sanctuary and guided walk to see rare native birds and tuatara
    Landmarks
    Zealandia
  5. Day 5

    Wellington to Mount Ruapehu

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Kings Ohakune (or similar))

    Optional Activities

    • Mountain biking along Te Mangawhero Trail
    Landmarks
    Mount Ruapehu
    Te Mangawhero Trail
    Ohakune Carrot Statue
  6. Day 6

    Mount Ruapehu to Lake Taupō

    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner with fellow travelers on lake cruise)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Lake cruise with sunset viewing and fishing

    Optional Activities

    • Skydiving
    Landmarks
    Lake Taupō
  7. Day 7

    Lake Taupō to Rotorua via Huka Falls

    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Traditional Māori Hāngi feast)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Visit Huka Falls
    • Visit National Kiwi Hatchery and learn about kiwi protection efforts
    • Traditional Māori cultural performance and Hāngi feast

    Optional Activities

    • Soak in hot springs
    • Skydiving
    • Canopy tour
    Landmarks
    Huka Falls
    National Kiwi Hatchery
    Rotorua Geothermal Area
    Itinerary Image 1
  8. Day 8

    Rotorua

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar))

    Optional Activities

    • Soak in hot springs
    • Rafting
    • Hike a volcano
    • Rotorua Dawn Canopy Tour (exclusive to Contiki) with sunrise, breakfast and coffee in the trees, and 1200m zipline adventure
  9. Day 9

    Rotorua to Auckland

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Lylo (or similar))

    Optional Activities

    • Bungee jump
    • Climb the iconic Harbour Bridge
    • Skywalk adventure off the Skywalk
    • Multi-sensory ice cream experience at Giapo
    Landmarks
    Auckland Harbour Bridge
  10. Day 10

    Auckland to Paihia via Whangārei

    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Fish and chips overlooking the Bay of Islands)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Bounty Motel (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • View Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangārei
    • Guided tour of Waitangi Treaty Grounds
    • Admission to Treaty Museum
    Landmarks
    Hundertwasser Art Centre
    Waitangi Treaty Grounds
    Treaty Museum
    Itinerary Image 1
  11. Day 11

    Paihia

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Bounty Motel (or similar))

    Optional Activities

    • Parasailing
    • Catamaran cruise
  12. Day 12

    Paihia to Auckland

    Meals
    Breakfast

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

  • Sudima Kaikōura (or similar)

    Hotel
    Days 1, 2

  • Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)

    Hotel
    Days 3, 4

  • Kings Ohakune (or similar)

    Hotel
    day 5

  • Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar)

    Hotel
    day 6

  • Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)

    Hotel
    Days 7, 8

  • Lylo (or similar)

    Hotel
    day 9

  • Bounty Motel (or similar)

    Hotel
    Days 10, 11

Operated by

Contiki

Platinum Operator
Rating
4.7(6,248 reviews)
Response time
9 hours
Response rate
84%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Reviews

4.7
Overall rating based on 16 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    4.5
  • Transport
    4.8
  • Guide
    5.0
  • Accommodation
    4.5
  • Food
    4.5
  • Tour Operator
    4.7

Sort by

Most recent
Most popular
Highest first
Lowest first

Sort by

Most Recent
Most Popular
Highest First
Lowest First
  • C
    January 9th, 2025
    It‘s s bit frustrating and very expensive if you‘re activities are almost only add ons that cost about 100 euros each...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2024
    Reply from: Contiki
    Thank you for sharing your feedback, we apologise the trip did not meet your expectations. We are sorry you found the cost to be expensive and trip to be frustrating. Although it does mean a little budget planning is needed, Contiki social travel trips have a large degree of flexibility built into them to enable you to truly own your experience. As such, we leave several meal times open for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail. Additionally, we offer Free Time Add-Ons for those who want to explore more while allowing others to experience a destination independently. Thank you again for your feedback.
    Show more
  • R
    November 16th, 2023
    What an amazing way to experience the North Island. Pretty much every day was a worthwhile experience whether or not...
    Show more
    Traveled in November 2023
    Reply from: Contiki
    Thank you for taking the time to share your review with us. Your feedback is highly appreciated, and we are delighted to hear that you had an enjoyable experience with Contiki. Our crew is committed to delivering excellent service and professionalism to our customers, and we are thrilled to know that they have met your expectations during your trip. We are grateful for your trust in us as your travel partner, and we look forward to serving you again in the future.
    Show more
  • R
    March 17th, 2023
    The best tour, so much i have seen and the tour guides where te best!
    Traveled in March 2023
    Reply from: Contiki
    We appreciate your amazing review and thank you for taking the time to share your adventure with us. It's great to read that our On Road team shared their passion for travel with you, as it is an essential part of making it a memorable trip. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for your next Contiki trip.
    Show more
  • New Zealand: Northern Choice (Northbound) reviewer 4
    January 30th, 2023
    Amazing trip! Exceeded my expectations. Met some great people and had really kind and fun Contiki guides as well!...
    Show more
    Traveled in January 2023
    Reply from: Contiki
    Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us. We are thrilled to hear that our Trip Manager made such a positive impression and that you had an incredible journey. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to have the pleasure of exploring another Contiki trip with you again.
    Show more
  • N
    January 27th, 2023
    A fantastic trip, I had a great time!
    Traveled in January 2023
    Reply from: Contiki
    Thank you for your great review. It's wonderful that our local team did such a fantastic job showcasing this adventures itinerary and exceeded all your expectations, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.
    Show more
  • V
    March 3rd, 2017
    Susie is amazing! So helpful and sweet! She'll make sure you have the trip of a lifetime!! She knows all the great...
    Show more
    Traveled in February 2017
  • S
    March 1st, 2017
    I went over to New Zealand by myself and Susie made me feel so welcome and showed me a great time with so much...
    Show more
    Traveled in January 2017
  • K
    March 1st, 2017
    My recent New Zealand trip was better than i expected! Susie was an amazing tour guide. She had great local...
    Show more
    Traveled in January 2017
  • V
    January 1st, 2015
    Isobel was inspiring! She had the most energy I have encountered in a person and was always so understanding when you...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2014
  • M
    December 27th, 2014
    Izzy was exceeded all my expectations and I had an amazing first contiki because of her. She is an amazing, outgoing...
    Show more
    Traveled in January 2014

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends on 13 May, 2026
  • -18%
    From Sunday
    17 May, 2026
    To Thursday
    28 May, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    $2,450
    US $2,003 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -8%
    From Tuesday
    13 Oct, 2026
    To Saturday
    24 Oct, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $2,450
    US $2,250 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Wednesday
    21 Oct, 2026
    To Sunday
    1 Nov, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US $2,255 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    -8%
    From Thursday
    29 Oct, 2026
    To Monday
    9 Nov, 2026
    English
    From:
    $2,450
    US $2,250 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -8%
    From Friday
    6 Nov, 2026
    To Tuesday
    17 Nov, 2026
    English
    From:
    $2,450
    US $2,250 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -8%
    From Saturday
    14 Nov, 2026
    To Wednesday
    25 Nov, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $2,450
    US $2,250 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -8%
    From Sunday
    22 Nov, 2026
    To Thursday
    3 Dec, 2026
    English
    From:
    $2,450
    US $2,250 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -8%
    From Monday
    30 Nov, 2026
    To Friday
    11 Dec, 2026
    English
    From:
    $2,525
    US $2,325 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -8%
    From Tuesday
    8 Dec, 2026
    To Saturday
    19 Dec, 2026
    English
    From:
    $2,525
    US $2,325 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Wednesday
    16 Dec, 2026
    To Sunday
    27 Dec, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US $2,315 per person

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

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    • Best price guarantee
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More benefits

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
We couldn't find results
Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts
  • D

    Daniel

    Asked on October 10th, 2024

    Is the single supplement include private bathroom too?

    Accommodation
    Single supplement
    • ContikiOperator•Written October 2024

      Regarding your query, please be advised that accommodation for this trip typically includes a private bathroom. Additionally, as of the latest check, the departure on November 6, 2025, is still available at a cost of A$5,436.00. Kindly note that prices and availability are subject to change.

  • S

    Shirley

    Asked on August 5th, 2024

    My wife & I are 73 & 75 - is that an issue ?

    Age Range
    • ContikiOperator•Written August 2024

      Contiki's trips are tailored to a specific age group 18 to 35-year-olds. The reason for this selective age bracket is we aim to create harmonious, like-minded travel communities where common interests and rhythms prevail.

      We highly suggest checking out Contiki's open-age sister brands, such as Trafalgar Tours, Costsaver, Insight Vacations, Brendan Vacations, and Luxury Gold. These brands offer a similar tour that you might want to consider.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Contiki with your enquiry, they usually respond within 9 hours.
From
$2,450
-18%
US $2,003 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best price guarantee Learn More

Contiki

4.7(6,248 reviews)

Replies within 9 hours •84% response rate

Earn while you share

With TourRadar RISE, you can earn commission when someone books a tour through a link you share — like this one.

Good to Know

Tour ID: 266762

  • Currency
    $
    New Zealand Dollar
    New Zealand
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.

    Type I
    New Zealand
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before July 11th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after July 11th, 2026, a minimum payment of $200 is required to confirm your booking with Contiki. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Contiki will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Contiki" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec