Could you please confirm the accommodation arrangement for this tour? As I am travelling solo, I would like to know: - Will I be sharing a room with another traveller? - Is there an option for a private/single room, and what would be the additional cost?

You will have the option to select your preferred room type. The trip rate will vary depending on your chosen departure date. If you plan to depart on 17 May 2026, here is the trip quote. • Single room: US$3,350.00 • Multi share room (Max 4 per room): US$2,225.00

Is the single supplement include private bathroom too?

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.

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

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.

From

$2,318

US $1,928 per person

NZ: North Island & Kaikōura (Northbound)

12 days

•

From Christchurch to Auckland

4.7 (16 reviews)

View all
View all

From

$2,318

17% off

US $1,928 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Contiki offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $96

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Pay only $200 today. The rest is due 65 days before departure. Learn more

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Platinum Operator: Contiki
Adventure & Adrenaline: Seek thrilling adventures that keep you moving
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

Intro
Introduction
Day 1
Christchurch to Kaikōura
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
Day 2
Kaikōura
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
Day 3
Kaikōura - Picton - Wellington
Kaikōura - Picton - Wellington
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar))
Included Activities
- Drive along Kaikōura Coast
- Visit seal colony near Kaikōura
- Interislander Ferry through Marlborough Sounds
- Wellington city orientation tour
Optional Activities
- Explore Wellington's food scene
- Night on the town in Wellington
Landmarks
Kaikōura Seal Colony
Marlborough Sounds
Wellington
Day 4
Wellington
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
Day 5
Wellington to Mount Ruapehu
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
Day 6
Mount Ruapehu to Lake Taupō
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
Day 7
Lake Taupō - Huka Falls - Rotorua
Lake Taupō - Huka Falls - Rotorua
Meals
Dinner (Traditional Māori feast (Hāngi) roasted in the ground)
Accommodation
Hotel (Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Huka Falls
- National Kiwi Hatchery tour and educational experience
- Māori cultural performance
- Traditional Māori Hāngi feast dinner
Optional Activities
- Soak in a hot spring
- Canopy tour
- Explore geothermal mudpools
Landmarks
Huka Falls
National Kiwi Hatchery
Rotorua Geothermal Mudpools
Day 8
Rotorua
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
Day 9
Rotorua to Auckland
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
Day 10
Auckland to Paihia via Whangārei
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
Day 11
Paihia
Paihia
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Bounty Motel (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Parasailing
- Catamaran cruise
Day 12
Paihia to Auckland
Paihia to Auckland
Meals
Breakfast

Landmarks
Kaikōura Seal Colony
Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

Landmarks
Kaikōura Seal Colony
Marlborough Sounds
Wellington

Landmarks
Zealandia

Landmarks
Mount Ruapehu
Te Mangawhero Trail
Ohakune Carrot Statue

Landmarks
Lake Taupō

Landmarks
Huka Falls
National Kiwi Hatchery
Rotorua Geothermal Mudpools

Landmarks
Auckland Harbour Bridge

Landmarks
Hundertwasser Art Centre
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Treaty Museum

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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 (6,371 reviews)
Response time: 10 hours
Response rate: 80%
Cancellation policy: Learn more

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

Cassandra3.0•January 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
Richard5.0•November 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
Richard5.0•March 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
Clayton5.0•January 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
Nicholas5.0•January 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
Vanessa5.0•March 2017
Led by Susie
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
Shakira5.0•March 2017
Led by Susie
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
Keri4.5•March 2017
Led by Susie
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
vaness5.0•January 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
Mo5.0•December 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 & Prices

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!

Ends on 14 Oct, 2026

17% off
From Friday
30 Oct, 2026
To Tuesday
10 Nov, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,337
US$1,945 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
with Southbound Version
View this tour
17% off
From Saturday
7 Nov, 2026
To Wednesday
18 Nov, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,475
US$2,066 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
with Southbound Version
View this tour
Instant Confirmation
17% off
From Saturday
14 Nov, 2026
To Wednesday
25 Nov, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,318
US$1,928 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
17% off
From Monday
23 Nov, 2026
To Friday
4 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,394
US$1,996 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
with Southbound Version
View this tour
Instant Confirmation
17% off
From Monday
30 Nov, 2026
To Friday
11 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,525
US$2,093 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
17% off
From Tuesday
1 Dec, 2026
To Saturday
12 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,394
US$1,996 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
with Southbound Version
View this tour
Instant Confirmation
17% off
From Tuesday
8 Dec, 2026
To Saturday
19 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,375
US$1,979 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
17% off
From Thursday
17 Dec, 2026
To Monday
28 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,550
US$2,115 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
with Southbound Version
View this tour
Instant Confirmation
17% off
From Thursday
24 Dec, 2026
To Monday
4 Jan, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,375
US$1,979 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
17% off
From Tuesday
29 Dec, 2026
To Saturday
9 Jan, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,550
US$2,115 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
with Southbound Version
View this tour

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

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Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts

K
Kenneth
Asked on April 4th, 2026
Could you please confirm the accommodation arrangement for this tour? As I am travelling solo, I would like to know: - Will I be sharing a room with another traveller? - Is there an option for a private/single room, and what would be the additional cost?
Accommodation
Single supplement
- ContikiOperator•Written April 2026
  You will have the option to select your preferred room type. The trip rate will vary depending on your chosen departure date. If you plan to depart on 17 May 2026, here is the trip quote.
  
  • Single room: US$3,350.00
  • Multi share room (Max 4 per room): US$2,225.00
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.

Trip essentials

Good to know

Tour ID: 266762

The practical details for your trip across New Zealand: money, plugs and flexible ways to pay, all in one place.

Have a question? Chat with a travel expert

Pay in installments
Spread the cost in interest-free biweekly installments of $175.
Deposit only
Book now with just a $200 deposit. The remaining balance is due 65 days before departure.
$ - New Zealand Dollar
You’ll encounter New Zealand Dollar in New Zealand.
Plug type I
You’ll need an adapter for these sockets in New Zealand.

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
  Used in New Zealand
Visa
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and how long you stay. We can’t process visas for you, but here’s a quick indication for this trip.
This is only an indication. Visa rules depend on your passport, trip length and purpose. Always confirm with the official embassy or consulate before you travel.
Payment information
Pay now
A $200 deposit
Balance due
65 days before departure
Installments
Interest-free, every two weeks
Currency
USD
Booking fee
None
Book now with just a $200 deposit and pay the rest later. The remaining balance is due 65 days before departure, charged automatically to your card, or you can split it into interest-free biweekly installments of $175 at checkout. Everything is charged in USD, and TourRadar never adds a booking fee. Any trip departing before December 11th, 2026 will need to be paid in full at checkout.
Accepted for Contiki tours
Visa
Maestro
Mastercard
American Express
PayPal
TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
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Same tour and operator
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Cancellation Policy
Cancellation terms may vary per tour. Please check for the full cancellation policy here.
Checking the cancellation terms for this tour…
Your money is protected. TourRadar is an authorized agent of Contiki, and we handle payments so you don’t have to. Payment is securely transferred to the operator based on your departure date.
Insurance
Our travel protection from our award-winning partner, XCover, means you and your travel companions can book with peace of mind knowing there’s protection available in case your trip doesn’t go to plan. At checkout you will be able to select between different options in case you or the tour are eligible for insurance. In case no option is available, you are always able to purchase travel insurance outside of TourRadar.
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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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From

$2,318

17% off

US $1,928 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Contiki offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $96

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Pay only $200 today. The rest is due 65 days before departure. Learn more

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

NZ: North Island & Kaikōura (Northbound)

Itinerary

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Want to read it later?

Explore our featured adventures

What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Prices

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Pay in installments

Deposit only

$ - New Zealand Dollar

Plug type I

Currency

Plugs & adapters

Visa

Payment information

Accepted for Contiki tours

Best price guarantee

How it works

Your quote needs

What doesn’t count

Cancellation Policy

Insurance

Accessibility

People also viewed

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