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- 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
- Guided in English
- Group Size 8 - 50
- Ages 18-35
Places You’ll See
Highlights
- Explore Lake Tekapo's milky blue waters
- Experience Dark Sky's stargazing magic
- Cruise through the stunning Milford Sound
- Jump from Kawarau Bungy Bridge
- Dine atop Queenstown at Skyline restaurant
Itinerary
- Introduction
- Day 1 Christchurch to Lake Ōhau via Lake Tekapo
- Day 2 Lake Ōhau to Te Anau via Arrowtown and Kingston
- Day 3 Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound
- Day 4 Queenstown
- Day 5 Queenstown
- Day 6 Queenstown
- Day 7 Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka and Haast
- Day 8 Franz Josef
- Day 9 Franz Josef to Christchurch via Hokitika and Arthur's Pass
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Guide
- Meals
- Additional Services
- Free eSIMTourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.
Where You'll Stay
Lake Ōhau Lodge (or similar)
Hotelday 1The Village Inn Hotel (or similar)
Hotelday 2Lylo (or similar)
HotelDays 3, 4, 5, 6Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
HotelDays 7, 8
Operated by
Contiki
Number of tours
595
Age Range
18 to 35 years old
Response time
8 hours
Response rate
84%
Contiki has been running tours for over 50 years, all exclusively for...
Read moreSustainability Initiatives
Reduce Carbon Emissions
Animal Welfare
Supporting Destinations
Sustainability Programs
Traveler Reviews
- Itinerary
- Transport
- Guide
- Accommodation
- Food
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- NNigelMarch 10th, 2024Great experience for this tour.. would rate this as 5stars.. made new friends along the wayTraveled in February 2024
Reply from: ContikiThank you for your fantastic feedback. We're delighted to hear that you had an amazing experience with us from start to finish. We sincerely hope the new friendships you've made during your trip will last a lifetime. We're looking forward to the opportunity to make your next Contiki adventure even more enjoyable.Show more - JJinyoungFebruary 3rd, 2024Get more money for activities you will not regretTraveled in January 2024Reply from: ContikiThanks for joining us at Contiki. We hope you had a blast and can't wait to have you back soon.Show more
- HHangJanuary 4th, 2024Okay. Too big of a group, mostly suit young people in early 20s, a bit rushed, more of an A to B bucket list check...Show moreTraveled in December 2023Reply from: ContikiThank you for sharing your feedback with us. We are sorry you found the group size too large to enjoy the sightseeing during the tour. Our tours are designed exclusively for 18-35-year-olds, and we try to tailor the social aspects to fit that demographic. At Contiki, we take pride in offering trips that provide all travellers an inclusive mix of cultural and social activities. Checking off bucket list items is also essential to exploring the world with us. We hope to provide you with a better experience in the future.Show more
- NNatalieApril 26th, 2023Such a great tour! The tour guide (Damo) and bus driver (Ollie) were such an amazing team and together they provided...Show moreTraveled in April 2023
- HHeidiMarch 18th, 2023I loved this tour, I did it with my sister and we had a great time with each other and making new friends. The only...Show moreTraveled in March 2023
- JJackDecember 13th, 2022Trip was good overall. EVERYTHING was practically an add on so budget at least $1600 extra and the guide was not the...Show moreTraveled in November 2022
Dates & Availability
Select departure month and travellers
- Instant Confirmation-23%From Thursday5 Mar, 2026To Friday13 Mar, 2026EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureFrom:$1,415US $1,083 per personMultiple Room Types
- -26%From Monday6 Apr, 2026To Tuesday14 Apr, 2026EnglishAlmost Sold OutCheck the availability with the operatorDeparture on requestFrom:$1,700US $1,256 per personMultiple Room Types
- Instant Confirmation-26%From Friday8 May, 2026To Saturday16 May, 2026EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureFrom:$1,700US $1,256 per personMultiple Room Types
- Instant Confirmation-10%From Sunday4 Oct, 2026To Monday12 Oct, 2026EnglishFrom:$1,425US $1,283 per personMultiple Room Types
- Instant Confirmation-10%From Tuesday20 Oct, 2026To Wednesday28 Oct, 2026EnglishFrom:$1,425US $1,283 per personMultiple Room Types
- Instant Confirmation-26%From Wednesday28 Oct, 2026To Thursday5 Nov, 2026EnglishFrom:$1,730US $1,283 per personMultiple Room Types
- Instant Confirmation-10%From Thursday5 Nov, 2026To Friday13 Nov, 2026EnglishFrom:$1,425US $1,283 per personMultiple Room Types
- Instant Confirmation-10%From Friday13 Nov, 2026To Saturday21 Nov, 2026EnglishFrom:$1,425US $1,283 per personMultiple Room Types
- Instant Confirmation-10%From Saturday21 Nov, 2026To Sunday29 Nov, 2026EnglishFrom:$1,455US $1,310 per personMultiple Room Types
Why book with TourRadar?
- Trusted and vetted operators
- Rated excellent on
- Best price guarantee
- 24/7 customer support
- Earn $50 in travel credits
- Free eSim with every purchase
To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in United States, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.
What our customers ask about this tour
The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
- H
Harry
Asked on December 14th, 2025Is there an age exception for the tour?
ContikiOperator•Written December 2025Contiki tours have an age restriction of 18-35 years old. As you are outside this age range, you would not be eligible to join the trip. However, we have several sister brands that offer tours with no upper age restrictions: Trafalgar, Costsaver, Insight Vacations, Brendan Vacations, and Luxury Gold.
- M
Michele
Asked on December 14th, 2025I want to book this tours fir Dec 23 rd to dec 31s t but I am 50 years old but look younger . Can I book it?
- ContikiOperator•Written December 2025
Contiki tours have an age restriction, requiring guests to be between 18-35 years old to participate. As you are outside this age range, you would not be eligible to join the trip. We have several sister brands that offer fantastic travel experiences starting from age 5, with no upper age restrictions.
- E
Erin
Asked on November 18th, 2025I am flying in the night before and was wondering if you could please let me know where the contiki leaves from as I would like to book accommodation the night before
- ContikiOperator•Written November 2025
The tour will depart from Drifter Christchurch, located at 96 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand. Once you have a confirmed booking, we can check availability and assist in arranging a pre-hotel accommodation for you.
- M
Martha
Asked on November 11th, 2025Would like to check tour for 2 adults and 2 kids. Kids ages 17 and 12. Looking at tours in Christchurch and Auckland in December.
- ContikiOperator•Written November 2025
Contiki tours have an age restriction, requiring guests to be between 18-35 years old. As you are outside this age range, you would not be eligible to join the trip. We recommend alternative tours from Trafalgar without age restrictions: New Zealand Uncovered and Contrasts Of New Zealand.
- A
April
Asked on September 23rd, 2025I'd like to ask about the optional activities of this tour. I wish I could cycling and sky activity (like hang glider), is there something like those? If not, could I book those activities with the other tour company and go during this tour?
- ContikiOperator•Written September 2025
While cycling and hang gliding aren't part of Contiki's optional activities on the Sweet as South (Eastbound) tour, you'll find plenty of adventure, like skydiving, bungy jumping, and jet boating in Queenstown. You can book other activities independently during free time, just make sure they don't clash with the tour schedule and are covered by your travel insurance.
- I
Irene
Asked on January 2nd, 2025What time does the tour arrive back into Christchurch on the last day?
- ContikiOperator•Written January 2025
The trip is scheduled to arrive in Christchurch at approximately 5:00 PM. We recommend booking post-trip accommodation to ensure a comfortable stay. Contiki tours have an age restriction, requiring guests to be between 18-35 years old to participate.
- I
Irene
Traveler•Written January 2025Do you offer an airport drop off?
- ContikiOperator•Written January 2025
Contiki does not provide transfers, whether complimentary or chargeable, so guests are responsible for arranging their own transportation to/from the airport at their own cost. The trip begins at around 8:00 AM and concludes at approximately 5:00 PM at the hotel.
I2 more answers - M
Matt
Asked on November 7th, 2024Which departure can see the typical lupin blossom fields in NZ?
- ContikiOperator•Written November 2024
Lupin season in New Zealand is late spring and early summer, great departure would be from mid-November to early December. All our Contiki tours are only for travellers ages 18 to 35 years old.
- M
Matt
Traveler•Written November 2024So for 2 men age 45 and 59 can we book the tour or not?
- ContikiOperator•Written November 2024
Contiki tours have an age restriction, requiring guests to be between 18-35 years old to participate. As you are outside this age range, you would not be eligible to join the trip. We have several sister brands that offer fantastic travel experiences without age restrictions: Trafalgar, Costsaver, Insight Vacations, Brendan Vacations, Luxury Gold.
M2 more answers - S
Sabrina
Asked on October 31st, 2024Will there be transportation covered in the tour? What kind of vehicle will be used to drive us around? Will there be in-built wifi in the vehicle?
- ContikiOperator•Written October 2024
Transportation is included in the trip. You will be traveling comfortably by motorcoach throughout the entire journey. Additionally, travelers are provided with 100MB of complimentary Wi-Fi data per day. Please note that there are no options available to purchase additional data.
- G
Glenn
Asked on October 26th, 2024How strict is the age range? I'm 36 and really want to do this route.
- ContikiOperator•Written October 2024
Contiki tours have an age restriction, requiring guests to be between 18-35 years old to participate. As you are outside this age range, you would not be eligible to join the trip. We have several sister brands that offer fantastic travel experiences without age restrictions, which may be a perfect fit for you: Trafalgar, Costsaver, Insight Vacations, Brendan Vacations, Luxury Gold.
- J
Jay
Asked on October 2nd, 2024What is the difference between private room and multi share accomodations?
- ContikiOperator•Written October 2024
A private room means you will have your own individual room, while a multi-share room means you will be sharing the accommodation with other travelers in one room. Please be advised that Contiki tours have an age restriction, requiring guests to be between 18-35 years old to participate.
- J
Jay
Traveler•Written October 2024How many travellers will be in one room? Also, could you please let me know if the itinerary is customisable, such as including the TranzAlpine train journey, or any other tour where I can have a similar experience?
- ContikiOperator•Written October 2024
The multi share room will be shared by 4 travellers on your same gender. Please be noted, this trip cannot be customized.
J2 more answers
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Good to Know
Tour ID: 268823
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