Is there an age exception for the tour?

Contiki 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.

I 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?

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.

I 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

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.

Would like to check tour for 2 adults and 2 kids. Kids ages 17 and 12. Looking at tours in Christchurch and Auckland in December.

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.

I'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?

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.

What time does the tour arrive back into Christchurch on the last day?

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.

Which departure can see the typical lupin blossom fields in NZ?

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.

Will 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?

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.

How strict is the age range? I'm 36 and really want to do this route.

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.

What is the difference between private room and multi share accomodations?

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.

From

$1,672

US $1,244 per person

NZ: South Island (Eastbound)

9 days

•

Start and end in Christchurch

4.6 (8 reviews)

View all

From

$1,672

-26%

US $1,244 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

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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
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 Lake Ōhau
Christchurch to Lake Ōhau
Meals
Dinner (Classic Kiwi family-style dinner with lakeside views and mountain scenery)
Accommodation
Hotel (Lake Ōhau Lodge (or similar))
Included Activities
- Stop at Lake Tekapo and visit Church of the Good Shepherd
- Explore lakefront at Lake Tekapo
- Family-style dinner at Lake Ōhau with lakeside views
Landmarks
Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd
Lake Ōhau
Mt. Cook
Day 2
Lake Ōhau to Te Anau
Lake Ōhau to Te Anau
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch in Arrowtown)
Accommodation
Hotel (The Village Inn Hotel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Travel through Lindis Pass
- Stop in Arrowtown (Kā Muriwai)
- Visit Kingston farm and learn about farming
- Lunch in Arrowtown
Optional Activities
- Guided jet boat trip to Fiordland National Park from Te Anau through Lake Manapouri
- Trip to glow worm caves
Landmarks
Lindis Pass
Arrowtown
Lake Manapouri
Fiordland National Park
Day 3
Te Anau to Queenstown
Te Anau to Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Lylo (or similar))
Included Activities
- Cruise of Milford Sound (Piopiotahi)
Landmarks
Milford Sound
Queenstown
Day 4
Queenstown
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Lylo (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Kawarau Bungy Bridge
Optional Activities
- Free Time Add-Ons can be booked with Trip Manager for any day in Queenstown
Landmarks
Kawarau Bungy Bridge
Day 5
Queenstown
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Lylo (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Explore wine country and visit cellar doors
- Bungy jump
- Zipline
- Session at Watershed Sauna with views over Lake Wakatipu and cold plunge option
Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu
Day 6
Queenstown
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (Wine and dining at Skyline (optional))
Accommodation
Hotel (Lylo (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Adrenaline activities to conquer remaining fears
- Relax and enjoy the beautiful region
- Gondola and dinner at Skyline restaurant
Landmarks
Skyline Restaurant
Day 7
Queenstown to Franz Josef
Queenstown to Franz Josef
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch in Wānaka)
Accommodation
Hotel (Rainforest Retreat (or similar))
Included Activities
- Stop in Wānaka for lunch
- Drive through Haast Pass (Tioripatea)
Optional Activities
- Visit 'Dough Bin' for pie in Wānaka
Landmarks
Wānaka
Haast Pass
Franz Josef Glacier
Day 8
Franz Josef
Franz Josef
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Rainforest Retreat (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Heli ride over Franz Josef Glacier
- Carve your own Pounamu (jade) pendant with a Māori mastercraftsman
Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier
Day 9
Franz Josef to Christchurch
Franz Josef to Christchurch
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Meet with local Māori guide in Hokitika and tour about Pounamu
- Cross Arthur's Pass
Landmarks
Hokitika
Arthur's Pass

Landmarks
Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd
Lake Ōhau
Mt. Cook

Landmarks
Lindis Pass
Arrowtown
Lake Manapouri
Fiordland National Park

Landmarks
Milford Sound
Queenstown

Landmarks
Kawarau Bungy Bridge

Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu

Landmarks
Skyline Restaurant

Landmarks
Wānaka
Haast Pass
Franz Josef Glacier

Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier

Landmarks
Hokitika
Arthur's Pass

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Lake Ōhau Lodge (or similar)
Hotel
day 1
The Village Inn Hotel (or similar)
Hotel
day 2
Lylo (or similar)
Hotel
Days 3, 4, 5, 6
Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Hotel
Days 7, 8

Operated by

Contiki

Platinum Operator

Rating: 4.7 (6,368 reviews)
Response time: 8 hours
Response rate: 84%
Cancellation policy: Learn more

Traveler Reviews

4.6

Overall rating based on 8 Reviews

Itinerary
4.4
Transport
4.7
Guide
4.3
Accommodation
3.9
Food
4.0
Tour Operator
4.7

Siobhan4.8•September 2026
Fantastic tour! The sights were amazing and the tour manager was very friendly and knowledgeable.
Traveled in January 2023
Gabriele5.0•March 2026
Led by James
Was truly amazing, especially thanks to the lovely company of both the contiki crew and the group
Traveled in February 2026
Reply from: Contiki
Thank you very much for your kind feedback, and for choosing to travel with us. We are pleased to hear that you had such an amazing experience and that the company of both your Contiki crew and fellow travellers made your journey even more special. It is always wonderful when a great group and supportive team come together to create such memorable moments. Thank you once again for travelling with us. We hope to welcome you on another adventure in the future.
Show more
Nigel5.0•March 2024
Great experience for this tour.. would rate this as 5stars.. made new friends along the way
Traveled in February 2024
Reply from: Contiki
Thank 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
Jinyoung5.0•February 2024
Get more money for activities you will not regret
Traveled in January 2024
Reply from: Contiki
Thanks for joining us at Contiki. We hope you had a blast and can't wait to have you back soon.
Show more
Hang3.0•January 2024
Okay. 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 more
Traveled in December 2023
Reply from: Contiki
Thank 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
Natalie5.0•April 2023
Such a great tour! The tour guide (Damo) and bus driver (Ollie) were such an amazing team and together they provided...
Show more
Traveled in April 2023
Heidi5.0•March 2023
I loved this tour, I did it with my sister and we had a great time with each other and making new friends. The only...
I loved this tour, I did it with my sister and we had a great time with each other and making new friends. The only thing is that there were some places I wish we had longer at, like many of the small country towns we stopped through to get lunch. We also didn't get a chance to see Christchurch at all, which we were okay with because it looked so similar to our home, but it would have been nice :) (I'd say book a couple days at the end or start of your trip if you're keen to see it) Still, I highly recommend this tour. Who knew a good cup of tea and the views of the alps could be so good for my mental health. Can't wait to get back to this amazing place.Show more
Traveled in March 2023
Jack4.0•December 2022
Trip was good overall. EVERYTHING was practically an add on so budget at least $1600 extra and the guide was not the...
Show more
Traveled in November 2022

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!

Ends on 30 Sep, 2026

From Sunday
4 Oct, 2026
To Monday
12 Oct, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US$1,850 per person
See Similar Tours For These Dates
-27%
From Thursday
8 Oct, 2026
To Friday
16 Oct, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
$2,028
US$1,490 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
with Westbound Version
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-26%
From Sunday
18 Oct, 2026
To Monday
26 Oct, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
$1,825
US$1,346 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
with Westbound Version
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Instant Confirmation
-26%
From Thursday
5 Nov, 2026
To Friday
13 Nov, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,875
US$1,395 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
-26%
From Wednesday
11 Nov, 2026
To Thursday
19 Nov, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,825
US$1,346 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
with Westbound Version
View this tour
-26%
From Thursday
19 Nov, 2026
To Friday
27 Nov, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,850
US$1,373 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
with Westbound Version
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Instant Confirmation
-26%
From Saturday
21 Nov, 2026
To Sunday
29 Nov, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,672
US$1,244 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
-25%
From Sunday
29 Nov, 2026
To Monday
7 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,795
US$1,346 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
-26%
From Saturday
5 Dec, 2026
To Sunday
13 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,975
US$1,463 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
with Westbound Version
View this tour
-25%
From Sunday
13 Dec, 2026
To Monday
21 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,925
US$1,436 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
with Westbound 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

We couldn't find results

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

H
Harry
Asked on December 14th, 2025
Is there an age exception for the tour?
Age Range
- ContikiOperator•Written December 2025
  Contiki 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, 2025
I 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?
Age Range
Tour Details
- 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, 2025
I 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
Accommodation
Tour Details
- 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, 2025
Would like to check tour for 2 adults and 2 kids. Kids ages 17 and 12. Looking at tours in Christchurch and Auckland in December.
Age Range
Tour Details
- 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, 2025
I'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?
Tour Details
Travel Support
- 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, 2025
What time does the tour arrive back into Christchurch on the last day?
Tour Details
Transport
- 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 2025
  Do 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.
M
Matt
Asked on November 7th, 2024
Which departure can see the typical lupin blossom fields in NZ?
Other
Tour Details
- 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 2024
  So 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.
S
Sabrina
Asked on October 31st, 2024
Will 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?
Transport
- 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, 2024
How strict is the age range? I'm 36 and really want to do this route.
Age Range
- 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, 2024
What is the difference between private room and multi share accomodations?
Accommodation
- 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 2024
  How 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.

From

$1,672

-26%

US $1,244 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

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 268823

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 November 27th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after November 27th, 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
- 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.
Checking which travel protection options are available for you…
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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NZ: South Island (Eastbound)

Itinerary

Introduction

Christchurch to Lake Ōhau

Included Activities

Lake Ōhau to Te Anau

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Te Anau to Queenstown

Included Activities

Queenstown

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Queenstown

Optional Activities

Queenstown

Optional Activities

Queenstown to Franz Josef

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Franz Josef

Optional Activities

Franz Josef to Christchurch

Included Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Good to Know

Keep Exploring New Zealand

NZ: South Island (Eastbound)

Itinerary

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Earn while you share

Good to Know

Keep Exploring New Zealand

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