Can I make this tour? I am 41.

Contiki tours have an age restriction, requiring guests to be between 18-35 years old to participate. We have several sister brands that offer tours without age restrictions: Trafalgar, Costsaver, Insight Vacations, Brendan Vacations, and Luxury Gold.

Does this tour include Hobbiton? Can I know the demographics of the group on the 11th of January? Can I join you on the 12th evening? Can I have more details about sharing accommodation?

After reviewing your request, we offer free time add-ons to Hobbiton for NZ$189.00. Perhaps, the trip manager will provide the final list of free time add-ons on the trip date. Please note that Contiki tours have an age requirement, allowing only guests aged 18–35 to participate. Yes, you are welcome to join the group on the evening of the 12th, but please be aware that the trip will still cost USD$3,968.00 for a single room. Trip rate is subject to change. If you choose to share a room, it will be with fellow travelers of the same gender.

From

$2,879

US $2,245 per person

NZ: North & South Island (Northbound)

16 days

•

From Queenstown to Auckland

4.7 (13 reviews)

View all
View all

From

$2,879

22% off

US $2,245 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 $112

Select departure month

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
Partially Guided: Independent travel, featuring selected guided excursions
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 1 - 45
Ages 18-35

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Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Intro
Introduction
Day 1
Queenstown
Queenstown
Meals
Dinner (Pizza at local favourite Winnies)
Accommodation
Hotel (Lylo (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Explore Queenstown independently
Day 2
Queenstown
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Lylo (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Kawarau Bungy Bridge
Optional Activities
- Bungy jump at Kawarau Bridge
- Free Time Add-Ons in Queenstown
Landmarks
Kawarau Bungy Bridge
Day 3
Queenstown
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Lylo (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Explore wine country and cellar doors
- Bungy jump
- Zipline
- Adrenaline activities
- Watershed Sauna session with views over Lake Wakatipu and cold plunge option
Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu
Day 4
Queenstown
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Lylo (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Adventure activities
- Explore Queenstown
- Gondola ride to Skyline restaurant
Landmarks
Skyline Queenstown
Day 5
Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka and Haast
Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka and Haast
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch (In Wānaka)
Accommodation
Hotel (Rainforest Retreat (or similar))
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through Southern Alps
- Visit Wānaka
- Drive through Haast Pass
Optional Activities
- Lunch at 'Dough Bin' in Wānaka
Landmarks
Wānaka
Haast Pass (Tioripatea)
Day 6
Franz Josef
Franz Josef
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Rainforest Retreat (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Heli ride over Franz Josef Glacier
- Pounamu (jade) carving experience with Māori mastercraftsman
Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier
Day 7
Franz Josef to Christchurch via Hokitika and Arthur's Pass
Franz Josef to Christchurch via Hokitika and Arthur's Pass
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Drifter Christchurch (or similar))
Included Activities
- Watch authentic jade carvers in Hokitika
- View traditional Māori art in Hokitika
- Drive across Arthur's Pass
Landmarks
Hokitika
Arthur's Pass
Day 8
Christchurch to Kaikōura
Christchurch to Kaikōura
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Sudima Kaikōura (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue
- Meet with local wildlife biologist
Landmarks
Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue
Day 9
Kaikōura
Kaikōura
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Sudima Kaikōura (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Dolphin watching tour
- Swim with dusky dolphins
- Kayaking along the coastline
Day 10
Kaikōura to Wellington via Picton
Kaikōura to Wellington via Picton
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar))
Included Activities
- City tour of Wellington
Optional Activities
- Explore Wellington's food scene
- Night on the town
Landmarks
Wellington
Day 11
Wellington
Wellington
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Visit local cafe for flat white coffee
- Zealandia eco-sanctuary tour
Landmarks
Zealandia
Day 12
Wellington to Mount Ruapehu
Wellington to Mount Ruapehu
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Kings Ohakune (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Mountain biking on Te Mangawhero Trail
Landmarks
Mount Ruapehu
Ohakune
Day 13
Mount Ruapehu to Lake Taupō
Mount Ruapehu to Lake Taupō
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (Lake cruise dinner with sunset viewing and fishing)
Accommodation
Hotel (Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar))
Included Activities
- Lake cruise with sunset viewing and fishing
Optional Activities
- Skydive at Lake Taupō
Landmarks
Lake Taupō
Day 14
Lake Taupō to Rotorua via Huka Falls
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
- National Kiwi Hatchery experience
- Māori cultural performance
- Hāngi feast dinner
Optional Activities
- Soak in hot springs
- Canopy tour
Landmarks
Huka Falls
National Kiwi Hatchery
Day 15
Rotorua
Rotorua
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Soak in hot springs
- Rafting
- Hike up a volcano
- Rotorua Dawn Canopy Tour with sunrise, breakfast, coffee, and 1200m zipline
Day 16
Rotorua to Auckland
Rotorua to Auckland
Meals
Breakfast
Landmarks
Auckland

Landmarks
Kawarau Bungy Bridge

Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu

Landmarks
Skyline Queenstown

Landmarks
Wānaka
Haast Pass (Tioripatea)

Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier

Landmarks
Hokitika
Arthur's Pass

Landmarks
Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

Landmarks
Wellington

Landmarks
Zealandia

Landmarks
Mount Ruapehu
Ohakune

Landmarks
Lake Taupō

Landmarks
Huka Falls
National Kiwi Hatchery

Landmarks
Auckland

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Lylo (or similar)
Hotel
Days 1, 2, 3, 4
Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Hotel
Days 5, 6
Drifter Christchurch (or similar)
Hotel
day 7
Sudima Kaikōura (or similar)
Hotel
Days 8, 9
Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
Hotel
Days 10, 11
Kings Ohakune (or similar)
Hotel
day 12
Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar)
Hotel
day 13
Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Hotel
Days 14, 15

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 13 Reviews

Itinerary
4.0
Transport
5.0
Guide
4.7
Accommodation
4.5
Food
4.6
Tour Operator
4.7

Sarah3.0•March 2023
Our trip manager started our tour by saying, "This is not an old person tour. If you want history and facts you're in...
Our trip manager started our tour by saying, "This is not an old person tour. If you want history and facts you're in the wrong place." We paid thousands of dollars, if we didn't want to know about the country, we would have done a solo tour. Our driver was more helpful then she was. Most days we didn't get the next days schedule until late in the afternoon, and often that was because we asked. We were booked on incorrect experiences and then when asked about them she acted like it wasn't her fault.Show more
Traveled in March 2023
Reply from: Contiki
Thank you for your feedback during your time in New Zealand. We know that a great Trip Manager is essential to our guests' overall enjoyment and comfort on any of our trips. We take great care in selecting our team members; therefore, we are surprised to read that this was a different experience that you received during the trip. We would like to assure you that your feedback has been shared with our Operations team for their attention and appropriate action going forward. With that in mind, hopefully, we will have the chance to restore your impression of our experiences in the future.
Show more
Khayla5.0•October 2019
My favourite holiday I have ever been on!! Josh (guide) and Patrice (driver) were amazing. Josh was very organised...
My favourite holiday I have ever been on!! Josh (guide) and Patrice (driver) were amazing. Josh was very organised and always made sure everyone had the correct information for their optional activities. He was very professional and I also appreciated his honesty when it came to choosing which optional activities were worth doing. Patrice was great too, good fun and always guaranteed us a fun bus ride with lots of laughs! The accomodation was simple but really nice and the included breakfasts were great. I have made friends for a life time on this trip. I was never sure about doing group tours but after this one I can 100% say I will be booking another one! Couldn't have asked for a better experience!Show more
Traveled in September 2019
Laura5.0•March 2017
Led by Susie
Contiki in New Zealand was amazing! I loved every minute of it. Everything was organised perfectly and ran smoothly....
Show more
Traveled in March 2017
Tess4.5•March 2017
Led by Susie
My trip with Susie was so fabulous, she was so knowledgeable about her hole country and I couldn't have asked for...
Show more
Traveled in February 2017
Mark5.0•March 2017
Led by Susie
Best trip I'd ever been on! Susie was the best tour guide anyone could ask for!
Traveled in February 2017
Thomas4.5•January 2017
Led by Susie
The trip was way better than I thought it would be, the guide and driver were so much friendlier and knowledgable...
Show more
Traveled in December 2016
Luke4.5•January 2017
Led by Susie
It was amazing, your manager and bus driver were really great, made the trip that much better
Traveled in December 2016
Austin5.0•January 2017
Led by Susie
Susie made my contiki 10 times better than what I expected. She really went out of her way to include everyone and...
Show more
Traveled in December 2016
Matt4.5•January 2017
Led by Susie
I loved my trip, it was the best I've ever been on! So many things to do and places to see what a tour guide that...
Show more
Traveled in December 2016
Megan5.0•November 2014
The tour was amazing, visited great places and the optional and included activities were all epic. The ultimate...
Show more
Traveled in August 2013

Dates & Prices

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!

Ends in0d0h5m50s

13% off
From Monday
2 Nov, 2026
To Tuesday
17 Nov, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,775
US$3,275 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
with Southbound Version
View this tour
Instant Confirmation
22% off
From Saturday
7 Nov, 2026
To Sunday
22 Nov, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,879
US$2,245 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
13% off
From Tuesday
10 Nov, 2026
To Wednesday
25 Nov, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,225
US$2,795 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
with Southbound Version
View this tour
Instant Confirmation
13% off
From Monday
23 Nov, 2026
To Tuesday
8 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,100
US$2,695 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
13% off
From Thursday
26 Nov, 2026
To Friday
11 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,974
US$2,589 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
with Southbound Version
View this tour
Instant Confirmation
22% off
From Tuesday
1 Dec, 2026
To Wednesday
16 Dec, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,945
US$2,304 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
22% off
From Friday
4 Dec, 2026
To Saturday
19 Dec, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,125
US$2,453 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
with Southbound Version
View this tour
Instant Confirmation
22% off
From Thursday
17 Dec, 2026
To Friday
1 Jan, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,945
US$2,304 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
22% off
From Sunday
20 Dec, 2026
To Monday
4 Jan, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,974
US$2,330 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
with Southbound Version
View this tour
From Friday
25 Dec, 2026
To Saturday
9 Jan, 2027
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US$2,945 per person
See Similar Tours For These Dates

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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

N
Natalie
Asked on November 27th, 2025
Can I make this tour? I am 41.
Age Range
Tour Details
- ContikiOperator•Written November 2025
  Contiki tours have an age restriction, requiring guests to be between 18-35 years old to participate. We have several sister brands that offer tours without age restrictions: Trafalgar, Costsaver, Insight Vacations, Brendan Vacations, and Luxury Gold.
- N
  Natalie
  Traveler•Written November 2025
  Do you know of similar tours from south to north for similar dates?
- N
  Natalie
  Traveler•Written November 2025
  I need a tour from viceversa as my flight back to Europe will be from Auckland. Maybe you can make an exception for me despite my age?
- ContikiOperator•Written November 2025
  Trafalgar offers the New Zealand Panorama tour, which is similar to Contiki's New Zealand Panorama and may be a great alternative.
- N
  Natalie
  Traveler•Written November 2025
  Do you have tours in December?
- ContikiOperator•Written November 2025
  We have a December departure on 04-Dec-2026, priced at EUR 3,509.25 for a single room. This includes intra-flights and the Black Friday discount.
- N
  Natalie
  Traveler•Written November 2025
  I am in New Zealand only from the 12th to 30th of December. Can you advise something for these days?
- ContikiOperator•Written December 2025
  We can offer a New Zealand tour from Trafalgar called Iconic North. This tour runs from December 15 to 21, 2026, which falls within your travel window.
G
Glenn
Asked on December 6th, 2024
Does this tour include Hobbiton? Can I know the demographics of the group on the 11th of January? Can I join you on the 12th evening? Can I have more details about sharing accommodation?
Accommodation
Age Range
Tour Details
- ContikiOperator•Written December 2024
  After reviewing your request, we offer free time add-ons to Hobbiton for NZ$189.00. Perhaps, the trip manager will provide the final list of free time add-ons on the trip date. Please note that Contiki tours have an age requirement, allowing only guests aged 18–35 to participate. Yes, you are welcome to join the group on the evening of the 12th, but please be aware that the trip will still cost USD$3,968.00 for a single room. Trip rate is subject to change. If you choose to share a room, it will be with fellow travelers of the same gender.

Trip essentials

Good to know

Tour ID: 269572

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 $223.
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 $223 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
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Maestro
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American Express
PayPal
TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
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Cancellation Policy
Cancellation terms may vary per tour. Please check for the full cancellation policy here.
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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

$2,879

22% off

US $2,245 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 $112

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

NZ: North & South Island (Northbound)

Explore our featured adventures

Itinerary

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Want to read it later?

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

Earn while you share

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