You tour listing lists age as 18-35. Is there a firm age limit? I am a health active 79 year old. I travel international usually twice a year. i seldom find an activity that I feel is too much but I don't object to skipping activities that either I or the tour guide think is too risky. I have reviewed you Itinerary and don't see any activities that I would have a problem with. I would probably skip bungee jumping and zip lining because I have done both several times.

I am a single traveler. The price listed is based upon sharing a room. How much would a single room add to the price?

Can we come if we are older?

Contiki tours have an age restriction, and guests must be between 18-35 years old to be eligible to join. We recommend CostSaver which is open to all ages, and may be a great fit for you. Alternatively, you could look at our other Tour Brands such as Trafalgar, Insight or Luxury Gold.

Is there a way to bring a 30kg suitcase on the tour?

Each guest is allowed one piece of luggage with a maximum size of 29"x20"x10" (73x50x25 cm) and a weight limit of 44 lbs (20 kg). Carry-on is restricted to one item per person, not exceeding 12"x11"x6" (30x28x14 cm). If you need a larger suitcase due to medical reasons, we can request approval from our operations team.

The multishare option is in hostels? Big room? How does it work?

Multi-share can accommodate a maximum of 6 travelers of the same gender, your roommate can be switched in every destination. You will be staying for 6 nights in hotels, 4 nights in hostel, 2 nights in featured accommodation, 2 nights in lodge, and 1 night in special stay.

From

$2,860

US $2,455 per person

New Zealand Panorama (Southbound)

16 days

•

From Auckland to Queenstown

4.7

13 traveler reviews

View all
This tour was absolutely incredible. If I was ever to travel like this again, I would only choose Contiki!!!
Scott, traveled in September
5.0
View all

From

$2,860

-14%

US $2,455 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
Explorer: Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
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

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Auckland to Rotorua
Meals
Dinner (Traditional Māori feast)
Accommodation
Hotel (Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit National Kiwi Hatchery - watch kiwi birds, stand in human-sized kiwi burrow, visit incubation centre
- Traditional Māori cultural performance and feast
- Participate in Haka
Landmarks
National Kiwi Hatchery
Day 2
Rotorua
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Soak in hot spring
- White water rafting
- Hike up volcano
- Rotorua Dawn Canopy Tour - sunrise, breakfast, coffee in canopy, 1200m zipline
- View geothermic mudpools
Day 3
Rotorua - Huka Falls - Lake Taupō
Meals
Dinner (Dining on Lake Taupō sunset cruise)
Accommodation
Hotel (Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar))
Included Activities
- View Huka Falls
- Lake Taupō sunset cruise with fishing and dining
Optional Activities
- Hukafalls Jet experience - thrilling ride through the falls
- Skydive at Lake Taupō
- Trout fishing at Lake Taupō
Landmarks
Huka Falls
Lake Taupō
Day 4
Lake Taupō to Mount Ruapehu
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Kings Ohakune (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Biking along Mangawhero cycle track
Landmarks
Mount Ruapehu
Tongariro National Park
Day 5
Mount Ruapehu to Wellington
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
Hotel (Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar))
Included Activities
- Orientation tour through Wellington city streets
Optional Activities
- Explore Wellington food scene
Landmarks
Wellington
Day 6
Wellington
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Zealandia eco-sanctuary - view rare native wildlife including hihi, takahē, and tuatara
Optional Activities
- Flat white coffee at local café
Landmarks
Zealandia
Day 7
Wellington - Picton - Kaikōura
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Sudima Kaikōura (or similar))
Included Activities
- Inter-Island ferry crossing with views of Marlborough Sounds
- Drive along Kaikōura Coast with visit to seal colony
- Visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue and meet biologist Sabrina Leucht
Landmarks
Marlborough Sounds
Picton
Kaikōura Coast
Day 8
Kaikōura
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Sudima Kaikōura (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Dolphin watching tour - opportunity to see or swim with dusky dolphins
- Kayaking along the coastline
Day 9
Kaikōura to Christchurch
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (The Breakfree on Cashel (or similar)), Hotel (Drifter Christchurch (or similar))
Included Activities
- Christchurch city tour - viewing rebuilt city including Cardboard Cathedral
Landmarks
Cardboard Cathedral
Day 10
Christchurch - Arthur's Pass - Hokitika - Franz Josef
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Hotel (Rainforest Retreat (or similar))
Included Activities
- Drive through Arthur's Pass and Southern Alps
- Visit Hokitika and meet local Māori guide for pounamu cultural tour
- Learn about pounamu history and Māori cultural significance
Landmarks
Arthur's Pass
Hokitika
Southern Alps
Day 11
Franz Josef
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Rainforest Retreat (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Helicopter ride over Franz Josef Glacier
- Carve pounamu (jade) pendant with Māori mastercraftsman instruction
Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier
Day 12
Franz Josef - Haast - Wānaka - Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Lylo (or similar))
Included Activities
- Drive through Haast Pass with rainforest, glacier, and waterfall views
- Visit Kawarau Bungy Bridge in Queenstown
Optional Activities
- Lunch stop in Wānaka
- Bungy jump at Kawarau Bungy Bridge
- Gondola ride to Skyline for wine and dining at highest restaurant in Queenstown
Landmarks
Haast Pass
Wānaka
Kawarau Bungy Bridge
Queenstown
Skyline Queenstown
Day 13
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Lylo (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Explore Queenstown town
- Plan activities for remaining days
Day 14
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Lylo (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Wine country tour and wine cellar/cave exploration
- Bungy jumping
- Ziplining
- Other adventure activities
Day 15
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Lylo (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Adventure activities - bungy jumping, ziplining, skydiving, or other thrill activities
- Relaxed exploration of the region
Day 16
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast

Landmarks
National Kiwi Hatchery

Landmarks
Huka Falls
Lake Taupō

Landmarks
Mount Ruapehu
Tongariro National Park

Landmarks
Wellington

Landmarks
Zealandia

Landmarks
Marlborough Sounds
Picton
Kaikōura Coast

Landmarks
Cardboard Cathedral

Landmarks
Arthur's Pass
Hokitika
Southern Alps

Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier

Landmarks
Haast Pass
Wānaka
Kawarau Bungy Bridge
Queenstown
Skyline Queenstown

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

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

Operated by

Contiki

Platinum Operator

Rating: 4.7(6,248 reviews)
Response time: 7 hours
Response rate: 88%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Moments

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

Sarah
March 24th, 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
Khayla
October 6th, 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
L
Laura
March 28th, 2017
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
T
Tess
March 3rd, 2017
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
M
Mark
March 1st, 2017
Best trip I'd ever been on! Susie was the best tour guide anyone could ask for!
Traveled in February 2017
T
Thomas
January 25th, 2017
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
L
Luke
January 25th, 2017
It was amazing, your manager and bus driver were really great, made the trip that much better
Traveled in December 2016
A
Austin
January 25th, 2017
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
M
Matt
January 25th, 2017
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
Megan
November 15th, 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 & 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 in2d2h8m30s

Instant Confirmation
-14%
From Tuesday
9 Jun, 2026
To Wednesday
24 Jun, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,080
US $2,655 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
-14%
From Tuesday
23 Jun, 2026
To Wednesday
8 Jul, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,295
US $2,850 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
-14%
From Tuesday
30 Jun, 2026
To Wednesday
15 Jul, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,929
US $2,525 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
-14%
From Tuesday
7 Jul, 2026
To Wednesday
22 Jul, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,195
US $2,750 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
-14%
From Tuesday
21 Jul, 2026
To Wednesday
5 Aug, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,860
US $2,455 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
-14%
From Tuesday
4 Aug, 2026
To Wednesday
19 Aug, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,150
US $2,695 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
-14%
From Tuesday
1 Sep, 2026
To Wednesday
16 Sep, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,000
US $2,575 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
-14%
From Tuesday
15 Sep, 2026
To Wednesday
30 Sep, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,325
US $2,850 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
-14%
From Tuesday
29 Sep, 2026
To Wednesday
14 Oct, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,225
US $2,775 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
-13%
From Friday
9 Oct, 2026
To Saturday
24 Oct, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,050
US $2,650 per person
Multiple 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

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.

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

S
Sherry
Asked on March 21st, 2026
You tour listing lists age as 18-35. Is there a firm age limit? I am a health active 79 year old. I travel international usually twice a year. i seldom find an activity that I feel is too much but I don't object to skipping activities that either I or the tour guide think is too risky. I have reviewed you Itinerary and don't see any activities that I would have a problem with. I would probably skip bungee jumping and zip lining because I have done both several times.
Age Range
- S
  Sherry
  Traveler•Written March 2026
  I am a single traveler. The price listed is based upon sharing a room. How much would a single room add to the price?
- ContikiOperator•Written March 2026
  Contiki tours have an age restriction, requiring guests to be between 18-35 years old to participate.
R
Rachael
Asked on December 19th, 2025
Can we come if we are older?
Age Range
- ContikiOperator•Written December 2025
  Contiki tours have an age restriction, and guests must be between 18-35 years old to be eligible to join. We recommend CostSaver which is open to all ages, and may be a great fit for you. Alternatively, you could look at our other Tour Brands such as Trafalgar, Insight or Luxury Gold.
M
Matt
Asked on August 31st, 2025
Is there a way to bring a 30kg suitcase on the tour?
Tour Details
Transport
- ContikiOperator•Written August 2025
  Each guest is allowed one piece of luggage with a maximum size of 29"x20"x10" (73x50x25 cm) and a weight limit of 44 lbs (20 kg). Carry-on is restricted to one item per person, not exceeding 12"x11"x6" (30x28x14 cm). If you need a larger suitcase due to medical reasons, we can request approval from our operations team.
N
Nick
Asked on December 6th, 2024
The multishare option is in hostels? Big room? How does it work?
Accommodation
- ContikiOperator•Written December 2024
  Multi-share can accommodate a maximum of 6 travelers of the same gender, your roommate can be switched in every destination. You will be staying for 6 nights in hotels, 4 nights in hostel, 2 nights in featured accommodation, 2 nights in lodge, and 1 night in special stay.

From

$2,860

-14%

US $2,455 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: 269573

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 14th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after July 14th, 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
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Contiki. Please familiarize yourself with the Contiki payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
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.
People also viewed
France Tours
Great Britain Tours
Australia Tours
Arequipa and Colca Canyon
Alberta Vacations
6-Days Private Tour From Casablanca To Chefch…
India's Best Golden Triangle with Wildlife an…

New Zealand Panorama (Southbound)

Itinerary

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Moments

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

Similar Tours

Keep Exploring New Zealand

Like this Moment?