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

$2,895

US $2,143 per person

NZ: North & South Island (Southbound)

16 days

•

From Auckland to Queenstown

4.7 (13 reviews)

View all
The trip was way better than I thought it would be, the guide and driver were so much friendlier and knowledgable than I expected.
Thomas•traveled in January4.5
View all

From

$2,895

26% off

US $2,143 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 $107

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
City & Culture: Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
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
Auckland to Rotorua
Auckland to Rotorua
Meals
Dinner (Traditional Māori feast)
Accommodation
Hotel (Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit National Kiwi Hatchery - watch kiwi birds roam, stand in human-sized kiwi burrow, visit incubation centre
- Traditional Māori cultural performance and dinner feast
- Participate in haka
Landmarks
National Kiwi Hatchery
Waikato
Day 2
Rotorua
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 to Lake Taupō
Rotorua to Lake Taupō
Meals
Dinner (Dinner on lake cruise)
Accommodation
Hotel (Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Huka Falls
- Lake Taupō cruise - sunset, fishing, and dinner
Optional Activities
- Hukafalls Jet experience - thrilling ride over the falls
- Trout fishing at Lake Taupō
- Skydiving at Lake Taupō
Landmarks
Huka Falls
Lake Taupō
Day 4
Lake Taupō to Mount Ruapehu
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
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
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 to Kaikōura
Wellington to Kaikōura
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Sudima Kaikōura (or similar))
Included Activities
- Inter-Island Ferry crossing - Cook Strait with Marlborough Sounds views
- Drive along Kaikōura Coast with seal colony visit
- Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue visit - meet biologist Sabrina Leucht, learn about local wildlife and conservation
Landmarks
Cook Strait
Marlborough Sounds
Picton
Kaikōura Coast
Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue
Day 8
Kaikōura
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
Kaikōura to Christchurch
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Drifter Christchurch (or similar))
Included Activities
- Christchurch city tour - rebuilt city after earthquake
- Cardboard Cathedral visit
Landmarks
Cardboard Cathedral
Day 10
Christchurch to Franz Josef
Christchurch to Franz Josef
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Rainforest Retreat (or similar))
Included Activities
- Arthur's Pass crossing - Southern Alps scenic drive
- Hokitika - Māori guide tour on pounamu (greenstone) history and cultural significance
- Scenic coastal drive to Franz Josef
Landmarks
Arthur's Pass
Hokitika
Day 11
Franz Josef
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 to Queenstown
Franz Josef to Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Lylo (or similar))
Included Activities
- Haast Pass scenic drive
- Stop in Wānaka - lunch and town exploration
- Kawarau Bungy Bridge visit
Optional Activities
- Kawarau Bungy jump
- Gondola ride to Skyline restaurant - wine and dining
Landmarks
Haast Pass
Wānaka
Kawarau Bungy Bridge
Skyline Queenstown
Day 13
Queenstown
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Lylo (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Explore Queenstown town
- Plan activities for remaining days
Day 14
Queenstown
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Lylo (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Wine country exploration and cellar door visits
- Bungy jump
- Zip-line
- Other adrenaline activities
- Watershed Sauna session - includes Lake Wakatipu views and optional cold plunge
- Exclusive ski day-trip to Cardrona (available during ski season)
Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu
Cardrona
Day 15
Queenstown
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
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast

Landmarks
National Kiwi Hatchery
Waikato

Landmarks
Huka Falls
Lake Taupō

Landmarks
Mount Ruapehu
Tongariro National Park

Landmarks
Wellington

Landmarks
Zealandia

Landmarks
Cook Strait
Marlborough Sounds
Picton
Kaikōura Coast
Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue

Landmarks
Cardboard Cathedral

Landmarks
Arthur's Pass
Hokitika

Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier

Landmarks
Haast Pass
Wānaka
Kawarau Bungy Bridge
Skyline Queenstown

Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu
Cardrona

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

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
Drifter Christchurch (or similar)
Hotel
day 9
Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Hotel
Days 10, 11
Lylo (or similar)
Hotel
Days 12, 13, 14, 15

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Contiki

Platinum Operator

Rating: 4.7 (6,393 reviews)
Response time: within 1 day
Response rate: 96%
Cancellation policy: Learn more

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

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 on 18 Nov, 2026

From Monday
23 Nov, 2026
To Tuesday
8 Dec, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US$3,100 per person
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13% off
From Thursday
26 Nov, 2026
To Friday
11 Dec, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
$2,974
US$2,589 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
From Tuesday
1 Dec, 2026
To Wednesday
16 Dec, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
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26% off
From Friday
4 Dec, 2026
To Saturday
19 Dec, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
$3,125
US$2,316 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
26% 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$2,176 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
with Northbound Version
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From Sunday
20 Dec, 2026
To Monday
4 Jan, 2027
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US$2,974 per person
See Similar Tours For These Dates
From Friday
25 Dec, 2026
To Saturday
9 Jan, 2027
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
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From Tuesday
29 Dec, 2026
To Wednesday
13 Jan, 2027
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US$3,150 per person
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2 Other Unavailable Departures
Instant Confirmation
26% off
From Friday
1 Jan, 2027
To Saturday
16 Jan, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,130
US$2,316 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
26% off
From Tuesday
5 Jan, 2027
To Wednesday
20 Jan, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,450
US$2,546 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room

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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

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.

Good to know

Tour ID: 269573

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 $111.
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 $111 at checkout. Everything is charged in USD, and TourRadar never adds a booking fee. Any trip departing before January 18th, 2027 will need to be paid in full at checkout.
Accepted for Contiki tours
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Cancellation Policy
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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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From

$2,895

26% off

US $2,143 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 $107

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 & South Island (Southbound)

Explore our featured adventures

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 & 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

Cancellation Policy

Insurance

Best price guarantee

How it works

Your quote needs

What doesn’t count

Accessibility

People also viewed

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