Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland to Rotorua
You'll meet your tour group in Auckland and then head to Rotorua to check into a lakeside Marae. After settling in, you'll take part in a traditional Maori welcome ceremony. The afternoon involves helping prepare a hangi (a traditional steamed meal cooked in the ground), then walking through Ohinemutu Village to learn about Maori customs and protocols. Later you'll return for hangi dinner with the group.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional hangi (steamed meal))
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Marae Special Stay)
Included Activities
- Traditional Māori welcome ceremony
- Prepare traditional hangi steamed meal
- Introductory tour of Ohinemutu Village
- Learn about Tikanga and Kawa (Māori customs and protocols)
Landmarks Ohinemutu Village St Faith's Church 
- Day 2
Rotorua
After a hearty breakfast, you'll have the day to explore Rotorua however you'd like. Options include hiking, ziplining, or visiting Hobbiton. In the evening, the group reconvenes to learn about traditional Maori performing arts, including a specially composed Haka performance.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Marae Special Stay)
Included Activities
- Witness Māori performing arts including Haka (specially composed for Contiki)
Optional Activities
- Hiking in Rotorua area
- Ziplining
- Hobbiton tour
Landmarks Hobbiton Movie Set - Day 3
Rotorua - Taupō - Rangitikei
Following breakfast, you'll head to the National Kiwi Hatchery to learn about conservation efforts for New Zealand's national bird. Lunch happens in scenic Taupō, then you'll continue to River Valley where you can choose between e-biking through the wilderness or white water rafting. Dinner is a farm-to-table meal made with local produce.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Wholesome organic dinner made with locally-grown produce from lodge gardens; explore gardens to see where food is grown)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (River Valley Lodge (or similar))
Included Activities
- National Kiwi Hatchery tour and learning about Kiwi conservation
- Farm-to-table dinner made with locally-grown organic produce from lodge gardens
Optional Activities
- E-bike rental and exploration
- White water rafting
- Lunch in Taupō (free to choose own)
Landmarks National Kiwi Hatchery Taupō Rangitikei Valley 
- Day 4
Rangitikei to Wellington via Paraparaumu
You'll travel down to the coast with a lunch stop in Paraparaumu, a sunny town with good food and views. Watch for glimpses of the South Island during the drive. Upon arrival in Wellington, New Zealand's capital, you'll take an orientation walk through narrow streets, check out the food scene, and head out for a night on the town.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Haka House Wellington (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Paraparaumu
- Explore Wellington's food scene
- Night on the town in Wellington
Landmarks Paraparaumu 
- Day 5
Wellington
Wellington is yours to explore at your own pace. Stop by a local cafe to try the famous flat white coffee. If you'd like, sign up for an optional trip to Zealandia, a 225-hectare eco-sanctuary protecting over 40 rare native species. You can walk safely alongside rare birds like the hihi and takahe, and keep an eye out for the tuatara, a prehistoric living fossil found only in New Zealand.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Haka House Wellington (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Local café visit for flat white coffee
- Zealandia eco-sanctuary tour (225-hectare sanctuary with rare native wildlife including hihi, takahē, and tuatara)
Landmarks Zealandia - Day 6
Wellington to Mārahau via Motueka
You'll leave the North Island behind and cross the Cook Strait via Interislander Ferry to reach the South Island. After arriving at Motueka, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, you'll check into cosy cabins right inside the national park.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Barn Mārahau (or similar))
Included Activities
- Interislander Ferry crossing between North and South Islands
Landmarks Abel Tasman National Park Cook Strait Motueka - Day 7
Mārahau
Your entire day is devoted to exploring Abel Tasman National Park however you prefer. Choose from river canyoning, skydiving, sailing, hiking, or simply relax on the golden sandy beaches surrounded by lush rainforests and ocean views.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Barn Mārahau (or similar))
Included Activities
- Hiking across Abel Tasman National Park with views of natural rock pools, crystal clear waters and green forests
Optional Activities
- River canyoning
- Skydiving
- Sailing
- Hiking (various routes)
Landmarks Abel Tasman National Park - Day 8
Mārahau - Kaiteriteri - Murchison - Punakaiki
You'll start with a sunrise waka (canoe) paddle learning ancient Maori practices while witnessing the sunrise views. Lunch happens in the historic gold rush town of Murchison between two rivers. From there, you'll drive the scenic northwest coast through rainforests and beaches, then explore the famous Paparoa Track featuring alpine tops and limestone landscapes. There's an optional paddleboarding and sandstone carving experience available. The day ends with a traditional Maori BBQ dinner of whitebait fritters by a campfire under the stars at the beach camp.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional Māori BBQ dinner with whitebait fritters at Punakaiki Beach Camp by campfire)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Punakaiki Beach Camp (or similar))
Included Activities
- Sunrise waka paddle and learning ancient Māori practices honoring Te Rā (the sun) and timatanga (beginning)
- Explore historical Paparoa Track with river gorges, forests, limestone cliffs and views
- Pancake Rocks viewing
- Rugged West Coast beach visit
- Traditional Māori BBQ dinner with whitebait fritters at Punakaiki Beach Camp
Optional Activities
- Paddleboarding and sandstone carving experience
- Lunch in Murchison (free to choose own)
Landmarks Paparoa Track Pancake Rocks Pororari River Buller Gorge Paparoa National Park - Day 9
Punakaiki - Franz Josef - Haast - Wānaka
You'll see the famous 300-million-year-old Pancake Rocks from a distance. Lunch is in scenic Franz Josef, one of New Zealand's most beautiful locations. The drive continues through Haast Pass beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. You'll experience the scenery through the Southern Alps and Otago region toward Wanaka. Dinner at a rustic 150-year-old historical pub from the gold rush era offers mountain backdrop views.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at historical 150-year-old pub from New Zealand gold rush era)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Brownston Hostel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Dinner at historical 150-year-old pub from gold rush era with mountain backdrop
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Franz Josef (free to choose own)
Landmarks Pancake Rocks Franz Josef Haast Pass Southern Alps Otago Region - Day 10
Wānaka
This day is yours to pursue adventure activities that Wanaka offers, such as rock climbing, hiking, skydiving, or other adrenaline pursuits. In the evening, check out a local restaurant or grab takeaway and head to the lake's edge to watch the sunset behind Mount Aspiring National Park.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Brownston Hostel (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Rock climbing
- Hiking
- Skydiving
- Local restaurants
- Takeaway at lakeside
Landmarks Mount Aspiring National Park Wānaka Lake - Day 11
Wānaka - Lake Manapouri - Doubtful Sound
After breakfast, you'll drive to Lake Manapouri and hop on a cruise to explore the impressive landscape. You'll drive through lush rainforests at Wilmot Pass to reach Doubtful Sound, then board a luxurious overnight boat with chefs on board and enjoy afternoon tea. Kayak through serene waters, plunge into icy fiord waters, and take a tour with a nature expert explaining the landscape. Return onboard for a chef-made dinner with local produce, then enjoy games, music, and time with your crew.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Chef-made dinner with local ingredients and fresh seafood on board overnight cruise)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Overnight Cruise)
Included Activities
- Lake Manapouri cruise across New Zealand's second largest lake
- Private coach ride over Wilmot Pass through rainforest scenery
- Afternoon tea and chef-made cakes on board cruise
- Guided kayaking tour of Doubtful Sound
- Plunge into glacial waters of Doubtful Sound
- Nature specialist guided tour of Doubtful Sound landscape, flora and fauna
- Chef-made dinner with local ingredients on board overnight cruise
Landmarks Lake Manapouri Wilmot Pass Doubtful Sound Fiordland 
- Day 12
Doubtful Sound to Queenstown via Lake Manapouri
You'll spend another day exploring Fiordland with another look at Wilmot Pass. Set sail on Lake Manapouri again and make your journey toward Queenstown. After arriving in Queenstown, you'll get some rest for the adventure ahead tomorrow.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Nomads Hostel (or similar))
Landmarks Wilmot Pass Lake Manapouri 
- Day 13
Queenstown
You have free time to explore Queenstown and work on your bucket list. Choose from bungy jumping, canyon swings, climbing waterfalls, vineyard tours, ziplining, skydiving, or other adventures. Grab dinner with your crew in the evening to rest up before more activity tomorrow.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Nomads Hostel (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Bungy jumping
- Canyon swings
- Climbing waterfalls
- Vineyard tours
- Zip lining
- Skydiving
- Other adventure activities
- Dinner with crew
Landmarks Queenstown - Day 14
Queenstown
It's your last full day, so continue ticking off your adventure bucket list with activities of your choice. Optionally have dinner at the Skyline restaurant which offers panoramic views of Queenstown. Make the most of your final day before the tour ends tomorrow.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Nomads Hostel (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Bungy jumping
- Canyon swings
- Climbing waterfalls
- Vineyard tours
- Zip lining
- Skydiving
- Other adventure activities
- Dinner at Skyline restaurant with panoramic Queenstown views
Landmarks Skyline Queenstown - Day 15
Queenstown to Christchurch
After 15 days of adventure, culture, cities and natural wonders, it's time to say goodbye. If you've booked a transfer to Christchurch, hop on your coach for the final journey. Exchange contact information with your crew so you can stay in touch after the tour.
Optional Activities
- Transfer to Christchurch
Landmarks Christchurch 
