Grand Explorer

If you’re 18-35 years of age, love meeting new people, and want a trip you can afford, then Contiki Vacations is probably for you. Try our New Zealand coach tours and experience everything from the amazing scenery like that in The Lord of the Rings to Queenstown’s legendary nightlife.

Take in the two islands of New Zealand as you explore the land known for extreme sports and extreme natural beauty. A plethora of National Parks and nautical wonders awaits you as you spend your days getting acquainted with kiwis and kolas. Beginning in the “City of Sails”, you traverse the lush countryside of the Northern Island then ferry across the Cook Strait to the Southern Island to enjoy its rugged beauty. From the legendary nightlife of Queensland to the adrenalin rush of an optional bungee jump this trip is complete with an overnight cruise aboard the Milford Wanderer. Come see why this magnificent location was chosen as Middle Earth and enjoy the trip of a lifetime. Don’t have enough time? Break it up and try either the Scenic Southern or Northern Highlights.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland to Bay of Islands: Meet your Contiki crew then travel through the subtropical greenery of the northland region. You'll have free time in Parry Kauri Park and Paihia, our seaside resort in the heart of the Bay of Islands. Resort (D)

Day 2: Bay of Islands: A whole day free to have fun in this spectacular area - relax on the beach, visit the Maori tribal lands or join us for an amazing variety of activities. Resort (B)

Day 3: Bay of Islands to Waitomo: To Auckland for lunch and on through the Waikato farming region to Waitomo, home of limestone formations and glowworms, for time to explore. Lodge (B,D)

Day 4: Waitomo to Rotorua: On to Rotorua, epicentre of Maori culture in New Zealand, to discover the native peoples way of life with time to savour the thermal hot pools. Lodge (B)

Day 5: Rotorua to Taupo: Into the heart of the Volcanic north island, allowing time to explore the thermal area, then onto Taupo for an afternoon free to revel in the lake surroundings. Resort (B)

Day 6: Taupo to Wellington: Through Tongario National Park to Wellington, the capital of NZ, renowned for its lively bars and clubs. Hotel (B)

Day 7: Wellington: A full day free to appreciate this vibrant city - visit the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa, relish the shopping or relax in one of the city's many cafes. Hotel (B)

Day 8: Wellington to Christchurch: Cruise across Cook Strait through Marlborough Sound to New Zealand's South Island and Picton. Travel along the Kaikoura Coastline and on through the colourful Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Hotel (B)

Day 9: Christchurch to Fox Glacier: Across the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass to Hokitika, before continuing along the rugged west coast to Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. Hotel (B,D)

Day 10: Fox Glacier to Queenstown: Further time to explore Fox Glacier this morning, then via Haast Pass to the Southern Lakes and Queenstown. Lodge (B,D)

Days 11-12: Queenstown: Two full days free to thrive in the 'Adventure-Adrenaline capital of the world' - the list of activities is endless and the nightlife legendary. Lodge (B)(B)

Day 13: Queenstown to Milford Sound: First stop is Kawarau Bridge, home of the Bungy, allowing time for the brave, then through dramatic countryside, past Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound. Overnight Cruise (B.D)

Day 14: Milford Sound to Lake Ohau: Today there's time to discover Arrowtown. Later pass Clutha River and Lake Pukaki en-route to beautiful Lake Ohau. Lodge (B,D)
Extend your stay and make this a 15 day tour!
15-day Grand Encounter
Look for these tour codes on the Dates & Rates page:
NDZAA, NDZCA

Day 15: Lake Ohau to Christchurch: Free time this morning to visit Lake Tekapo, then on through the MacKenzie country, home to the sheep industry. Say a final farewell to your fellow travellers as your tour ends on arrival in Christchurch. (B)