Overview
6 Days
Auckland
Auckland
In-Depth Explorer
2.5 - 3.5 Star
Affordable
18-35 Years
51
Fully Guided
NRZAD
Itinerary
Welcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Contiki crew in Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) and cross the Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.
We'll stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangārei and check out the quirky exterior of the Hunderwasser art centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we'll hit the road again towards the Bay of Islands.
On arrival to the Bay of Islands we're starting off with a dose of Kiwi history on a guided tour at Waitangi Treaty grounds where in 1840 New Zealand officially became a nation of two communities. And because we like to give you that something extra, how about a free admission at the Treaty museum, in case you seek a bit more detail on Kiwi history.
Tonight we'll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana fish'n'chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands. (D) Stay: Bounty Motel (or similar)
Whether it's parasailing or cruising the Bay of Islands while sailing on Carino - today's (idyllic) list of optionals reads like a who's who of adventure. This area is filled with natural beauty and is sure to inspire your inner wild child. Make the most of the Free Time Add-On experiences on offer - tomorrow we head back to the big city vibes. (B)
After breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia & sashay our way back down NZ in the direction of Auckland. Arriving in Auckland we've got a array of awesome Free-Time Add-Ons to choose from. Adrenaline junkies, get ready for a bungee jump, climb over the iconic harbour bridge or sky jump off the Skywalk. For those who prefer to keep two feet on the ground, why not get your taste buds tingling with a multi-sensory icecream experience at Giapo? (B) Stay: Lylo (or similar)
We'll drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks. We'll visit the world's largest kiwi bird conservation project, watch the birds roam, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow and even visit the incubation centre where over 2,100 kiwi chicks have been born.
Tonight, we'll enjoy a traditional Māori dinner and performance (you'll also have the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA). (B/D) Stay: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
The day is yours to roam free in this geothermal paradise. Soak in a hot spring, go white water rafting or hike up a volcano. The options are limitless and the decisions are yours. We recommend the Rotorua Dawn Canopy Tour, exclusive to Contiki, where you'll watch the sun rise, eat some breakfast and drink coffee up in the towering trees as the birds make start their morning calls. Then, you'll get to soar 1200m through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure. (B)
Just as we were acclimatising to that funky smell, it's time to leave Rotorua. Take one last look at the bubbling geothermic mud pools before we flee. Your Trip Manager will book you into a transfer service this morning. Arriving into Auckland, we'll say goodbye to the wolf pack (sob). NZ - you've been real. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge – Cameras at the ready folks, the views will be extraordinary here.
- See the Iconic 'City of Sails' Harbour – With sailboats at every angle, this is a beaut view indeed.
- View the Hundertwasser Art Center – See the work of the visionary Austrian painter, architect and ecological activist who made New Zealand his spiritual home.
- Discover the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a Local Guide – The Waitangi Treaty Grounds might just be NZ's most important historical site, marking the place where the British Crown and the Māori people signed their first accords back in 1840.
- Eat Fish and Chips Kiwi Style in Paihia – A dinner of fish 'n' chips, enjoyed while overlooking the Bay of Islands in Paihia. Is this heaven? No sir, it's just salt and vinegar.
- Watch a Traditional Māori Cultural Performance – A traditional Māori cultural performance, topped off with a traditional Māori feast... this ought to satisfy even the keenest of culture vultures.
- See Mud Pools in Rotorua – Wait til you see 'em. Wait til you smell 'em. These geothermic mudpools are a thing to behold.
- Visit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience) – On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, we'll head to National Kiwi Hatchery near Rotorua to learn all about the locals' efforts to protect New Zealand's adorable national bird.
- 5 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
- 4 nights in Hotels, 1 night in Hostel
- Expert Trip Manager, Driver Team, Local Guides
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Operator
For over 55 years we’ve been perfecting the secret formula to the perfect trip - we know you’re after unique experiences, local insight and accommodation that’s more than a place to sleep. We run over 350 trips across 6 continents, each one designed to get to the beating heart of a destination, understanding the local way of life, unearthing unforgettable experiences and creating lifelong memories. Real experiences, unique accommodation, local food, the best team and awesome people all deliver Contiki’s no regrets experience.
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Contiki Worldwide (2025)
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Contiki. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
