From
$3,505
NZ $2,979

New Zealand: Northern Choice (Southbound)

12 days
From Auckland to Christchurch
4.7
16 traveler reviews
From
$3,505
-15%
NZ $2,979
Find this price
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $200 now + easy payments of $228 Learn More

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 8 - 50
Age range 18 to 35
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Tuck into a true Kiwiana fish n chips dinner
  • Take a guided tour of the set in Hobbiton
  • Visit a seal colony along the beautiful Kaikoura Coast
  • Enjoy a traditional Maori cultural performance and Hangi dinner
  • See amazing views of an active stratovolcano, Mt Ruapehu

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Auckland to Paihia via Whangārei
  2. Day 2 Paihia
  3. Day 3 Paihia to Auckland
  4. Day 4 Auckland to Rotorua
  5. Day 5 Rotorua
  6. Day 6 Rotorua to Lake Taupō via Huka Falls
  7. Day 7 Lake Taupō to Mount Ruapehu
  8. Day 8 Mount Ruapehu to Wellington
  9. Day 9 Wellington
  10. Day 10 Wellington to Kaikōura via Picton
  11. Day 11 Kaikōura
  12. Day 12 Kaikōura to Christchurch
Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.
  • Optional Extras

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Contiki

Number of tours

596

Age Range

18 to 35 years old

Response time

6 hours

Response rate

96%

Contiki has been running tours for over 50 years, all exclusively for...

Read more

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.7
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    4.5
  • Guide
    Excellent
    5.0
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.8
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    4.5
  • Food
    Excellent
    4.5
  • 4.7
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • CV
    · January 9th, 2025
    It‘s s bit frustrating and very expensive if you‘re activities are almost only add ons that cost about 100 euros each and otherwise there is not much included.
    Show more
    Contiki commented on this review
    Thank you for sharing your feedback, we apologise the trip did not meet your expectations. We are sorry you found the cost to be expensive and trip to be frustrating. Although it does mean a little budget planning is needed, Contiki social travel... Show more
    Trip date: December 2024
  • RC
    · November 16th, 2023
    What an amazing way to experience the North Island. Pretty much every day was a worthwhile experience whether or not you book optionals, and everything was extremely well organized. The staff went above and beyond to make this journey unforgettable in the best way possible.
    Show more
    Contiki commented on this review
    Thank you for taking the time to share your review with us. Your feedback is highly appreciated, and we are delighted to hear that you had an enjoyable experience with Contiki. Our crew is committed to delivering excellent service and professionalism to... Show more
    Trip date: November 2023
  • RQ
    · March 17th, 2023
    The best tour, so much i have seen and the tour guides where te best!
    Show more
    Contiki commented on this review
    We appreciate your amazing review and thank you for taking the time to share your adventure with us. It's great to read that our On Road team shared their passion for travel with you, as it is an essential part of making it a memorable trip. We look... Show more
    Trip date: March 2023
  • New Zealand: Northern Choice (Southbound) reviewer 4
    · January 30th, 2023
    Amazing trip! Exceeded my expectations. Met some great people and had really kind and fun Contiki guides as well! Would highly recommend to anyone ages 18-30!
    Show more
    Contiki commented on this review
    Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us. We are thrilled to hear that our Trip Manager made such a positive impression and that you had an incredible journey. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to have the pleasure of exploring... Show more
    Trip date: January 2023
  • NT
    · January 27th, 2023
    A fantastic trip, I had a great time!
    Show more
    Contiki commented on this review
    Thank you for your great review. It's wonderful that our local team did such a fantastic job showcasing this adventures itinerary and exceeded all your expectations, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.
    Trip date: January 2023
  • VS
    · March 3rd, 2017
    Susie is amazing! So helpful and sweet! She'll make sure you have the trip of a lifetime!! She knows all the great places to go and definitely goes out if her way to make you have a great time!!! She makes everyone feel welcome and loved! Love you Susie!
    Show more
    Trip date: February 2017
  • S
    · March 1st, 2017
    I went over to New Zealand by myself and Susie made me feel so welcome and showed me a great time with so much adventure and thrill seeking!
    Show more
    Trip date: January 2017
  • K
    · March 1st, 2017
    My recent New Zealand trip was better than i expected! Susie was an amazing tour guide. She had great local knowledge, made everyone feel welcome and she was so much fun! The weather was beautiful, the people were really nice, the tour guide was fantastic, the food was great and the scenery was amazing.
    Show more
    Trip date: January 2017
  • V
    · January 1st, 2015
    Isobel was inspiring! She had the most energy I have encountered in a person and was always so understanding when you came to her. She was a jeep of fun and extremely knowledgeable and knee the locals well. It was obvious she had created and sustained a wonderful rapport with them, and it aided our trips fun! She is great.
    Show more
    Trip date: December 2014
  • M
    · December 27th, 2014
    Izzy was exceeded all my expectations and I had an amazing first contiki because of her. She is an amazing, outgoing person but was very organized and ensured we got the most out of our trip. Izzy made the trip worth while and encouraged us to make the most of our experiences. -mn
    Show more
    Trip date: January 2014

Dates & Availability

12 days
New Zealand: Northern Choice (Southbound)
From Auckland to Christchurch

Why book with TourRadar?

    • Trusted and vetted operators
    • Rated excellent on
    • Best price guarantee
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Earn $50 in travel credits
    • Free eSim with every purchase

    To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in Australia, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits
Select a departure month
  • Upcoming departures
  • July 2025
  • August 2025
  • September 2025
  • October 2025
  • November 2025
  • December 2025
  • January 2026
  • February 2026
  • March 2026
  • April 2026
  • May 2026
  • June 2026
  • July 2026
  • August 2026
  • September 2026
  • October 2026
  • November 2026
  • December 2026
  • January 2027
  • February 2027
  • March 2027
  • April 2027
  • May 2027
  • June 2027
  • July 2027
  • August 2027
  • September 2027
Select The Travel Month

Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends on 24 Jun, 2025
  • Instant Confirmation
    -10%
    From Friday
    4 Jul, 2025
    To Tuesday
    15 Jul, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $3,505
    $3,155
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Friday
    18 Jul, 2025
    To Tuesday
    29 Jul, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $3,505
    $2,979
  • Instant Confirmation
    -10%
    From Friday
    1 Aug, 2025
    To Tuesday
    12 Aug, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $3,505
    $3,155
  • Instant Confirmation
    -10%
    From Friday
    15 Aug, 2025
    To Tuesday
    26 Aug, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $3,505
    $3,155
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Friday
    12 Sep, 2025
    To Tuesday
    23 Sep, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $3,505
  • Instant Confirmation
    -10%
    From Friday
    26 Sep, 2025
    To Tuesday
    7 Oct, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $3,505
    $3,155
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    6 Oct, 2025
    To Friday
    17 Oct, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $3,395
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Tuesday
    14 Oct, 2025
    To Saturday
    25 Oct, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $3,395
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Thursday
    30 Oct, 2025
    To Monday
    10 Nov, 2025
    English
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $3,395
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Friday
    7 Nov, 2025
    To Tuesday
    18 Nov, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $3,395
From
$3,505
-15%
NZ $2,979
Find this price
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $200 now + easy payments of $228 Learn More

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • P

    Paula

    Asked on March 20th, 2025

    Do you only cater to 18-35 year olds?

    Age Range
    • ContikiOperatorWritten March 2025

      Contiki tours have an age restriction, requiring guests to be between 18-35 years old to participate. We have several sister brands that offer fantastic travel experiences without age restrictions: Trafalgar, Costsaver, Insight Vacations, Brendan Vacations, Luxury Gold.

  • J

    Jose Carlos

    Asked on December 31st, 2024

    What documentation is required prior to the tour start?

    Tour Details
    Visa
    • ContikiOperatorWritten January 2025

      All travelers must complete the online registration and obtain necessary travel documents through the tour operator's portal before the trip commences.

  • L

    Leon

    Asked on December 25th, 2024

    How is the sleeping arrangement configured in shared accommodation?

    Accommodation
    • ContikiOperatorWritten December 2024

      In shared accommodation set-ups, travelers will not share beds but may share a room with others in hostels or hotels as dictated by the selected room type.

  • S

    Susanne

    Asked on December 16th, 2024

    What are the group size limitations on tours?

    Group size
    • ContikiOperatorWritten December 2024

      The group size is limited to a maximum of 53 travelers to ensure a personalized experience.

  • A

    Alan

    Asked on December 15th, 2024

    Is this unsuitable to me?

    Age Range
    • ContikiOperatorWritten December 2024

      We appreciate your interest in joining a tour with us! Unfortunately, our Contiki tours have an age restriction, and guests must be between 18 and 35 years old to participate. However, we recommend considering our open-age sister brands, which offer tours that may suit you: Trafalgar, Costsaver, Brendan Vacations, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold.

  • L

    Lizeth

    Asked on December 14th, 2024

    What is the luggage allowance for the tour?

    Transport
    • ContikiOperatorWritten December 2024

      The luggage allowance per person is 44 pounds (20kg) with dimensions not exceeding 29"x20"x10".

  • C

    Claudia

    Asked on November 19th, 2024

    Can she also take part?

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • ContikiOperatorWritten November 2024

      Contiki tours have an age restriction, allowing participation only for guests aged between 18 and 35 years.

    • C

      Claudia

      TravelerWritten November 2024

      She just turned 17 2 months ago.

    • ContikiOperatorWritten November 2024

      Our Contiki tours are designed for guests aged 18 to 35 years old. Your daughter will be eligible to join the tour if she turns 18 before the start date.

    • C
      2 more answers
  • J

    Jeka

    Asked on November 3rd, 2024

    What are the recommended arrival and departure airports?

    Flights / Transfers
    • ContikiOperatorWritten November 2024

      For our tours starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch, we recommend Auckland Airport (AKL) for arrival and Christchurch Airport (CHC) for departure.

  • D

    Danielle

    Asked on October 1st, 2024

    Is it recommended to book flights after the tour ends?

    Flights / Transfers
    • ContikiOperatorWritten October 2024

      We recommend not booking flights prior to 19:00 on the last day of the tour to accommodate scheduled activities.

  • M

    Marjorie

    Asked on July 10th, 2024

    Are there age restrictions for this tour?

    Age Range
    • ContikiOperatorWritten July 2024

      This specific tour is designed for travelers between the ages of 18 and 35 to ensure the activities are suitable for a young demographic.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Contiki with your enquiry, they usually respond within 6 hours.

Good to Know

Tour ID: 34727

  • Currency
    $
    New Zealand Dollar
    New Zealand
  • Plugs & Adapters

    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 August 21st, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 21st, 2025, 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
  • 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.

Videos

  • In-Depth Explorer
  • Travel Isn't About Where You Go...
  • Contiki Experiences
  • Contiki Munch
  • Europe Summer Team
  • Contiki Accomodation
In-Depth Explorer