New Zealand

Last Updated: Nov. 06, 2009

maori new zealand

Currency: New Zealand Dollar

Language: English and Maori

New Zealand, the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’, is a country synonymous with 100% pure exhilaration. The pristine natural wilderness and beauty of this island nation is something that has to be seen to be believed. The adventure and partying opportunities however are also virtually boundless. Only a short plane ride from Australia, the land of Kiwis and the All Blacks is divided between the North Island and South Island, each with its own temptations.

Tour and Travel Advice

Information about what to pack, getting access to cash, who travels with Contiki and more with New Zealand tour and travel advice

Tours

Check out a full list of Contiki’s New Zealand Tours.

Accommodation

From lakeside resorts to mountain lodges and city hotels (not to mention an unforgettable over night cruise) check out where you stay in New Zealand.

Cities

Auckland | Christchurch | Wellington | Queenstown

Natural Wonders

New Zealand has been described as ‘Mother Natures Disneyland’. As anyone who has been to the country can attest, photos simply do not do the scenery justice yet almost every photo looks like something out of a brochure.

Milford Sound | Fox Glacier

Maori Culture

The original inhabitants of New Zealand are the Maori and Maori Culture is still very much part of life in New Zealand.

Plants, animals and Rainforests

New Zealand, due to its isolation, has developed a unique and protected ecosystem. In total contrast to nearby Australia, New Zealand has only two species of mammals, no snakes and very few harmful creatures.

The most famous of all New Zealand’s animals is the iconic Kiwi and the well known Tuatara lizard but the country is also home to many other unique species of bird as well as penguins and albatrosses while you can find can dolphins in the Bay of Islands.

Many of the country’s spectacular lakes and rivers are also filled with introduced trout and salmon.

The country is home to a totally unique group of plant species that can be found only in New Zealand. There is a huge variety of forests across the country, from the moss-covered beach forests to wet, lush coastal rainforests filled with palms, ferns and the famous Nikau palms and Parry Kauri Park.

Places Contiki Visits in New Zealand

North Island

Auckland
Bay of Islands
Huka Falls
Kaikoura Coast
Parry Kauri Park
Rotorua
Taupo
Tongariro National Park
Waitomo Caves
Wellington

South Island

Christchurch
Haast Past
Hanmer Springs
Hokitika
Lake Ohau
Lake Tekapo
Moeraki
Milford Sound
Picton
Queenstown
Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers
Te Anau

Add a Comment Comments (23)

Is anyone going on the 12th jan grand tour leaving auckland ! Fun times ahead

Explorer1154355 posted 18 days ago Flag as Inappropriate
Anyone doing Contiki Tour from Christchurch starting 22nd Sept 2009??
Im travelling alone =]

Heather Dippel posted on Sep. 16, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
I’m going on the new zealand trip that starts in Christchurch on June 20th, quite excited about it!

kelsay23 posted on Sep. 10, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
ha all that love to drink ,i am going on the 28 of oct on the grand explorer star christchurch going by my self

drinkhardorgohome posted on Sep. 03, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
Hey guys – thinkin of travelling to NZ or Aussie?
I live in NZ, and have travelled around Aussie too.
despite what you hear, NZ and Aussie are quite different.
NZ is very green compared to Aussie, and is well suited to the outdoors type, as there is sooo much to see in the way of scenery (mountain ranges, bush walks, beautiful scenery..) also it is perfect for the adrenaline junkie as there are bungy’s, jet boats and extreme sport centres all over the country, although none compare to queenstown (the adrenaline capital of the world!) Wellington is awesome too, a great example of kiwi culture!
Aussie is much hotter in Summer, and is great for beaches, surf & shopping. The Gold Coast (near Brisbane) is great for young people, it has great bars and awesome nightlife. Melbourne is great for shopping also, they have great factory stores and the National Gallery of Victoria is definately worth a look for you arties…
Overall i think NZ is better for experiencing the outdoors, and Aussie would be my choice for shopping!

Goldengirl posted on Aug. 16, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
hi, is anyone going on the grand adventurer tour dpearting from queenstown on the 27th of sept 2009? would like to know of anyone. :)

Bon posted on Jul. 31, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
Hi, just wanted to know if anyone was going on the Northern Highlights starting Nov. 29 2009???

Explorer1144162 posted on Jul. 23, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
Hi, just wanted to know if anyone was going on the Northern Highlights starting Nov. 29 2009???

Explorer1144162 posted on Jul. 23, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
Actually Considering Scenic Southern for December Christmas 2010.
Off to do Vietnam Highlights though this year first

Explorer1084121 posted on Jul. 06, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
Anyone going on the Northern Explorer 20 Oct 09?

Dafty84 posted on Jul. 04, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
If you’re after sun and surf I would recommend Australia – New Zealand has gorgeous scenery and lots of outdoor activties. If you are travelling to New Zealand Wellington City is a great place to start, has amazing culture and fantastic night life with every bar and club within walking distance from one another.

Becs posted on Jun. 12, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
that’s easy, if you consider your self anything like an adrenaline junkie, New Zealand is most likely for you. Also the landscaping of the two countries are completely different.

Tony Martinez posted on May. 30, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
Still deciding whether to go to New Zealand or Australia after going to Thailand. I’ve heard they are too similar to both warrant a trip. Any ideas anyone?
Banking Software Solutions

Explorer1137311 posted on May. 29, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
I am doing the Grand Explorer thats departs on 22 June … so excited!!

Rohani posted on May. 28, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
be sure to remember / Spring – September, October, November / Summer – December, January, February / Autumn – March, April, May / Winter – June, July, August

Tony Martinez posted on May. 18, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
I’m going on the Northern Highlights tour starting Christchurch in September… I’m hella juiced!!! Anyone with me?

NZbound86 posted on May. 12, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
Anyone doing OR interested in doing the Grand Adventurer (start christchurch) 8-20th of October 09? May be travelling alone.

Nicky posted on May. 12, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
I’m going on the scenic souther tour in december

Explorer1134484 posted on May. 08, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
Any one planning on going on the “Grand Adventurer (Finish Queenstown)”. im going around January of 2010 and would like to know of other people going.

Tony Martinez posted on Apr. 03, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
Hey. is anyone thinking of doing a scenic southern tour sometime this year? I’m still deciding and would just like ta see if anyone else was!!

Explorer1118801 posted on Apr. 03, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
Anyone going on the Northern Explorer 20 Oct 09?

Susanne posted on Jan. 10, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate
Absolutely Wicked!!!!

Sam Dudley (Aussie) posted on Jan. 07, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate
New Zealand is breathtaking!

Anita posted on Nov. 27, 2007 Flag as Inappropriate