Young Alumni
Sponsored by Arizona State University Alumni Association
Scenic Southern
November 25 – December 5, 2009
$870 per person based on twin share, land only
OR
Leave earlier on November 20 to travel through the North Island before meeting up with the group on the Northern Highlights pre-trip for only $575 more per person, twin share.
Trip Highlights | Itinerary | Rates | How to Book | More Details |
Northern Highlights pre-trip Itinerary
Scenic Southern Highlights
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!
Included
- Milford Sound: Travel through the Homer Tunnel; Experience a Unique overnight cruise on Milford Sound in Fjorland National Park; Cruise past towering cliffs and spectacular waterfalls; See the awe inspiring Mitre Peak
- Arthur’s Pass: Scenic Drive through Arthur’s Pass national Park
- Hokitika: See traditional Maori Greenstone carving
- Franz Josef & Fox Glacier: Coastal drive through Westland National Park with views of the glaciers & rainforests
- Haast Pass: Stunning drive through the Southern Alps; sww Lake Hawea & the Crown Range
- Queenstown: City sightseeing tour; View the Remarkables Mountains & Coronet Peak; Stop at AJ Hackett’s Kawarau Bridge; Visit Arrowtown, the historic gold mining town
- Lake Ohau: See Mt. Cook across this beautiful blue glacial lake
- Lake Tekapo: See the beautiful turquoise coloured glacial lake
Accommodations
- 8 nights in superior tourist class hotels
- Accommodation based on your choice of twin or triple-share with private facilities
- 7 Continental breakfasts (B) and 4 three-course dinners (D) as per itinerary
- Hotel tips, local taxes and service charges
Contiki Difference
- Experienced, professional Tour Manager and Driver
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
Scenic Southern Optional Activities
Queenstown
- Mad Dog River Boarding (NZ $129)
Swimming with wetsuit, helmet, flippers and ‘boogie board’ down the Kawarau River. Allow 3 hrs.
www.riverboarding.co.nz - Heliraft (NZ$239)
Rafting on the Kawarau River (grade 3) and helicoptor flight. 2.5 hours
www.rafting.co.nz - Kawarau Rafting (NZ $159)
Rafting on the Kawarau River (grade 3). 2 hrs
www.rafting.co.nz - Walter Peak Horse Riding (NZ $99)
1 ½ hour guided horse trek through Walter Peak Station PLUS return journey from Queenstown on the steamship TSS Earnslaw. Any level of rider welcome, but will only go as fast as the slowest member.
www.realjourneys.co.nz - Nzone Skydiving (9,000 ft. NZ $249 / 12,000 ft. NZ $299 / 15,000 ft NZ $399)
Tandem skydive with a qualified jumpmaster from 9,000 ft. (2,743m) over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range. Chance to upgrade to 12,000 ft. (3,657m) or 15,000 ft. (4,572m). Video and/or photos at extra cost.
www.nzone.biz - Shotover Jet (NZ $99)
40 minute jet boat ride on the Shotover River. An icon adventure product in NZ with 360’s, fast corners, and more!
www.shotoverjet.co.nz - Shotover Rafting (NZ $159)
Rafting on the Shotover River. 2 hrs
www.shotoverjet.co.nz - Skyline Restaurant (NZ $69)
Includes large buffet meal, entertainment, and gondola (cable car) ride to restaurant.
www.skyline.co.nz - AJ Hackett Bungy – Thrillogy (NZ $380)
All 3 AJ Hackett jumps – Kawarau Bridge, The Ledge & Nevis. Incl. T-shirt.
www.AJHackett.com - Triple Challenge (NZ $299)
40 minute jet boat ride on the Shotover River, an icon adventure product in NZ with 360’s and fast corners PLUS white water rafting (grade 3) on the Shotover River PLUS 6 minute helicopter flight.
www.rafting.co.nz - Group Photograph (NZ $15)
In a specially designed Queenstown souvenir folder. The photo is taken lakeside in warmer climes and at the Lodge during winter.
www.queenstowngroupphotos.co.nz - Aj Hackett Bungy – Kawarau Bridge (NZ $165)
The original bungy jump in Queenstown and often referred to as ‘the home of bungy’. 43m (142ft) jump incl. T-shirt.
www.AJHackett.com - Aj Hackett Bungy – Nevis (NZ $240)
134m (440ft) bungy from a platform suspended across a river at Nevis Bluff. Incl. T-shirt.
www.AJHackett.com - Aj Hackett Bungy – The Ledge (NZ $148)
Bungy jump from the Ledge at the Skyline restaurant, Bobs Peak. 47m (158ft) jump but 400m (1320ft) above town. Incl. T-shirt.
www.AJHackett.com - AJ Hackett Skyswing – The Ledge (NZ $102)
Swing from the Ledge at the Skyline restaurant, Bobs Peak. 47m (158ft) swing but 400m (1320ft) above town.
www.AJHackett.com - Canyon Swing (NZ $175)
Freefall from platform, 109m (360ft) above the Shotover River, then break into a cable controlled swing.
www.canyonswing.co.nz - Dart River Jet Boat Safari (NZ $195)
30 km jet boat ride up the Dart River from Glenorchy into the Mt Aspiring National Park – locations for Lord of the Rings. Includes a short bush walk. Allow ½ day includes pick up and transfer.
www.dartriver.co.nz - Funyaks (NZ $275)
Full day excursion into this beautiful untouched world, known as ‘Paradise’ and made famous in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Jetboat in and canoe out at your leisure. Average standard of fitness required.
www.dartriver.co.nz - Twin Challenge (NZ $259)
40 minute jet boat ride on the Shotover River, an icon adventure product in NZ with 360’s and fast corners, plus white water rafting (grade 3) on the Shotover River. 3 hours
www.rafting.co.nz - Paradise Found Hike (NZ $115)
Explore the majestic Mt. Aspiring National Park and visit film locations from Lord of the Rings. Fully guided, half day.
www.scenesoftherings.co.nz - Routeburn Trail Hike (NZ $165)
A full day hike offering plenty of swing bridge crossings, lush beech forest, beautiful waterfalls and magnificent alpine scenery, in the Mt. Aspiring National Park. Departs 8am.60
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
- Helihike ‘Flying Fox’ (NZ $365)
Helicopter flight up to and on to the glacier, then brief hike in that area of the glacier. Not strenuous. 3 hours.
www.foxguides.co.nz - Glacier Hike ‘Fox Trot’ (NZ $85)
4 hour trek to the terminal face of the glacier and then climb up onto the glacier itself. All boots, picks, crampons provided. Reasonable level of fitness required.
www.foxguides.co.nz - Fox Glacier Heli (NZ $180)
Helicopter flight to over the glacier with glacier landing.
www.scenic-flights.co.nz
Lake Tekapo
- Air Safaris (NZ $265)
40 minute scenic flight from Tekapo, taking in many of the regions premier glaciers including NZ’s highest peak, Mt Cook (3,750m /12,349 ft)
www.airsafaris.co.nz
Wellington
- Wairarapa Wine Trail (NZ $159)
A full day excursion from Wellington by taxi, coach, and train to Martinborough and Wairarapa ‘wine country.’ Includes hotel pick ups/ drop offs, lunch, afternoon tea and, of course, some sampling.
Fox Glacier
- Hukawai Ice Climbing Centre (NZ $49/ 85)
Try your hand at something you don’t get to do every day, and that’s climbing a 10m high ice wall! Full (NZ $85), taster (NZ $49)
www.hukawai.co.nz
Scenic Southern Itinerary:
November 25-26: Depart USA
November 27: Arrive Christchurch
Check in to Bealeys Hotel with the rest of the day at leisure to explore Christchurch. Hotel (D)
November 28: Christchurch to Lake Ohau
Meet up with your Contiki Crew and set out for Lake Ohau this morning. On the way, cut through Mackenzie Country, snap a picture of glacial Lake Tekapo’s brilliant turquoise water, and catch a glimpse of impressive Mt. Cook. Lodge (D)
November 29: Lake Ohau to Milford Sound
Pan for gold in the quaint, old mining town of Arrowtown. Then its back on the road to travel through more dramatic countryside and through Homer Tunnel en route to the world-famous Milford Sound. Overnight cruise. (B, D)
November 30: Milford Sound to Queenstown
First up, a pit-stop at the home og bungee-Kawarau Bridge. Give this crazy thrill-sport a go! After the adrenaline rush, take it easy as we continue on to a traveler’s favorite-Queenstown. Lodge (B, D)
December 1-2: Queenstown
You’ve got two days to explore the “World’s Adventure Capital” & its endless list of activities. Its atmospheric restaurants, bars & lakeside setting will bow your mind! (B,D)
December 3: Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
Hit the road and pass the last of the breathtaking Southern Lakes area and up over Haast Pass to icy terrain of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier region. Hotel (B, D)
December 4: Franz Josef Glacier to Christchurch
Venture along the rugged West Coats up to Hakitika and then through the majestic Southern Alps on an amazing drive back to Christchurch where you’ll have free time to explore. (B)
December 5: Finish Christchurch
Say a final farewell to your new friends as your trip ends this morning after breakfast. (B)
OR explore more of New Zealand by adding the North Island on the Northern Highlights pre-trip, before you join the rest of the group in Christchurch
Northern Highlights pre-trip Highlights
- Waitomo: Visit Waitomo & a traditional New Zealand country pub; Enjoy a pizza party
- Rotorua: City sightseeing tour; Visit the Agrodome farm to see the World renown sheep show
- Huka Falls: Visit the mighty falls
- Taupo: View Lake Taupo; New Zealand’s largest lake
- Tongariro National Park: Dramatic drive through the Volcanic landscape made famous in the ‘Lord of the Rings.’ See the active volcano Mt. Ruapehu
- Wellington: city sightseeing tour; Visit Mt. Victoria & enjoy the panoramic views; See more of the sights made famous in the ‘Lord of the Rings.’
- Cook Strait: Cruise the scenic Marlborough & Queen Charlotte Sounds
- Picton: Drive through New Zealand’s largest wine growing region
- Kaikoura Coast: Spectacular coastal drive & visit a seal colony
Accommodations:
- 15 nights in superior tourist class hotels
- Accommodation based on your choice of twin or triple-share with private facilities
- 15 Continental breakfasts (B) and 6 three-course dinners (D) as per itinerary
- Hotel tips, local taxes and service charges
Northern Highlights pre-trip Optional Excursions:
Taupo
- Rock’N’Ropes NZ$65
Adventure ‘confidence’ course with series of trapezes, high wires, tight ropes etc. Allow 3 hours.
www.rocknropes.co.nz - Huka Jet NZ$89
30 minute jet boat ride on the Waikato River to Huka Falls. Includes 360 degree turns.
www.hukajet.com - Contiki Huka Combo – Jet Boat & Scenic Flight NZ$179
30 minute Huka Jet boat ride on the Waikato River to Huka Falls. Includes 360 degree turns. Plus, a 7 minute scenic helicopter flight.
www.hukajet.com www.helistar.co.nz - Dinner/Party Cruise NZ$65
Evening launch trip on Lake Taupo with the opportunity to fish, dine and karaoke. Approx. Approx. 4 hours (6pm – 10pm).
www.chrisjolly.con.nz
Rotorua
- Rainbow Springs NZ$24
Beautiful walk through native bush, aviaries and trout filled streams. Chance to see Kiwi and Tuatara. - Zorbing Ranges from NZ$44
Become a zorbonaut as you travel in a large transparent ball down a hillside, either on your own, with a friend (or two) or with a bucket of water. Prices range from $44 depending on dry, wet, multiple, with Zorb Pak / without etc.
www.zorb.com - Skyline Gondola And Luge Rides NZ$29
Skyline cable car and 2 included rides on the worlds first commercial luging track.
www.skylineskyrides.co.nz< - Hangi And Concert NZ$49
Traditional Maori feast and cultural performance at the Lake Plaza Hotel in Rotorua. Duration 2 hours.
www.sudimahotels.com - Te Puia NZ$35
Enter the world of the Maori at the epicentre of native culture in NZ, and discover what makes this area and it’s people unique.
www.tepuia.com
Wellington
- Optional Dinner NZ$29
At ‘Blend’ restaurant and bar. Lively, funky venue for dining and socialising with ‘special’ Contiki menu and welcome drink.
www.nomadscapital.com - Seal Coast Safaris/places/wellington/optionals/wellington-seal-coast-safaris NZ$85
Eco-touring in a 4WD vehicle along DOC (Department of Conservation) coast line, viewing unusual rock formations, seal colonies and other native bird and animal life. Duration 2 hours.
www.sealcoast.com - Wellington Rover NZ$39/$89/$149
An extended Wellington sightseeing tour with the opportunity to ‘hop on / hop off’ along the way (NZ$39). Or you can also book the ‘Rover Rings Tour’ which is an all day tour to Lord of the Rings locations including lunch (NZ$149). Half day ‘Rover Rings Tour’ is also available (NZ$89).
www.wellingtonrover.co.nz - Kapiti Quad Bikes NZ$145
Hotel pick up, then along the Kapiti Coast to rugged farmland for an hour and a half long quad bike experience in the bush. Includes morning / afternoon tea.
www.kapitifourx4.co.nz - Wairarapa Wine Trail NZ$159
A full day excursion from Wellington by taxi, coach and train to Martinborough and Wairarapa ‘wine country’. Includes hotel pick ups / drop offs, lunch, afternoon tea and, of course, some sampling.
www.tranzit.co.nz
Northern Highlights pre-trip Itinerary
November 20-21 Depart USA
November 22: Auckland to Waitomo Departing at midday, we head south past the fertile Waikato River basin and onto our special overnight stay at Waitomo, home of the world famous limestone formations and sparkling Glow-worms. Tonight there’s the chance to meet the local characters. Lodge. (D)
November 23: Waitomo to Rotorua
There will be time today, if you wish, to visit the Glow-worm grotto or try underground cave rafting. Then we’ll visit the Agrodome farm show, on our way to the thermal area of Rotorua. Maybe try the Zorb or end the day by relaxing in a Polynesian thermal pool, before taking in an optional Maori Hangi meal and concert. Hotel (B)
November 24: Rotorua to Taupo
What a day for your travel diary, along the steaming Wairakei Valley to the raging Huka Falls before continuing to our exclusive resort beside New Zealand’s largest lake – Taupo. This afternoon you’re free to wander the shops, challenge gravity on the Rock n’ Ropes or try finishing. Tonight be sure to check out the famous local nightlife. Resort (B)
November 25: Taupo to Wellington
The mountains of Tongariro National Park provide a spectacular sight on the way to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. A scenic waterfront drive to the top of Mt Victoria acts as the perfect introduction to this cosmopolitan city famed for its cafes, restaurants and trendy bars. Hotel (B)
November 26: Wellington
A full day to explore the city and its surrounding area. Take your time to enjoy the amazing Museum of New Zealand, known as Te Papa ‘Our House’. Maybe do some shopping or see the sights of the Lord of the Rings trilogy or just relax in one of the city’s many cafes. Later this evening join us for a walkabout dinner. Hotel (B)
November 27: Wellington to Christchurch
Board the Inter-Island ferry and do the north to south island hop through Marlborough Sound and Cook Strait to Picton. Then make sure your camera has film for the spectacular views along the Kaikoura Coastline. If we’re lucky, we’ll spot one of the many seal colonies in this area. Then, via the Canterbury Plains, we’ll head towards the city of Christchurch to join the rest of your group for the Scenic Southern tour. Hotel (B)
Scenic Southern Rates
$870.00 per person based on twin share, land only
$1119.00 per person based on a single room, land only
$780.00 per person based on multi-share (triples and quads), land only
****THE NOVEMBER 25 DEPARTURE IS SOLD OUT- PLEASE INQUIRE FOR OTHER TRAVEL DATES FOR THE SCENIC SOUTHERN ITINERARY
Northern Highlights Pre-Trip Rates*
Additional $575.00 per person based on twin share, land only
Additional $755.00 per person based on a single room, land only
Additional $520.00 per person based on multi-share (triples and quads), land only
*Northern Highlights add-on rates listed are only valid when booked in conjunction with a Scenic Southern trip for the full “Grand Adventurer” package. If you want to book just the Northern Highlights tour, please inquire for rates.
Start Your Contiki Gift Registry!
Register now at www.contiki.com/registry and have friends and family help fund your trip! What better graduation, birthday or holiday gift than a trip to New Zealand?
Optional
Extra nights in Christchurch: $40 per person based in twin share or $75 per person based in single
Extra nights in Auckland (with Northern Highlights add-on only): $55 per person based in twin share or $105 per person based in single
Travel Insurance: $169
Contiki highly recommends travel insurance. Please inquire for details on how to add travel insurance to your booking when you submit your deposit.
