Grand Explorer (Reverse Start Queenstown)

Featuring: New Zealand's North Island and South Island, including Auckland, Christchurch and Milford Sound

Length:	16 days
Accommodations:	Overnight Cruise, Lodge, Hotel, Resort as per itinerary
Meals:	Dinner, Breakfast as per itinerary
Sightseeing:	n/a
Transportation:	n/a
Next Tour:	September 02, 2008 Request a booking See all dates & rates

Print Itinerary Itinerary & Map

Day Depart for New Zealand

Fly over the international date line on your way to New Zealand.
Day Queenstown to Milford Sound

Meet your Contiki crew this morning and travel south to Fiordland National Park where we head through the Homer Tunnel (D'OH!) for our first view of Mitre Peak and Milford Sound. Then it's all aboard the Milford Wanderer, for an overnight cruise taking in all the beauty of the fjord. There's the chance to kayak and see whales, dolphins and penguins along with towering mountains and breathtaking waterfalls. It'll be an evening to treasure!
Please note: Your tour will start at the Queenstown airport. Overnight Cruise (D)
Day Milford Sound to Queenstown

We'll breakfast on board and then hop back on the coach to travel through the picturesque former gold mining centre of Arrowtown. Need an andrenalin boost? We'll take you to a bridge to jump off! The bungy jumping bridge provides a hair-raising, gob-stopping adrenalin rush. It is one of the options on this tour that separates the tourists from the purists. Pure fun. Pure rush. Why don't you try it? After all the excitement, tonight we'll chill out at our lodge, overlooking Lake Wakatipu. Lodge (B,D)
Day Queenstown

Leisure is probably the wrong word as Queenstown is known as the 'Adventure-Adrenaline capital of the world', one of those places that you can literally do as much or as little as you like. A number of options to astound you await! Ever tried Bungy jumping, Sky diving, Jet boating, River boarding, White water rafting, Helicopter riding, Luging, Canyon Swinging, Four wheeldriving, Hiking???? Be extreme! Action by day, action by night - that's Queenstown. Yes, when you've dried off and caught your breath, it'll be time to experience Queenstown's legendary nightlife, and there's no shortage of venues for dining and socialising - why not try an optional meal at the world famous Skyline gondola complex. Lodge (B)(B)
Day Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier

We'll travel today through the Kawarau Gorge, past glacial lakes and via the Haast Pass to reach the South Island's rugged West Coast. In the Westland National Park there's a chance to lace up your hiking boots and explore the icy terrain of this region on a guided glacier walk with the professional guides who will be on hand to show you the beauty of this natural wonder Hotel (B,D)
Day Franz Josef Glacier to Christchurch

This morning we'll see the art of jade greenstone carving at Hokitika. We'll cross the Southern Alps via majestic Arthur's Pass and head towards the "Cathedral City" of Christchurch. Hotel (B)
Day Christchurch to Wellington

Heading north, make sure your camera is handy for the spectacular views along the Kaikoura Coastline. If we're lucky, we'll spot one of the many Seal colonies in this area. Boarding the Inter-Island ferry we'll do the South to North Island hop through Marlborough Sound and the Cook Strait. Back on terra firma it's a drive along the scenic waterfront and up to Mt Victoria, before arriving in Wellington, a cosmopolitan city famed for its cafes, restaurants and trendy bars. Hotel (B)
Day 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)
Day Wellington to Taupo

Today we travel the Kapiti coast northwards towards the Tongariro National park, past the spectacular central volcanoes of the North Island to our resort beside New Zealand's largest lake - Taupo. This afternoon you're free to wonder the shops, enjoy a parasail high over the lake or challenge gravity on the Rock n' Ropes. Tonight maybe try fishing and later enjoy the famous local nightlife. Resort (B)
Day Taupo to Rotorua

We continue via forest and farmland to Rotorua, the heart of Maori culture. Here we'll learn more about their history which dates back to the 10th century. Maybe try the Zorb or end the day by relaxing in a Polynesian thermal pool, before taking in an optional Maori Hangi style meal and Cultural concert. Lodge (B)
Day Rotorua to Waitomo

We start the day with a visit to the Agrodome farm show, on our way to our special overnight stay at Waitomo, home of the world famous limestone formations and sparkling Glow worms. There will be time today, if you wish, to visit the Glow worm grotto or try underground cave rafting. Tonight there's the chance to meet the local characters. Lodge (B,D)
Day Waitomo to Bay of Islands

We begin today with a drive through lush Waikato countryside, on our way to Auckland, for a lunch stop before heading across the Auckland Harbour Bridge to the semitropical region of Northland. After a visit to parry Kauri Park we travel to our resort in Pahia. Resort (B,D)
Day Bay of Islands

A day of adventure and fun. The day is yours to enjoy the overwhelming beauty of the Bay of Islands. How about a Catamaran cruise through the "Hole-in-the-Rock", maybe sail to a deserted island for lunch, perhaps travel along Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga at "lands end". Resort (B)
Day Bay of Islands to Auckland

This morning we head south, past the rolling Northland countryside, arriving back in to Auckland where it's time to say a final farewell as your tour ends around lunchtime. (B)

Highlights

All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!

Included

Milford Sound: Travel through the Homer Tunnel; Unique overnight cruise on Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park; Cruise past towering cliffs & spectacular waterfalls
Queenstown: City sightseeing tour; View the Remarkables Mountains & Coronet Peak; Stop at AJ Hackett's Kawarau Bridge; Visit Arrowtown, the historic gold mining town
Haast Pass: Stunning drive through the Southern Alps; See Lake Hawea & the Crown Range
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier: Coastal drive through Westland National Park with views of the glaciers & rainforests
Hokitika: See traditional Maori Greenstone carving
Arthur's Pass: Scenic drive through Arthur's Pass National Park
Christchurch: City sightseeing tour
Tongariro National Park: Dramatic drive through the Volcanic landscape made famous in the 'Lord of the Rings'; See the active volcano Mt. Ruapehu
Taupo: View Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake
Huka Falls: Visit the mighty falls
Rotorua: City sightseeing tour; Visit the Agrodome farm to see the World renown sheep show
Waitomo: Visit Waitomo & a traditional New Zealand country pub; Enjoy a pizza party
Parry Kauri Park: Walk through native Kauri Forest
Bay of Islands: Paihia & Waitangi sightseeing tour; See the Tribal Lands of the Nga Puhi Maori
Auckland: Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge; See the impressive city skyline & Sky Tower; See the 'City of Sails' harbor made famous by the America's Cup

Accommodations

Accommodations as per itinerary
Breakfasts (B) and Dinners (D) as per itinerary

Contiki Difference

Experienced Tour Managers and Drivers
Modern air-conditioned coach
Free Contiki ëTravellers Guideí information book
Free Contiki document wallet.

Optional Excursions

Waitomo

Ruakuri Caves Tour (NZ$45): Newly opened caves with a tour that gives you a more extensive insight into cave formations and glowworm activity. 3 hour. www.tradeinfo-thlonline.com
Waitomo Caves Tour (NZ$32): One hour guided tour of the famous glowworm caves at Waitomo. Fully guided, walking tour with exit by boat. www.waitomocaves.co.nz
Black Water Rafting (NZ$89): Following a cave system underground whilst sitting in a tyre inner tube (rubber ring). Some walking, some floating, some glowworm spotting. 3.5 hour tour. www.blackwaterrafting.co.nz

Taupo

Rock'N'Ropes (NZ$65): Adventure 'confidence' course with series of trapezes, high wires, tight ropes etc. Allow 3 hours.
Parasailing (NZ$89): On Lake Taupo, winch system so you don't get wet.
Huka Jet (NZ$89): 30 minute jet boat ride on the Waikato River to Huka Falls. Includes 360 degree turns.
Contiki Huka Combo - Jet Boat & Scenic Flight (NZ$169): 40 minute jet boat ride on the Waikato River to Huka Falls. Includes 360 degree turns plus 7 minute scenic helicopter flight.
Dinner / Party Cruise (NZ$65): Evening launch trip on Lake Taupo with the opportunity to fish, dine and karaoke. Approx. 4 hours (6pm - 10pm).

Rotorua

Rainbow Springs (NZ$22): Beautiful walk through native bush, aviaries and trout filled streams. Chance to see Kiwi and Tuatara.
Zorbing (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$32): Skyline cable car and 2 included rides on the worlds first commercial luging track.
Hangi And Concert (NZ$49): Traditional Maori feast and cultural performance at the Lake Plaza Hotel in Rotorua. Duration 2 hours.
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

Bay of Islands

Carino Day Sailing (NZ$85): Catamaran sailing in the beautiful Bay of Islands. Island hop, swim, snorkel, bar-b-q lunch, search for dolphins. 10am – 1630pm. www.sailingdolphins.co.nz
Cape Brett Cruise (NZ$69): Half day launch trip out to the famous 'Hole in the Rock' with cultural, historical and geographical content. Also, potentially, the chance to spot dolphins. www.fullers-bay-of-islands.co.nz
Awesome Adventures (NZ$99): A full day tour from Pahia in the Bay of Islands to Cape Reinga (NZ's northern most point) via 'Ninety Mile Beach'. Offroading, sand dune 'surfing', great scenery, fish'n'chips. 0730am - 1930pm www.awesomenz.com
Coastal Kayaks (NZ$49): 4 hour kayaking adventure from the ocean shore through the river system to, and under, Haruru Falls. Fair standard of fitness required. www.coastalkayakers.co.nz
Excitor (NZ$69): 'Fastboat' trip to, and through, the 'Hole in the Rock' and back via Russell. www.excitor.co.nz
Dolphin Adventures (NZ$99): Specifically a tour for those wanting to see dolphins although not guaranteed (85% success rate) and getting the opportunity to swim with them. Half-day tour. www.awesomenz.com

Wellington

Optional Dinner (NZ$27): At 'Blend' restaurant and bar. Lively, funky venue for dining and socialising with 'special' Contiki menu and welcome drink.
Kapiti Quad Bikes (NZ$125): Hotel pick up, than along the Kapiti Coast to rugged bushland for an hour and a half long quad bike experience in the bush. Includes morning / a'noon tea.
Seal Coast Safaris (NZ$75): 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.
Wellington Rover ('Hop on / hop off' NZ$40/ 'Rover Ring Tour NZ$150): An extended Wellington sightseeing tour with the opportunity to 'hop on / hop off' along the way. Or you can also book the 'Rover Rings Tour' which is an all day tour to LOTR locations incl. lunch.
Wairarapr Wine Trail (NZ$129): 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.

Queenstown

Nzone Skydiving (9,000 ft. NZ$245 / 12,000 ft. NZ$295 / 15,000 ft NZ$395): 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) NB: Video and/or photos additional cost of NZ$245. www.nzone.biz
Moonlight Stables Horse Riding (NZ$89): 1.5 hour guided horse trek through Doonholme Farmland in the Wakatipu Basin. Any level of rider welcome but will only go as fast as the slowest member. www.moonlightcountry.co.nz
Kawarau Rafting (NZ$159): Rafting on the Kawarau River (grade 3). 2 hrs www.rafting.co.nz
Shotover Jet (NZ$99): 40 minute jet boat ride on the Shotover River. An icon adventure product in NZ with 360's and fast corners etc. www.shotoverjet.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 etc., plus white water rafting (grade 3) on the Shotover River. 3 hours www.rafting.co.nz
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 etc., plus white water rafting (grade 3) on the Shotover River plus 6 minute helicopter flight. www.rafting.co.nz
Thrillogy (NZ$359): All 3 AJ Hackett jumps - Kawarau Bridge, The Ledge & Nevis incl. T shirt. www.AJHackett.com
Skyline Restaurant (NZ$65): Includes large buffet meal, entertainment, gondola (cable car) ride to restaurant.
Shotover Rafting (NZ$159): Rafting on the Shotover River. 2 hrs www.rafting.co.nz
Heliraft (NZ$209): Rafting on the Kawarau River (grade 3) and heli flight. www.rafting.co.nz
Canyon Swing (NZ$165): Freefall from platform, 109m (360ft) above the Shotover River, then break into a cable controlled swing. www.canyonswing.co.nz
AJ Hackett Skyswing - The Ledge (NZ$99): Swing from the Ledge at the Skyline restaurant, Bobs Peak. 47m (158ft) jump but 400m (1320ft) above town. www.AJHackett.com
Aj Hackett Bungy - The Ledge (NZ$139): 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 Bungy - Nevis (NZ$209): 134m (440ft) bungy from a platform suspended across a river at Nevis Bluff. Incl. T shirt. www.AJHackett.com
Aj Hackett Bungy - Kawarau Bridge (NZ$155): The original bungy jump in Queenstown and often referred to as 'the home of bungy'. 43m (142ft) jump incl. T shirt. www.AJHackett.com
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 LOTR. Includes a short bush walk. www.dartriver.co.nz
Group Photograph (NZ$15): In specially designed Queenstown souvinier folder. Photo taken by lakeside in warmer climes, at the Lodge during winter. www.queenstowngroupphotos.co.nz
Funyaks (NZ$275): Full day excursion into this beautiful untouched world, known as 'Paradise' and made famous in the LOTR trilogy. Jetboat in and canoe out at your leisure. Average standard of fitness required. www.dartriver.co.nz
'Mad Dog' River Boarding (NZ$129): Swimming with wetsuit, helmet, flippers and 'boogie board' down the Kawarau River. Allow 3 hrs.
Fly By Wire (NZ$145 (5min), NZ$95 (3min)): Feel adrenalin flood your body as you release the tow, diving towards the valley floor at exhilarating speeds, before you rocket up the other side. Feed the control freak inside, where you’re firmly in the pilot's seat.
Paradise Found Hike (NZ$95): Explore the majestic Mt Aspiring National Park, visit film locations from Lord of the Rings. Fully guided, half day.
Routeburn Trail Hike (NZ$155): 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.

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier

Helihike 'Flying Fox' (NZ$315): 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$79): 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 / Mt Cook (NZ$240): Helicopter flight to view Mt Cook and Fox Glacier, including glacier landing. www.scenic-flights.co.nz
Fox Glacier Heli (NZ$180): Helicopter flight to discover the twin glaciers with glacier landing. www.scenic-flights.co.nz

Fox Glacier

Hukawai Ice Climbing Centre (NZ$85): Try your hand at something you don’t get to do every day, and that’s climbing a 10m high ice wall! www.hukawai.co.nz

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Print Itinerary Itinerary & Map

Day Depart for New Zealand

Day Queenstown to Milford Sound

Day Milford Sound to Queenstown

Day Queenstown

Day Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier

Day Franz Josef Glacier to Christchurch

Day Christchurch to Wellington

Day Wellington

Day Wellington to Taupo

Day Taupo to Rotorua

Day Rotorua to Waitomo

Day Waitomo to Bay of Islands

Day Bay of Islands

Day Bay of Islands to Auckland