Northern Highlights

Northern New Zealand, including Auckland, Waitomo, Wellington and Christchurch

Map & Sightseeing List

11 days

Total Price From* $79 per day: $875 per person

*Based on twin share.

Meals: 8 2
Transportation: n/a
Accommodation: Resort, Lodge, Hotel

Daily Itinerary Northern Highlights

Depart for New Zealand Days 1 and 2

Fly over the international date line on your way to New Zealand.
Auckland to Bay of Islands Day 3
Today will be the day for awesome scenery, great fun and extreme adventure that take on new meanings! Meet your Contiki crew and view the beauty of Auckland’s famous harbour as we cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Heading towards the subtropical region of Northland, we’ll explore Parry Kauri Park before checking into our Resort in Paihia. In the evening get to know your fellow travellers during dinner.
- Resort
- Dinner
Bay of Islands Day 4
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
- Breakfast
Bay of Islands to Waitomo Day 5
We head south, stopping in Auckland for lunch before travelling through the lush Waikato farming region to Waitomo, home of magical limestone formations and sparkling Glow-worms. Tonight there’s the chance to meet the local characters.
- Lodge
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Waitomo to Rotorua Day 6
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
- Breakfast
Rotorua to Taupo Day 7
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
- Breakfast
Taupo to Wellington Day 8
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
- Breakfast
Wellington Day 9
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
- Breakfast
Wellington to Christchurch Day 10
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 on through the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch where it’s time to say a final farewell to your fellow travellers as your tour ends on arrival.
- Breakfast
Finish Christchurch Day 11
Say a final farewell to your new friends as your trip ends this morning after breakfast.
- Breakfast