Northern Highlights (Reverse Start Wellington)

Northern New Zealand, including Wellington, Waitomo, Bay of Islands and Auckland

Map & Sightseeing List

9 days

Total Price From* $73 per day: $665 per person

*Based on twin share.

Meals: 6 2
Transportation: n/a
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Lodge

Daily Itinerary Northern Highlights (Reverse Start Wellington)

Depart for New Zealand Days 1 and 2

Fly over the international date line on your way to New Zealand.
Arrive Wellington Day 3
Check into the Abel Tasman Hotel, spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore Wellington.
- Hotel
Wellington to Taupo Day 4
Meet your Contiki crew and 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 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
- Breakfast
Taupo to Rotorua Day 5
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.
- Hotel
- Breakfast
Rotorua to Waitomo Day 6
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
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Waitomo to Bay of Islands Day 7
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
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Bay of Islands Day 8
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 Auckland Day 9
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.
- Breakfast