Grand Explorer (Reverse Start Christchurch)

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

The Contiki Difference
* Experienced Tour Managers and Drivers * Modern air-conditioned coach * Free Contiki Travellers Guide information book * Free Contiki document wallet.

Depart for New Zealand (2 Days)
Fly over the international date line on your way to New Zealand.

Christchurch to Lake Ohau (Dinner Days)
Kia Ora! Meet up with your Contiki Crew in New Zealand’s most English city, Christchurch, before we hit the road and travel through MacKenzie Country. We’ll stop off to see the intense milky blue waters of glacially-fed Lake Tekapo. Kick start your tour with a spectacular optional glacier flight over Mt Cook, Australasia’s highest peak. With views over towering Mt Cook and a lakeside position, our overnight stay at Lake Ohau in a traditional ski lodge is all about its fantastic location. Tonight, get to know the other Contiki travellers, your Tour Manager and Driver over dinner. Then relax in the hot outdoor Jacuzzi, or play darts at the lodge bar.

Lake Ohau to Milford Sound (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Following the Clutha River, our journey continues through the heart of former gold fields, past historic towns and more rugged landscapes. We travel deeper into the south through to Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage listed site. Get ready for the epic scenery of Milford Sound, where high mountains rise straight out of the sea and waterfalls pour down sheer cliffs into the deep, dark waters of the fjord. Get another angle on this natural wonder from the water when we board our overnight cruise and learn about this jaw-droppingly beautiful region from the on-board nature specialist. You’ll get a really good look around the area and up close to its more hidden spots. You can chill out and enjoy the scenery on deck or get out onto the water and have a go with the paddle, kayaking around secluded coves and inlets. Hopefully, you’ll get a chance to spot seals, dolphins, whales and penguins. Wrap up the day with dinner with the group on the boat, before settling into you cabin.

Milford Sound to Queenstown (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
It’s a great start to the day when you wake up to peaceful Milford Sound. Enjoy a full cooked breakfast and head back to the mainland before heading on to Arrowtown, the centre of Otago’s important gold-rush history. See old stone buildings and historic cottages that give this town its rustic charm. You can even give gold panning a try. On the way in to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, we stop at the famous bungy-jumping bridge in the gorgeous Kawarau gorge. It’s home to the original AJ Hackett bungy, the ground breaking site where the now famous bungy all started. There’s time to have a go yourself, if you’re keen. Queenstown is one high-energy destination that has something for everyone. From jet boat rides to fantastic local food, gorgeous countryside and the world’s most southern wineries, the list really is endless. Chill out tonight at our lakeside lodge.

Queenstown (Breakfast, Breakfast Days)
With two days here, you’ve got time to try out adrenaline-pumping activities, to take it easy with a glass of local wine or beer and of course, to party – something Queenstown in known for. If the season’s right, get into the alpine action and hit the slopes of some New Zealand’s best ski resorts over the next two days. Ski and board for 2 full days and explore what the Southern Hemisphere has to offer. Take off at your own pace or carve up the mountain with some friends. We can even organise ski equipment and lessons for you, so you don’t need to worry about a thing. Walk around the quaint town, hit the shops or head down to the lake for beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges, fittingly called The Remarkables. Board the old steam boat, the TSS Earnslaw, for a lake cruise and see it all from the water. For adrenaline junkies, there’s bungy jumpy, sky diving, jet boating, canyon swinging and 4W-driving. In fact there are so many adventure activities in Queenstown that you couldn’t do them all in the 2 days if you tried. For those who like to keep their feet planted firmly on the ground, take an easy-going hike or push yourself with a tougher trail. Pumping at night, Queenstown is the place to hit some of New Zealand’s best bars and clubs. With cool cocktail bars, old-style pubs and plenty of clubs, there is so much to choose from.

Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Relax on the coach, chat with friends and take in the stunning scenery as we head to the rugged West Coast. Leaving the golden grasslands, cliffs and hills of the Otago region behind us, we travel through Haast Pass. See the ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls that give this area its unique atmosphere. Then cruise past remote beaches and the coastal dunes of the West Coast before arriving in the Westland National Park, where lush bush land and glaciers almost reach the sea. Get physical and pull on your crampons, grab an ice-pick and head out onto the ice of either the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. On this optional activity, you’ll learn about how these glaciers came about with our professional Local Guides. Otherwise, you can get a bird’s eye view over these icy formations and sweeping vistas in an optional helicopter ride. We overnight in Franz Josef, a cute alpine township.

Franz Josef Glacier to Christchurch (Breakfast Days)
Sticking to the untamed coastline, we stop in at the former gold rush town of Hokitika on the West Coast. It’s great for a look into a traditional Maori art. Watch authentic carvers work with New Zealand greenstone (jade) and learn about the importance of this stone. You could even pick up a piece to take home. We travel east through stunning Arthur’s Pass, following an old trade route. The dense native forest, alpine atmosphere and crystal clear rivers give the area its pioneer feel. Then it’s back into Christchurch. Your Tour Manager shows you Christchurch’s historic spots on an afternoon tour. See the English flavour Christchurch is famous for and take in the Anglican Cathedral on the central square, the old-style trams, wide boulevards and manicured gardens. There’s also the former university, which is now the happening Arts Centre. It’s busy with local arts and crafts stalls, cinemas and a theatre. In your free time, head straight out into town and uncover Christchurch’s up-and-coming quarter around High Street. Old brick lanes and alleys have been restored and are now packed with backroom bars, cool eateries, funky stores and cafes. Explore this area in a fun night out with your new friends.

Christchurch to Wellington (Breakfast Days)
It’s another jaw-dropping drive up to the top of the South Island today. The coach cuts across the Canterbury Plains to Kaikoura. This seaside settlement is known for whales, dolphins and delicious, fresh crayfish sold from roadside vans. We’ll stop at a seal colony before travelling up the wild, rugged east coast and the wine country of Marlborough. Jump on the Inter-Island ferry and leave the South Island behind. Cruise through the gorgeous Marlborough Sounds, where thick forested peaks rise straight up from the sea. It’s a camera-friendly spot with picturesque inlets, remote coves and tiny beaches that dot the islands. You’ll also see some old wooden baches (New Zealand holiday houses) and boat jetties. We dock in the capital city of Wellington - the country’s political centre and cultural core with funky shops, fringe festivals, galleries, as well as a huge amount of cool cafes and bars. The peak of Mt Victoria gives an amazing overview of the windy city. Take in the sweeping views of pretty beaches, narrow streets, and weather worn Victorian houses. Tonight, enjoy an optional dinner with the group in the heart of the downtown area, which has a great, lively atmosphere and plenty of cutting edge restaurants and bars.

Wellington (Breakfast Days)
You’ve got a full day to discover Wellington - its compact centre is perfect for exploring on foot. Walk alongside the harbour or visit the innovative Te Papa Museum for a look into New Zealand history and culture. You could take a tour around New Zealand’s political heart by visiting some of its government buildings. Hear about the architecture behind the iconic ‘Beehive’ building & its distinctive shape, which was specially designed to cope in case of an earthquake. You could hang out on alternative Cuba Street, watch street performers or rummage through some of the surrounding retro stores. If you’re hungry, try out some of the great ethnic foods you can find in this multi-cultural city, like sushi, Thai, kebabs and Italian gelatos. For something different, learn about the age-old art of tattooing at the Tattoo Museum. From traditional Maori moko (face tattoos) through to colourful contemporary designs. There’s even a tattoo parlour on site if you’re game!

Wellington to Taupo (Breakfast Days)
Spot the dramatic volcanic landscapes today that were used as backdrops in the Lord of the Rings, when we drive past World Heritage listed Tongariro National Park. The park is also home to the still active volcano, Mt Ruapehu, which doubles as NZ’s biggest ski field. Continue on to the popular low-key resort town of Taupo. Here, there’s some of the best trout fishing in the country and some of the most amazing long-distance views of Tongariro National Park’s three volcanic peaks. Cap off your day with our optional dinner cruise out on New Zealand’s largest lake – Taupo. You can have a go at fishing and after dinner, karaoke! Later, back on land, play some pool at one of Taupo’s lakeside bars.

Taupo to Rotorua (Breakfast Days)
On the way out of Taupo, a visit to the raging Huka Falls will impress. Tonnes of water surge over these falls at a rate of 220,000 litres (58 000 gallons) per second. It’s a short drive to Rotorua, famous for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools, hot springs and ‘interesting’ sulphur smell. For some crazy ‘Kiwi ingenuity’, try an optional called zorbing. It’s an activity where you get inside a huge plastic ball and roll down a 200m hill, either by yourself or with a friend. Rotorua is an important hub of Maori culture. To recognise this, we have an optional authentic cultural experience, complete with a fantastic Maori hangi and traditional dance concert. Some of the foods you can try from the hangi are sweet potato and chicken cooked on hot rocks in an underground pit - just as they have been for centuries. Listen to stories, songs and chants while learning about ancient Maori mythology and beliefs.

Rotorua to Waitomo (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
This morning, we stop at the Agrodome farm show for an interactive introduction into farming and agriculture, which is New Zealand’s main industry. You’ll see sheep-shearing and watch an impressive sheepdog demo. These dogs are highly-trained and skilled at controlling livestock. Next up is Waitomo and the Waitomo Caves. Famous for their incredible limestone formations and glow-worms, the caves are a stunning subterranean world. You’ll see the Glow-worm Grotto, where the cave roof is covered with twinkling insects. For adventure, you can head deeper into the caves in an optional activity and see them either on foot or by tubing down an underground river. Tonight, it’s a pizza dinner and a visit to a typical country pub. Kick back with your new friends and some of the locals. Maybe try out the local beer – it’s good!

Waitomo to Bay of Islands (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Northbound, we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato – an area that produces many of New Zealand’s best rugby players for the All Blacks, before stopping for lunch in Auckland. New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city is surrounded by volcanoes, islands and a stunning harbour. You’ll soon understand why this is the “City of Sails” and was once home to the America’s Cup. We’ll see the Sky Tower downtown, before crossing the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge. There are full-blown vistas of the harbour, Rangitoto, and other neighbouring volcanic islands on the way. With a stop at Parry Kauri Park, there’s time to walk through this famous reserve and see many of New Zealand’s ancient Kauri (a native tree). Some of the Kauri are 50ms high and over 1000 years old. The final stop today is the small coastal town of Paihia. It’s the gateway to the Bay of Islands, one of New Zealand’s photogenic natural playgrounds. Your Tour Manager will show you the colonial style Treaty House at Waitangi. This is where modern-era New Zealand was born when the British Crown and Maori signed a treaty in 1840. You’ll also find out about local Maori culture as you check out the Nga Puhi tribal lands. Tonight, hang out with the other Contiki travellers, your Tour Manager and Driver over a typical ‘Kiwi’ dinner – a BBQ – where you can eat outdoors under the night sky if the weather is good. After dinner, head out to a local music venue in Paihia with the group.

Bay of Islands (Breakfast Days)
With a full free day here, you’ll really get to enjoy the laid-back, natural beauty of the Bay of Islands. Chill out, or choose from loads of activities on offer here. There’s a catamaran cruise where you can stop off at remote islands, swim and feast on a tasty BBQ lunch. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot some dolphins. Or you could use your free time to head off with some friends to learn about New Zealand’s settler history. Jump on a ferry out to New Zealand’s former capital, the pretty township of Russell. Grab an ice-cream, relax in its cute cafes and walk past some of the town’s historic cottages. We also offer you the option of a day trip to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s most northern point where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean merge. Our Local Guide can tell you all about the Maori beliefs associated with this site. Then it’s off to the sand dunes of Ninety Mile beach and a drive through the Northland Region. Lastly, for the adrenaline-junkies, there’s a chance to go parasailing - perfect for getting views of the awesome surrounding bay scenery

Bay of Islands to Auckland ( Days)
This morning we head south, past the rolling Northland countryside, arriving back in Auckland for free time.

Finish Auckland (Breakfast Days)
Say a final farewell to your new friends as your trip ends this morning after breakfast.

Don't miss our current specials: $150 off Europe Trips of 8 days or more Save $300 on Airfare - Find out how Book a Contiki to Europe & save $300 on airfare per couple. They've got deals for solo travelers also. Valid for new bookings made between March 1st-30th only and must pay air portion in full by March 30, 2010.  Offer is valid for $300 off airfare per couple or $150 off if single traveler.  All travel myst be completed by NOv 30, 2010.  Offer is valid on major airlines.  Air tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable after purchase.  Once payment is received, 100% cancellation penalties apply.  No name changes allowed once a reservation is made.  Offer is subject to availability at the time of booking.  Offer can be combined with all brochure discounts and $150 Spring Flin tour promo.  Promotion can be withdrawn at any time.   CONTIKI MILITARY DISCOUNT 5% Off for Military Members and Spouses... Valid for any Contiki trip 8 days or longer. Active or non-active members are eligible, as long as a valid military ID is provided for each person applying the discount. Mention promo code MILITARY0910 to redeem. Applies to new bookings only. Verification is required. Good for travel through 12/31/2010 Spouses must be traveling at the same time as the military member to apply the discount. Other restrictions may apply. 5% off for Contiki Alumni So you've experienced your Contiki and are ready to go again?  You lived it up with travelers from around the world and want more Contiki.  Now book another trip 8 days or longer and get 5% off! Offer valid through August 31, 2010. Valid for trips 8 days or longer. Please call uoo-942-3301 for more details. Verification of previous trip required. Travel With Friends and Save Big! Save 5% Get 4 or more people to book at the same time and each save 5% off the land. Save 7.5% Book 7 or more on the same vacation at the same time and score a 7.5% discount per person. Round up 10 friends or more, booking the same trip at the same time, and each person saves 10% OR the 11th person travels for FREE. Book 3 in a room and save 5% on most superior tours. Early Payment and Other Amazing Contiki Discounts Early Payment Discount Offer #1: Save up to US$399 Must book and pay in full at least 12 months prior to trip departure date. Valid for select trips only.   Offer #2: Save up to US$319 Must book and pay in full at least 6 months prior to departure date. Valid for select trips only.   Multiple Trip Discounts - Save $100 Book any 2 Contiki trips 10 days or longer, at the same time & get up to US$100 off the cost of the second tour. Europe Europe – Save US$100 Europe America – Save US$100 Europe + Great Britain – Save US$100 Tours may be in different countries or regions. Australia & New Zealand - Save $100 Book an Australia and New Zealand vacation at the same time and save US$100 off the total cost. Tours must be a minimum of 10 days.   Refer a Friend and You Both Save $100 Share the love! Now that you’ve traveled Contiki and had a great time, it’s time to spread the word and earn some cash! Tell your friends about Contiki and earn up to $100* for each person you refer that books. Your friends score from the deal too – each one that books a trip eight days or longer will receive $100 in excursion vouchers (good for activities like bungee jumping, gondola cruises and wine tasting). You can refer up to 10 friends (which equals $1,000 for you!) Simply complete this form and you're on your way. Remember, no cheating ("me, myself and I" do not qualify.) Terms and Conditions: 1.The referral program is valid for new trips booked as of May 1, 2009. 2.You can refer as many passengers as you’d like! You must provide valid names and e-mail addresses (e.g. you may not enter your own e-mail address or repeat the same address more than once). We will issue up to 10 $100 gift cards per Referrer per calendar year. Referees must be new passengers. Not combinable with Past Passenger discount. 3.Referee must between 18-35 years old at the time of travel. 4.Referee must have been referred online and must mention "Refer a Friend" and Referrer's name when booking their trip. 5.Upon booking their trip, the Referee will receive in their travel documentation $100 in Optional Excursion vouchers. The original Optional Excursion vouchers can be redeemed while on their trip and cannot be exchanged for cash reimbursement. 6.The Referred passenger(s) are responsible for reviewing their travel documentation and making sure they received the Optional Excursion Vouchers prior to their departure from the United States. Contiki will not issue a cash refund to passenger(s) for any Optional Excursion because the Referred passenger(s) paid the tour manager directly, forgot to pack or bring the vouchers on the tour, did not use the entire value of the vouchers, looses the vouchers, or advises us after their travel that they did not receive the vouchers. 7.If booking is made within 14 days of the departure, we cannot guarantee receipt of physical vouchers unless traveler expedites their documents at an additional cost. Scanned copies are not available 8.Contiki is not responsible if a Referrer fails to properly identify a Referee. Contiki will not retroactively record a friend who was not identified at the time of sign-up. 9.Contiki will not allow a Referee to be claimed by more than one Referrer. Once a Referee’s e-mail address has been given, it may not be changed. 10.Cash will be given out in the form of a gift card from a major credit card company with a value of $100. Gift card will be issued to Referrer only after Referee completes travel on their trip of 8 days or longer. If a Referee cancels for any reason, the referral reward is forfeited. 11.Offer is not valid for tour purchases made outside the U.S. 12.Contiki reserves the right to resolve any disputes at its sole discretion. $100 Referral cash will be received as a $100 American Express cash gift card.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
3/26/2010 - 4/12/2010	$1,550
4/7/2010 - 4/24/2010	$1,530
4/19/2010 - 5/6/2010	$1,530
5/1/2010 - 5/18/2010	$1,530
5/13/2010 - 5/30/2010	$1,530
5/25/2010 - 6/11/2010	$1,530
6/6/2010 - 6/23/2010	$1,530
6/18/2010 - 7/5/2010	$1,530
6/30/2010 - 7/17/2010	$1,530
7/12/2010 - 7/29/2010	$1,515
7/24/2010 - 8/10/2010	$1,515
8/5/2010 - 8/22/2010	$1,515
8/17/2010 - 9/3/2010	$1,515
8/29/2010 - 9/15/2010	$1,515
9/10/2010 - 9/27/2010	$1,515
9/22/2010 - 10/9/2010	$1,515
10/4/2010 - 10/21/2010	$1,545
10/16/2010 - 11/2/2010	$1,545
10/24/2010 - 11/10/2010	$1,545
11/1/2010 - 11/18/2010	$1,545
11/9/2010 - 11/26/2010	$1,545
11/17/2010 - 12/4/2010	$1,585
11/25/2010 - 12/12/2010	$1,585
12/3/2010 - 12/20/2010	$1,585
12/7/2010 - 12/24/2010	$1,585
12/11/2010 - 12/28/2010	$1,585
12/15/2010 - 1/1/2011	$1,585
12/19/2010 - 1/5/2011	$1,600
12/23/2010 - 1/9/2011	$1,600
12/27/2010 - 1/13/2011	$1,600
12/31/2010 - 1/17/2011	$1,600
1/4/2011 - 1/21/2011	$1,600
1/8/2011 - 1/25/2011	$1,600
1/12/2011 - 1/29/2011	$1,585
1/16/2011 - 2/2/2011	$1,585
1/20/2011 - 2/6/2011	$1,585
1/24/2011 - 2/10/2011	$1,585
1/28/2011 - 2/14/2011	$1,585
2/1/2011 - 2/18/2011	$1,585
2/5/2011 - 2/22/2011	$1,585
2/9/2011 - 2/26/2011	$1,585
2/13/2011 - 3/2/2011	$1,585
2/17/2011 - 3/6/2011	$1,585
2/21/2011 - 3/10/2011	$1,585
2/25/2011 - 3/14/2011	$1,585
3/1/2011 - 3/18/2011	$1,585
3/13/2011 - 3/30/2011	$1,585
3/25/2011 - 4/11/2011	$1,585
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Lake Tekapo
See the beautiful turquoise coloured glacial lake

Lake Ohau
See Mt. Cook across this beautiful blue glacial lake

Milford Sound
Travel through the Homer Tunnel

Milford Sound
Unique overnight cruise on Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park

Milford Sound
Cruise past towering cliffs & spectacular waterfalls

Milford Sound
See the awe inspiring Mitre Peak

Christchurch
City sightseeing tour

Queenstown
View the Remarkables Mountains & Coronet Peak

Queenstown
Stop at AJ Hackett's Kawarau Bridge

Queenstown
Visit Arrowtown, the historic gold mining town

Haast Pass
Stunning drive through the Southern Alps

Haast Pass
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

Kaikoura Coast
Spectacular coastal drive & visit a seal colony

Picton
Drive through New Zealand's largest wine growing region

Cook Strait
Cruise the scenic Marlborough & Queen Charlotte Sounds

Christchurch
City sightseeing tour

Wellington
Visit Mt. Victoria & enjoy the panoramic views

Wellington
See more of the sights made famous in the 'Lord of the Rings'

Tongariro National Park
Dramatic drive through the Volcanic landscape made famous in the 'Lord of the Rings'

Tongariro National Park
See the active volcano Mt. Ruapehu

Taupo
View Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake

Taupo
Walk through the Wairakei 'Craters of the Moon'

Huka Falls
Visit the mighty falls

Christchurch
City sightseeing tour

Rotorua
Visit the Agrodome farm to see the World renown sheep show

Waitomo
Visit Waitomo & a traditional New Zealand country pub

Waitomo
Enjoy a pizza party

Parry Kauri Park
Walk through native Kauri Forest

Bay of Islands
Paihia & Waitangi sightseeing tour

Bay of Islands
See the Tribal Lands of the Nga Puhi Maori

Auckland
Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge

Auckland
See the impressive city skyline & Sky Tower

Auckland
See the 'City of Sails' harbor made famous by the America's Cup

$150 off Europe Trips of 8 days or more

Save $300 on Airfare - Find out how

CONTIKI MILITARY DISCOUNT

5% off for Contiki Alumni

Travel With Friends and Save Big!

Early Payment and Other Amazing Contiki Discounts

Refer a Friend and You Both Save $100

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