Northern Highlights

An 11-Day Contiki Tours tour starting from $890

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Starting Price: $890 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 11 Days
Countries Visited: New Zealand
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More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type:
Tour Category: Regional New Zealand
Tour Operator: Contiki Tours
Tour Code: CONTIKI87
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Cities Visited:
See Description

Featuring: Northern New Zealand
Starting In Auckland and ending in 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 ëTravellers Guideí information book * Free Contiki document wallet.

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

Auckland to Bay of Islands (Dinner Days)
Kia Ora! Meet up with your Contiki Crew in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. 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. This morning 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, get to know the other Contiki travellers, 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)
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”.

Bay of Islands to Waitomo (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Southbound, we stop in Auckland for a lunch, before driving on through the lush farmlands of Waikato – an area that produces many of New Zealand’s best rugby players for the All Blacks. 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 Rotorua (Breakfast 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. Later, we pull into 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 Taupo (Breakfast Days)
On the way to 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 only a short drive today 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 Wellington (Breakfast Days)
Spot the dramatic volcanic landscapes that were used as backdrops in the Lord of the Rings today, 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. Next stop – the capital city of Wellington. It’s 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 Christchurch (Breakfast Days)
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.

Finish Christchurch (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
  • 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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3/15/2010 - 3/25/2010
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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.

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

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

Waitomo
Visit Waitomo & a traditional New Zealand country pub

Waitomo
Enjoy a pizza party

Christchurch
City sightseeing tour

Rotorua
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

Taupo
Walk through the Wairakei 'Craters of the Moon'

Tongariro National Park
See the active volcano Mt. Ruapehu

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

Wellington
Visit Mt. Victoria & enjoy the panoramic views

Christchurch
City sightseeing tour

Wellington
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

 

$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.

 
 

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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.