Grand Adventurer (Finish Queenstown)

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 Waitomo (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. We then drive 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 – the perfect way to get to know the other travellers, your Tour Manager and Driver. 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)
Jump on the Inter-Island ferry and leave the North Island behind. The South Island means a complete change of scenery with loads of wild nature. 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. After the cruise, it’s another jaw-dropping drive to Kaikoura, via Marlborough’s wine country. We travel on to the wild, rugged east coast and stop at a seal colony, before passing through Kaikoura. This seaside settlement is known for whales, dolphins and delicious, fresh crayfish sold from roadside vans. The coach cuts across the Canterbury Plains to New Zealand’s most English city, Christchurch. 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 Franz Josef Glacier (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Your Tour Manager shows you Christchurch’s historic spots on a morning 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 arts & crafts stalls, cinemas and a theatre. We travel west 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. We’ll 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. Sticking to the untamed coastline, we arrive in the Westland National Park. Franz Josef is our stop for the night, a town where lush bush land and glaciers almost reach the sea.

Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
This morning, 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. Relax on the coach, chat with friends and take in the stunning scenery as we head down to Queenstown. Cruise past remote beaches and the coastal dunes of the west coast before hitting Haast Pass. Ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls give this area its unique atmosphere. There’s even more scenery changes when we cross the Southern Alps and enter the region of Otago, with its golden grasslands, cliffs and hills. Next up: Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. This 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.

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 Milford Sound (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
On the way out of Queenstown, 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. 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 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 past New Zealand’s deepest and most beautiful lake: Te Anau. Then we head back to Queenstown where our tour ends. It’s time to say goodbye to your new friends and Contiki crew. Please note: Your tour will finish at the Queenstown airport.

Don't miss our current specials: 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)
8/8/2010 - 8/21/2010	$1,545
8/20/2010 - 9/2/2010	$1,545
9/1/2010 - 9/14/2010	$1,545
9/13/2010 - 9/26/2010	$1,545
9/25/2010 - 10/8/2010	$1,545
10/7/2010 - 10/20/2010	$1,815
10/19/2010 - 11/1/2010	$1,815
10/27/2010 - 11/9/2010	$1,815
11/4/2010 - 11/17/2010	$1,815
11/12/2010 - 11/25/2010	$1,815
11/20/2010 - 12/3/2010	$1,855
11/28/2010 - 12/11/2010	$1,855
12/6/2010 - 12/19/2010	$1,855
12/10/2010 - 12/23/2010	$1,855
12/14/2010 - 12/27/2010	$1,855
12/18/2010 - 12/31/2010	$1,855
12/22/2010 - 1/4/2011	$1,855
12/26/2010 - 1/8/2011	$1,855
12/30/2010 - 1/12/2011	$1,855
1/3/2011 - 1/16/2011	$1,855
1/7/2011 - 1/20/2011	$1,855
1/11/2011 - 1/24/2011	$1,855
1/15/2011 - 1/28/2011	$1,855
1/19/2011 - 2/1/2011	$1,855
1/23/2011 - 2/5/2011	$1,855
1/27/2011 - 2/9/2011	$1,855
1/31/2011 - 2/13/2011	$1,855
2/4/2011 - 2/17/2011	$1,855
2/8/2011 - 2/21/2011	$1,855
2/12/2011 - 2/25/2011	$1,855
2/16/2011 - 3/1/2011	$1,855
2/20/2011 - 3/5/2011	$1,855
2/24/2011 - 3/9/2011	$1,855
2/28/2011 - 3/13/2011	$1,855
3/4/2011 - 3/17/2011	$1,855
3/16/2011 - 3/29/2011	$1,855
3/28/2011 - 4/10/2011	$1,855
4/9/2011 - 4/22/2011	$1,835
4/21/2011 - 5/4/2011	$1,835
5/3/2011 - 5/16/2011	$1,835
5/15/2011 - 5/28/2011	$1,835
5/27/2011 - 6/9/2011	$1,835
6/8/2011 - 6/21/2011	$1,835
6/20/2011 - 7/3/2011	$1,835
7/2/2011 - 7/15/2011	$1,815
7/14/2011 - 7/27/2011	$1,815
7/26/2011 - 8/8/2011	$1,815
8/7/2011 - 8/20/2011	$1,815
8/19/2011 - 9/1/2011	$1,815
8/31/2011 - 9/13/2011	$1,815
9/12/2011 - 9/25/2011	$1,815
9/24/2011 - 10/7/2011	$1,815
10/6/2011 - 10/19/2011	$1,615
10/18/2011 - 10/31/2011	$1,615
10/26/2011 - 11/8/2011	$1,615
11/3/2011 - 11/16/2011	$1,615
11/11/2011 - 11/24/2011	$1,615
11/19/2011 - 12/2/2011	$1,660
11/27/2011 - 12/10/2011	$1,660
12/5/2011 - 12/18/2011	$1,660
12/9/2011 - 12/22/2011	$1,660
12/13/2011 - 12/26/2011	$1,660
12/17/2011 - 12/30/2011	$1,660
12/21/2011 - 1/3/2012	$1,660
12/25/2011 - 1/7/2012	$1,660
12/29/2011 - 1/11/2012	$1,660
1/2/2012 - 1/15/2012	$1,660
1/6/2012 - 1/19/2012	$1,660
1/10/2012 - 1/23/2012	$1,660
1/14/2012 - 1/27/2012	$1,660
1/18/2012 - 1/31/2012	$1,660
1/22/2012 - 2/4/2012	$1,660
1/26/2012 - 2/8/2012	$1,660
1/30/2012 - 2/12/2012	$1,660
2/3/2012 - 2/16/2012	$1,660
2/7/2012 - 2/20/2012	$1,660
2/11/2012 - 2/24/2012	$1,660
2/15/2012 - 2/28/2012	$1,660
2/19/2012 - 3/3/2012	$1,660
2/23/2012 - 3/7/2012	$1,660
2/27/2012 - 3/11/2012	$1,660
3/2/2012 - 3/15/2012	$1,660
3/14/2012 - 3/27/2012	$1,660
3/26/2012 - 4/8/2012	$1,660
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.

Waitomo
Visit Waitomo & a traditional New Zealand country pub

Waitomo
Enjoy a pizza party

Christchurch
City sightseeing tour

Rotorua
Visit Te Puia Cultural Centre to learn of Maori arts, crafts & weaponry

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

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

Wellington
Visit Mt. Victoria & enjoy the panoramic views

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

Arthur's Pass
Scenic drive through Arthur's Pass National Park

Hokitika
See traditional Maori Greenstone carving

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
Coastal drive through Westland National Park with views of the glaciers & rainforests

Haast Pass
Stunning drive through the Southern Alps

Haast Pass
See Lake Hawea & the Crown Range

Queenstown
View the Remarkables Mountains & Coronet Peak

Queenstown
Stop at AJ Hackett's Kawarau Bridge

Queenstown
Visit Arrowtown, the historic gold mining town

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

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

Lake Tekapo
See the beautiful turquoise coloured glacial lake

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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