New Zealand
Last Updated: Aug. 10, 2010
Capital: Wellington
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Language: English and Maori
Visas: Travel Visa Information
New Zealand, the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’, is a country synonymous with 100% pure exhilaration. The pristine natural wilderness and beauty of this island nation is something that has to be seen to be believed. The adventure and partying opportunities however are also virtually boundless. Only a short plane ride from Australia, the land of Kiwis and the All Blacks is divided between the North Island and South Island, each with its own temptations.
Tour and Travel Advice
Information about what to pack, getting access to cash, who travels with Contiki and more with New Zealand tour and travel advice
Tours
Check out a full list of Contiki’s New Zealand Tours.
Accommodation
From lakeside resorts to mountain lodges and city hotels (not to mention an unforgettable over night cruise) check out where you stay in New Zealand.
Cities
Auckland | Christchurch | Wellington | Queenstown
Natural Wonders
New Zealand has been described as ‘Mother Natures Disneyland’. As anyone who has been to the country can attest, photos simply do not do the scenery justice yet almost every photo looks like something out of a brochure.
Maori Culture
The original inhabitants of New Zealand are the Maori and Maori Culture is still very much part of life in New Zealand.
Plants, animals and Rainforests
New Zealand, due to its isolation, has developed a unique and protected ecosystem. In total contrast to nearby Australia, New Zealand has only two species of mammals, no snakes and very few harmful creatures.
The most famous of all New Zealand’s animals is the iconic Kiwi and the well known Tuatara lizard but the country is also home to many other unique species of bird as well as penguins and albatrosses while you can find can dolphins in the Bay of Islands.
Many of the country’s spectacular lakes and rivers are also filled with introduced trout and salmon.
The country is home to a totally unique group of plant species that can be found only in New Zealand. There is a huge variety of forests across the country, from the moss-covered beach forests to wet, lush coastal rainforests filled with palms, ferns and the famous Nikau palms and Parry Kauri Park.
Places Contiki Visits in New Zealand
North Island
- Auckland
- Bay of Islands
- Huka Falls
- Kaikoura Coast
- Parry Kauri Park
- Rotorua
- Taupo
- Tongariro National Park
- Waitomo Caves
- Wellington
South Island
- Christchurch
- Haast Past
- Hanmer Springs
- Hokitika
- Lake Ohau
- Lake Tekapo
- Moeraki
- Milford Sound
- Picton
- Queenstown
- Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers
- Te Anau
Add a Comment Comments (44)
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TO Explorer1199094
What date in Feb are you going to do the Grand Explorer? i’ve decided to do the one that leaves Feb 16… Going by myself – i’m from Australia
Explorer1203672
posted 9 days ago
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TO Explorer1199094
What date in Feb are you going to do the Grand Explorer? i’ve decided to do the one that leaves Feb 16…Explorer1203672
posted 9 days ago
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Hi guys, I’m thinkin of doing the Grand Adventurer in Feb/March next year, anyone else doing that tour also ?? doing it solo so bit nervous . . . .
Explorer1203672
posted 13 days ago
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Gonna go for the Grand Explorer trip in mid October, anyone else coming?
Zero
posted 15 days ago
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I’m 24 and I’m doing the Grand Adventurer (starting in Christchurch) on the 30th Dec alone. I was also a little hesitant at first but I’ve already met a few other girls on the contiki forums who are doing the same tour solo as well. I don’t think there’s anything to stress about, we will make friends along the way! It will be fun!
Tanya
posted 16 days ago
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i’m doing the grand adventurer on dec 28.
i’m 18… any other girls doing this alone?
Explorer1154724
posted 27 days ago
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To Explorer1200389 I am 25 and planning to do the Grand Explorer on my own too in February next year…nothing to worry about I came out to Australia on my own and had an amazing time. Can’t wait for my NZ trip.
Explorer1199094
posted 29 days ago
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hey guys, is anyone going on the Grand Adventurer in dec or jan. Im a 22 year old female and a bit hesitant to go alone?
Explorer1200389
posted on Jul. 27, 2010
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I’m leaving on an Ultimate Winter Adventure this Sunday the 25th of July, going alone and would love to at least know one name before I go. Anyone?
Explorer1198907
posted on Jul. 22, 2010
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hey! my friend michelle and i are doing the northern highlights tour, leaving auckland on 13th september…cant wait and would love to know who else is doing this tour!
Gabby
posted on Jun. 30, 2010
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new zeland, where is it? i think its vey beautiful
Tutorial, Tips, Trick, Info.
posted on Jun. 14, 2010
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Hey guys I’m heading on the northern highlights tour on Monday, I’m going by myself just wondering who else is going?
Explorer1183427
posted on May. 20, 2010
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Anyone doing the 3 day tour (Auckland and Bay of Islands) Friday 28th May?
Really looking forward to this!
Explorer1182718
posted on May. 17, 2010
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Hey guys, I’m looking at something like northern highlights or similar in september, traveling alone from australia, if anyonesngoing around that time it would be awesome not going alone! lol
Jake.Bache
posted on May. 08, 2010
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NEED TRAVEL MATE FOR NEW ZELAND!... all my mates are stuck at uni… going sumwhere in may-july…
will you be there?
posted on May. 03, 2010
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northern highlights sept 24th anyone??
jessica.cate
posted on Apr. 14, 2010
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hey im going on the grand explorer leaving from auckland on the 27th of july ne1 on that tour yet?
Explorer1175700
posted on Apr. 01, 2010
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hey,
im after the same thing as most people =D a travelling partner. im an 18yo girl, i live in queensland. i leave for the navv in july so im trying to get a trip organised before hand.im planning on going on the 22nd of june grand adventurer (12 days, both north and south of nz), i plan on doing almost everything on trip i.e high ropes, quad biking, water rafting, bungy jumping, and if offered – skiing. so if anyone is interested in comming on this trip that would be awsome!
ready4adventure
posted on Mar. 24, 2010
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hey all im going on the grand explorer ending in Queenstown stars 8th august, anyone else on this trip yet
Andy78
posted on Mar. 20, 2010
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hey guys, thinking of travelling NZ frm OZ (perth) end june-july till early august.. Any ideas on which good tours?
or anyone looking for travell buddy from OZ, to join them on a tour in time from May to August?gem78
posted on Mar. 15, 2010
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Featured Travel Photos
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Photo by Marianne
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