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New Zealand Panorama | Southbound | Oct 2026
Sep 2027
Tour Description:
Ready for the ultimate 2 week adrenaline rush? Eat with the Māori in Rotorua, hike up an active volcano, cruise on Lake Taupō and head to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. Ever tried bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging? Now's your chance.
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Dates & Pricing
| Friday 09 Oct 26 — Saturday 24 Oct 26 | Starting at $3,270 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 17 Oct 26 — Sunday 01 Nov 26 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 25 Oct 26 — Monday 09 Nov 26 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 02 Nov 26 — Tuesday 17 Nov 26 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 10 Nov 26 — Wednesday 25 Nov 26 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 18 Nov 26 — Thursday 03 Dec 26 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 26 Nov 26 — Friday 11 Dec 26 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 04 Dec 26 — Saturday 19 Dec 26 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 12 Dec 26 — Sunday 27 Dec 26 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 20 Dec 26 — Monday 04 Jan 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 24 Dec 26 — Friday 08 Jan 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 28 Dec 26 — Tuesday 12 Jan 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 01 Jan 27 — Saturday 16 Jan 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 05 Jan 27 — Wednesday 20 Jan 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 09 Jan 27 — Sunday 24 Jan 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 13 Jan 27 — Thursday 28 Jan 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 17 Jan 27 — Monday 01 Feb 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 21 Jan 27 — Friday 05 Feb 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 25 Jan 27 — Tuesday 09 Feb 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 29 Jan 27 — Saturday 13 Feb 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 02 Feb 27 — Wednesday 17 Feb 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 06 Feb 27 — Sunday 21 Feb 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 10 Feb 27 — Thursday 25 Feb 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 14 Feb 27 — Monday 01 Mar 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 18 Feb 27 — Friday 05 Mar 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 22 Feb 27 — Tuesday 09 Mar 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 02 Mar 27 — Wednesday 17 Mar 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Wednesday 10 Mar 27 — Thursday 25 Mar 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 26 Mar 27 — Saturday 10 Apr 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 11 Apr 27 — Monday 26 Apr 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 27 Apr 27 — Wednesday 12 May 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 13 May 27 — Friday 28 May 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 29 May 27 — Sunday 13 Jun 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 30 May 27 — Monday 14 Jun 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 08 Jun 27 — Wednesday 23 Jun 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 13 Jun 27 — Monday 28 Jun 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 20 Jun 27 — Monday 05 Jul 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 22 Jun 27 — Wednesday 07 Jul 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 27 Jun 27 — Monday 12 Jul 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 29 Jun 27 — Wednesday 14 Jul 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 04 Jul 27 — Monday 19 Jul 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 06 Jul 27 — Wednesday 21 Jul 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 11 Jul 27 — Monday 26 Jul 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 13 Jul 27 — Wednesday 28 Jul 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 18 Jul 27 — Monday 02 Aug 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 20 Jul 27 — Wednesday 04 Aug 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 27 Jul 27 — Wednesday 11 Aug 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 01 Aug 27 — Monday 16 Aug 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 03 Aug 27 — Wednesday 18 Aug 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 15 Aug 27 — Monday 30 Aug 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 17 Aug 27 — Wednesday 01 Sep 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 29 Aug 27 — Monday 13 Sep 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 31 Aug 27 — Wednesday 15 Sep 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 12 Sep 27 — Monday 27 Sep 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 14 Sep 27 — Wednesday 29 Sep 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 28 Sep 27 — Wednesday 13 Oct 27 | Starting at $3,270 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingDining Summary
4 Dinner (D)
15 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
Christchurch: Which Version is Northbound vs Southbound? Southbound trips start in Auckland and end in Queenstown. Northbound trips start in Queenstown and finish in Auckland.
Sydney: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
Included Experience
Rotorua: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, we'll head to National Kiwi Hatchery near Rotorua to learn all about the locals' efforts to protect New Zealand's adorable national bird.
Rotorua: A traditional Māori cultural performance, topped off with a traditional Māori feast... this ought to satisfy even the keenest of culture vultures.
Rotorua: Wait til you see 'em. Wait til you smell 'em. These geothermic mudpools are a thing to behold.
Huka Falls: Huka falls is a jaw-jutting display of natural hydro power. Here you'll see 220,000 litres of water tumble over the waterfall... per second that is(!)
Mount Ruapehu: Today we'll check out Mt Ruapehu, an active stratovolcano elevated almost 2,800 metres into the air!
Mount Ruapehu: See even more of the sights made famous by "The Lord of the Rings."
Kaikōura: We'll take a spectacular drive along the Kaikōura Coast, and pay a visit to a nearby seal colony. Yup, it's a coastal cuteness overload.
Kaikōura: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, we'll meet eco-warrior Sabrina Leucht, who has dedicated many years of her life to helping New Zealand's injured native birds... and is now working to establish the region's first wildlife hospital.
Hokitika: The South Island is known for Pounamu (in fact, it’s even named after the stuff.) Today in Hokitika, we’ll meet with a local Māori Guide, who’ll tell us all about the connection between the illustrious greenstone and the Māori people. After that, we’ll go and check some out for ourselves.
Arthur's Pass: Check out the village that has been a haven for mountain climbers for over a century. Better keep your camera ready and eyes peeled - because this is spot where you might be able to get a glimpse of rare alpine parrots AKA Keas.
Wānaka: A lake town with views for days, surrounded by beech forests, alpine lakes, and wilderness glaciers.
4 Dinner (D)
15 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
Christchurch: Which Version is Northbound vs Southbound? Southbound trips start in Auckland and end in Queenstown. Northbound trips start in Queenstown and finish in Auckland.
Sydney: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
Included Experience
Rotorua: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, we'll head to National Kiwi Hatchery near Rotorua to learn all about the locals' efforts to protect New Zealand's adorable national bird.
Rotorua: A traditional Māori cultural performance, topped off with a traditional Māori feast... this ought to satisfy even the keenest of culture vultures.
Rotorua: Wait til you see 'em. Wait til you smell 'em. These geothermic mudpools are a thing to behold.
Huka Falls: Huka falls is a jaw-jutting display of natural hydro power. Here you'll see 220,000 litres of water tumble over the waterfall... per second that is(!)
Mount Ruapehu: Today we'll check out Mt Ruapehu, an active stratovolcano elevated almost 2,800 metres into the air!
Mount Ruapehu: See even more of the sights made famous by "The Lord of the Rings."
Kaikōura: We'll take a spectacular drive along the Kaikōura Coast, and pay a visit to a nearby seal colony. Yup, it's a coastal cuteness overload.
Kaikōura: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, we'll meet eco-warrior Sabrina Leucht, who has dedicated many years of her life to helping New Zealand's injured native birds... and is now working to establish the region's first wildlife hospital.
Hokitika: The South Island is known for Pounamu (in fact, it’s even named after the stuff.) Today in Hokitika, we’ll meet with a local Māori Guide, who’ll tell us all about the connection between the illustrious greenstone and the Māori people. After that, we’ll go and check some out for ourselves.
Arthur's Pass: Check out the village that has been a haven for mountain climbers for over a century. Better keep your camera ready and eyes peeled - because this is spot where you might be able to get a glimpse of rare alpine parrots AKA Keas.
Wānaka: A lake town with views for days, surrounded by beech forests, alpine lakes, and wilderness glaciers.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYAuckland to Rotorua
All aboard the Contiki bus! Starting in Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau), we'll drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks. We'll visit the world’s largest kiwi bird conservation project, watch the birds roam, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow and even visit the incubation centre where over 2,100 kiwi chicks have been born. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a traditional Māori dinner and performance (you’ll also have the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA).
Rotorua
The day is yours to roam free in this geothermal paradise. Soak in a hot spring, go white water rafting or hike up a volcano. The options are limitless and the decisions are yours. We recommend the Rotorua Dawn Canopy Tour, exclusive to Contiki, where you'll watch the sun rise, eat some breakfast and drink coffee up in the towering trees as the birds make start their morning calls. Then, you'll get to soar 1200m through the forest on the ultimate zipline adventure.
Rotorua to Lake Taupō via Huka Falls
From Rotorua, we make our way to Lake Taupō, but not before a cheeky stop-off at the awesome Huka Falls. 220,000 litres (that's 58 000 gallons) of water gush over Huka Falls per second. Just let that sink in for a minute. Wild, right? Even wilder still is the Hukafalls Jet experience - a thrilling ride that will get you experiencing the full force of the falls and leave you with even more of a taste for adventure. A good thing really, given Lake Taupō is on the horizon. We arrive at Lake Taupō (Taupō Nui a Tia), the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. Volcanic peak views & trout fishing will seamlessly slip us into quaint lake life. But don't be fooled by the seemingly still scenery - a skydive is on the menu if that adrenaline itch needs scratching. This evening we jump on a cruise on the lake to watch the sun set, go fishing and enjoy some eats with our Contiki fam.
Lake Taupō to Mount Ruapehu
We drive through the central plateau to the southern end of the Tongariro National Park, Ohakune is known as the aprés ski capital of the North Island. Today you have the option to go biking along the Mangawhero cycle track.Tonight we stay in a heritage listed building built in 1913 which is now a vibrant modern ski lodge, located at the base of a volcano, Mount Ruapehu (Ruapehu) with views unlike any other you've seen.
Mount Ruapehu to Wellington
These landscapes are unique and the sights will leave you breathless. On route to the windy capital Wellington where we'll show you the sights of this city.As much as we've been loving the nature time, the change of scenery to New Zealand's well-cultured capital will prove an utter delight. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara), and a chance to explore the great food scene, a night on the town will be on the cards.
Wellington
Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, why not head to a local cafe and try the famed flat white coffee in its city of origin (sorry Australians). Caffeinated and refreshed, we'll take a trip to Zealandia, a 225-hectare (basically massive) eco-sanctuary that protects over 40 rare native wildlife species. Because Zealandia is fully fenced, you'll be able to walk alongside incredibly rare birds like the hihi and the takahē. Look out for the tuatara, a prehistoric reptile known as a 'living fossil', which can only be found in New Zealand!
Wellington to Kaikōura via Picton
So long north island! Today we're making tracks for your southern brother, darting across the Cook Strait via the Inter-Island ferry. Our first port of call on the South Island will be Picton (Waitohi), the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone? Kaikōura is known for its marine life (among many other things), so keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins and seals – which we’ll check out along the way. Next up, we'll visit Kaikōura Wildlife Rescue to meet Sabrina Leucht, a local biologist who’ll teach us about local wildlife, the threats they face and how we can make a difference. Tonight, we’ll check into our seafront hotel for a relaxing evening.
Kaikōura
We all love a free day - especially one spent in beautiful Kaikōura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you'll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seals and dusky dolphins. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikōura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, Quadbiking through Glenstrae Farm, and more. We'll stay another night in Kaikōura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.
Kaikōura to Christchurch
We're onto our next destination, so long Kaikōura! We'll arrive in Christchurch (Ōtautahi) by lunch-time, where we'll take an inspiring tour of the city that was totally rebuilt after the Christchurch earthquake. Look out for the Cardboard Cathedral, the only cathedral in the world to be built mostly from plain old cardboard!
Christchurch to Franz Josef via Arthur's Pass and Hokitika
Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on. Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps. In the gold rush town of Hokitika, we'll meet with a local Māori guide who’ll teach us all about pounamu on a unique tour. We’ll learn about the history of the illustrious green stones (which the South Island is named after) and its connection with the Māori people. Back on the coach, we're coastline bound to one of the island’s most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots (and that’s saying something…) We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere), probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.
Franz Josef
This morning we take to the ice of Franz Josef Glacier. We've got a heli ride over the glacier up for grabs, or the opportunity to carve your own Pounamu (jade) pendant, under the tuition of a Māori mastercraftsman. Pounamu is sacred to the Māori people, and this is a great way to learn about its cultural significance, while also creating a beautiful please of jewellery.
Franz Josef to Queenstown via Haast and Wānaka
With a new appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop on the coach & continue to Queenstown, with a few cheeky stops along the way.Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass (Tioripatea), beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.We'll stop for lunch in Wānaka, a pretty ski resort town situated on a lake front and dwarfed by mountains. This town is fast becoming one of NZ's most popular spots, and a trip to the 'Dough Bin' for a luscious pie should be high on the list.Welcome to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown (Tāhuna)! First stop is the legendary Kawarau Bungy Bridge, get your adrenaline hit with a heart pounding jump. Tonight you can choose to jump on a gondola and to wine & dine atop of the highest restaurant in Queenstown, Skyline. Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.
Queenstown
Today is yours to get acquainted with Queenstown and check out the activities up for grabs in the next two days. Take a stroll around beautiful this stunning town, nestled in the Southern Alps that has so much to offer.
Queenstown
It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and exploring wine cellars and caves, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump and ziplining & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit. Please note: If you're here during ski season, you can opt for an exclusive Ski day-trip to Cardrona. Check out ‘Dates & Pricing’ to see these "Special Departures".
Queenstown
With our last day in adrenalin city edging closer, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and jump over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Embrace the spirit of adventure and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.
Queenstown
This morning our adventure comes to an end (sob). Hug it out with your new bff's, with plans no doubt in place for Contiki 2.0. NZ, you've been real.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
