New Zealand
Last Updated: Nov. 06, 2009
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 (26)
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Juz booked Grand Explorer reverse depart 25 Sep 2010…anyone else?
Explorer1170373
posted 18 days ago
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Cant wait until Grand Adventurer 2nd March baby WOOOT WOOOOT!!! anyone else going?
*Melzy!*
posted 22 days ago
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Is anyone doing the Grand Explorer on the 16th May 2010? Going by myself from Australia
Kristy
posted on Jan. 26, 2010
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hi my name is karla im going alone on the scenic southern on the 20th january is anyone going need a friend.
Karla
posted on Jan. 07, 2010
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Anyone going on the Grand Explorer starting at Auckland 5th Feb 2010 and finishing in Christchurch??
Brycieboi90
posted on Nov. 27, 2009
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Is anyone going on the 12th jan grand tour leaving auckland ! Fun times ahead
Explorer1154355
posted on Oct. 20, 2009
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Anyone doing Contiki Tour from Christchurch starting 22nd Sept 2009??
Im travelling alone =]Heather Dippel
posted on Sep. 16, 2009
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I’m going on the new zealand trip that starts in Christchurch on June 20th, quite excited about it!
kelsay23
posted on Sep. 10, 2009
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ha all that love to drink ,i am going on the 28 of oct on the grand explorer star christchurch going by my self
drinkhardorgohome
posted on Sep. 03, 2009
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Hey guys – thinkin of travelling to NZ or Aussie?
I live in NZ, and have travelled around Aussie too.
despite what you hear, NZ and Aussie are quite different.
NZ is very green compared to Aussie, and is well suited to the outdoors type, as there is sooo much to see in the way of scenery (mountain ranges, bush walks, beautiful scenery..) also it is perfect for the adrenaline junkie as there are bungy’s, jet boats and extreme sport centres all over the country, although none compare to queenstown (the adrenaline capital of the world!) Wellington is awesome too, a great example of kiwi culture!
Aussie is much hotter in Summer, and is great for beaches, surf & shopping. The Gold Coast (near Brisbane) is great for young people, it has great bars and awesome nightlife. Melbourne is great for shopping also, they have great factory stores and the National Gallery of Victoria is definately worth a look for you arties…
Overall i think NZ is better for experiencing the outdoors, and Aussie would be my choice for shopping!
Goldengirl
posted on Aug. 16, 2009
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hi, is anyone going on the grand adventurer tour dpearting from queenstown on the 27th of sept 2009? would like to know of anyone. :)
Bon
posted on Jul. 31, 2009
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Actually Considering Scenic Southern for December Christmas 2010.
Off to do Vietnam Highlights though this year firstExplorer1084121
posted on Jul. 06, 2009
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Anyone going on the Northern Explorer 20 Oct 09?
Dafty84
posted on Jul. 04, 2009
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If you’re after sun and surf I would recommend Australia – New Zealand has gorgeous scenery and lots of outdoor activties. If you are travelling to New Zealand Wellington City is a great place to start, has amazing culture and fantastic night life with every bar and club within walking distance from one another.
Becs
posted on Jun. 12, 2009
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that’s easy, if you consider your self anything like an adrenaline junkie, New Zealand is most likely for you. Also the landscaping of the two countries are completely different.
Tony Martinez
posted on May. 30, 2009
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Still deciding whether to go to New Zealand or Australia after going to Thailand. I’ve heard they are too similar to both warrant a trip. Any ideas anyone?
Banking Software SolutionsExplorer1137311
posted on May. 29, 2009
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I am doing the Grand Explorer thats departs on 22 June … so excited!!
Rohani
posted on May. 28, 2009
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be sure to remember / Spring – September, October, November / Summer – December, January, February / Autumn – March, April, May / Winter – June, July, August
Tony Martinez
posted on May. 18, 2009
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I’m going on the Northern Highlights tour starting Christchurch in September… I’m hella juiced!!! Anyone with me?
NZbound86
posted on May. 12, 2009
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Anyone doing OR interested in doing the Grand Adventurer (start christchurch) 8-20th of October 09? May be travelling alone.
Nicky
posted on May. 12, 2009
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