This epic journey uncovers every inch of New Zealand's enchanting islands, travelling from Christchurch all the way up to Auckland over twenty unforgettable days. Drastic in beauty but humble in charm, this is a country that's here to steal your heart.
Along the way we bungee and jet boat in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, feast on a ground-smoked Māori hāngi in Rotorua, cruise the otherworldly waters of Milford Sound, visit Hobbiton, hike active volcanoes and stroll wine trails. From the glacial waters of Lake Ōhau to the Bay of Islands, get ready for the ultimate adventure.
Days
- 20 days, 19 nights
Age
- 18 to 35 only
Group size
- Small group
Start / finish
- Christchurch / Auckland
Return
- See itinerary for details
Accommodation
- 19 nights, multi-share dorm.
Transport
- The Interislander ferry crossing between the two islands is included.
Meals
- Twenty breakfasts and six dinners, including a pizza feast at Winnies in Queenstown and a Māori feast at Rotorua. Every other meal is at your own cost.
Route
Included experiences
- Lake Ōhau — views towards Mount Cook
- Lake Tekapo — the church on the lakeshore and the Dark Sky Experience
- Te Anau — Fairlight Foundation farm visit
- Milford Sound — cruise
- Queenstown — Winnies pizza feast and the historic bungy bridge
- Wānaka and the Gates of Haast drive
- Hokitika — pounamu greenstone with a local guide
- Arthur's Pass — the village and kea spotting
- Kaikōura — wildlife rescue experience, the coast drive and a seal colony
- Marlborough Sounds — Interislander ferry crossing
- Mount Ruapehu — stratovolcano, Lord of the Rings landscapes and Ohakune's carrot statue
- Huka Falls
- Rotorua — geothermal mudpools, the National Kiwi Hatchery and a Māori performance and feast
- Bay of Islands — Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Hundertwasser at Whangārei and fish and chips over the bay
Pictures / Videos
Reviews
4.9
Based on 62 reviews
Verified from
Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.
AI summary of 62 reviews
Travellers consistently praise the trip manager and driver for their professionalism, friendliness, extensive knowledge of New Zealand and attentiveness to the group's needs and comfort. The itinerary and route stand out most frequently, with travellers noting the comprehensive coverage of both islands, well-paced variety of stops, and abundance of included and optional activities that accommodate diverse interests without feeling rushed. The most common caveat is that optional activities incur significant additional costs and some days can feel quiet without them, whilst several travellers mention that certain accommodation options were below standard, the modular group structure means people arrive and leave at different points which can affect group cohesion, and the tour maintains a fast pace with frequent movement between locations.
How we collect and publish reviews
Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.
Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.
Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.
Great trip manager, and the driver's attitude was brilliant when things went sideways. Lovely route, lots of fun on offer, lifelong friends made!
Very happy overall and I'd recommend it. Our driver and our trip manager were both friendly and knew the areas well. Another Contiki is already in the works.
So much fun everywhere we stopped. Our trip manager was brilliant at organising and slotting in extras wherever she could, so I did everything on my list without fuss. One suggestion: make the Rotorua luge a bookable add on. Friends and I went separately and it was such a laugh it would be easier that way.
Such a good tour!! Our guide and our driver were both so friendly and genuinely made it something special. If you want adventure while still picking up some of New Zealand's culture and history, I'd recommend it to anyone!!
Really good trip all round: it ran without a hitch and the trip manager made sure we all enjoyed ourselves. Fun activities, and our only worry was being on time for the free time bookings and the morning bus.
The whole thing was terrific. There was something distinctive about every stop, and having a Kiwi guide explain what each place had going for it lifted it further. Kaikoura won on scenery for me, with Queenstown a close second for the sheer number of activities and the nights out.
Adventure of a lifetime and friends for life out of it. Our trip manager and our driver are why it landed that way.
Our trip manager and the driver were both superb. What they knew, how easy they were to talk to and their personalities are what made the trip.
Doing Ultimate New Zealand with Contiki ranks among the greatest things I've ever done. I turned up on my own and left Aotearoa feeling like I'd gained a whānau. Across three weeks I did things I'd never have attempted alone — canyoning, rafting, throwing myself off a bungy platform — plus endless shared jokes and big nights out. The group clicked straight away, and between our trip manager and our driver the whole thing ran smoothly, calmly and safely the entire way. A tip for anyone booking: sort the optional activities as a group. Numbers make them better, and WhatsApp polls worked a treat for working out who was keen. Paying for the single room across all 21 days was money well spent too. Being at the older end of the group, in my early thirties, somewhere of my own to switch off made all the difference. I'd also say give yourself a couple of days in the country before it kicks off and a couple afterwards — New Zealand comes at you fast, and those buffer days let it sink in, especially if you've flown a long way to get there. Get an eSIM as well; mine was an unlimited Australia and New Zealand one from Simify and it never missed a beat. Sharing photos was easy too — our trip manager started a PhotoCircle so nobody missed a moment, which was such a good idea. We were constantly pointed towards good optional activities, restaurants and bars, and plenty of nights the whole group ate out together, which pulled everyone closer. It stretched me, left me feeling braver and more alive, and gave me friendships I think will outlast the trip. If Ultimate New Zealand is on your mind, book it. Turn up open-minded, say yes to things, and let it happen.
Genuinely the best thing I've ever done. I loved not having to worry about a thing, and when something did crop up my trip manager came back to me almost instantly. The friends I made ended up like family. Gutted it's over — I'd go straight back.
Gorgeous country, brilliant trip. The Contiki road crew kept it running without a hitch and got us through every bucket-list item. Book it — no regrets.
Three weeks packed with brilliant things to do. Both of our guides were energetic, great fun, and turned it into the best version of itself. Everyone should do this one.
Brilliant adventure from start to finish. So much seen and done. Both our trip managers knew their stuff and were keen to share it and bring us into this gorgeous country they call home. Nothing else compares. And the people I ended up with turned into family — I won't forget them.
Ultimate New Zealand got me out seeing the country when I wouldn't have had the nerve to do it alone. Easy, comfortable way to cover a lot of ground and meet people. Our guide and driver were both approachable and really knew the place. What let it down: for the price, some of the places we stayed weren't great — wobbly bunks at Franz Josef, and the Queenstown pods were tiny for a four-night stay. The modular setup didn't work for me either. Nobody tells you before you book that groups keep arriving and leaving; one group the whole way would have been better for how it all gelled.
First time on a Contiki and my first trip abroad, and it couldn't have gone better. The people on board, our trip manager and our driver, and then New Zealand's scenery on top — it really was once in a lifetime. Go if you ever get the chance. I came home with stories, memories, a few new friends and a real itch to see more of the world.
Best three weeks of my life. Brit and Chris were incredible. The optional extras were brilliant fun and fairly priced. Friends for life, and I'm ready to book my next Contiki.
Ran like clockwork, and the tour leader and driver both knew their stuff and were good company. Beautiful country, and even the poor-weather days were fun.
Just a really good trip, I'd do it again in a shot. Great trip manager and driver, brilliant group and activities.
Amazing trip. Our trip manager was brilliant and had every day sorted. There was a huge list of activities to choose between, and whatever we picked, our trip manager made sure we got on it. Honestly nothing I'd change.
My Ultimate NZ trip was just incredible — not a single complaint. My trip manager was a legend who nudged everyone out of their comfort zone and made sure nobody got left out of the activities they'd set their heart on. They knew so much about the country, and that makes you value the ground you're standing on even more. Having it all arranged for me meant I could switch off and actually be present. You're never stuck on the coach for hours either, and every stop is prettier than the last. Lifelong friends and memories — I'd start again tomorrow. Three weeks that fly by and you enjoy every one of them. Fair warning: the comedown afterwards is real.
Travelling on my own had me petrified, but from the moment I landed in Auckland I felt settled. The Ultimate NZ trip was incredible. I've come away with friends for life and memories that will stay with me. Learning about the culture really opened my eyes. I pushed past my comfort zone over and over and I'm so glad I did. Best thing I've done, and hats off to the Contiki managers — they're something else.
The guides are professional but also totally laid back and fun. They push you to try everything and know loads about each stop and the country itself. You reach places you never would alone. Good accommodation, and they keep you fed and watered. Brilliant trip — recommended if you're fine in a big group of travellers. And bring a suitcase, not a backpack.
Third Contiki for me and easily the pick of them. I've jumped out of a plane, done the tallest bungy in Australasia at 134m, gone backwards off the "let me tell you something" canyon swing in a chair, rafted a 7m waterfall, watched shooting stars and the Southern lights in the middle of the night, zip lined through protected forest, zorbed, nearly failed an escape room, sailed on a steamboat the same age as the Titanic, ridden a load of scooters, been to an All Black's game, turned 26, worn a towel to an odd hat boat party and plunged into glacier water. My trip manager and driver made a great pair. Loved every bit of it, and I'll be back for more of Aotearoa.
The trip of a lifetime. Our trip manager was so professional and knew so much — that's what made it. Scenery beyond anything I'd pictured. New Zealand has my heart.
The tour manager and bus driver blew away my expectations. Made a lot of good friends, and the length felt right. All planned out properly, with loads of options at every stop.
You couldn't ask for a better trip manager than ours. The route ticks off everything you'd want from a trip. The big tiki really was once in a lifetime because it gives you a bit of everything. If you're only ever taking one trip, take this one. It left me in love with New Zealand and wanting to move there — and if I never get back, I know I did the lot.
Very well run. Our trip manager was genuinely exceptional and knew far more than you'd expect on a trip like this. He was always working to give everyone the best of it, even shifting the plan on the spot when he had to. We also lucked out with a great driver. I enjoyed it a lot, though I'd say it suits extroverts. I wouldn't do it again myself — I'm more of an introvert, and even with the free time built in, I'd rather travel alone and meet people as I go.
Phenomenal trip — I'd push it on anyone. Our trip manager and driver were both brilliant, and the route was so well put together that we saw the lot without ever feeling hurried. Some of the optional experiences I'll never forget, and I came home with friendships I'll keep for good. Just book it.
The big tiki was awesome — action packed, so boredom never got a chance. Being the biggest of the modular trips, you're there start to finish and miss nothing. Our crew were great at their jobs. Recommend it.
When any of us got nervous, my trip manager coaxed us into having a go without ever making it feel like pressure — a rare talent and something I'm really grateful for. I did things I'd love to repeat tomorrow. There are some brilliant activities on offer and you'd be mad not to try them. I've made good friends from all over the world. My trip manager was superb, and so was our driver. Do it — I'd send anyone and everyone on this trip. To quote my trip manager: "If even a tiny part of you wants to do it. Do it!"
Well organised, and the optional activities were easy to book and clearly explained. Loved everyone on it, drivers and guides too. A special trip, especially for a first solo traveller.
Brilliant trip manager and bus driver. In three weeks I skydived, bungy jumped, swam with dolphins, parasailed and plenty more. The included activities, the photo stops on the way and the meals that came with it were all great. Missing the Contiki whānau 🥲
New Zealand with Contiki was exceptional. What you get out of the experiences on a group trip like this is huge, and the crew put in a serious shift the whole way through.
Great trip all round. Did some brilliant things and met some brilliant people. Both the trip manager and the driver knew the country inside out and went all out to make it stick in the memory.
The big tiki hits the top spots on both islands and is about the best introduction you could get to New Zealand's sights, culture and activities. I feel lucky to have done it, and I'd send anyone who loves the outdoors, unreal scenery and a beautiful culture. Sharing it with others makes the place feel more special again. Brit, our trip manager, was next level; so organised that everything ran smoothly and we got the most out of it. The itinerary suits everybody and the add-ons were amazing.
Contiki have it nailed. The whole thing ran like clockwork — timings, destinations, activities, no problems at all. You do move around a lot, because there's a lot to fit in, but you still get time to look around each place. What you're paying for is the travel around the country, the beds, every breakfast, some dinners and a set of included experiences. Flights, the rest of your meals and any shopping come out of your own pocket. Worth flagging that the optional add-on activities cost extra — skip them and you've got a day to wander the town or do nothing. Brit, our Contiki manager, was fantastic; she's cheery and full of life and that lifted the whole trip. She took great care of us. Thanks Contiki, what an adventure :)
Went solo. This one belongs on your list — New Zealand has a bit of everything: scenery, nature, history, thrills if you want them. Our Trip Manager was hugely experienced and made sure we got the most out of it. Met plenty of new people on the way. It beat my expectations, so five stars. Go whether you've travelled loads or never. Trip of a lifetime for the money.
Covers the best of New Zealand, but budget for the optional activities — without them some days are quiet. The included ones are nothing special and the accommodation is mixed. Comfy coach though, with chargers, which helps, and a good playlist.
Brilliant trip. I don't really do 'relaxing' holidays, and the big tiki doesn't give you the option anyway. Every day was stacked with something different, and most nights we were so wrecked that after dinner and a couple of drinks we all went to bed — good news if you don't fancy partying every night. Because it's modular, people join partway and others head off early, so bear that in mind if you get close to someone who leaves before you. Sadly ours split into those who'd started at the beginning and the ones who came in near the end; the divide was obvious, especially at dinners. Budget properly for the free-time add-ons, at least $2k, because you'll either get talked into joining in since everyone else is, or you'll be sat in a small town with nothing to do all day. I went in winter and loved it, the views are unreal. It was my first solo trip and I'll book with Contiki again on the strength of the memories.
Great trip — lovely lunch stops, big views, plenty of activities to pick from. Fast pace, but it worked. Trip manager was only okay: crossed wires on activity bookings and price changes got frustrating. Bus driver was a legend.
I had the time of my life. The friends I made are for keeps and they're what lifted it. Days can be long and full between the driving and the activities, but the memories make up for it. A couple of the places we slept could have been better, though nothing went badly wrong. If you're weighing up the 19-day big tiki against the 21, take the longer one so you're not left behind while your new mates carry on without you. Put money aside for food and drinks. Add-ons or no add-ons, you still get to wander the towns, and you're free to go out at night or just chill. There's something for everyone — but do push yourself, talk to people and give new things a go.
The big tiki was unreal. Loved the add-on options, though save up — skydiving and bungy jumping aren't cheap. Brit, our trip manager, was an absolute legend who lifted the whole thing and kept a great attitude through every challenge. Recommended if you want both islands in under a month.
Fair enough price for what it is, I reckon. Even so, I did sometimes wonder where the money went, because a few of the places we slept were one star on a good day. The Sudima hotels were lovely though.
A brilliant time with Mads and Nick — a great pair to travel with. Mads had every stage of it organised and somehow got everyone onto the add-ons they'd picked.
Loved the itinerary — plenty of variety and enough choice to cover everyone's interests. Mads talked through each activity in real detail so you could decide properly what to go for. The weather was kind to us, so barely anything of mine got called off, and where it did, Mads went out of her way to shuffle things so we could still do it. As I've said before, Mads and Nick are incredible and are why the whole thing was such a positive one for me. They were there whenever you needed anything, and a message to Mads got sorted straight away. The one thing I'd change is the activity sheet — I'd have liked dates next to the excursions when picking, so where we had more than one day somewhere I could plan around things I'd booked myself outside Contiki. That's not on Mads and Nick, mind; it was the same on my Australian Contiki three years ago.
Fantastic trip manager and bus driver who made it a laugh. Lovely people travelling with us, and memorable activities.
An absolutely brilliant trip. Mads and Nic were superb. Mads went to extraordinary lengths to get the most out of it for everyone, digging out extra places on free-time activities where there weren't any so nobody missed the experience they were after. The pair worked really well together and were easy to chat to, whether about activities, random questions or New Zealand generally. The route itself was incredible too, and with the activities I'd picked it felt properly adventurous. Anyone weighing up The Big Tiki (Reverse) should go.
Fantastic trip — New Zealand is beautiful and a lot of fun. The trip manager and the driver lifted it further. It was all booked ahead of time, we were told about every place we went, and they took us to the best spots. Thanks Contiki.
A great trip overall. My one gripe is that the coach legs sometimes dragged on because of the number of stops. Still enjoyed it.
Brilliant trip manager. I couldn't believe how much we squeezed into the time. Loved every minute, the whole-group activities most of all.
New Zealand was the best, especially with Contiki. The crew were brilliant and everything they did made it extra special. Having it all organised, being told about each city, what to do and the history, and travelling with so many others is great. Friends for life. Thank you Contiki.
Amazing. Great places, great experiences, great people. My trip manager knew so much, was excellent at the job, and ranks among the best I've had on a Contiki.
Another cracker, my sixth Contiki. Non-stop adventure with world-beating activities. New Zealand was phenomenal. Shout out to our driver Nick, an absolute legend.
What a trip. The itinerary had clearly been thought through properly and was planned to the last detail. Having activities included as well as the optional extras worked really well. Our guide was superb, running through everything on offer, nudging us to sign up and generally getting the group involved. It's a full-on one, so go with it, meet people, and remember to rest and take a second to realise you're actually here doing it.
New Zealand is stunning and Contiki is the way to see it. Brit, our trip manager, was so passionate about it and shared loads of history and culture, which I loved. Fun group too — I went solo and left with friends for life. Thinking about it? Book it 😁
New Zealand is gorgeous, and going with Contiki was the best call. Everything I wanted to see, we saw, and it was all arranged for us. The crew were brilliant and made it better than I'd pictured.
The best holiday abroad I've had. Brit and Dly were everything you'd want in a trip manager and driver — genuinely lovely people, and I'm so glad I got them.
Epic trip. Amazing experience, so many cool activities, what a way to travel. My driver and guide were great too — big shout out to Bryce and Patty for keeping it smooth and sharing all they knew. Weather cost us a few activities, nothing Contiki could control. There's so much on offer I could do the whole thing again without repeating one.
Couldn't recommend this one more. Dylan and Lucy were AMAZING — the best trip manager and bus driver going. If they were running it again I'd be back in a heartbeat. The activities were brilliant and I had the best time.
Every day was jam packed and I wouldn't change that. Whatever weather New Zealand threw at us, Lucy and Dylan always found us something in each city we stopped in, even when activities got cancelled at the last minute.
One of the best and funniest trip managers I could've asked for. Definitely worth doing, and it's left me wanting to get back to New Zealand.
Contiki is a great way in if you're thinking of travelling alone. I knew I wanted New Zealand but not where to start, and they took out the hassle — activity bookings, accommodation, the stressful bits. Included breakfasts and the accommodation beat my expectations. I hadn't realised how many activities there'd be, and the locals were so pleased to have travellers back. Our guide and driver were better than I'd hoped — shout-out to Lucy and Dylan ❤️🙌🏼
