Explore New Zealand On The Big Tiki

Discover the natural wonders of New Zealand on board The Big Tiki.

The world is full of natural beauty – but it would seem that the globe’s spectacles are heavily concentrated in New Zealand. With Contiki’s 19-day Big Tiki, you have the chance to travel the two landmasses that encompass New Zealand, exploring all that this incredible island country has to offer.

The tour starts off on the North Island in the city of Auckland, where you’ll be meeting the like-minded travellers that will be accompanying you on the trip of a lifetime. Immediately jumping aboard the air-conditioned coach, you’ll begin your journey and head northbound up New Zealand’s magnificent coastline, making a stop to discover the ancient and spiritual Kauri Forest. The final stop of the day will land you in Paihia, a small coastal town located in the heart of the Bay of Islands, with ample photographic opportunity for shots of hidden coves and subtropical beaches. The town offers a host of activities from parasailing to dolphin spotting.

After some down time at the jewel of the North Island, you’ll head back to Auckland in time to watch the sun set over the city from the incredible Sky Tower – the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere – before heading to one of Auckland’s VIP nightspots.

After leaving behind the hustle and bustle of city life, the tour journeys on through the lush farmlands of Waikato. Your coach will then arrive at Waitomo – a small town famed for its incredible natural caves. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore the famous underground chambers and see them come alive in the light of glow worms that reside in these limestone dwellings. There is even the opportunity to head deeper into the caves to do a spot of underground tubing! The day is topped off with an all-out traditional Kiwi dinner and some locally brewed beer.

The next stop on The Big Tiki tour will take you to Rotorua Lake, where you’ll spend some time immersing yourself in the local Maori mythology and culture, whilst admiring the astonishing crater that has developed into one of New Zealand’s largest lakes. The town is popular amongst tourists for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools and natural hot springs.

En route to Lake Taupo, there is the chance to stop off and admire Huka Falls, the gushing white-water that drains the lake. After marvelling at the thunderous waterfalls and enjoying a relaxed evening at Lake Taupo, the journey continues south towards Wellington.

The route towards Wellington takes you through spectacular landscapes peppered with impressive volcanoes; a backdrop widely recognised from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. Once arriving in the capital there are plenty of things to see and do from visiting arty cafes and hip bars to galleries and historical museums.

The next day marks a momentous part of the trip as you say goodbye to the North Island and begin the next leg of the adventure to the South Island. The journey involves a picturesque cruise, as idyllic bays and remote coves come into view across the horizon, making up the picturesque Marlborough Sounds. You will jump back on board the coach for a jaw-dropping route that continues south down New Zealand’s eastern coastline, eventually getting to the city of Christchurch.

The trip continues through alpine mountains with spectacular views of sharp and jagged peaks and crystal clear rivers and lakes. You will stop off at the historical town of Hokitika, a settlement that gained industrial momentum during the years of the gold rush. The voyage continues towards Franz Joseph, an area rich with green forestry and immense glaciers that tumble down the mountainside. You will even have the option to climb these mighty ice fields.

After days of rural landscape the tour will take you to the adventure capital – Queensland. There is the opportunity for the adrenaline junkies amongst you to have a go at skydiving, white-water rafting and, of course, the exhilarating Ben Nevis bungy jump – New Zealand’s highest bungy that is certainly not for the faint hearted! After getting the action-packed activities out of your system, there are a couple of days left of the tour for cementing those friendships with some fun-filled nights out.

From $3,596pp, this action-packed adventure includes 24 meals and 18 nights of accommodation in either hotels or lodges. The tour will embrace the traditions of the local Kiwi culture and unforgettable excursions to natural spectacles, making it the trip of a lifetime.

The Big Tiki and many more New Zealand tours are available with Contiki Holidays from 3-25 days. Whether you’ve got a few days or a few weeks to travel, and you’re looking to experience New Zealand and make new friends along the way, Contiki is perfect for you. Give them a call on 1300-266-845, head to Contiki.com or visit your local travel agent.

By Oonagh Turner