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Real New Zealand | End Christchurch | 2026
Tour Description:
Show-stopping scenery. Timeless tradition. Awesome adventure. Time to discover New Zealand like never before. In 15 incredible days, you’ll go from traditional Māori towns to the incredible Abel Tasman National Park and even drive down the rugged west coast of the South Island. With dreamy landscapes of River Valley, plenty of adrenaline-pumping adventures in Queenstown and even witnessing geothermal activity IRL, this is as real as it gets.
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Dates & Pricing
| Sunday 11 Jan 26 — Sunday 25 Jan 26 | Starting at $2,314 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 08 Feb 26 — Sunday 22 Feb 26 | Starting at $2,314 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 08 Mar 26 — Sunday 22 Mar 26 | Starting at $2,622 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 05 Apr 26 — Sunday 19 Apr 26 | Starting at $2,622 | 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 Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice.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
1 Lunch (L)
4 Dinner (D)
4 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
Rotorua: Set on the edge of Lake Rotorua, Ohinemutu Marae is a living Māori village where you’ll be welcomed by the local iwi (tribe) and shown what life’s like - both past and present. You’ll see how geothermal energy is used for cooking and bathing, explore the beautifully carved Meeting House and iconic St Faith’s Church, and sleep Marae-style in the wharenui (meeting house) - all together in one room, just like Māori families do today. It’s an unforgettable, first-hand experience that’s equal parts grounding, eye-opening and heartwarming.
Rotorua: Walk down to the home of the Ngāti Whakaue tribe at Ohinemutu. Check out their cooking methods, hot water vents and even outdoor bathing sheds.
Rotorua: Roll up your sleeves and dive into Māori culture as we prepare a traditional hāngi feast together. From heating the stones to layering the food underground, you’ll learn how this iconic steamed meal has been made for centuries. And of course, enjoy the flavours of Aotearoa the way locals have for generations.
Rotorua: Ever wondered what the Māori customs and protocols are? Learn all about their ‘layers of culture’ from the Māori themselves.
Rotorua: Witness Māori culture - beautiful songs, poi dance, traditional weapons. And also the spine-tingling Haka, performed exclusively for Contiki.
Rangitikei: Tucked away in the jaw-dropping Rangitikei Valley, River Valley Lodge is where unplugged nature meets full-send adventure. You can white-water raft, horse trek, or hit the trails on an e-bike (and still be back in time for a farm-to-table dinner made from the lodge’s own backyard!). Whether you're chasing adrenaline or just want to chill riverside with a good view and great vibes, this is rural NZ at its finest.
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.
Rangitikei: Dig into a wholesome organic dinner, made with locally-grown produce. You'll also get to explore the gardens and see where the food is grown. This is as fresh as it gets!
Mārahau: Ocean views? Tick. Gateway to Abel Tasman National Park? Tick. Laid-back Kiwi camping vibes with a side of yoga, outdoor movies and unbeatable stargazing? Big tick. The Barn is where golden beaches meet national park magic. It’s the perfect base to explore walking tracks by day and toast marshmallows by night. Nature lovers and chill seekers, you’re gonna love this one.
Wellington: Kick back and soak up the views as we cross between the North and South Islands aboard the Interislander Ferry, drifting past forested hills, hidden bays, and sparkling blue waters.
Mārahau: Hike across this incredible national park - taking in the gorgeous views of natural rock pools, crystal clear waters and green forests along the way.
Punakaiki Beach Camp: Ever wanted to fall asleep to crashing waves and wake up surrounded by rainforest and ancient cliffs? Welcome to Punakaiki Beach Camp. Perched between the wild West Coast and Paparoa National Park, this beachfront gem is all bonfires, Pancake Rock hikes, kayaking the Pororari River and even carving your own sandstone taonga (sacred treasure). It’s rugged, raw, and ridiculously beautiful.
Mārahau: Paddle across the river as you witness a magical sunrise. You'll learn about how the Maori honour Te Rā (the sun) and the timatanga (beginning) from the moana (ocean).
Westport: Buckle up for one of NZ’s most scenic drives as we wind our way through Buller Gorge. Think lush rainforest, dramatic river canyons, and views that’ll have you glued to the window the whole way. It’s not just a road trip, it’s nature showing off.
Punakaiki: Explore the historical Paparoa Track, passing by river gorges, forests, limestone cliffs and non-stop jaw-dropping views. It's one of NZ's most famous walks for a reason!
Punakaiki: Taste a Māori classic delicacy - a whitebait fritter (basically - an omlette with whitebait)! We'll enjoy a BBQ dinner at Punakaiki Beach Camp and settle down by a campfire to enjoy it with the crew.
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks: These rock formations didn’t just pop up overnight! They’ve been shaped by karst and coastal erosion over millions of years, thanks to ancient sea creatures, shifting tectonic plates, and ocean forces. Nature's finest work? Quite possibly.
Punakaiki: Come check out this beautifully rugged west coast beach - perfect for your photo ops (with a sunset backdrop)!
Wānaka: This historical pub is one of the oldest ones in all of New Zealand! It's also one of the last standing buildings from the gold rush era. And it's also where we'll grab dinner tonight.
Doubtful Sound: The Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise takes you deep into Fiordland’s wild heart (that’s accessible only by boat and coach!), You’ll kayak through glossy water, hear actual silence, and spot dolphins, seals, and even penguins doing their thing. We’re staying onboard in comfy twin-share cabins with ensuites, and there’s a chef serving up gourmet meals made with local produce and fresh seafood. It’s moody, magical, and 100% unforgettable.
Doubtful Sound: Hop on a boat (with a viewing deck!) for a ride across New Zealand’s second largest lake. Rugged cliffs, beautiful bays and serene waters - you won’t find this kinda natural beauty anywhere else.
Doubtful Sound: Hop on our private coach to ride over the Wilmot Pass that can only be reached by boat. Be prepared to witness a kaleidoscope of stunning rainforest scenery and waterfalls.
Doubtful Sound: Sip some refreshing tea and chef-made cakes that are traditional to New Zealand, all on board a cruise.
Doubtful Sound: A guided kayaking tour is the ultimate way to get up close to the beautiful waters of Doubtful Sound. Jaw-dropping waterfalls, dolphins, penguins, seals - there’s no end to astonishing sights here.
Doubtful Sound: Ready for the coolest once-in-a-lifetime experience? It’s time to jump into glacial waters at Doubtful Sound.
Doubtful Sound: This is your chance to learn all about the land, flora and fauna around this Fiordland. Best part? You’ll have a nature specialist to give you all the details.
Doubtful Sound: Fill up on some delicious chef-made food made with local ingredients, on board a cruise.
1 Lunch (L)
4 Dinner (D)
4 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
Rotorua: Set on the edge of Lake Rotorua, Ohinemutu Marae is a living Māori village where you’ll be welcomed by the local iwi (tribe) and shown what life’s like - both past and present. You’ll see how geothermal energy is used for cooking and bathing, explore the beautifully carved Meeting House and iconic St Faith’s Church, and sleep Marae-style in the wharenui (meeting house) - all together in one room, just like Māori families do today. It’s an unforgettable, first-hand experience that’s equal parts grounding, eye-opening and heartwarming.
Rotorua: Walk down to the home of the Ngāti Whakaue tribe at Ohinemutu. Check out their cooking methods, hot water vents and even outdoor bathing sheds.
Rotorua: Roll up your sleeves and dive into Māori culture as we prepare a traditional hāngi feast together. From heating the stones to layering the food underground, you’ll learn how this iconic steamed meal has been made for centuries. And of course, enjoy the flavours of Aotearoa the way locals have for generations.
Rotorua: Ever wondered what the Māori customs and protocols are? Learn all about their ‘layers of culture’ from the Māori themselves.
Rotorua: Witness Māori culture - beautiful songs, poi dance, traditional weapons. And also the spine-tingling Haka, performed exclusively for Contiki.
Rangitikei: Tucked away in the jaw-dropping Rangitikei Valley, River Valley Lodge is where unplugged nature meets full-send adventure. You can white-water raft, horse trek, or hit the trails on an e-bike (and still be back in time for a farm-to-table dinner made from the lodge’s own backyard!). Whether you're chasing adrenaline or just want to chill riverside with a good view and great vibes, this is rural NZ at its finest.
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.
Rangitikei: Dig into a wholesome organic dinner, made with locally-grown produce. You'll also get to explore the gardens and see where the food is grown. This is as fresh as it gets!
Mārahau: Ocean views? Tick. Gateway to Abel Tasman National Park? Tick. Laid-back Kiwi camping vibes with a side of yoga, outdoor movies and unbeatable stargazing? Big tick. The Barn is where golden beaches meet national park magic. It’s the perfect base to explore walking tracks by day and toast marshmallows by night. Nature lovers and chill seekers, you’re gonna love this one.
Wellington: Kick back and soak up the views as we cross between the North and South Islands aboard the Interislander Ferry, drifting past forested hills, hidden bays, and sparkling blue waters.
Mārahau: Hike across this incredible national park - taking in the gorgeous views of natural rock pools, crystal clear waters and green forests along the way.
Punakaiki Beach Camp: Ever wanted to fall asleep to crashing waves and wake up surrounded by rainforest and ancient cliffs? Welcome to Punakaiki Beach Camp. Perched between the wild West Coast and Paparoa National Park, this beachfront gem is all bonfires, Pancake Rock hikes, kayaking the Pororari River and even carving your own sandstone taonga (sacred treasure). It’s rugged, raw, and ridiculously beautiful.
Mārahau: Paddle across the river as you witness a magical sunrise. You'll learn about how the Maori honour Te Rā (the sun) and the timatanga (beginning) from the moana (ocean).
Westport: Buckle up for one of NZ’s most scenic drives as we wind our way through Buller Gorge. Think lush rainforest, dramatic river canyons, and views that’ll have you glued to the window the whole way. It’s not just a road trip, it’s nature showing off.
Punakaiki: Explore the historical Paparoa Track, passing by river gorges, forests, limestone cliffs and non-stop jaw-dropping views. It's one of NZ's most famous walks for a reason!
Punakaiki: Taste a Māori classic delicacy - a whitebait fritter (basically - an omlette with whitebait)! We'll enjoy a BBQ dinner at Punakaiki Beach Camp and settle down by a campfire to enjoy it with the crew.
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks: These rock formations didn’t just pop up overnight! They’ve been shaped by karst and coastal erosion over millions of years, thanks to ancient sea creatures, shifting tectonic plates, and ocean forces. Nature's finest work? Quite possibly.
Punakaiki: Come check out this beautifully rugged west coast beach - perfect for your photo ops (with a sunset backdrop)!
Wānaka: This historical pub is one of the oldest ones in all of New Zealand! It's also one of the last standing buildings from the gold rush era. And it's also where we'll grab dinner tonight.
Doubtful Sound: The Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise takes you deep into Fiordland’s wild heart (that’s accessible only by boat and coach!), You’ll kayak through glossy water, hear actual silence, and spot dolphins, seals, and even penguins doing their thing. We’re staying onboard in comfy twin-share cabins with ensuites, and there’s a chef serving up gourmet meals made with local produce and fresh seafood. It’s moody, magical, and 100% unforgettable.
Doubtful Sound: Hop on a boat (with a viewing deck!) for a ride across New Zealand’s second largest lake. Rugged cliffs, beautiful bays and serene waters - you won’t find this kinda natural beauty anywhere else.
Doubtful Sound: Hop on our private coach to ride over the Wilmot Pass that can only be reached by boat. Be prepared to witness a kaleidoscope of stunning rainforest scenery and waterfalls.
Doubtful Sound: Sip some refreshing tea and chef-made cakes that are traditional to New Zealand, all on board a cruise.
Doubtful Sound: A guided kayaking tour is the ultimate way to get up close to the beautiful waters of Doubtful Sound. Jaw-dropping waterfalls, dolphins, penguins, seals - there’s no end to astonishing sights here.
Doubtful Sound: Ready for the coolest once-in-a-lifetime experience? It’s time to jump into glacial waters at Doubtful Sound.
Doubtful Sound: This is your chance to learn all about the land, flora and fauna around this Fiordland. Best part? You’ll have a nature specialist to give you all the details.
Doubtful Sound: Fill up on some delicious chef-made food made with local ingredients, on board a cruise.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYAuckland to Rotorua
Are you ready for an authentic adventure-packed ride through New Zealand? We begin our journey in Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau), its largest city. It’s time to say hello to your brand new crew before we make our way to our first destination. See that cloud of steam bubbling from the ground? That’s how you know you’re in the natural wonderland of Rotorua! Drop your bags off at our lakeside Marae Special Stay before we join a traditional Māori welcome ceremony. Then we'll get together to prep a traditional steamed meal - hangi. And while it's cooking, head out for an introductory tour of Ohinemutu Village & learn all about Tikanga and Kawa - Māori customs and protocols. Then, it's back to the guesthouse to reap the reward of our prep, and enjoy a delicious hangi dinner with the crew. Best first day ever? Quite possibly.
Rotorua
Morning, travellers! Fresh air, serene views and a hearty breakfast awaits. You’ve got the entire day to spend exploring this charming landscape with a hike, zipline or tour of Hobbiton - you choose. Later this evening, we'll regroup at the marae to learn about traditional Māori performing arts, including the superbly epic Haka (specially composed for Contiki!). Oh, what a day it’s been! And to think that the adventure has just begun…
Rotorua to Rangitikei via Taupō
It’s time for some more exploration. Fill up on some breakfast before we say farewell to our Māori friends. We’re in the Kiwi land, so you know we’re making a stop at the National Kiwi Hatchery - where you’ll learn all about Kiwi conservation and get some cuteness overload from the baby chicks! Hungry? You’re free to grab some lunch at a scenic spot in the beautiful town of Taupō (Taupo-nui-a-Tia). And then it’s back on the coach to our next destination.Welcome to the oh-so-beautiful River Valley! You can either hire an e-bike and explore the wilderness on your own, or for a bit of adventure, try your hand at white water rafting. And in the evening, feast yourself to a wholesome & traditional farm-to-table dinner.
Rangitikei to Wellington via Paraparaumu
Morning Kiwis, today we’ll wave goodbye to the undulating mountains and make our way down to the coast.Today’s lunch pitstop? The cute and sunny town of Paraparaumu. Feast yourself on good food and good views before we hit the road one more time. (Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for a quick glimpse of the South Island!) 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). Sign up for 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 Mārahau via Motueka
So long North Island! Today we're making tracks for your southern brother, darting across the Cook Strait via the Interislander ferry.As zesty as its famous fruit - Motueka hops, we’ll arrive in the gateway to NZ’s small but stunning Abel National Park.Aaand we’re officially here. We’re in THE Abel Tasman National Park (one of NZ's most famous). Guess what? Tonight, we'll be staying in cosy little cabins right inside the national park(!). So, get ready for a non-stop show of incredible natural beauty - birds, islands, forests - you name it.
Mārahau
You’ve got the ENTIRE day to explore this natural wonderland just the way you like. River canyoning, skydiving, sailing, hiking - the options are endless. With its golden sandy beaches & lush rainforests that line up across the ocean - you just know Mother Nature took her time with this one.
Mārahau to Punakaiki via Kaiteriteri and Murchison
Buh Bye beautiful Mārahau! We’ve got a long day ahead of us.A sunrise paddle Waka? Yup. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll learn all about the ancient Māori practice this morning (and quite possibly catch one of the best sunrise views of your lifetime!).Time for a quick lunch pitstop in this historic gold rush town, decorated by two wonderful rivers. We’ll then drive down the rugged northwest coast, passing by rainforests & beaches (on a clear day you can even see the stunning Aoraki/Mt Cook!).First things first, we’ll head out to explore the famed Paparoa Track. Expect alpine tops, limestone landscapes, thriving rainforests and jaw-dropping views. Next on the agenda? An optional but highly recommended - paddleboarding and sandstone carving experience. And for dinner? Traditional Māori food. We’ll sit by a campfire and prepare a BBQ dinner of whitebait fritters (and more) and watch the starry sky gleaming above us as we settle into our beach camps. This is what dreams are made of, people.
Punakaiki to Wānaka via Franz Josef and Haast
Punakaiki - you’ve been mesmerising. But we’ve got more wonders waiting to be explored!Yes, they’re 300 million years old. Yes, they look incredible And yes, they look like stacks of pancakes. But no, you can’t eat them. Admire (and you will) from a distance.We'll pull up for lunch in glorious Franz Josef (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere), probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever have set your eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.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.What. A. Beauty. Get ready to witness some of the best views of your lifetime. We’ve satisfied our inner adventurer, now it’s time to satisfy our hungry tummies. Tonight, we’ll grab some dinner at a rustic 150-year-old hotel (with the mountains as our backdrop!). And then it’s back to our hotel to rest our travel-tired limbs.
Wānaka
It’s adventure time! Today is yours to spend just the way you like. Rock climbing, hiking, skydiving - Wanaka is an adrenaline junkie’s dream. When evening rolls around, why not check out one of the local restaurants, or grab some takeaway and head down to the lake’s edge, and watch the sun dip behind Mount Aspiring National Park? It's the perfect way to wrap up your day.
Wānaka to Doubtful Sound via Lake Manapōuri
It’s time to say goodbye to Wānaka today. But there’s no need to shed tears just yet. Because after breakfast, we’re driving to another stunning lake. Got your camera ready? We’re hopping on a cruise to check out the impressive landscape around Lake Manapōuri. But that’s not all. We’ll also drive through the incredibly lush rainforests at Wilmot Pass. Now, this? This is natural beauty at its peak. Welcome onboard. You'll be spending tonight on a luxurious boat (with chefs on board!) So, hop on. Enjoy some afternoon tea and get ready for some more adventure! You’ll kayak through the serene waters, plunge into the icy Fiord and tour Doubtful Sound (Patea) with a nature expert to tell us everything about this extraordinary landscape. And after all that adventure chasing, we’ll be back on board to feast on a chef-made dinner with local produce. And then, it’s just games, music, cruising and good times with your new mates. Fabulous.
Doubtful Sound to Queenstown via Lake Manapōuri
Another day to spend exploring the Fiordland? Wow. Today, you’ll hop on a coach and get another look at Wilmot Pass. It’s time to set sail on Lake Manapōuri again, and make our journey towards the final destination of this trip. Welcome to Queenstown (Tāhuna)! Make sure to get some rest tonight for the adventure that awaits us tomorrow.
Queenstown
Free time to explore is all you’ve got today - and oh gosh, there’s no end to what you can do here. Bungy jumping, canyon swings, climbing waterfalls, vineyard tours, zip lining, skydiving - we bet you’ll wanna do it all! Afterwards, you can grab some dinner with your crew before resting your travel-tired limbs for round two of the adventure tomorrow.Please Note: The Free Time Add Ons which take place on Day 13 & Day 14 can be booked for either day and your Trip Manager will arrange this for you.
Queenstown
You already know what we’re doing today - ticking off your bucket list! You’re free to spend the day continuing your adventure. Today, you can even choose to have dinner at the Skyline restaurant which has panoramic views of Queenstown. It’s the last full day of the trip, so don’t forget to live it up.
Queenstown to Christchurch
After 15 days filled with adventure, culture, cities and sticks (and getting to know what New Zealand is really ‘bout) - it’s time to say goodbye. What a ride it has been! If you've chosen to get a transfer to Christchurch, hop on! And the journey has finally come to an end. Don’t forget to exchange contacts with your crew. Because after a magical journey like this one, we bet you’ll want to do it all over again.
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.
