Northern Choice Reverse – New Zealand Tour for Young Adults & Young Solo Travellers

Northern Choice Reverse Tours for Young Adults

The one that takes you on an adrenaline-filled journey from the South Island to the North

Just how much mind-boggling can be packed into a 12-day holiday? Quite a lot when you’re prancing around New Zealand. We’ll sashay our way from Auckland to Christchurch, chowing down on fish’n’chips and Maori hāngi meals, watching geothermic mud pools boil & signing up for adrenalin rushes that will buzz on in our minds ’til we’re old and grey.

“70 percent join our trips solo”

“70% of our travellers join our trips solo, so you’ll travel with like-minded young people who want to make friends, experience new things and create lifelong memories. This is the best way to turn solo travel into the most social travel imaginable.” (Cited from the very experienced and internationally popular operator of this tour for young adults. For the latest info and eventual changes see here)

“Most popular youth travel company in the world”

Info by the very experienced and internationally popular operator of this tour for young adults (“Most popular youth travel company in the world”, Wikipedia): “Our trips are exclusively for 18-35s, and whether you join us solo or in a group, our trips are designed so you can share incredible experiences with young travellers just like you.”

Reviews by tour participants:

4.6 out of 5 stars (175 Reviews)* (all reviews and the latest rating available on the details page

Target age group:

18 to 35 (35 to 45 at “Reunion Trips“)

Trip duration and price:

12 days, 1 country from about $ 1896* (final prices – also in other currencies like British £ or € – available on the booking page)

Destinations:

Australia > New Zealand

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Planned Itinerary:

Day 1: Christchurch

Kaikoura

Day 2: Kaikoura

Day 3: Kaikoura

Wellington

Day 4: Wellington

Day 5: Wellington

Mount Ruapehu

Day 6: Mount Ruapehu

Lake Taupō

Day 7: Lake Taupō

Huka Falls

Rotorua

Day 8: Rotorua

Day 9: Rotorua

Auckland

Day 10: Auckland

Whangarei

Paihia

Day 11: Paihia

Day 12: Paihia

Auckland

Day 1: Christchurch to Kaikoura

Christchurch

Contiki crew, are you ready?! We’ll kick start the morning with an inspiring tour of the city that was totally rebuilt after the Christchurch earthquake in 2011. Look out for the Cardboard Cathedral, the only cathedral in the world to be built mostly from plain old cardboard!
Next, we’re back on the Contiki coach, travelling through South Island to reach Kaikoura by lunch.

Kaikoura

We’ll stop off at a seal colony on the seafront to get our daily fix of cuteness, before heading to Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue to meet a local wildlife biologist, Sabrina Leucht. She has been working to build a dedicated wildlife hospital in Kaikoura and Contiki has been helping with the fundraising! We’ll learn about the types of wildlife we might encounter here, which threats they face, and what we can all do to make a difference – locally and in our own hometowns.

After a busy day of wildlife wonders, we’ll check into our seafront hotel, before heading out for a spot of dinner. Did you know that Kaikoura literally translates into ‘eat (kai) crayfish (koura)’? So, no prizes for guessing what type of local cuisine we’ll be trying!

Sudima Kaikoura (Or similar)Day 2: Kaikoura

Kaikoura
We all love a free day – especially one spent in beautiful Kaikoura! We recommend taking a whale watching tour, where you’ll have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales in action, as well cute seas and dusky dolphins. Other free time add-ons include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Kaikoura Peninsula, a kayak trip across the coastline, and more. We’ll stay another night in Kaikoura after an action-packed day, before heading to Christchurch tomorrow morning.

Sudima Kaikoura (Or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Take a Flight Over the Pacific Ocean Enjoy a scenic flight above the Kaikōura Penninsula and up to the mountains for a landing . This spot provides 360 degrees of breathtaking panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean and Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. If you are lucky enough to be here in the winter months you will get a bonus snow landing. All prices are in local currency.
Additional costs apply

See Seals on a Kayak Tour Enjoy the New Zealand Fur Seals as they play around and under your kayak in their natural habitat, while you are able to take pictures with ease. All prices are in local currency.
Additional costs apply

Go Whale Watching in Kaikoura Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. These Sperm Whales share these waters with up to 14 other species of whales and dolphins that migrate past at different times of the year. This unique marine experience also provides an opportunity to sight high-spirited Dusky Dolphins, the rare and endangered Hectors Dolphin, New Zealand Fur Seals and a wide variety of sea birds including the Royal Albatross. Whale Watch takes you on an unforgettable journey, in purpose built vessels that provide great viewing and photographic opportunities.
Whale Watch have a 95% success rate with viewing whales and guarantee an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. All prices are in local currency.
Additional costs apply

View Whales from the Air View whales and dolphins in their natural environment, and gain an insight into their world. Kaikōura is home to sperm whales year round, as well as a popular migratory and feeding route for many other species of whales and dolphins. From the air passengers can experience the true magnitude of the world’s largest mammal, the whale. These animals can reach an impressive 18 metres in length and weigh up to 60 tonne! All prices are in local currency.
Additional costs apply

Take the Drive of your LifeSpeeding through native bush and hill country farmland, dashing through manuka glades and checking out the seals at Haumuri Bluffs… It’s a wild ride, but don’t worry – we’ll calm our engines with a tea and cookie break under the sumptuous sun.
Additional costs apply

Day 3: Kaikoura to Wellington

KaikouraAfter breakfast, we’ll head back on the Contiki coach, destination Wellington: the capital of NZ since 1865, when it replaced Auckland. Almost thirty years later, Wellington parliament was the first in the world to allow women the right to vote. A pretty cool city all in all.WellingtonBy the afternoon, we’ll have reached Wellington, just in time for a tour of the city. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington, and a chance to explore the great food scene, a night on the town will be on the cards.

Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Day 4: WellingtonMake Travel Matter®

Wellington
Ready to explore Wellington in all its glory? Today, we’ll 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!

Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Make Travel Matter®Meet NZ’s Amazing Wildlife (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)The ultimate way to experience New Zealand’s rare and amazing wildlife! Join one of the experienced guides on an engaging and informative walk through the picturesque sanctuary to witness the native wildlife that is once again living on the mainland. With everything in ZEALANDIA living wild, the nature-guru guides will use their knowledge of birdsong, habitats, and local flora to track down even the rarest of NZ’s unique animals. All prices are in local currency.
Additional costs apply

Day 5: Wellington to Mount Ruapehu

WellingtonWe wave goodbye to Wellington and its beautiful scenery and we prepare ourselves for our next adventure – and trust us, this one is bucket-list worthy.Mount RuapehuKnown as the après-ski capital of the North island, Ohakune is a tranquil town with stupendous view. Today you have the option to go mountain biking along one of NZ’s most picturesque track, “the Old Coach Rd” or spend the day bettering your skills on the slopes or generally treating yourself to all the snowy based activities on offer, then tonight snuggle down in our Special Stay ski lodge, located in prime position at the base of Mt. Ruapehu.

Kings Ohakune (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

Included ExperienceCheck out some LOTR Filming SpotsSee even more of the sights made famous by “The Lord of the Rings.”Included ExperienceSee an Active StratovolcanoToday we’ll check out Mt Ruapehu, an active stratovolcano elevated almost 2,800 metres into the air!Explore Old Coach Road by Bike Mountain Bike on a historic historic “horse & cart” trail. With the stunning back drop of Mt Ruapehu, you will traverse through native bush, farmland & over an old train viaduct. All prices are in local currency.
Additional costs apply

Day 6: Mount Ruapehu to Lake Taupō

Mount RuapehuWake up in the spectacular surroundings of Mt. Ruapehu with the epic views of the volcano, and you have the option this morning to go mountain biking along one of NZ’s most picturesque track, “the Old Coach Rd” before we head to Taupō. Lake TaupōVolcanic 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.

Lakeland Resort Taupō (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Take a Huka Jet Ride Along the Waikato RiverJump into a jet boat & hit the Waikato river in a thrilling ride. Cruise along at high speeds up to the surging Huka Falls. Our experienced professional driver will show the group a few tricks along the way, including some 360º turns. www.hukajet.com All prices are in local currency.
Additional costs apply

Take a Sunset Dinner Cruise on Lake TaupōGet out on Lake Taupō in a luxury cruise boat & try your hand at fishing – the local sport. If the weather is right, tuck into dinner on deck & then have a go at some karaoke – it is the perfect way to start the night off with some fun. All prices are in local currency. www.chrisjolly.co.nz
Additional costs apply

Skydive Above the Southern Hemisphere’s Largest LakeThe journey begins with a scenic flight above the central plateau, taking in views of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest lake. Your excitement climbs with the altitude. Exiting the plane at up to 15,000 feet, you experience the exhilaration of free falling at 200 kilometres per hour! Catch your breath as you enjoy a spectacular parachute ride back to Earth. All prices are in local currency. www.taupotandemskydiving.com
Additional costs apply

Day 7: Lake Taupō to Rotorua

Lake TaupōAs we leave Lake Taupō keep an eye out for even more recognisable ‘The Lord of the Rings’ backdrops.

Huka Falls220,000 litres (58 000 gallons) of water gush over Huka Falls per second. Just let that sink in for a minute. Wild, right?RotoruaWhen you catch your first whiff of that… ‘unusual’ sulphur smell, you’ll know we’ve arrived in Rotorua. Upon arrival in Rotorua we get to learn some fascinating info on NZ’s national birds, as well as watch new lives hatch right in front of our eyes! How impressed are you right now? Soak in a hotspring, go skydiving or take a canopy tour – there’s plenty of time for you to make the best of this town. Tonight we enjoy a Maori cultural performance and feast on a Hāngi dinner that is sweetly roasted in the ground.

Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

Included ExperienceVisit the New Zealand Kiwi Hatchery MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience 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.
Included ExperienceSee Mud Pools in Rotorua Wait til you see ’em. Wait til you smell ’em. These geothermic mudpools are a thing to behold.Included ExperienceWatch a Traditional Māori Cultural PerformanceA traditional Māori cultural performance, topped off with a traditional Māori feast… this ought to satisfy even the keenest of culture vultures.
Included ExperienceFeel the Power of Huka FallsHuka 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(!)
Go ZorbingTake it to another level with this truly different wild experience! Get ready to roll as you travel downhill in a large transparent ball, either on your own, with a friend (or two!) Keep it wet or dry or with the choice of adding a bucket of water to take it up a level. All prices are in local currency. https://zorb.com/
Please note: Price varies between $40-$120 depending on what zorb you select; straight, sidewinder, mega or a combo.
Additional costs apply

Day 8: Rotorua

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.

Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Go White Water Rafting in Kaitiaki Get out on the Kaituna river on a rafting adventure. With your expert guide on hand, share the adventure with your mates as you feel the thrills! We’ll provide all the safety gear you need – so get ready for action. www.kaitiaki.co.nz All prices are in local currency.
Additional costs apply

Take a Hike in Mt Tarawera Experience the unique landscape & history of Mt Tarawera. Infamous for its eruption on June 10th, 1886, Mt Tarawera created the world’s youngest geothermal valley of Waimangu. This fully guided walking experience gives you unmatched scenic vistas, 360 panoramic views & includes an optional run in to the heart of the volcanic crater. All prices are in local currency. www.kaitiaki.co.nz
Additional costs apply

Take the Rotorua Ultimate Canopy TourCanopy tours zipline adventure activity is the experience of a lifetime. It’s a magnificent environment you will visit – a long forgotten ancient forest just like the whole of New Zealand once was, it’s a low impact mode of transport to get you high in the ancient canopy! All prices are in local currency. www.canopytours.co.nz
Additional costs apply

Tour the Hobbiton Movie Set Experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
You will be fully guided on a walking tour around the set; past Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon Inn, where you will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit Southfarthing beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth adventure.
The trip includes return transfer from Rotorua. All prices are in local currency.
Additional costs apply

Day 9: Rotorua to Auckland

RotoruaTa-ra, Rotorua! We head to Auckland for lunchtime, where there’s an array of awesome Free-Time Add-Ons to choose from.AucklandAdrenaline junkies, get ready for a bungee jump, climb over the iconic harbour bridge or sky jump off the Skywalk. For those who prefer to keep two feet on the ground, why not get your taste buds tingling with a multi-sensory icecream experience at Giapo?

Lylo (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Go Behind the Scenes at Giapo’s Experience the amazing creations of the ice-cream artist, Giapo. Walk through his kitchen to learn, see & most importantly taste his most spectacular & crazy treats. All prices are in local currency. www.giapo.com
Additional costs apply

Bungy Jump off Harbour Bridge Forget shopping & cafes on Ponsonby Road – if you want an activity in Auckland that really showcases the true Kiwi spirit, then the 40 metre Auckland Bridge Bungy is not be be missed. Featuring stunning views of the Waitemata Harbour & an exclusive bridge walk out to our specially constrcuted Bungy pod, this experience will thrill & surprise you, especially if you opt for a water-touch & enjoy a nice ocean dip! All prices are in local currency. www.bungy.co.nz
Additional costs apply

Discover Harbour Bridge with a Local GuideAJ Hackett Bungy provides the only walking access onto this Auckland landmark, complete with your very own tour gude to share with you the Bridge’s colourful secrets & amazing architectural features, as well as point out some of the best Auckland sights. All prices are in local currency. www.bungy.co.nz
Additional costs apply

Try New Zealand’s Highest Jump Skyjump is an incredible adrenaline rush in the heart of Auckland, New Zealand’s highest jump & only base jump by wire. Plummet 192 metres off the Sky Tower at 85km an hour! Completely safe & utterly unforgettable. All prices are in local currency. www.skywalk.co.nz
Additional costs apply

Take a Sky Walk Across Sky TowerInch along a narrow walkway around the Sky Tower, high above Auckland. No handrail, nothing but thin air & the city 192 metres below, SkyWalk is an exhilarating challenge you’ll never forget. Our guides point out Auckland attractions, tell you stories and challenge you to daredevil tricks. For a big New Zealand adventure, 360° panoramic views of Auckland & extraordinary memoires, Skywalk the ledge. All prices are in local currency.
Additional costs apply

Day 10: Auckland to Paihia

AucklandWe’ll cross Aucklands Harbour Bridge admiring the ‘City of Sails’ harbour before starting our journey north to Paihia.

WhangareiBut first, a stop off at the stunning yacht marina in Whangarei. Here we’ll check out the weird and wonderful Huderwassert art centre, a unique architectural project dedicated to the ecological activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. After lunch we’ll hit the road again onwards to the Bay of Islands.PaihiaOn arrival to the Bay of Islands we’re starting off with a dose of Kiwi history on a guided tour at Waitangi Treaty grounds where in 1840 New Zealand officially became a nation of two communities. And because we like to give you that something extra, how about a free admission at the Treaty museum, in case you seek a bit more detail on Kiwi history. Tonight we’ll feast like the locals as we enjoy a true Kiwiana fish’n’chips as we overlook the glittering Bay of Islands.

Bounty Motel (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

Included ExperienceSee the Iconic ‘City of Sails’ HarbourWith sailboats at every angle, this is a beaut view indeed.Included ExperienceDiscover the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a Local Guide The Waitangi Treaty Grounds might just be NZ’s most important historical site, marking the place where the British Crown and the Māori people signed their first accords back in 1840.
Included ExperienceEat Fish and Chips Kiwi Style in PaihiaA dinner of fish ‘n’ chips, enjoyed while overlooking the Bay of Islands in Paihia. Is this heaven? No sir, it’s just salt and vinegar.
Included ExperienceView the Hundertwasser Art CenterSee the work of the visionary Austrian painter, architect and ecological activist who made New Zealand his spiritual home.

Parasail Over the Bay of IslandsTake off over the stunning Bay of Islands in New Zealand’s highest parasail ride. Choose to fly by yourself or with a friend as a jet boat pulls you through the open waters. Take in the fantastic views & enjoy the ride. All prices are in local currency. www.parasail-nz.co.nz
Additional costs apply

Day 11: Paihia

Paihia
Whether it’s parasailing or a fast boat ride – today’s (idyllic) list of optionals reads like a who’s who of adventure. This area is filled with natural beauty and is sure to inspire your inner wild child. Make the most of the ME Time experiences on offer – tomorrow we head back to the big city vibes.

Bounty Motel (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Discover NZ’s Northernmost PointOn this full-day tour, you’ll get the background on the region & travel from Paihia to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s most northern point. With off-roading, a drive up 90 mile beach & amazing Northland scenery, this is a full experience. Cap it all off with a local favourite – fish ’n’ chips. https://www.dolphincruises.co.nz
All prices are in local currency.
Additional costs apply

Set Sail in CarinoThis is the perfect way to explore the Bay of Islands. Board a catamaran & island hop around the region. Cool off in the crystal-clear waters, try some snorkelling & keep your eyes open for the resident dolphins. Once you’ve worked up that appetite, there’s a delicious BBQ lunch waiting for you. https://wildlifecruises.co.nz/All prices are in local currency.
Additional costs apply

Discover the Bay of IslandsCruise among the 144 islands visiting the iconic Hole in the Rock potentially viewing marine mammals (dolphins, orcas or whales) along the way. For lunch we stop at Urupukapuka Island, here you can explore the rich & long history at the Otehei Bay Island Conservation Centre. Also learn about the restorative work of Project Island Song to return native bird life back to the Bay. All prices are in local currency. www.exploregroup.co.nz
Additional costs apply

Parasail Over the Bay of IslandsTake off over the stunning Bay of Islands in New Zealand’s highest parasail ride. Choose to fly by yourself or with a friend as a jet boat pulls you through the open waters. Take in the fantastic views & enjoy the ride. All prices are in local currency. www.parasail-nz.co.nz
Additional costs apply

Skydive over the Bay of IslandsThe journey begins with a scenic flight, taking in views of the subtropical islands that give the Bay of Islands its name. Your excitement climbs with the altitude. Exiting the plane at up to 15,000 feet, you experience the exhilaration of free falling at 200 kilometres per hour! Catch your breath as you enjoy a spectacular parachute ride back to Earth. All prices are in local currency. www.taupotandemskydiving.com
Additional costs apply

Day 12: Paihia to Auckland

PaihiaFeeling salty and sun-kissed we’ll wave goodbye to beautiful Paihia and sashay our way back down NZ in the direction of Auckland.AucklandOur adventure comes to an end in Auckland today. Make sure you swap contact deets and start planning the next adventure. Anyone for ‘Straya?

Included Meals:

Breakfast

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details & booking page

Some of the Highlights:

You’ll find all highlights and eventual changes on the details page

FAQs:

You’ll find all FAQs and the latest info on the details page

Included Meals:

11 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Team:

Expert Trip Manager + Driver Team + Local Guides

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Group Size:

Average 45 people

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Transfers:

Coach

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

More Details:

You’ll find all details and the latest updates on the details & booking page

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(Partially) travel with a nice group or entirely travel solo?

By booking an organized New Zealand tour for young adults or other Australia trips for young people you can not only reduce planning hassle, but often also save money, as tour operators can buy accommodations, transportation, etc. in larger contingents in advance and thus get special conditions. You will also benefit from the experience of the tour operator, professional tour guides (whose stories you can enjoy…) and have the easy opportunity to meet nice fellow travelers when traveling in a group. Anyone who has traveled before will know that travel companions or other traveling acquaintances are one of the most essential factors for unforgettable experiences. In addition, you usually have enough individual freedom even with organized tours and you can, if the arrival and departure is not included, additionally extend your stay individually before or after the group tour with young adults. If you still prefer to organize your trip completely on your own and travel independently, then you’ll find all the practical tools you need to plan and book quickly & cheaply on our individual travel page.