Sun and Steam – New Zealand Tour for Young Adults & Young Solo Travellers

Sun and Steam Tours for Young Adults

The one that gives you endless ‘sweet as’ moments on this ultimate NZ mini-break

Over 20 optional adventures & a banquet of inclusions; this is going to be a week to remember. The brave will hurl themselves down a hill in an inflated Zorb ball, the more chilled will take a boat cruise around the Bay of Islands. Then we’ll all compare notes of Hobbits, fish ‘n’ chips, the Haka over a few drinks in the city of Auckland.

“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 (66 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:

6 days, 1 country from about $ 1079* (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: Auckland

Whangarei

Paihia

Day 2: Paihia

Day 3: Paihia

Auckland

Day 4: Auckland

Rotorua

Day 5: Rotorua

Day 6: Rotorua

Auckland

Day 1: Auckland to Paihia

AucklandWelcome to the land of the long white cloud: New Zealand! Time to meet your Contiki crew and get ready for the adventures on the horizon. We’ll cross Auckland’s 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 wonderful Hunderwassert 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:

DinnerIncluded ExperienceCross Auckland’s Harbour BridgeCameras at the ready folks, the views will be extraordinary here.Included ExperienceSee the Iconic ‘City of Sails’ HarbourWith sailboats at every angle, this is a beaut view indeed.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.

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.

Day 2: Paihia

Paihia
Whether it’s parasailing or cruising the Bay of Islands while sailing on Carino – 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 Free Time Add-On 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 3: Paihia to Auckland

PaihiaAfter breakfast this morning, feeling full, salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia & sashay our way back down NZ in the direction of Auckland.AucklandArriving in Auckland we’ve got a array of awesome Free-Time Add-Ons to choose from. Adrenaline 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

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

Join the All Blacks Experience of RugbyJourney through New Zealand’s culture and history via the national sport. Test your rugby skills, learn all about the glorious Haka, and the All Blacks team of New Zealand (one of the world’s most successful teams).
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

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

Day 4: Auckland to Rotorua

AucklandLaters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand’s best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Rotorua.RotoruaHere in this natural wonderland, we’ll start by visiting the world’s largest kiwi bird conservation project. We’ll watch the birds roam, stand in a human-sized kiwi burrow and even visit the incubation centre where over 2,100 kiwi chicks have been born. Tonight, we’ll go heavier on culture with a traditional Māori dinner and performance (and you’ll also have the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA).

Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

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 ExperienceSee Mud Pools in Rotorua Wait til you see ’em. Wait til you smell ’em. These geothermic mudpools are a thing to behold.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.
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 5: 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 6: Rotorua to Auckland

Rotorua
Just as we were acclimatising to that funky smell, it’s time to leave Rotorua, taking one last look at the bubbling geothermic mud pools before we flee.
Auckland
Arriving into Auckland marks the time to say goodbye to the wolf pack (sob). NZ – you’ve been real.

Included Meals:

Breakfast

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

Some of the Highlights:

Included Experience
Eat Fish and Chips Kiwi Style in Paihia

A 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

Included Experience
Watch a Traditional Māori Cultural Performance

A traditional Māori cultural performance, topped off with a traditional Māori feast… this ought to satisfy even the keenest of culture vultures.

INCLUDED

Included Experience
See Mud Pools in Rotorua

Wait til you see ’em. Wait til you smell ’em. These geothermic mudpools are a thing to behold.

INCLUDED

Parasail Over the Bay of Islands

Take 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 COST APPLIED

Trip Highlights

The must do experiences that you can cross off your bucket list

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:

5 Breakfasts, 2 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.