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An Unforgettable Topdeck New Zealand Adventure
If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand and want to see and experience as much as possible, then a North to South Island tour with Topdeck Travel might be for you. You can book just one island, but if you’ve already made the journey over and have a few weeks to spare, it’s definitely worth doing both islands together for the best value and experience. Whilst many travellers explore New Zealand via hop-on-hop-off buses, which is also a great way to travel, we loved having the same tour guide and social group throughout the entire trip. It made everything feel more seamless, social and reassuring, especially with such a packed itinerary.
Our group ranged from early twenties to late thirties, with a mix of solo travellers, pairs and small groups. The tour included all accommodation, transport, breakfasts (where we could pick out whatever we wanted at the supermarket and the tour covered the cost), some other meals, some activities, and a huge list of optional extras ranging from Hobbiton to skydiving opportunities.
One small hiccup at the start of the tour was that the group did not receive the pre-tour activity booking email, meaning a few activities were nearly booked out by the public already. Thankfully, it seemed like a technical issue rather than a regular occurrence, and luckily it didn’t impact our trip.
Auckland to Rotorua
We started in bustling Auckland, where most of us spent a few days before the tour began, and I even met up with an old friend who had moved over there. We met our guide, Runty, and the rest of the group at Haka House, and despite knowing there are two separate Haka Houses in Auckland, I still managed to check into the wrong one to begin with – a reminder as to why we love booking tours.
From there, we headed to Rotorua for ziplining with Rotorua Canopy Tours. The company runs eco-tourism tours through ancient native forest, combining huge ziplines and swing bridges with conservation work in the area, and it was such a good introduction to New Zealand – soaring through lush forest with unreal views and immediately setting the tone for the rest of the trip, with some of us even ending by ziplining upside down.
That evening we all went for Italian food and quickly settled into the group dynamic.
Rafting, Hobbiton & Māori Culture
The next day, a lot of us chose white-water rafting with Kaitiaki Adventures Rotorua on the Kaituna River, home to the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall: the seven-metre Tutea Falls drop. The guides were brilliant – relaxed, funny, and genuinely knowledgeable about the local area and Māori heritage connected to the river, and somehow our raft stayed upright during the huge drop. My favourite moments were sitting on the nose of the raft down a small fall, then falling out and being swept into a rapid later on. Others in the group opted for the Hobbiton Movie Set instead, but since I’ve admittedly still never seen The Lord of the Rings, I chose the higher-adrenaline option.
That evening we stayed at Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours, where we had so much fun learning haka, made traditional crafts and had a really good hāngī-style dinner before drinks round the fire. It ended up being one of the most memorable evenings of the whole trip.
Taupō, Tongariro & Wellington
One thing I loved about New Zealand was that even the drives between destinations felt like part of the experience. On the way south we stopped at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Huka Falls before heading out onto Lake Taupō for a boat party with Taupo Sailing Adventures, where we had music, pizzas, drinks, jumped off the top of the boat into the lake and saw the famous Māori rock carvings along the coastline.
Some of the group tackled the Tongariro Alpine Crossing the next morning, whilst others spent the day golfing, relaxing at the beach, bungee jumping or catching up on sleep.
We then headed to Wellington, which felt more like a city break compared to the rest of the trip. We explored the waterfront, went charity shopping, found the Wellington sign, headed up Mount Victoria for views across the city, and spent the evening at a rooftop bar before a Mongolian BBQ dinner and fireworks along the harbour.
Abel Tasman, Christchurch & Kaikōura
After catching the ferry to the South Island, we headed to Abel Tasman National Park, which ended up being one of my favourite stops of the trip. The campsite had hammocks, BBQs and some of the clearest night skies I’ve ever seen. We spent the days walking through the national park, swimming in crystal-clear waters and relaxing on beaches surrounded by lush forest. Some of the group went canyoning and came back claiming it was the best day of their lives, involving waterfall jumps, ziplining and abseiling through canyons.
Unfortunately, our skydive over Abel Tasman was cancelled due to poor visibility, something that happened a few times throughout the trip and can’t be helped. On the drive afterwards, we spotted seals along the coastline and stopped for real fruit ice cream, which quickly became a recurring favourite throughout New Zealand. We also spent time in Christchurch and Kaikōura, where some went whale watching whilst others explored the town, and one night involved a beercycle, live music and one of the funniest nights out of the trip.
Franz Josef & Milford Sound
By the time we reached Franz Josef, it felt like we’d already packed enough into one trip, but the scenery somehow kept getting better. One of the highlights was a helicopter flight over the glaciers and Aoraki / Mount Cook, with views that genuinely didn’t look real.
We also visited the kiwi centre, where we finally saw a kiwi bird, played frisbee golf and still found energy to book ourselves onto quad biking afterwards. Later that evening, Runty surprised everyone with a Hummer limo ride to Ice Bar. There’s a pole and free shots at the bar for anyone who can climb to the top, which quickly turned into a hilarious competition before the night continued with karaoke and pool.
We walked through forest areas filled with glowworms at night, and some of us booked onto the optional day trip to beautiful Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, passing waterfalls and stunning scenery along the way.
Queenstown
Eventually we arrived in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, and on the way we stopped in historic Arrowtown and had lunch at one of the oldest pubs in New Zealand. After having multiple skydives cancelled due to weather, I spontaneously decided to do a bungee jump at Kawarau Bungy Centre (the world’s first commercial bungee site) which I’d never planned to do, but I’m so glad I did. The adrenaline afterwards was unreal, and I honestly don’t think I would have done it without the atmosphere of the tour and everyone encouraging each other to try new things.
Queenstown quickly became a mix of luge rides, lake swims, beach afternoons, nights out and more adrenaline activities. I also did the world’s biggest swing (Nevis) backwards, as recommended by the staff, and absolutely loved it. For anyone wanting even more adrenaline, you can also do New Zealand’s tallest bungee there too. We finished the trip with a geothermal pool and stargazing experience, where many of us stayed on together before eventually parting ways.
Would I Recommend It?
Definitely.
What I loved most about the trip was how much we managed to experience in just three weeks without the stress of organising everything ourselves. Having the same guide and group throughout made everything feel easier and more social, and Runty really matched the energy of the group – spontaneous, fun and always up for making the trip memorable.
I also loved the mix of adrenaline activities, nights out, beautiful scenery and quieter moments in between. By the end of the trip, I genuinely felt like I’d properly seen New Zealand rather than just ticking off a few tourist spots.
The optional activities can add up, especially in places like Queenstown, so it’s worth budgeting some extra spending money in advance. It’s also worth booking any must-do optional extras as early as possible, particularly popular experiences like skydives and glacier flights.
Most importantly, I came away with unforgettable memories and genuine lifelong travel friends that I still speak to now. For anyone wanting a social, adventure-filled way to experience both islands without the stress of planning everything yourself, I’d absolutely recommend it.
By Klaudia Burton
Contiki Europe Tours: A Quick Look
Contiki is a global youth travel company, particularly popular in Australia and New Zealand for their European tours, considered a rite of passage for many young travellers. These trips are designed to cover a lot of ground in a relatively short amount of time, which is ideal if you want to make the most of long-haul flights and experience multiple countries efficiently. For European travellers, shorter distances, cheaper flights and familiarity with other transport options often makes such a fast pace less necessary, but for Aussies and Kiwis, it’s a great way to get a taste of a wide variety of destinations in one trip.
A major benefit of these tours is the social aspect. Travelling with a big group of young people, with all the planning taken care of, makes it easy to feel safe, meet new friends and explore multiple countries without worrying about transport, accommodation or bookings. That said, spending just a night or two in each place means the tour gives an introduction rather than a deep dive. Every city and region has its own culture, cuisine and attractions, so if time allows, extending your stay in certain spots can be very rewarding.
Booking and Costs
Booking prices vary depending on the season and tour availability. Booking early can help save money, and Contiki frequently offers discounts through email, as well as student deals and last-minute promotions. Many tours are part of longer trips broken into sections, so you can join or leave at different points. There are plenty of European tour options available, ranging in length, region, season and price, all of which can be found on the Contiki website: www.contiki.com.
Tour Style
Contiki tours are different from other operators, as:
- Groups are typically large and attract a younger crowd.
- Accommodation is mostly in hostels, often with shared facilities. Hostels provide an affordable and social base, these may not always be central but have public transport links to the city centre.
- Schedules are fast-paced, often visiting multiple destinations in a single day.
- Main tourist attractions are not always on the itinerary or the optional extra activity lists, with select restaurants and bars scheduled instead.
- Some participation is structured, such as assigned rooms, coach games / talks and tipping.
- The tour leader tends to focus on logistics rather than sightseeing guidance, which works well for travellers who prefer clear organisation.
My Experience
Our route on the European Quest tour took us straight from London, through France (Paris, Bordeaux, Saint-Jean-de-Luz), Spain (San Sebastián, Zaragoza, Barcelona), the French Riviera and Monaco, Italy (Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence, Sorrento, Pompeii, Rome, Verona, Venice), Austria (Salzburg), the Czech Republic and Germany (Prague, Dresden, Berlin), and finally the Netherlands (Amsterdam).
The pace was quick, but it was a fantastic way to meet people and see a wide variety of destinations. With such a large group, around 80% female, it was natural for smaller friend circles to form, so not everyone socialised together all the time. That said, it was easy to find travel buddies through meals, activities and excursions.
The climates varied dramatically, from swimming in the sea in San Sebastián to experiencing rain and cold in Berlin later on, typical for a tour spanning so many regions. Joining free walking tours in each city was a great way to explore beyond the organised activities and maximise sightseeing. Extending my stay in cities like Amsterdam followed by Copenhagen allowed me to experience them more fully, showing how a structured tour can be combined with independent travel for a more immersive experience.
Who It’s For
Contiki is ideal for young travellers looking for a fast-paced, social and organised introduction to Europe. You’ll see multiple countries efficiently, meet fellow travellers and have logistics handled for you. While the schedule is busy, the combination of sightseeing, cultural experiences and social opportunities makes it a memorable way to explore Europe. Spending extra time in key cities allows you to make the experience your own.
Let us know if you’re booking a trip with Contiki!
By Klaudia Burton
East to West Coast Adventure with Topdeck, USA
If you’re looking for the ultimate US road trip, Topdeck’s “Get Social: USA East to West” tour is hard to beat. Covering major cities, iconic landmarks and breathtaking national parks, it packs it all into one unforgettable adventure. The tour typically runs from March to September, which means you can expect warm weather across most states and comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. You can find full details on the Topdeck website: www.topdeck.travel.
New York City: Meeting the Group
The tour began in New York City, where the group met for the first time and was introduced to our guide, Jess. Many had arrived a few days early to explore the city, but everyone quickly bonded over dinner and drinks that evening. Later that night, a group of us made our way to Times Square at midnight to catch the little-known art show displayed across the giant screens, a unique and memorable way to kick off the trip.
Philadelphia and Washington DC: History, Bikes and Baseball
The next morning, we boarded our brand-new, spacious and honestly very comfortable coach and headed for Washington DC, stopping in Philadelphia along the way. We ticked off the Rocky Steps, saw the Liberty Bell and devoured a classic Philly cheesesteak. DC became an unexpected highlight. On arrival, a nighttime illumination tour let us see the monuments beautifully lit, but my personal favourite was the bike tour around the National Mall the following morning. Cycling between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument in the September sun was the perfect mix of history, fresh air and fun. Thanks to Jess’s insider recommendations, we also attended our first baseball game, an incredibly American experience that none of us would have otherwise arranged ourselves.
The tour itself is well organised, with accommodation in hotels (not hostels), all transport, breakfast, some meals and certain activities covered in the booking cost. A wide range of optional extras covering main attractions across the country allows you to personalise the trip depending on your interests and budget. Jess went above and beyond, recommending other events happening at the time and helping our big group book onto these. Being a group of like-minded, social 18 to 35-year-olds, we all chose to spend almost every evening together. With that in mind, cash comes in handy on this trip, as splitting large tabs in bars and restaurants is not always well received.
Even the coach journeys were part of the fun. Some caught up on sleep after big nights out, while others played games, watched films or simply admired the ever-changing view that makes travelling America by road the best way to see it. Long drives were broken up with stops at Walmart, Target, typical American fast-food chains and Buc-ee’s, which is an attraction in itself.
Nashville and the South: Music, Cowboy Culture and Fun
Heading south, we arrived in Nashville, one of the standout stops for many of us. The live music scene, with country and rock, was incredible, nights out were unforgettable, and we fully embraced the cowboy and cowgirl theme with bull riding and boot shopping. We highly recommend Kid Rock Bar for dancing the night away in Nashville. From there, we continued through Fort Worth and Dallas, where cowboy culture and history came alive. We saw a cattle drive, and Jess organised our first rodeo, giving us a true Texan experience along with mouth-watering, authentic Texan BBQ. In Dallas, we explored the JFK assassination site and local markets before heading west, stopping at the Cadillac Ranch, an interactive art installation marking the point where the landscapes start to shift dramatically.
Continuing west, Memphis was a dream for Elvis fans. Walking down Beale Street, exploring the massive Bass Pro Shop and visiting Elvis’s home, Graceland, were unique experiences. By the time we reached New Orleans, the weather had turned, but it added to the city’s unique atmosphere and the thrilling swamp tour through gator territory. We indulged in traditional gumbo, as well as beignets at Café du Monde, explored the French Market and ended nights dancing in karaoke bars, collecting plenty of bead necklaces along the way (if you know, you know). Classic New Orleans vibes, rain and all.
Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Durango
Santa Fe felt like stepping into another world with clay buildings, vibrant markets, art exhibitions including Georgia O’Keeffe and flamenco dancers performing in the town square. Albuquerque added a quirky twist with Breaking Bad references and hot-air balloons rising at sunrise. In Durango, Colorado, we enjoyed river walks and night swimming in the natural hot springs, a perfect reset before more adventure. We then travelled through iconic landscapes, including the incredible Monument Valley, also known as Forrest Gump Point, and into Navajo Nation, where we experienced a jeep tour and tried giant Navajo tacos, portion sizes you definitely want to share.
The Grand Canyon and More
One of the biggest highlights of the trip is, of course, the Grand Canyon. Seeing it for the first time is breathtaking. I booked the optional helicopter ride before walking the Rim Trail to take it all in, although I would say the views are fairly similar from both. If I were to do it all again, I would consider spending the extra money on a helicopter ride that descends into the canyon, offering a perspective impossible from the rim alone and allowing you to be fully immersed.
While the tour was structured for us, we still enjoyed flexibility and spontaneity. This included organising our own visit to a shooting range, not for everyone but something many in the group wanted to do while in America, and even sneaking our way into a frat party. With this in mind, the trip really does become what the group decides to make it.
Las Vegas to California
Las Vegas was everything you would expect and more. Topdeck now books you into the infamous Flamingo Hotel on the Strip, which was amazing, complete with actual flamingos. We snapped photos by the Vegas sign and went to the lavish XS Nightclub, where The Chainsmokers were performing. A surreal moment for me was being pulled from the crowd onto the stage to perform during the show, something that could only happen in Vegas. Between the Bellagio fountains, the Sphere and endless entertainment, Vegas felt like a whirlwind. I wished we had a third night in Vegas since it really is so big, and bear in mind that Sunday nights are quieter, even in Vegas.
The final stretch took us through Death Valley to Santa Monica Pier, ending Route 66 on the West Coast, a perfect full-circle moment. The tour officially ends in Los Angeles, but many of us stayed on to explore the Hollywood Hills, the boulevard, Beverly Hills, Universal Studios and Disney. As we all got on so well, we joined each other’s excursions, extending the adventure. Doing this part without Jess and Topdeck made us really appreciate how challenging it is to get around, as long distances, high costs and endless logistics quickly add up.
Why We Recommend Topdeck
The trip is fast paced, full on and packed with experiences. You see so much of America on this tour, helping you make the most of your annual leave. Travelling across the US alone can be overwhelming, with huge distances, costs and tricky logistics. This tour takes that stress away, letting you focus on being present, making memories and adding anything extra you might want to do while there. For first-time travellers to the US, the group setting and having a dedicated guide also make the experience feel safe and straightforward. Even in big cities or unfamiliar environments, being with a group and a knowledgeable trip leader removes a lot of the uncertainty that can come with travelling alone.
Our only wish was that Topdeck put us all in touch ahead of the tour so we could explore New York together, but this might be something you can request when booking. Topdeck often have great last-minute deals, as well as student discounts, so keep an eye out for those to make the trip even better value. Let us know if you have been on this tour or travelled with Topdeck and what you think.
By Klaudia Burton
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