Contiki's redesigned 2019 South Pacific program features 16 new itineraries

Contiki has introduced its brand new, re-designed South Pacific 2019 program featuring 16 new and improved adventures in line with the wants and needs of its youth audience. 

The new suite of adventures will feature smaller group sizes: with a maximum of 30 travellers on Australia’s East Coast and 25 in the Northern Territory in a bid to offer more opportunity for immersive local experiences.

READ MORE: Contiki goes back to school with Canadian Tourism College partnership

14 flying hours saved

Clients will also spend more time in-destination with the inclusion of more internal flights; Contiki now flies from Darwin to Alice Springs on all Australia trips (saving 14 hours) and from Rotorua to Christchurch in New Zealand on their The Kiwi Bucket List trip (saving 11 hours). Scenic train journeys have also been added to itineraries, with less coach travel time including journeys from Airlie Beach to Cairns, an optional day trip on the iconic Kuranda railway in Cairns and the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth.

“Australia and New Zealand have consistently been at the top of many young Canadians’ bucket lists,” said Sheralyn Berry, President of Contiki Canada. “Our new South Pacific 2019 program will offer clients once-in-a-lifetime adventures only Contiki can deliver. From watching the sun rise over Uluru, sipping a long black over smashed avo toast overlooking Byron Bay to experiencing the true meaning of kia ora in New Zealand, clients will have the best time of their lives with us ‘Down Under’.”

Contiki’s new South Pacific 2019 program will also feature several other additions, including:

• Accommodation: New for 2019, Contiki has expanded its offering of Special Stays – travellers will be able to spot kangaroos at an eco-camp in Noosa Everglades on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and sleep within Kakadu National Park in Bush Bungalows. In New Zealand an overnight cruise on Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park has been added as part of the new 10-day Kiwi Bucket List adventure.
• Experiences: Combining active, relaxing and local experiences into the new South Pacific program means clients can now choose from at least eight new inclusions and Free Time Add-Ons such as kayaking on Milford Sound, an afternoon on the ‘grassy knoll’ at Bondi Beach, ferry across Sydney Harbour to Watson’s Bay, stand up paddle boarding, yoga and surfing in Byron Bay.

Partnership with TreadRight

Contiki Cares is the brand’s commitment to safeguarding the people, planet and wildlife for generations to come. Contiki has partnered with new initiatives in Australia to further its Contiki Cares message for travellers to the country including Take 3 for the Sea, a local Bondi organization to encourage beachgoers to reduce plastic pollution, as well as working with the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to provide funds to help rehabilitate Australian native animals. 

New for 2019 in the Northern Territory, travellers will meet an indigenous couple, Graham and Lynette Kenyon, who own and manage a cultural tour company which invites Contiki travellers to enjoy an authentic, local experience and learn about Aboriginal Australian culture and heritage with 100% of profits going back to the couple as part of its commitment to connecting young clients with local experiences.

16 new and improved itineraries

Contiki has added six new adventures to its South Pacific 2019 program, including three new Australian trips (with sailing add-ons) and one New Zealand adventure:

13-day Eastern Escape, with internal flights, new experiences such as an optional beer tasting at Stone & Wood brewery and yoga on the beach in Byron Bay, included Sydney Harbour Sunset Cruise, and two nights Special Stay at an eco-camp.

13-day Eastern Escape + Sailing including two nights sailing The Whitsundays.

14-day Cape to Coast including time in Cape Tribulation in Tropical North Queensland, guided walk up to Rainforest lookout and Marrdja Boardwalk, internal flights and Special Stays.

14-day day Cape to Coast + Sailing with two nights sailing The Whitsundays.

Four-day Uluru Explorer including Champagne sunset at ‘The Rock’, BBQ breakfast and dinner, and Free Time Add On’s including a scenic flight.

10-day The Kiwi Bucket List ticks off all the big bucket list items and locations across New Zealand with smaller group sizes (max. 30), an overnight cruise on Milford Sound and the opportunity to travel on the TranzAlpine train journey (at additional cost).

Ten Australian adventures (including four sailing options) have been improved for 2019, which include the 20-day Big Walkabout now with four internal flights and more local included experiences; 13-day Beaches & Reefs visiting Cairns’ Great Barrier Reef; 8-day Sun Seeker now including internal flights and a train from Airlie Beach to Cairns; 14-day Reefs and Rainforests with surf lessons, Blue Mountains hiking and two nights at an eco-camp; City to Surf spending time in Byron Bay and Bondi, and 8-day Outback Adventure exploring Kakadu and the ‘Red Centre’ with two nights in Bush Bungalows.

For more information about Contiki’s South Pacific 2019 program, visit contiki.com or speak with your local sales and business development manager.