Destinations

Contiki Unveils Re-Imagined South Pacific Program

Contiki has unveiled its newly re-designed South Pacific 2019 program featuring 16 new and improved adventures designed to meet the wants and needs of the youth market.

In meeting the needs of the millennial and Gen Z traveller, Contiki’s new suite of adventures features 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. 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 also features 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.

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.

Contiki has also 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 beach goers 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.

(https://www.contiki.com)