Contiki has unveiled changes to its 2019 South Pacific product, including 16 new itineraries to match the “ever-changing 18-35 market and the needs of the millennial and Gen Z traveller”.
Firstly, group sizes will be smaller, with a maximum of 30 travellers on Australia’s East Coast and 25 in the Northern Territory so guests can soak up more “immersive local experiences”.
Travellers will also spend more time in-destination thanks to 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 The Kiwi Bucket List trip (saving 11 hours).
Scenic train journeys have also been added to cut down 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.
More Special Stays have gone live from kangaroo spotting at an eco-camp in Noosa Everglades to sleeping 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 Kiwi Bucket List trip.
Travellers can now choose from at least eight new inclusions and Free Time Add-Ons such as kayaking on Milford Sound and stand up paddle boarding, yoga and surfing in Byron Bay.
As part of the Contiki Cares is the brand, Contiki has also partnered with some new initiatives in Australia.
In the NT travellers will meet an indigenous couple who own and manage a cultural tour company which invites Contiki travellers to enjoy an authentic, local experience and learn about indigenous culture and heritage with 100% of profits going back to the couple.
New Aussie trips include a 13-day Eastern Escape, a 13-day Eastern Escape + two nights sailing The Whitsundays and, a 14-day Cape to Coast tour and a 14-day day Cape to Coast + Sailing two nights sailing The Whitsundays.
Meanwhile, there’s a new Four-day Uluru Explorer and a 10-day The Kiwi Bucket List with an overnight cruise on Milford Sound and the opportunity to add on the TranzAlpine train journey.
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