Seriously...Is anyone going on these dates? I am worried that there will only be 10 of us on the bus. I haven't heard from one person for these dates. I was booked on another date that got cancelled, so I am just looking for some reassurance. Later!

Karen

Hi Karen,
I will be on the same tour and I am really looking forward to it! As far as I know the tour has a guaranteed departure since a couple of days, so I hope and guess there might me more than 10 of us!

Bianca

Oh my god, mine is on the 21st of March and I have heard of no-one doing the Christchurch to Auckland route ... Any way I can find out if it is guaranteed?

Hey Bianca,

Glad to finally hear from someone I am super excited to do this trip! I was originally booked for the same dates going the other way, but then they cancelled that trip and I got really screwed on switching airfare around. Are you traveling with anyone or by yourself? Doing any extra time before or after the trip? I am doing pre and post days in both cities. I am booked for 2 nights pre at the hotel Contiki uses, but will probably book my own accomodations for my three nights of post stay. Any ideas where to stay in Auckland? I am then heading to Australia for 4 months after the trip. What are your plans?

Karini,

No way of confirming anything til 30 days prior. There will be people going that way, no worries, but keep in mind that Contiki has the right to cancel any dates that are not confirmed for departure. That is what happened to me and I had to switch all my plans around. I am confirmed now, but you won't know for sure until Feb. 21st. Fingers crossed you will luck out!

Hi Karen!

I am sorry to hear about all the inconvinience you already had! I have just realized that you opened some threats before! Well, we are the same age: I am a 26 year old German student. It is going to my first time in New Zealand, and my 2nd Contiki Tour (I was on a Scandinavia tour several years ago and I had a blast).
I am travelling on my own and I will also be in Christchurch 1 1/2 day prior to the departure (at the Contiki Hotel). After the tour I stay in Auckland for one more day (at the Base Backpacker Hostel - it is a lot cheaper than that offered by Contiki, so it might be interesting for you as well) before I am leaving for Sydney, Adelaide and one more Contiki Tour form Alice to Darwin!

Bianca

I will arrive in CHC on the 15th at about 9:30 at night. I have one hell of a flight that day so may be too tired to party that night, but definitely will get up to some sight seeing and partying the night before the tour. The hostel you are staying in afterwards was one of the ones I was considering. I have just been trying to read reviews to decide. Anyway I am 28 and although I am getting up there in age, I don't feel like and often don't act like it. I like to have a good time and don't care for drama I am stressed about packing as I over packed for last Contiki and had to sneek past the scale in Europe, and I was only traveling for month and a half, not five months like now. Less shoes I keep telling myself.

Great! Maybe we can meet each other the day before the tour to do some sightseeing/ partying together?!

Can't wait for my last break before starting to work - I really need some time off and want to make the most of it! For me travelling is like the core of my life. There is just nothing thak can beat the experience you make while you see the world!
Well, just 3 more weeks and still so much to organize! You are right: it will be a very challenging task to pack the perfect backpack

I hear ya on needing a break. I am just tired of my job and need a long break. My company actually has an office on the Gold Coast in Australia, so I will probably work there when in AUS. I agree with you about traveling. It excites me and keeps me going. That would be why I am taking off and doing this on my own without any friends. They always have some excuse of why they can't go and I am the opposite. Tell me a reason why I shouldn't go? Americans are different too...they just don't seem to travel as much until they are older, and let's face it, it's just not as fun then. Anyway I am always up for some fun and plan on stirring up a little trouble on our trip. Definitely would like to meet up and see what we can in CHC before we leave. Are you leaving a significant other behind or are you single?

I totally agree, you should always take the chance as long as you can. You never know what happens and shouldn't postpone your ideas and dreams to a far away future!
Well, I am up for fun as well, but I guess I am a little bit more risk avoiding and modest...
Where have you been in Europe? Within more than a month you have probably been to a lot of interesting places!?

Hey girl,

Well we will be well on our way in less than a week. So excited, but have so much to do before I leave in 3 days. Will work it out though. Partially packed and the suitcase is getting full. Hey how long will you be in Sydney after the tour? Heard of any good hostels over there? I guess I will catch up with you at Bealey hotel on the 16th. I am staying at Base the night before on 15th and then I am staying at Base in Auckland for 3 nights afterward as well. Have a safe flight and see ya soon!

Hi Karen,
I will stay in Sydney from the 4th of March on for 3 days at the YHS as they had a special offer in Germany.
Sounds good! Hopefully we can catch up on the 16th and explore the city a little bit. I will try to leave you a message at the reception. Maybe this will work out.
Good luck with making everything fit into the suitcase And have a safe journey, too!
See you in NZ!
Bianca