We are thinking about taking an escorted tour to explore New Zealand for 10 - 14 days. Any suggestion for which tour operator to use? Any package we should take or avoid? What time of the year shall we go? We are interested in animals (wild and farm) and culture. Any suggestion is welcome. Thank you very much for your help.

I did a whole South Pacific itinerary this past summer. Ended up doing a Contiki, most people said it would be one big party but I don't think they've ever done it themselves.

We had a mix of people, from med students, law students, teachers, and finance professionals to a few college students and backpackers. Lots of Canadians, a few Americans, some from Mexico, Brazil, Singapore, England, Scotland, and South Africa.

The timing wasn't quite their summer -- we went in July/August.. ..got a bit cold in some spots.

Both my Contiki Australia & New Zealand trips were amazing--I held a koala, visited a wildlife sanctuary, checked out Melbourne and Sydney. Did some museums in the city. I got to snorel in the Great Barrier Reef and feed all the beautiful fish. We even had a demonstration with some Aborigines that was so cool.

The Maoris in NZ were also very interesting to incorporate to our trip. We did the bungee jump (of course, everyone does) and stopped in some Lord of the Rings movie-sites, too.

I think a vacation package to see such a beautiful country like New Zealand is a good way to go. If you fall in love with a certain area, maybe the Northern island or something, then you can plan to return and do on your own.

I think contiki started down in New Zealand or Australia. They know their stuff. The tour was tons of fun. We had the partiers, but we also had people who wanted to really see and take in the culture and people.

Good luck and hope you have fun!

Hi, I'm actually a Kiwi living here, and I've done the Kiwi Experience. I saw it on the programme 60 Minutes, and decided it would be a great way to get to know my country. Had a ball!! Anther similar company is Magic.. .