Down Under Tours for the 18-to-35 Group

Contiki Holidays, which organizes tours for travelers 18 to 35, is offering seven new programs in Australia and New Zealand, along with a 10% discount, if bookings and payments are made by Sept 28 for departure between Nov. 1 and Oct. 31, 1991.

Three new tours in New Zealand are:

--A three-day program from Auckland to the Bay of Islands and up 90-Mile Beach to the most northerly tip of the country, Cape Reinga. Rates start at $205, plus $38 for couples.

--A 10-day, two-island “Mini Adventure” that starts in Auckland and includes stops in Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Wellington, Christchurch, Mt. Cook, Te Anau, Milford Sound and Queenstown. From $679, plus $92 for couples.

--A 13-day, two-island “Grand Discovery” tour that starts in Auckland and includes stops in the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Mt. Cook, Te Anau, Queenstown and Milford Sound. From $844, plus $124 for couples. Prices include most breakfasts and dinners, and there is an extra charge for options such as white-water rafting and other activities.

Contiki has scheduled a total of nine tours in New Zealand from 3 to 15 days, plus 8- to 15-day ski packages for the Mt. Hutt and Queenstown areas.

The four new Australian programs are:

--An eight-day “Tropical Explorer” tour that starts in Cairns and includes stops in Townsville and on Magnetic Island, and at Contiki’s own resort in the Whitsunday Islands. Prices start at $478. Accommodation for couples is $100 extra.

--A 12-day “Sailing and Daintree” tour includes three days in the Whitsunday area, plus stops in Townsville, Cairns, Fitzroy Island, Cape Tribulation and Cookstown, and on Magnetic Island. Prices start at $792, plus a $144 supplement charge for the couples accommodation.

--A five-day “Rainforest Adventure” from Cairns to Fitzroy Island, Cape Tribulation and Cookstown. From $396, plus a $56 couples supplement.

--For those wishing to visit the Outback, there is an eight-day “Alice and Kakadu” tour. It starts in Alice Springs and goes north to Darwin and afterward to Kakadu National Park, home to saltwater crocodiles and important aboriginal rock art. Tours start at $478, plus $96 for couples.

A total of 11 various Australian tours are scheduled this season, from five to 19 days. Costs are for land travel only; air fare is extra.

Contiki guarantees private rooms to couples who pay a surcharge. Since so many participants sign up solo, single supplements can be avoided.

Other than those who pay the couples surcharge, participants are accommodated in four-bed rooms. Transportation is provided on a 52-seat coach that has washrooms and video facilities.

For more information, contact a travel agent or Contiki Holidays, 1432 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim 92805, (714) 937-0611.