New Zealand | Connecting History, Geology, and the Maori

In flight

Upon arrival at Auckland International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your accommodations. Stop along the way at Maungakiekie, known also as One Tree Hill, which was once the site of a Maori fortified village of 3,000-plus inhabitants. As you overlook stunning views of Auckland, Hauraki Gulf, and Rangitoto Island, learn about the history of this sacred volcanic peak and its significance to the Maori people. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and program orientation, followed by a twilight walk in the city.

Today take the ferry to Motuihe Island and spend the morning volunteering with the Department of Conservation to keep the island clear of pests and invasive weeds. Work in the tree nursery, do some weeding, and possibly help with tree planting. A packed picnic lunch will be provided during the activity. This afternoon, head to Muriwai, one of the black-sand surf beaches on Auckland's west coast. Muriwai is home to a breeding colony of sea birds known as takapu or Australasian Gannet, and the lookout point offers incredible views toward the Kaipara Harbour. During your walk to the takapu colony, you'll pass several native plants and trees that are important to Maori culture, and your guide will explain their traditional and medicinal uses.

This morning, check out and travel north to Paihia by way of Hokianga Harbour, a large estuary with historical and cultural significance, especially for the Maori. Explore the area, then transfer to the Waipoua Forest to walk among the giant kauri, a type of coniferous tree endemic to the North Island. Learn about the deep spiritual respect early Maori had for the kauri and about the rich bird life and other fauna that inhabits the forest.

This morning, receive an introduction to waka, Maori watercraft that include war canoes and double-hulled voyaging canoes. Hear about the current revitalization of these waka and how they are used today. Learn paddling skills and the rhythmic chants used to synchronize paddle strokes, then take to the water. Later, visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands. This treaty between the British and the Maori was first signed in 1840 and is considered New Zealand's founding document. Receive a guided tour of these historic grounds and buildings, visit the on-site museum, and gain an understanding of the events that led up to the treaty's signing.

Journey south to the geothermal capital of New Zealand, Rotorua. After the long transfer, get settled in and have dinner. This evening, swim in the local mineral hot pools.

This morning, visit Te Puia geothermal village. As you walk through the park, your guide will explain the science behind the landscape's amazing colors, spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools, and steaming vents. Also learn how the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera affected the local kiwi population. This afternoon, walk through Rotorua's stunning Redwoods Forest, then take the gondola to the top of Mount Ngongotaha for a luge ride down through the forest.

Moving southwest, travel through the farmlands of the Waikato region and into the cave lands of Waitomo. Head underground to learn about the geology of the extensive limestone cave systems and witness the bioluminescent glowworms that light up the cave ceilings. Continue to the National Park YHA, your base camp for the Tongariro Crossing, and prepare for tomorrow.

Spend a full day hiking in Tongariro National Park to see the spectacular Mount Tongariro, Mount Ruapehu, and Mount Ngauruhoe (also known as Mount Doom for its role in "The Lord of the Rings" movie trilogy). Established in 1887, Tongariro is the oldest national park in New Zealand and the sixth oldest in the world, and is also recognized as a dual natural and cultural World Heritage area. The park encompasses a variety of habitats, including broadleaf rainforest, beech forest, and scrub land.

Depart for Waiokura Marae in the Taranaki region. A marae is a communal and sacred meeting ground, and here you'll be hosted by the whanau (a Maori-language word for "extended family") of Waiokura. Visit Parihaka Pa, a Maori community known for peacefully protesting to stop the confiscation of their land in the 1800s. The village was invaded in 1881 and occupied for several years. Learn about this incident and other historical events over the next few days. You will be welcomed under formal protocol, which involves speech making, singing, introductions, sharing the breath of life, and sharing food. While on this marae, the following days' activities are subject to change; as guests of the local people, please be prepared to have a flexible schedule.

Your Waiokura Marae activities today include a water safety instruction and surf lesson, and then a tour of the Tawhiti Museum, which depicts the country's history and heritage through life-size exhibits and scale models.

Make a half-day visit to the local high school, then participate in Maori arts and crafts, such as weaving and poi making. Tonight, share a farewell hangi dinner- a traditional Maori meal in which food is cooked underground using heated rocks-with your hosts.

Depart for Wellington, New Zealand's capital. Upon arrival this afternoon, visit Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum, with collections highlighting the country's art, history, nature, Maori and Pacific cultural treasures, and more. Then spend some time sightseeing around the city before a final farewell dinner this evening.

Transfer to the airport for flight back to Auckland and on to the U.S.