New Zealand | Natural Heritage in Scenic New Zealand

Depart United States.

During the overnight flight, cross the international dateline. On this journey to New Zealand, you "lose a day" (which you will "gain" upon your return).

Upon arrival in Auckland, on New Zealand's North Island, a shuttle will take you from the airport to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to rest or head out to explore Auckland, the "City of Sails," and New Zealand's most populous city.

After breakfast and program orientation, depart south into the Waikato heartland of the North Island. Making our way toward Cambridge, we'll pass through a variety of scenery, from pastoral farmland to the open, flat Hauraki Plains. En route, stop at Waitomo to see the stunning glow-worm caves. Walk through the Ruakuri cave to learn more about the geological significance of the area, and witness the bioluminescent glowworms, which make the cave ceiling look like a brilliantly lit night sky. Continue to the town of Cambridge, New Zealand's equine capital, known also as "The Town of Trees & Champions." Explore the tree-lined streets of this quaint community located on the banks of the powerful Waikato River.

Today explore Sanctuary Mountain in Maungatautari. This 8,400-acre, predator-proof conservation project aims to continue the reintroduction of threatened and endangered species via breeding programs and gives visitors the opportunity to see some of New Zealand's most incredible animals in a sound ecological environment. Experience a kiwi feeding and then walk through the park on its many trails. Stop for a picnic lunch in the native forest of the southern enclosure and try to spot birds like the North Island Kaka, Takahe, Hihi/Stitchbird, and Kokako, all of which are threatened or endangered and found only in New Zealand. Other wildlife that can be found at Sanctuary Mountain includes the Mahoenui giant weta (an endemic flightless insect), reptiles like geckos and tuataras, the koura (a freshwater crayfish), and North Island long-tailed bats.

Today, we'll return to Auckland to catch our flight to Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island. Begin the journey after breakfast, with a stop on the way to stretch and have lunch in the small town of Te Aroha, famous for its naturally hot soda waters and Mokena geyser. Here we'll take a short hike to Wairere Falls, nestled among native forest and moss-covered rocks. Continue on to Auckland in time to fly to Christchurch in the late afternoon.

This morning, join a specialist local guide for a walking tour of Christchurch. Learn about the history and settlement of the country's oldest city, which was badly damaged by the 2011 earthquake and its aftershocks. Witness how the city has joined together to build itself up again, notably at the Cardboard Cathedral, which was erected as a temporary replacement for the city's demolished Anglican cathedral. The first significant structure rebuilt in the recovery effort, the transitional cathedral is a symbol of hope and resilience. From the cathedral, we'll take a walk through the city center and end at the botanic gardens to enjoy some of the greenery. In the afternoon, enjoy time for independent exploration.

Depart Christchurch and travel up the South Island's east coast to the seaside town of Kaikoura. This town is famous for its marine wildlife and delicious seafood, so be sure to taste some of the delicacies on offer! This afternoon, walk around the windswept Kaikoura peninsula to take in ocean views and see the native New Zealand fur seal colony.

Embark on a morning excursion aboard a catamaran to explore the krill-rich waters off the coast of Kaikoura. Because of this reliable food source, there is a 95% success rate of seeing whales year round here - one of New Zealand's most iconic wildlife viewing opportunities. Sperm whales are common, as well as humpback, blue, minke, southern right and beaked whales. You may also get the chance to observe albatross, penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and dolphins. Back on dry land, we'll head inland toward the mighty Southern Alps, which bisect the South Island from northeast to southwest. Our destination is Lewis Pass, one of the main crossings of the mountain range. Arrive for our overnight stay in Maruia Springs, a quaint town nestled within the pass, where you may wish to take advantage of a soak in the lovely hot springs under the stars.

Complete the crossing over the Southern Alps to the South Island's rugged west. Sparsely populated, the Westland is famous for iconic scenery of rocky cliffs, fjords, and glaciers. Our first stop is the Point Elizabeth walkway near Greymouth, where we'll take a walk through varied forest to a panoramic clifftop viewing platform. We'll then drive southward along the scenic coastline and stop in Hokitika for a jade-carving workshop at a local art gallery. Jade, called "greenstone," or pounamu in M?ori, is found in abundance here, and treasured by the Ng?i Tahu, the principal M?ori community of the South Island. Continue south toward "Glacier Country," where the Southern Alps encroach on the western coast, and numerous glaciers run off from the mountains to the ocean. After checking in to the hotel in Franz Josef, you'll have the chance to take a short walk to see some local glowworms in the evening, or just relax at your own pace.

This morning, visit the tiny seaside hamlet of Okarito, home to only about 30 residents yet many species of wading birds. Embark onto double kayaks and glide along the gentle waters to explore the beauty of the Okarito Lagoon and glimpse some of the bird life here. Keep an eye out for White heron, Black swans, pied oystercatchers, royal spoonbills and cormorants all nesting among the dunes and reeds. We'll follow the estuary up the river channels deep into Kahikatea forest, all with a stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps. After a hearty lunch, we'll hike towards Franz Josef Glacier to get a closer look at the spectacle of this frozen river carving its way down from the mountaintops. Both Franz Josef Glacier and nearby Fox Glacier flow almost to sea level, making them incredibly accessible to visitors. On a gentle valley walk along the Waiho River bed to the terminal face, learn about the history of the glacier, its retreat, and the geology of glacial carving.

Continue south along the west coast, taking note of the bent and tilting tree formations that are a result of the perpetual and powerful trade winds coming off the ocean. As we journey along the spectacular coastline, we'll stop at intervals to take in the dramatic views and see some waterfalls. In the afternoon, head inland to the town of Wanaka for wine tasting at a local family-owned vineyard. Here we'll have a chance to sample the delicious wines of the semi-arid Central Otago region, famous for its Pinot Noir grapes. Learn from the winemakers why the climate conditions here are perfect for viticulture, then journey southward to Queenstown, "the Adventure Capital" of New Zealand.

This morning, visit Queenstown's Kiwi Birdlife Park to see New Zealand's most famous bird up close: the nocturnal kiwi. Learn about this endemic bird and national symbol of New Zealand during a feeding demonstration, and enjoy a free-flight conservation show with an up-close view of New Zealand native birds and reptiles. This afternoon, take advantage of a few hours at leisure to explore Queenstown, then reconvene with the g gondola ride up Bob's Peak. Share a farewell dinner at the Skyline Restaurant with stunning views over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Auckland and connection to international departures.