Road Scholar : Home
Discover New Zealand: Walking Clean and Green

Program Number: 12346RJ
Start and End Dates:
1/15/2013 - 2/5/2013; 10/29/2013 - 11/19/2013; 1/14/2014 - 2/4/2014;
Duration: 21 nights
Location: New Zealand
Price starting at: $4,997.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Walking/Hiking Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 53; 19 Breakfasts, 16 Lunches, 18 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Vegetarian; Vegetarian; Vegetarian    

The sparsely populated but multicultural island nation of New Zealand takes pride in its “clean and green” environment. From grand glaciers, stunning fjords and sparkling lakes to majestic mountains, lush pasturelands and rich rainforests, experience New Zealand’s wealth of natural beauty on walks led by lively and knowledgeable local experts.




Highlights

• Explore the soaring fjords of world-famous Milford Sound by boat and foot.
• Enjoy a morning of traditional Maori song, dance and customs.
• Take a field trip to a family sheep ranch to gain firsthand insight into farming in New Zealand.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to four miles per day; uneven and hilly terrain.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Auckland; coach to Rotorua, 3 nights; coach to Wellington, 3 nights; ferry and coach to Kaikoura, 3 nights; coach to Punakaiki, 2 nights; coach to Franz Josef, 1 night; coach to Wanaka, 2 nights; coach to Te Anau, 3 nights; coach to Balclutha, 2 nights; coach to Dunedin for departure.



Overnight flight from the U.S.A.
1 night
Cross International Dateline
1 night
Arrival Auckland
Coach to Rotorua
3 nights

Discover Rotorua’s geological wonders and enjoy a warm welcome from the native Maori people. Venture through a redwood grove, walk along trout-filled streams and learn about the geology of the underlying volcanic plateau.



Coach to Wellington
3 nights

In the nation’s capital city, discuss New Zealand politics and visit the restored House of Parliament. Walking excursions continue to Old St. Paul’s and the adjacent Wellington Botanical Gardens. Encounter New Zealand’s colorful birdlife at Karori Wildlife Reserve.



Ferry to Picton
Coach to Kaikoura
3 nights

Aboard the Inter-Island Ferry, voyage across Cook Strait and through the spectacular Marlborough Sound to Picton. Enjoy a whale watching excursion. Take a scenic stroll around the coast and to the tip of a peninsula.



Coach to Greymouth
2 nights

Marvel at the Pancake Rocks, amazing formations found on the coast at Punakaiki. Examine contrasts in flora as you walk among the native nikau palms and the vast inland podocarp forests that thrive in this climate.



Coach to Franz Josef
1 night
Coach to Wanaka
2 nights

In Hokitika, discover the significance of “pounamu” greenstone. Venture to the magnificent Franz Josef glacier. Walk on the shores of lovely Lake Wanaka.



Coach to Te Anau
3 nights

Expert-led walks reveal the area around Lake Te Anau, a beautiful land of fjords, snow-capped peaks and cattle, sheep and deer farms. Journey to world-famous Milford Sound for a boating excursion. A local geologist and historian discuss Fiordland’s intriguing environments and conservation efforts.



Coach to Balclutha
2 nights
Coach to Dunedin for departure

Explore the Catlins, an unspoiled tract of native coastal forest. Find streams and waterfalls, rocky coastline and golden sandy beaches, and keep an eye out for a variety of birds and other wildlife.




New Zealand

English explorer Captain James Cook put New Zealand on the map when he sailed around the coast on the Endeavour in 1769. He not only mapped the area during his three voyages around the coast, but named landmarks, many of which still exist today. Dubbed the “land of the long white cloud” by the early Polynesian settlers, New Zealand’s predominately mountainous terrain and large coastal plains make it the perfect place for adventurous outdoor activity.
Accommodations
Rotorua: Hotel on Lake Rotorua. Wellington: Modern hotel in the heart of the city. Kaikoura: Motor lodge with mountain views. Greymouth: Hotel near the coast. Franz Josef: Motel with mountain views. Wanaka: Hotel beside Lake Wanaka. Te Anau: Hotel steps from Lake Te Anau. Balclutha: Comfortable motor lodge.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
John Jordan
An avid mountaineering enthusiast, John Jordan enjoys leading learning adventures in New Zealand and overseas, and has received recognition for his services to Search and Rescue. With his wife, Margaret, he owns a dairy farm at the base of Mt Taranaki (Egmont). John has a special interest in native plants, especially native ferns.
 
Nigel Roberts
Professor Nigel Roberts is a senior faculty member of the political science department at Victoria University, Wellington. He is an authority on the political and electoral systems of New Zealand and Scandinavia, and has served as a regular television commentator on these topics. Nigel is widely regarded as the top political commentator in New Zealand, and since 1987 has served as the election-night commentator for Television New Zealand.
 
John Hellsrom
An officer in the New Zealand Order of Merit, Dr. John Hellsrom is dedicated to the biosecurity and preservation of his country’s natural resources. He is the chairman of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, and has previously served as the chief veterinary officer for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, as well as chairman of the Biosecurity Council. When not advocating for the welfare of species such as the endangered kakapo parrot, Dr. Hellsrom enjoys hiking and sailing.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Sudima Hotel
  Rotorua, New Zealand 3 nights
   West Plaza Hotel
  Wellington, New Zealand 3 nights
   DonegalHouse
  Kaikoura, New Zealand 3 nights
   Greymouth Kingsgate Hotel
  Greymouth, New Zealand 2 nights
   Alpine Glacier Motor Lodge
  Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand 1 night
   Wanaka Hotel
  Wanaka, New Zealand 2 nights
   Luxmore Hotel
  Te Anau, New Zealand 3 nights
   Rosebank Lodge
  Balclutha, New Zealand 2 nights
 Sudima Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Contact info: 1000 Eruera Street
Rotorua,   New Zealand
phone: +6473481174
web: www.lakeplazahotel.co.nz/
  Room amenities: Guestrooms are double occupancy with tea/coffee making facilities, direct dial telephones, iron, a hair dryer, TV including Sky TV, and alarm clock. The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua now boasts wireless high-speed broadband internet access in every guest room and all public areas.
  Facility amenities: The hotel has a laundry service, restaurant and bar, pool, sauna, and private spa.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 West Plaza Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Contact info: 110 Wakefield Street
Wellington,  6001 New Zealand
phone: +6444731440
web: www.lakeplazahotel.co.nz/
  Room amenities: Guestrooms are double occupancy and have private bathrooms with tea/coffee making facilities, remote control TV with Sky TV channels, radio, alarm clock, mini bar, work desk, direct dial telephone, modem connection, refrigerator, hair dryer, and iron facilities.Internet and Wifi available
  Facility amenities: The hotel has an elevator, laundry service, restaurant and bar & lounge.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 DonegalHouse
Type: Hotel
  Description: 6 acres of tranquil gardens,lawns ,lakes & large courtyard
  Contact info: School House Road
Kaikoura,  8280 New Zealand
phone: +6433195083
web: www.donegalhouse.co.nz/
  Room amenities: Guestrooms include tea/coffee making facilities, hair dryers, telephones, Sky TV
  Facility amenities: The hotel has a restaurant and bar, and laundry facilities.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Greymouth Kingsgate Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Contact info: 32 Mawhera Quay
Greymouth,  7801 New Zealand
phone: +6437685085
web: www.millenniumhotels.co.nz/kingsgategreymouth/index.html
  Room amenities: Guestrooms include direct tea/coffee making facilities, dial telephones, a mini bar, an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, electric blanket and Sky TV
  Facility amenities: The hotel has laundry services, safe deposit, a restaurant and bar.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Alpine Glacier Motor Lodge
Type: Lodge
  Contact info: Condon Street
Franz Josef,  7952 New Zealand
phone: +6437520224
  Room amenities: Guestrooms include tea/coffee making facilities, hair dryer, en suite bathroom, telephone, Sky TV, and electric heater.
  Facility amenities: The motel offers internet and laundry services.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Wanaka Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Contact info: Ardmore Street
Wanaka 9192,   New Zealand
phone: +6434437826
web: www.wanakahotel.co.nz/
  Room amenities: Guestrooms include a private shower/bath, private telephone, small refrigerator, tea/coffee making facilities and a television. Internet and Wi-fi available
  Facility amenities: The hotel offers laundry services and Sky TV.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Luxmore Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: Lake & Mountain Views
  Contact info: Town Centre
Te Anau,  9681 New Zealand
phone: +6432497526
web: www.luxmorehotel.co.nz/
  Facility amenities: The hotel has a guest laundry and laundry service. There is a souvenir shop on-site and foreign currency exchange available at reception. 25 MB complimentary wireless internet in cafe and bar
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Rosebank Lodge
Type: Hotel
  Contact info: 265 Clyde Street
Balclutha,  9200 New Zealand
phone: +6434181490
web: www.rosebanklodge.co.nz/
  Room amenities: Guestrooms include a shower, mini bar, Sky TV with remote control, hair dryer, phone jack for internet connection, iron and ironing board
  Facility amenities: The hotel has guest laundry, a spa and sauna, café and bar.Wi-fi available
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights after: $NZ 100 per room Contact travel provider


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Auckland Int Airport- Group arrivals area 7:15 am Thursday January 17 2013 with a coach to Rotorua You will be staying at Sudima Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Dunedin Airport 3.30 pm. Tuesday February 05 2013 You will be staying at Rosebank Lodge the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Passport only- no visa required
  Parking availability:
NA
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: Naked Bus leaves Auckland Airport 12:00 pm and arrives in Rotorua 4:45 pm $16.00 Please note you will miss your Hamilton garden visit and Welcome Lunch
To Start of Program
  Location:  Rotorua
  Transportation to site: Coach transport provided from Auckland International Airport to Rotorua
  From End of Program
  Location:  Balclutha
  Transportation from site: Coach to Dunedin Airport provided for Flight from Dunedin Airport to Auckland for departure
Equipment Requirements: Good walking shoes/boots rainproof gear, warm sweater, hat & gloves. Sunhat and sunscreen Day pack Walking poles if used to using them
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1:
(Tuesday, January 15)
   
 In Transit: Board airplane for International flight to New Zealand

Day 2:
(Wednesday, January 16)
   
 In Transit: Cross International Date Line- lose a day.

Day 3: Coach to Rotorua with Welcome Lunch stop at Hamlton Gardens
(Thursday, January 17)

Note: Short afternoon walk in Redwood Forest
   
 Breakfast: On Airplane.
 Morning: Arrive Auckland Int.Airport. Meet with Group Leaders. Board coach for Rotorua with a walk around the Hamilton Gardens to view themed gardens including a Maori Garden
 Lunch: Welcome Lunch at Hamilton Gardens
 Afternoon: Arrive Rotorua. Rotorua is New Zealand's own geothermal paradise This good-looking city is big on maori culture and hospitality you can stand on active volcanoes, peer into massive craters and see boiling mud and erupting geysers.Settle in to Hotel & Orientation. .
 Dinner: Light Meal at Hotel
   
Accommodations: Sudima Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Coach to beautiful Lake Rotoiti for guided walk on Hongi's track and Okere Falls Visit Rainbow Springs
(Friday, January 18)

Note: Hongi's track (1 .5 hrs 2.2 km one way) and at Okere Falls (30 mins 1.2 km one )way Guided walking tour of Rainbow Springs
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Hotel.
 Morning: A short introductory lecture on history of New Zealand Board coach for all-day walking field trip to Lake Rotoiti & Okere Falls, with beautiful views of lake and waterfalls.
 Lunch: At Okere Falls Cafe
 Afternoon: Guided walking excursion to Rainbow Springs, a lush wildlife area filled with ferns, trees and plants, native birds and rainbow trout in a crystal clear mineral spring that runs throughout the park. Guided walk in the Redwood Grove, a beautiful forest of California Redwood trees just minutes from the city center Before dinner there will be a lecture on geology & flora of the Volcanic Plateau.
 Dinner: At Hotel
   
Accommodations: Sudima Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Coach to Te Puia for Maori Concert & guided walk of thermal area
(Saturday, January 19)

Note: Rainbow Mountain Summit track. Uphill climb (1.5 hrs one way 2.5 hrs return 5 km) Optional Crater Lake walk (15 mins one way)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Walk along Lake Rotorua waterfront and through Government Gardens. Coach to Te Puia, one of New Zealand's premier Maori cultural and geothermal visitors center. While there participants will enjoy a Traditional Maori Concert & guided tour of thermal area.
 Lunch: At Te Puia Cafe.
 Afternoon: .Guided walk on Rainbow Mountain Summit track with views of 2 craters and walk past coloured and steaming ridges. From the summit there are amazing 360-degree views of Rotorua's lakes and Mt Tarawera (1.5 hrs one way 2.5 hrs return 5 km)
 Dinner: At Local Restaurant
   
Accommodations: Sudima Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Coach to Wellington with stops for morning tea & lunch Tour of famous Huka Falls en route
(Sunday, January 20)

Note: Arrive Wellington & settle in to hotel
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Board coach for all day trip to Wellington. Morning tea will be taken in Taupo, which sits at the edge of Lake Taupo and has spectacular views of mountain and lake. Visit spectacular Huka Falls
 Lunch: In restaurant en route to Wellington
 Afternoon: Arrive in Wellington and settle in to the centrally located hotel. Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand chosen for it;s central location. One of the many enticing points of this exciting city is its compact CBD-you can walk from one side to the other in 20 minutes. The waterfront is lined with immaculate parks,heritage buildings and museums. Wellington is dubbed the "creative and cultural capital of New Zealand'
 Dinner: At hotel
   
Accommodations: West Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Guided visit to Parliament &visit to Te Papa museum
(Monday, January 21)

Note: Afternoon free time Lecture on history & features of Wellington
   
 Breakfast: At hotel
 Morning: Guided tour of Parliament & visit Te Papa Museum. The Te Papa museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the taonga (treasures) of New Zealand's peoples and to interpret the country's heritage for national and international audiences.
 Lunch: Own choice
 Afternoon: Free time to explore Wellington. Before dinner there will be a lecture on the Politics & Economy of New Zealand.
 Dinner: At hotel
   
Accommodations: West Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Walk to Karori Wildlife Sanctuary (Zealandia) and Botanic Gardens
(Tuesday, January 22)

Note: Cable Car and walk to Zealandia on city streets. Guided walk and walk down through Gardens
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Walk to Karori (Zealandia) Wildlife (Sanctuary for guided field trip. The Karori Wildlife Santuary is a safe haven for endangered native birds and other wildlife, located minutes from downtown Wellington. A unique predator proof fence surrounds the Sanctuary, protecting the wildlife and ensuring the forest regenerates to its former glory.
 Lunch: At Rata Cafe with magnificent views
 Afternoon: Walk down through Botanical Gardens and return to Hotel
 Dinner: At Theatre Restaurant.
 Evening: Optional visit to the Circa theatre (for an additional cost)
   
Accommodations: West Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Coach to Ferry terminal for trip to Picton in South Island via scenic Marlborough Sounds. On arrival- coach to Kaikoura.
(Wednesday, January 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Board coach for Ferry Termnal and depart on scheduled service for Picton on South Island, via Cook Strait and Marlborough Sounds. Upon arrival board coach for winery.
 Lunch: At Brancott Winery in Blenheim.
 Afternoon: Board coach for trip to Kaikoura via scenic Coastal Highway. Settle in to Lodge. Situated on the South Island East Coast- a noted centre for Wildlife Studies, especially Whales, Dolphins and Seabirds. Bird life in an adjacent native forest is also an attraction.
 Dinner: At lodge
   
Accommodations: DonegalHouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Morning: Whale watching from scheduled Tourist vessel. Guided walk on Peninsular trail in afternoon.
(Thursday, January 24)

Note: Wellformed trail along cliff top with a decent down to South Bay carpark (7.6 km 2.5 hrs) Optional extension 3.9 km 1.5 hrs) South bay to Kaikoura town
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Lodge.
 Morning: Board specialized vessel for scheduled Whale viewing experience, with commentary.
 Lunch: Own Choice
 Afternoon: Guided walk on Peninsula Trail crosses the cliff top, with excellent views of the Seaward Kaikoura range, ocean and coastline
 Dinner: With local residents
   
Accommodations: DonegalHouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Guided walk on Mt Fyffe or Hinau track. Visit Lavender Farm
(Friday, January 25)

Note: Mt Fyffe: Follow a 4WD track uphill to a lookout for superb views (3 hrs return) Hinau track (1 hour loop) on well formed track
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Lodge.
 Morning: Coach to starting point for guided walk on Mt Fyffe (3 Hrs) with superb views over the Kaikoura Plains and Peninsular. Optional loop walk (1 hr) in native bush where native hinau species are predominant Visit Lavender farm with lecture on oil production
 Lunch: At Irish Pub.
 Afternoon: Coach to Informaton Centre. FREE TIME
 Dinner: At the Lodge
   
Accommodations: DonegalHouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Coach transfer to Greymouth on West Coast. Visit family Dairy Farm at Blackball
(Saturday, January 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Lodge.
 Morning: Board coach for all day trip to Greymouth via Lewis Pass, with stops at Reeton for lunch en route. Arrive at Greymouth and settle in. West Coast's largest town. An historic gold mining town
 Lunch: At Reefton
 Afternoon: After lunch continue journey, with a stop at Blackball to view family dairy farm, with lecture
 Dinner: At Greymouth Kingsgate Hotel
 Evening: Video on South Island.
   
Accommodations: Greymouth Kingsgate Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Field trip to Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki and Truman track. Guided Walk up Pororari River.
(Sunday, January 27)

Note: Punakaiki walk 1 hr on paved paths with some steps. Truman Track, Steps down to Beach and return 1 hr. Pororari river walk 5-6 km (2-3 hrs return on wellformed trail



   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Field trip by coach to Punakaiki. Lecture on geological formation of Pancake Rocks. Field trip on foot to view unique coastal rock formations and blowholes. Walk down Truman Track to Beach
 Lunch: Packed lunch in the field
 Afternoon: Coach to Pororari River for guided walk to view groves of Nikau (only palm indigenous to NZ) and see native birds. Return to Greymouth for Dinner in evening
 Dinner: Dinner at Speights Brew Bar
   
Accommodations: Greymouth Kingsgate Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Coach to Franz Josef to view Glacier in unique location close to coast.
(Monday, January 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at lodge
 Morning: Coach to Franz Josef Glacier area with stops en route at Hokitika, which is famous for Pounamu, commonly known as greenstone or New Zealand jade. Here a community of artists create some beautiful works from this stone.
 Lunch: At cafe en route to Franz Josef
 Dinner: At local restaurant
   
Accommodations: Alpine Glacier Motor Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Coach to view face of Glacier. Short Walk around Lake Mathieson. Coach transfer to Lake Wanaka
(Tuesday, January 29)

Note: Both walks on well formed tracks 20 min. uphill walk to glacier Viewing Platform 40 Min walk on wellformed paths to Lake Mathieson



   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Motel.
 Morning: Coach to Westland Glacier National Park. Approach on foot and ascend rock platform to view face of glacier. Part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. The glacier descends from the top of the Southern Alps cutting through dramatic Glacial Valleys into rain forest 300m above sea level. Walk around Lake Mathieson (40 Mins)
 Lunch: At local cafe
 Afternoon: Resume journey South passing small lakes and native beech forest. Traverse Haast Pass (main divide) to enter Province of Otago and proceed past Lake Hawea to Wanaka.
 Dinner: At Wanaka restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Wanaka Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Guided Walks round Lake Wanaka and Mt Iron
(Wednesday, January 30)

Note: Waterfall Creek is a wellformed trail around Lake 1.5-2hrs Mt Iron is an uphill track (2 hours return)



   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Hotel
 Morning: Guided walk alomg shore of Lake Wanaka. from Waterfall Creek back to Hotel. New Zealand's fourth largest lake, Lake Wanaka sparkles on the edge of town Board coach for lunch in private lodge at Glendhu Bay
 Lunch: Eat lunch in private garden
 Afternoon: Guided walk Up Mt Iron for wonderful views of Lake Wanaka
 Dinner: At local restaurant
   
Accommodations: Wanaka Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Coach transfer to Te Anau with stop at Queenstown- free time and Lunch. Lecture:The Geology of Fiordland
(Thursday, January 31)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Hotel.
 Morning: Board coach for trip to Te Anau. En route stop at Queenstown for Lunch
 Lunch: At Queenstown- own choice-
 Afternoon: Continue on to Te Anau. Arrival and settling in at hotel. Te Anau lies beside the sparking blue waters of Lake Te Anau the largest lake in the South Island It is the Gateway to Milford Sound (2 hours by coach)
 Dinner: In Hotel Luxmore dining room
 Evening: Lecture: "Geology of Fiordland".
   
Accommodations: Luxmore Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 18: Walk on Kepler track from Rainbow reach to Moturau Hut Visit Conservation Centre & Wildlife Park.
(Friday, February 1)

Note: The wellformed track follows the Waiau river terrace,crosses a wetland and through beech forest to Moturua hut (4 hrs 12 km return)



   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Transport by coach for guided walk in Beech Forest on Kepler track to Moturau Hut situated beside a beautiful beach with panoramic views of Lake Manapouri- then to Wildlife Park to view endangered species. Guided walk to Conservation Centre- view exhibits.
 Lunch: Packed lunch in field
 Afternoon: Free time during the late afternoon.
 Dinner: Own choice
 Evening: Lecture: "Early Days on the Milford Track"
   
Accommodations: Luxmore Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 19: All-day visit to famed Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park (World Heritage)
(Saturday, February 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel. Board coach for all day field trip to Milford Sound with boat trip (with commentary) by scheduled service on the Sound. Box lunch on board is included. Return to Te Anau by coach. Dinner at Hotel.
 Lunch: Box lunch provided on boat.
 Dinner: At hotel or restaurant
   
Accommodations: Luxmore Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20: Visit to Sheep Ranch Coach transfer to Balclutha.
(Sunday, February 3)

Note: Walk around sheep ranch
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Coach to operating family sheep ranch with demonstrations & lecture. Board coach for Balclutha.
 Lunch: At Lumsden restaurant
 Afternoon: Arrive at Lodge and settle in. Balclutha the main centre of the Clutha district is a fishing paradise for brown trout and Salmon in the Clutha river. Balclutha is also renowned for its six-arch bridge It is the gateway to the Catlins Coast
 Dinner: At Rosebank Lodge
   
Accommodations: Rosebank Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 21: All day visit to pristine forest and coastal area of "The Catlins"
(Monday, February 4)

Note: Two short walks into the train tunnel and Matai/Horseshoe falls. Kaka Point Beach walk



   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Rosebank Lodge.
 Morning: Coach departs for all day walking field trip in Catlins area, including guided visits to native forest, waterfall and golden beaches. There will be lectures in the field by local botanist.
 Lunch: At local lodge (Papatowai)
 Afternoon: Return to Lodge.
 Dinner: Farewell function at Rosebank Lodge.
   
Accommodations: Rosebank Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 22: Coach to Dunedin Airport for flight to Auckland and on to USA.
(Tuesday, February 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at Rosebank Lodge. Coach to Dunedin
 Morning: Guided Tour of City with lecture in the field
 Lunch: Own Choice
 Afternoon: FREE TIME Coach to Dunedin Airport 3.00 pm for flight to Auckland and USA
 In Transit: On flight to USA.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

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The Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Geology An introduction to rocks, minerals & fossils


Author: Jocelyn Thornton


Description: This is the first field guide written for the general public and beginners in geology in New Zealand. Now fully revised and updated, it shows travellers in New Zealand something of the tremendous variety of our rocks, minerals and fossils and describes what to look for in many areas where rock formations are prominent. It covers the history of New Zealand from it's beginnings on the sea floor some 600 million years ago to it's present patchwork landscape of volcano, range and plain. The land was formed from many different layers of rock- volcanic flows, forest debris, ocean mud. All these have special characteristics, which are explained and illustrated to enable readers to find the layers and understand their origins and what they can tell us about the landscape of the past. The crystals that grew in the rocks and the remains of living creatures that were preserved are also illustrated and described. Written in simplified terms, it includes an introductory chapter on general geology, a geological time chart and quick reference maps of the North Island and the South Island for travellers.



The Whale Rider


Author: Witi Ihimaera,


Description: The Whale Rider (1987) was written in New York and Cape Cod in the space of three weeks. A magical, mythical work about a young girl whose relationship with a whale ensures the salvation of her village, it is, says Ihimaera, the work of his ‘that the Maori community accepts best’





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