Road Scholar : Home
Land of Geysers and Greenstone

Program Number: 3304RJ
Start and End Dates:
10/9/2013 - 11/4/2013; 1/29/2014 - 2/24/2014;
Duration: 26 nights
Location: New Zealand
Price starting at: $7,995.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type:
Meals: 68; 24 Breakfasts, 22 Lunches, 22 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Melding the native Maori culture, the European colonial past and recent Polynesian and Asian migration, New Zealand’s culture is formed by contrasts as dramatic as that between the bubbling thermal pools of the North Island and the alpine glaciers and lakes of the South Island. Discover these nuances for yourself on a comprehensive exploration of this country’s history, peoples and natural environments.




Highlights

• Expert-led walks highlight New Zealand’s spectacular natural environments.
• Maori performances of song and dance immerse you in New Zealand’s proud indigenous culture.
• A boat excursion reveals the beauty of the Doubtful Sound fjord.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day; some uneven terrain and stairs.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Auckland, 3 nights; coach to Rotorua, 2 nights; coach to Turangi, 2 nights; coach to Wellington, 3 nights; flight to Dunedin, 2 nights; coach to Western Southland, 2 nights; coach to Te Anau, 2 nights; coach to Queenstown, 2 nights; coach to Wanaka, 1 night; coach to Fox Glacier, 2 nights; coach and train to Christchurch, 3 nights; flight to Auckland for departure.



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

Local experts introduce you to cosmopolitan Auckland, the country’s largest city and home to the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world. Learn about the effects of volcanism on New Zealand’s west coast.



Coach to Rotorua
2 nights
Coach to Turangi
2 nights
Coach to Wellington
3 nights

Examine the geothermal features of Rotorua, a North Island “hot spot,” and take a swim in a thermal pool. An expert-led walk in Tongariro National Park showcases its beautiful volcanic landscape and introduces you to a “green” power project. Journey through the countryside to New Zealand’s capital, where you learn about the country’s politics and discover the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.



Flight to Dunedin
2 nights
Coach to Western Southland
2 nights
Coach to Te Anau
2 nights
Coach to Queenstown
2 nights

Continue to the South Island and delve into the Scottish heritage of Dunedin. Journey to Western Southland and spend two nights on a farm learning about life here and enjoying the hospitality and home-cooked meals of farm families. Absorb the beauty of Fiordland including Lake Te Anau and Doubtful Sound on boat excursions. Explore Lake Wakatipu on a vintage steamer.



Coach to Wanaka
1 night
Coach to Fox Glacier
2 nights
Coach and train to Christchurch
3 nights
Flight to Auckland for departure

Discover the Southern Alps including Mount Aspiring National Park and Westland Tai Poutini National Park with its famed glaciers. Learn about greenstone and its importance to the Maori culture in Hokitika. Ride the scenic TranzAlpine train route through mountains and over rivers to Christchurch. Delve into the history of the Canterbury region and hear the tales of a Te Puna Ora storyteller.




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
Auckland: Hotel in waterfront district. Rotorua: Hotel with outdoor pool. Turangi: Riverside lodge. Wellington: Hotel on Wellington Harbour. Dunedin: Hotel in park-like setting. Western Southland: Working farms in scenic rural area. Lake Te Anau: Garden hotel on shores. Queenstown: Hotel overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. Wanaka: Hotel near lake. Fox Glacier: Cozy village hotel. Christchurch: Comfortable motel.
Meals and Lodgings
   Mercure Auckland Hotel
  Auckland, New Zealand 3 nights
   Copthorne Hotel Rotorua
  Rotorua, New Zealand 2 nights
   Bridge Fishing Lodge
  Turangi, New Zealand 2 nights
   Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay
  Wellington, New Zealand 3 nights
   Mercure Hotel Leisure Lodge
  Dunedin, New Zealand 2 nights
   Western Southland Farm Stays
  Western Southland Farm Stay, New Zealand 2 nights
   Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau
  Te Anau, New Zealand 2 nights
   Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
  Queenstown, New Zealand 2 nights
   Edgewater Resort
  Wanaka, New Zealand 1 night
   Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
  Fox Glacier, New Zealand 2 nights
 Mercure Auckland Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: Situated in the centre of Auckland and within walking distance to picturesque Waitemata Harbour.
  Contact info: 8 Customs Street
Auckland,  1010 New Zealand
phone: +64 -9-377-8920
web: www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-1721-mercure-auckland/index.shtml
  Room amenities: Room facilities include tea/coffee making facilities, television, telephone, refrigerator, iron/ironing board, Internet & PC connection and hairdryer.
  Facility amenities: Hotel facilities include a laundry service, fitness facilities and safety deposit box facilities
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: TBA in Preparatory Material The Program Provider can arrange additional accommodation for participants arriving earlier or departing later than the group. A Request form will be included with the Preparatory Material, or participants can contact the Provider direct by email.

 Copthorne Hotel Rotorua
Type: Hotel
  Contact info: Fenton Street
Rotorua,  3010 New Zealand
phone: +64 -7-348-0199
web: http://www.millenniumhotels.co.nz/copthornerotorua/
  Room amenities: Room facilities include tea/coffee making facilities, television, telephone, refrigerator, iron/ironing board and hairdryer.
  Facility amenities: Hotel facilities include a heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, tennis court, gymnasium, guest laundry and safety deposit box facilities.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Bridge Fishing Lodge
Type: Hotel
  Description: Located on the banks of the tranquil Tongariro River.
  Contact info: State Highway 1
Turangi,  3334 New Zealand
phone: +64 -7-386-8804
web: www.bridgefishinglodge.co.nz
  Room amenities: Room facilities include tea/coffee making facilities, refrigerator, television, telephone, electric blankets and hair dryers (on request).
  Facility amenities: Hotel facilities include a sauna, spa pool, hair dryers on request and a guest laundry.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay
Type: Hotel
  Description: The hotel has stunning views of Wellington's delightful harbour. It is located on the edge of Wellington's central business district and offers easy, flat walking access to many of the city's attractions including Te Papa Tongarewa: Museum of New Zealand.
  Contact info: 73 Roxburgh Street
Wellington,  6011 New Zealand
phone: +64 -4-385-0279
web: www.millenniumhotels.co.nz/copthorneorientalbay/index.html
  Room amenities: Room facilities include tea/coffee making, ISD telephone, television, refrigerator, ironing facilities and electric blankets (upon request).
  Facility amenities: Hotel facilities include a heated swimming pool, cocktail bar, guest laundry facilities and a safety deposit box.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Mercure Hotel Leisure Lodge
Type: Hotel
  Description: Located adjacent to Dunedin Botanic Gardens.
  Contact info: Duke Street
Dunedin,   New Zealand
phone: +64 3 477 5360
web: www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-6222-mercure-dunedin-leisure-lodge/index.shtml
  Room amenities: Room facilities include tea/coffee making facilities, television, telephone, refrigerator, iron/ironing board, Internet & PC connection and hairdryer.
  Facility amenities: Hotel facilities include a laundry service, internet access, fitness facilities and safety deposit box facilities.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Western Southland Farm Stays
Type: Private Home
  Description: These farms offer a wide variety of farming operations which include raising sheep, deer, cattle, and intensive cropping, and the visitor will receive an insight into how rural New Zealander's live and work.
  Contact info: (C/- Odyssey Travel Head Office
Northfields Ave, Wollongong NSW 2572 Aust)
Invercargill,   New Zealand
phone: +61 -2-4224-7030
web: www.farmhost.co.nz
  Room amenities: All homes offer quality accommodation with a high standard of comfort and cleanliness.
  Facility amenities: All farm stay properties are owner operated, providing warm, comfortable accommodation with magnificent rural scenery.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom: Some venues will have private facilities, whilst others will provide a shared family bathroom with separate toilet facilities.

 Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau
Type: Hotel
  Description: Set amongst manicured gardens on the tranquil shores of Lake Te Anau.
  Contact info: 20 Lakefront Drive
Te Anau,  9600 New Zealand
phone: +64 -3-249-7421
web: www.millenniumhotels.co.nz/kingsgateteanau/index.html
  Room amenities: Room facilities include tea/coffee making facilities, television, telephone, refrigerator, hairdryer and electric blankets.
  Facility amenities: Hotel facilities include a guest laundry, foreign exchange and safety deposit box facilities.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview is located within a 10min walk to the town centre and all rooms enjoy superb lake and mountain views.
  Contact info: 88 Frankton Road
Queenstown,  9300 New Zealand
phone: +64 -3-442-7950
web: www.millenniumhotels.co.nz/copthornequeenstownlakeview/index.html
  Room amenities: Room facilities include tea/coffee making facilities, television, telephone, refrigerator, iron/ironing board, electric blankets and hair dryer.
  Facility amenities: Hotel facilities include a spa pool, guest laundry and safety deposit box facility.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Edgewater Resort
Type: Hotel
  Description: Edgewater is in a stunning location at the foot of Mt. Aspiring National Park and on the edge of Lake Wanaka. With lawns stretching right to the water’s edge, Edgewater Resort is a welcoming retreat. It is a flat lake-side walk into the centre of town.
  Contact info: Sargood Drive
Wanaka,  9343 New Zealand
phone: +64 3 443 0011
web: http://www.edgewater.co.nz
  Room amenities: All rooms have televisions, tea- & coffee-making facilities and en-suite bathrooms. All open out to a balcony or patio.
  Facility amenities: Edgewater Resort has a spa, sauna, tennis courts and a 9-hole putting green.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Type: Hotel
  Description: Located on the very edge of the Westland World Heritage Park.
  Contact info: State Highway 6
Franz Josef,  0000 New Zealand
phone: +64 -3-752-0729
web: www.scenichotelgroup.co.nz
  Room amenities: Room facilities include heating, tea/coffee making facilities, telephone, television, refrigerator, internet access and hair dryer.
  Facility amenities: Hotel facilities include guest laundry, spa pool, internet kiosk and games area.
  Smoking allowed: No


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Auckland, New Zealand You will be staying at Mercure Auckland Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Christchurch, New Zealand - includes flight to Auckland to join international flight to USA You will be staying at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Passport only is required for New Zealand.
  Parking availability:
n/a
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Auckland
  Nearest airport:  Auckland International & Domestic Airports
  Transportation to site: Coach transfers are provided for the group at the beginning of the program, from the arrival airport to their accommodation. POP participants can join this transfer free of charge provided they are present when the transfer departs. Alternatively they can make their own arrangements and use the airport shuttle bus or taxi services at their own expense.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Christchurch
  Nearest airport:  Christchurch International and Domestic Airports
  Transportation from site: Coach transfers are provided for the group at the conclusion of the program, from their accommodation to the departure airport. POP participants can join this transfer free of charge provided they are present when the transfer departs. Alternatively they can make their own arrangements and use the airport shuttle bus or taxi services at their own expense.
Elevation Note: Highest elevation will be Arthur's Pass in the South Island
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: Group Departure
(Wednesday, January 29)
   
 Evening: Depart USA on International flight.

Day 2: International Flight
(Thursday, January 30)
   
 In Transit: Cross International Dateline

Day 3: Group Arrival / Program Overview / Introduction to Auckland
(Friday, January 31)
   
 Morning: Group Arrival. Lecture: Program Overview and Introductions. Lecture: Introduction to Auckland.
 Lunch: In the hotel - gorgeous views of Auckland city & harbour from the top-floor restaurant.
 Afternoon: At leisure.
 Dinner: In the hotel - gorgeous views of Auckland city & harbour from the top-floor restaurant.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Mercure Auckland Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Introductory overview of New Zealand / Volcanism in New Zealand / Orientation to Auckland city / Auckland War Memorial Museum
(Saturday, February 1)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel - gorgeous views of Auckland city & harbour from the top-floor restaurant.
 Morning: Lectures: Overview of New Zealand and Introduction to Volcanism in New Zealand.
 Lunch: In the hotel - gorgeous views of Auckland city & harbour from the top-floor restaurant.
 Afternoon: Field Trip: Orientation to Auckland city. Field Trip/Class: Auckland War Memorial Museum - includes time for personal exploration.
 Dinner: Own arrangements - a chance for participants to explore and sample the delights of Auckland's harbour-side culture.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Mercure Auckland Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Geology of Auckland - exploration of the landforms, flora & birdlife of Auckland's west coast beaches
(Sunday, February 2)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel - gorgeous views of Auckland city & harbour from the top-floor restaurant.
 Morning: Lecture: Geology of Auckland & its varied coastlines. Field Trip/Class: Auckland's west coast beaches including Muriwai Beach - black sand surf beaches, gannet colony, native flora.
 Lunch: At local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Field Trip/Class continued: Auckland's west coast beaches.
 Dinner: In the hotel - gorgeous views of Auckland city & harbour from the top-floor restaurant.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Mercure Auckland Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: To Rotorua / St. Faith's Maori Church / Forestry Research Institute / Buried Village / Polynesian Spa - hot thermal pools
(Monday, February 3)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Coach to Rotorua. Excursion: Visit St. Faith's Maori Church and its richly-decorated interior in the lakeside Maori village of Ohinemutu. Field Trip/Class: Forestry Research Institute - Introduction to Plantation Forestry in New Zealand. Guided tour of Long Mile Tree Breeding Trial Centre - research plantation & Redwood grove.
 Lunch: At Forestry Research Institute
 Afternoon: Field Trip/Class: Buried Village - the historic remains of a small village engulfed by the violent & unexpected eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886. Coach to accommodation.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: Excursion: Polynesian Spa - swim & relax in the hot thermal pools.
   
Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Rotorua Museum / Maori Arts & Crafts Institute / Kiwi Enclosure / Whakarewarewa Thermal area / Hangi dinner on a Marae
(Tuesday, February 4)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Field Trip/Class: Rotorua Museum of Art & History located in the old historic bath house complex. Remainder of morning at leisure.
 Lunch: Own arrangements.
 Afternoon: Part of the afternoon at leisure. Field Trip/Class: Te Puia (Arts & Crafts Institute). Visit the Kiwi House to meet New Zealand's national symbol - the flightless kiwi; view the Whakarewarewa thermal area, boiling mudpools & pohutu geyser; partake in a Maori cultural performance.
 Dinner: Experience a hangi - the traditional Maori method of cooking food in the ground - at a Marae.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Waimangu Volcanic Valley / Wairakei Geothermal Power Project / Huka Falls / Lake Taupo / Coach to Turangi
(Wednesday, February 5)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Field Trip/Class: Waimangu Volcanic Valley and cruise on Lake Rotomahana - immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of this volcanic valley and get up close and personal with New Zealand's native birdlife.
 Lunch: At cafe overlooking Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
 Afternoon: Field Trip/Class: Waimangu Volcanic Valley: volcanic New Zealand. Waimangu Volcanic Valley is the only geothermal system in the world wholly created as the direct result of a volcanic eruption - the Tarawera Eruption of 10 June 1886. Walk through this amazing volcanic landscape serenaded by the songs of the local native birdlife. Cruise on Lake Rotomohana, also formed as a result of the 1886 eruption.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Bridge Fishing Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Tongariro National Park / Trout Hatchery / Program Review
(Thursday, February 6)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Field Trip/Class: Tongariro National Park - the centre of the volcanic plateau in the middle of New Zealand's North Island. Visit the Department of Conservation Information Centre and Mt. Ruapehu.
 Lunch: In the hotel.
 Afternoon: Excursion: Guided walk to Trout Hatchery. Lecture: M.A.S.H. - Review of Program.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Bridge Fishing Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: North Island Countryside / Rangitikei Gorge / Southwards International Car Museum / Coach to Wellington / City Lights Tour
(Friday, February 7)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Field Trip: Travel through the North Island countryside and National Park area, via New Zealand's infamous Desert Road and the Rangitikei Gorge.
 Lunch: Picnic Lunch en route to Wellington.
 Afternoon: Excursion: Guided tour of Southwards International Car Museum. Coach to Wellington accommodation.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: Excursion: City Lights tour - take in the beauty of Wellington's harbour surrounded by the lights of the city and suburbs.
   
Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Parliament Buildings / Introduction to Harbour Capital
(Saturday, February 8)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Lecture: New Zealand Politics and Public Life. Field Trip: Guided tour of Parliament House.
 Lunch: At local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Field Trip: Introduction to the harbour capital: historic buildings, the cable car - a Wellington institution and Wellington Botanical Gardens.
 Dinner: Own arrangements - sample the delights of Wellington's renowned cafe society at your leisure.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Te Papa Tongarewa - National Museum of New Zealand
(Sunday, February 9)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Field Trip/Class: Guided tour of Te Papa Tongarewa - National Museum of New Zealand followed by free time for individual exploration of one of New Zealand's most important cultural icons.
 Lunch: Own arrangements.
 Afternoon: At leisure.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13: Fly to Dunedin / Course Overview / Scottish Heritage / Settlers' Museum / Introduction to Southern New Zealand
(Monday, February 10)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Coach to Wellington Domestic Airport for flight to Dunedin.
 Lunch: In the hotel.
 Afternoon: Lecture: Course Overview. Lecture: Dunedin and Its Scottish Heritage. Field Trip: Otago Settlers' Museum.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: Lecture: Introduction to Southern New Zealand
   
Accommodations: Mercure Hotel Leisure Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: The Leith Walk / Otago Peninsula / Albatross Colony / Fort Taiaroa / Taiaroa Head Cruise
(Tuesday, February 11)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Excursion: The Leith Walk. Field Trip/Class: Otago Peninsula & Taiaroa Head.
 Lunch: At Cafe at Albatross Colony.
 Afternoon: Continue Field Trip/Class: Albatross Colony - the only mainland breeding colony for any albatross species anywhere in the world. Excursion: Fort Taiaroa (1886 Armstrong Gun Placement) and cruise to Taiaroa Head.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Mercure Hotel Leisure Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Nugget Point / Catlins Forest Park / Overnight with Farm Stay Hosts
(Wednesday, February 12)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Field Trip: Experience Nugget Point, Catlins forest Park and Petrified Forest
 Lunch: Picnic Lunch en route.
 Afternoon: Coach to Invercargill to meet Farm Stay hosts.
 Dinner: At Farm Stay.
 Evening: EnrichActivity: Evening with Farm Stay Hosts.
   
Accommodations: Western Southland Farm Stays
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Full day of Farm Activities
(Thursday, February 13)
   
 Breakfast: At Farm Stay.
 Morning: At leisure on Farm.
 Lunch: At Farm Stay.
 Afternoon: EnrichActivity: Farm Activities
 Dinner: At Farm Stay.
 Evening: At leisure with Farm Stay Hosts.
   
Accommodations: Western Southland Farm Stays
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Kepler Track / Bird Park / Coach to Te Anau / Glow Worm Caves / Milford Track Memories
(Friday, February 14)
   
 Breakfast: At Farm Stay.
 Morning: Group regathers. View of Kepler Track - one of southern New Zealand's famous multi-day walking tracks. Field Trip: Department of Conservation Bird Park on the side of Lake Te Anau. Coach to Te Anau accommodation.
 Lunch: In the hotel.
 Afternoon: Field Trip/Class: Cruise across Lake Te Anau to the glow worm caves to explore a mysterious underground world.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: Lecture: Milford Track Memories: a lecture recounting humorous anecdotes regarding the history of the Milford Track - New Zealand's most famous multi-day walk.
   
Accommodations: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Lake Manapouri / Underground Hydro Station / Doubtful Sound Cruise
(Saturday, February 15)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Field Trip: Cruise on the remote & picturesque Doubtful Sound including Lake Manapouri and the Underground Hydro Station.
 Lunch: On board cruise.
 Afternoon: Continue Field Trip: Cruise on Doubtful Sound.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19: Atawhenua Shadowlands / Coach to Queenstown / City Orientation / Program Review
(Sunday, February 16)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Excursion: Atawhenua Shadowlands visual presentation - a bird's (or helicopter's) eye view of the majestic beauty of the remote Fiordland National Park put together by a cinematographer from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Coach to Queenstown.
 Lunch: In Queenstown.
 Afternoon: Field Trip: Orientation to Queenstown. Coach to Queenstown accommodation. Remainder of afternoon at leisure.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: Lecture: M.A.S.H. - Review of Program.
   
Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20: Lake Wakatipu Cruise, including Walter Peak high country station
(Monday, February 17)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Field Trip: Cruise on Lake Wakatipu on board the historic steamer TSS Earnslaw. Excursion: Visit Walter Peak High Country Farm for a guided tour and an insight into New Zealand farmers' working dogs.
 Lunch: At Walter Peak Homestead.
 Afternoon: Continue Field Trip: Cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Remainder of afternoon at leisure. Gondola to Skyline Restaurant on top of Bob's Peak for dinner overlooking Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables.
 Dinner: At Skyline Restaurant.
 Evening: Gondola to coach, then return to accommodation.
   
Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 21: Wakatipu Basin / Big Picture Wine Adventure / Coach to Wanaka / Geology of the Region
(Tuesday, February 18)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Field Trip/Class: History and guided tour of Wakatipu Basin. Field Trip/Class: Big Picture Wine Adventure in Cromwell. Coach to Wanaka.
 Lunch: Own arrangements in Wanaka.
 Afternoon: Coach to accommodation. Part of afternoon at leisure. Lecture: Geology of the Region - Glaciology.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Edgewater Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 22: Central Otago / Mt. Aspiring National Park / Westland National Park / Coach to Fox Glacier
(Wednesday, February 19)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Field Trip/Class: Central Otago - across the main Divide through Haast Pass and Mt. Aspiring National Park.
 Lunch: Picnic Lunch en route.
 Afternoon: Continue Field Trip/Class: Westland National Park. Coach to Fox Glacier accommodation. Field Trip/Class: Guided tour of Fox Glacier - Glaciology and Movement of the Glacier.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 23: Lake Matheson / Franz Josef Glacier / Alpine Adventure Centre
(Thursday, February 20)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Field Trip: Lake Matheson. Field Trip/Class: Guided tour of Franz Josef Glacier.
 Lunch: At local restaurant at Franz Josef Glacier.
 Afternoon: Field Trip: Visit Alpine Adventure Centre and walk to Westland National Park Visitors Centre.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 24: West Coast Lakes / Greenstone Carving / Coach to Greymouth / scenic TranzAlpine Express Train to Christchurch
(Friday, February 21)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Field Trip/Class: Geology and Flora of Westland - including township of Ross and West Coast Lakes. Excursion: Greenstone Carving in Hokitika.
 Lunch: In Hokitika.
 Afternoon: Continue Field Trip/Class: Geology and Flora of Westland. Coach to Greymouth Railway Station and board the TranzAlpine Express train for your journey across the majestic Southern Alps to Christchurch.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 25: Course Overview / History of Canterbury / Antarctic Connection / Immigrants' Stories
(Saturday, February 22)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Field Trip/Class: Orientation to Christchurch - including Course Overview - History of Canterbury and Wealth of Farming. Field Trip/Class: Canterbury Museum - The Antarctic Connection.
 Lunch: At Canterbury Museum.
 Afternoon: At leisure.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: Lecture: Immigrants' Stories - Te Puna Ora Storyteller.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 26: Banks Peninsula Settlement History / Akaroa Museum / Program Review
(Sunday, February 23)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Field Trip/Class: Akaroa and Banks Peninsula - Maori History and the French Settlement.
 Lunch: At local restaurant in Akaroa.
 Afternoon: Continue Field Trip/Class: Akaroa and Banks Peninsula - visit to Museum. Lecture: M.A.S.H. - Final Review of Program
 Dinner: At local restaurant - Farewell.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 27: International Antarctic Centre / Group Departure
(Monday, February 24)
   
 Breakfast: In the hotel.
 Morning: Field Trip/Class: International Antarctic Centre - Antarctica Revealed. Gain an insight to Christchurch's involvement with Antarctica as the mainland base for US, NZ and Italian Antarctic research.
 Lunch: At International Antarctic Centre.
 Afternoon: Coach to Christchurch International Airport for flight to Auckland, then connect with flight to Los Angeles.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.

Suggested Reading List


A Traveler’s History of New Zealand and the South Pacific


Author: John Chambers


Description: A concise, generous overview of the region, organized chronologically, and including line drawings and maps. While a great deal of the book focuses on New Zealand, there is also ample coverage of the South Pacific.



Cultural Atlas of Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific


Author: Richard Nile & Christian Clerk


Description: This handsome volume weaves together history, geography, archaeology, and the arts, covering the Australasian region from prehistory up to the founding of the modern nations. Features hundreds of illustrations.



Eyewitness Guide New Zealand


Author: Eyewitness Guides


Description: This superb illustrated guide to New Zealand from the Eyewitness series features color photography, dozens of excellent local maps and a region-by-region synopsis of the country's attractions. Handsome, convenient and up-to-date, this is the guide to carry.



Hand Guide to the Birds of New Zealand


Author: Barrie Heather, Hugh Robertson & Derek Onley


Description: A compact edition of the classic field guide to the birds of New Zealand, featuring 74 color plates. Brief descriptions, range maps and illustrations are integrated on facing pages for easy reference.



New Zealand: A Natural History


Author: Tui De Roy & Mark Jones


Description: The authors, both naturalists and photographers, present the wildlife, habitats and splendor of their adopted homeland in this pictorial celebration.



The Bone People


Author: Keri Hulme


Description: Set in modern-day South Island, this lyrical novel brings together three troubled individuals who represent New Zealand’s varied Maori and European traditions. (Winner of the Booker Prize)



Whale Rider


Author: Witi Ihimaera


Description: A magical, mythical novella about a young Maori girl and her relationship with a whale, that ultimately saves her village. Based loosely on Ihimaera’s youth in a Maori village.





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