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Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Afternoon: Depart North America on overnight flights to Auckland, New Zealand
Activity note: A day is “lost” due to crossing the International Dateline
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; getting on/off a plane. Road trip Auckland to Hamilton: 70 mi (113 km) 1 hr 25 min. Walking in Hamilton Gardens: approx. 1 hr 30 min; flat gravel paths. Waikato River walkway: flat paved path 2 mi (3.2 km), 1 hr 30 min.
Morning: After claiming your luggage, wait inside the Arrivals area and meet our Group Leaders who will be holding a Road Scholar sign. When everyone has arrived, we will board a bus for the ride south from Auckland to Hamilton. Before lunch we will wander at our leisure around the Hamilton Gardens, exploring a variety of themes. These include the Indian Char Bagh, Italian Renaissance, Japanese Contemplation, Chinese Scholars’, English Flower, Modernists, Tudor and Chinoiserie gardens. Also, themes such as fantasy, tropical, sustainable, herb, kitchen and the Te Parapara garden – New Zealand’s only traditional Maori heritage productive garden showcasing traditional practices, materials and ceremonies related to food production and storage.
Lunch: Welcome Lunch at Hamilton Gardens Café
Afternoon: Hamilton sits on the banks of the country's longest river, the Waikato River. After lunch, we take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque river walkway that threads through the city, to stretch our legs after the long flight. Hamilton started as a farming service town and has grown into a city with a university, research institutes and the beautiful Hamilton Gardens. We board the coach to take us to our overnight accommodation. There is time to freshen up after check-in before gathering for our Orientation session. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will pre-order some meals so as to make the most of our time. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner: At the hotel
Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; in/out of a small boat. Glow Worm Caves: some steps, paths, uneven ground. Huka Falls walk: 1.2 mi (2 km) 45 min; well-formed riverside path. Road trip Hamilton to Turangi: 127 mi (204 km), 2 hr 30 min.
Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: Coach to Waitomo to view the renowned glow worm caves. Our guide will lead us through deep cathedral-like caverns with impressive limestone formations and, included, is a boat ride through the luminescent and magical glow-worm grotto.
Lunch: At a cafe en route
Afternoon: After lunch, we stop for a short walk to the spectacular Huka Falls on the Waikato River. We then continue our coach journey south to Turangi, traversing the shores of Lake Taupo (New Zealand’s largest lake). Turangi is situated next to the magnificent Tongariro National Park (World Heritage Site). Trout fishing is Turangi's obsession and the Tongariro is one of the most famous trout fishing rivers in the world. We arrive at the Motor Lodge & check in.
Dinner: At the lodge
Evening: Orientation to the local area & briefing/preparation for Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Silica Springs and Taranaki Falls walks: 4 mi (6 km) 2 hr (each); well-formed dirt/gravel paths; some steps; uneven terrain; loop.
Breakfast: At the lodge
Morning: Board coach to Whakapapa Village on the flanks of Mt Ruapehu. Visit Whakapapa Visitor Centre. Walk to Silica Springs, enjoying the peace and quiet as you hike over sub-alpine vegetation and through native beech forest to these striking golden rapids, coloured yellow by silica deposits on the volcanic rock.
Lunch: At Chateau Tongariro
Afternoon: We walk to Taranaki Falls, which tumbles 65 ft. over the edge of a large andesite lava flow which erupted from Mt. Ruapehu. There are excellent views of volcanic Mts Tongariro, Ngauruhoe & Ruapehu on a clear day.
Dinner: At the lodge
Evening: At leisure
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Tongariro Alpine Crossing: 12 mi (19.4 km) 7-8 hr; climb from 3600 ft to 6250 ft (1100 m to 1900 m) & down to 2460 ft (750 m) over steep volcanic terrain; well-formed track; some scree; uneven footing; numerous steps; through. Alternative option to Soda Springs: 4.5 mi (7.5 km) 3 hr approx.; out & back.
Breakfast: At the lodge
Morning: Coach to Mangatepopo Valley for all-day hike on Tongariro Alpine Crossing with an expert mountain guide. The traverse of the stark and spectacular volcanic alpine landscape takes us up & over the saddle between the peaks of Mts Tongariro and Ngauruhoe and is one of the most fascinating day-treks in the country.
Lunch: Packed lunch during field trip
Afternoon: After reaching the summit, we continue our hike on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, traversing across open tussock land, following a zig-zag trail downhill, and lastly descending through native bush to the Ketetahi Car park.
Dinner: At the lodge
Evening: At leisure
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Rotopounamu Track: 3 mi (5 km) 2 hr; loop; gentle undulations; firm dirt/gravel; uneven; some roots.
Breakfast: At the lodge
Morning: FREE TIME to relax after the previous strenuous day. Options include: Visit to Tokaanu Thermal Pools (own cost), short walk around thermal area, fly fishing, rafting, river walk or cycle.
Lunch: Own choice
Afternoon: We gather and travel by coach to the start of Lake Rotopounamu Lake loop walk, which nestles on the side of Mt Pihanga. This pretty lake is a special favourite of tree lovers, birdwatchers, walkers & swimmers.
Dinner: At the lodge
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Road trip Turangi to Rotorua: 80 mi (130 km) 1 hr 35 min. Geothermal area walk: 0.62 mi (1 km); smooth asphalt paths.
Breakfast: At the lodge
Morning: Board coach to Rotorua. Visit Te Puia (Whakarewarewa) one of New Zealand’s premier Maori cultural and geothermal visitors’ centres. A local expert will lead us through the area, with commentary, describing early Maori life in the region, followed by a traditional Maori cultural performance.
Lunch: Packed lunch at Te Puia
Afternoon: We continue our Te Puia excursion, visiting the state-of-the-art New Zealand Maori Art and Crafts Institute, where we observe students at work learning traditional arts, such as wood and bone carving and weaving, under the tutelage and guidance of master craftspeople. Following, we check in at our Rotorua Hotel and enjoy some late afternoon free time to explore this city which was the forerunner for New Zealand’s international tourism industry back in the 1880s, renowned for its geothermal activity across the world. Rotorua is located on the edge of the lake of the same name, is big on Maori culture and its geography is the result of still-active volcanoes, craters, boiling mud and erupting geysers.
Dinner: At the hotel
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for early morning check-out and flight to the South Island.
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; on/off a plane; in/out of a car. Flight Rotorua to Christchurch (South Island): 2 hr. Road trip Christchurch to Staveley: 70 mi (111 km) 1 hr 30 min.
Breakfast: Continental breakfast before early departure from hotel
Morning: Board coach to Rotorua Airport for a flight to Christchurch (South Island’s east coast). On arrival, we are met by our coach driver and depart inland via the Canterbury Plains to Staveley, a small village situated in the foothills of the Southern Alps and adjacent to large tracts of pristine native forest. There, we meet Elspeth and Judy (Rata Escape Lodges), who have coordinated our B&Bs/Homestays with local hosts.
Lunch: At a local café
Afternoon: We travel by bus to Elspeth’s family sheep and cattle farm for an in-depth talk by her farmer daughters on various livestock practices. There will be a sheep-shearing demonstration, and impressive displays by working dogs showcasing their skills herding sheep in obedience to a complex array of whistle signals and commands. There may be time for a short walking tour of their farm, past covenanted wetlands, with rolling hills and stunning views. Later, we will meet our homestay hosts and settle into our various abodes.
Dinner: At our hosts’ home
Evening: At leisure, enjoying the conversation and getting to know our hosts and their families.
Activity note: Getting in/out of a car; on/off a bus. Mt Somers Track: 6.5 mi (10 km) 5 hr; loop; packed dirt; uneven; some roots & rocks; varies from flat easy sections to a couple of steeper pitches.
Breakfast: At our hosts’ home
Morning: By coach to the start of the all-day hike on the Coalminers Track to Woolshed Creek Hut near Mt Somers. Elspeth leads us along the historic trail through regenerating beech forest out onto sub-alpine vegetation with outstanding views towards the Arrowsmith Range and Lake Heron.
Lunch: Packed lunch during field trip
Afternoon: We complete our looped hike and return to the coach and our home hosts for a further night.
Dinner: At our hosts’ home
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for transfer in the morning.
Activity note: Getting in/out of a car; on/off a bus. Road trip Staveley to Twizel: 127 mi (205 km) 2 hr 30 min. Mt John Walkway: 5 mi (8.2 km) 3 hr; loop; packed dirt; uneven; some rocks; uphill & downhill.
Breakfast: At our hosts’ home
Morning: Farewelling our gracious hosts and new friends, we board our coach for the inland route south to Twizel, stopping at Geraldine for a short break en route. Arriving in Tekapo (an area designated an International Dark Sky Reserve), we embark on an uphill walk on Mt John, passing the observatory and enjoying panoramic views of Lake Tekapo and surrounding peaks of the Southern Alps. An open tussock-land hike for those who enjoy the wide-open spaces.
Lunch: Packed lunch during field trip
Afternoon: We complete our hike and continue our journey through the picturesque (so-called) Mackenzie Country, stopping at Lake Pukaki, renowned for its turquoise waters and hoping for a glimpse of Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. Arriving in Twizel, we check into our hotel and settle in.
Dinner: At the hotel
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Road trip Twizel to Aoraki/Mt Cook Village: 41.5 mi (67 km) 45 min. Tasman Lake Track: 2.2 mi (3.5 km) 1 hr; out & back; packed dirt; uneven; some rocks. Hooker Valley Track: 6 mi (10 km) 3 hr; out & back; packed dirt; uneven; some rocks; undulating.
Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: Board coach for drive to Aoraki/Mt Cook Village where we enjoy a short hike on Tasman Lake Track through old terminal moraines to a viewpoint of the Tasman Glacier terminal lake. Look out for icebergs floating in the lake during summer. On our return, we visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and self-guide ourselves through the exhibition in our own time.
Lunch: Packed lunch during field trip
Afternoon: This afternoon, we embark on a longer hike on the Hooker Valley Track which leads us towards Aoraki/Mt Cook with viewpoints of the famous mountain, Mueller & Hooker Glaciers, the expanse of the Southern Alps and across several swing bridges. We return on the same track, enjoying the views down the valley and across to the Sealy Range. Wildflowers proliferate, including the Mt Cook Lily (actually in the buttercup family) and look out for the cheeky but endangered kea, the world’s only alpine parrot. Board coach for return journey back to Twizel. Before dinner, a local retired mountaineer and guide will present on his many and varied adventures in the surrounding Aoraki/Mt Cook area and the Antarctic.
Dinner: At the lodge
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Kiwi Park: Paved or gravel paths; well-formed. Road trip Twizel to Te Anau: 230 mi (371 km) 4 hr 30 min. Some walking and standing during field trip.
Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: Board coach to Queenstown via the stark and dramatic Lindis Pass and Cromwell. In Queenstown, we have the rest of the morning & early afternoon as FREE TIME to explore this world-famous tourist town at our leisure. Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s longest lake (50 mi) and extremely deep, is internationally renowned for its stunning lake views and of the nearby, aptly named, spectacular mountain range, The Remarkables. There’s also an opportunity to visit the Kiwi Park (optional, additional cost), dedicated to saving endangered wildlife species, to see our iconic nocturnal bird, the kiwi, and other species endemic to New Zealand, up close.
Lunch: Own choice
Afternoon: Farewelling Queenstown, we continue our journey south along the lake shore into the rich farming province of Southland to Te Anau, also located beside a lake (of the same name) and settle into our motel. The economy of Te Anau, a town with a small resident population, revolves around a thriving tourism and accommodation industry, as it is the gateway to the world-famous Milford Sound.
Dinner: At a local restaurant
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. By road Te Anau to The Divide Shelter: 53 mi (85 km) 1 hr 15 min. Key Summit (Routeburn Track) walk: total of 8.7 mi (14 km) 5-6 hr; uphill; well-formed; out and back.
Breakfast: At a local café
Morning: By coach we drive, with expert commentary en route, to the start of our day-hike at The Divide. This is the point, at 1745 ft (532 m) on the Milford Highway, that is the lowest crossing of the Southern Alps, the mountain range extending along much of the length of the South Island of New Zealand. From The Divide, we hike steadily uphill through ancient silver beech forest on the world-renowned Routeburn Track (one of New Zealand’s designated ‘Great Walks) to Key Summit, an alpine wetland of tarns and bogs. From here we have stunning views of the Darran Mountains and the Hollyford Valley.
Lunch: Packed lunch during field trip
Afternoon: We retrace our steps back to The Divide Shelter and meet up with our coach for the return journey back to Te Anau.
Dinner: At a local restaurant
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off a boat. Kepler Track walk: total of 10 mi (16 km) 6-7 hr; uphill: well-formed; out and back.
Breakfast: At a local café
Morning: We depart from the Te Anau jetty for the short ferry transfer across Lake Te Anau to Brod Bay, the start of our all-day walking field trip on the Kepler Track, another of New Zealand’s designated ‘Great Walks’. From Brod Bay, the trail climbs steadily under impressive limestone bluffs and through ancient beech forest until you come out above the bush line. Our hike continues through open grasslands to Luxmore Hut, where panoramic views of the Te Anau basin and surrounding mountains and valleys await us.
Lunch: Packed lunch in the field
Afternoon: We retrace our steps back to Brod Bay and return by chartered vessel to Te Anau.
Dinner: Own choice
Evening: At leisure
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Kepler Track walk: total of 7.5 mi (12 km), 4 hr, out and back; mostly flat/gently undulating; well-formed; some roots.
Breakfast: At a local café
Morning: Our coach drops us off at Rainbow Reach, where we cross the swing bridge and begin our walking field trip on another section, the final leg, of the Kepler Track circuit. A particularly beautiful tract of beech forest, mosses and ground ferns with an airy magical atmosphere, the trail follows the Waiau River terrace to Moturau Hut, situated on the Lake Manapouri shoreline and with expansive views.
Lunch: Packed lunch during field trip
Afternoon: Our return walk is by the same route with coach pick-up and return to Te Anau, where there is FREE TIME to relax. Recommended is a wander along the lake edge to visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary to view the rare flightless takahe and other endangered species, and the Fiordland National Park Visitors Centre is well worth a visit for its informative displays. Or you may choose to take an optional boat trip excursion to the Te Anau-Au Glow-worm Caves (additional cost). Late in the afternoon, we gather up for a short film at the local cinema “Atu Whenua - Shadowlands”, a panoramic journey, taken from the air, portraying the majesty and splendour of immense and isolated Fiordland, over all four seasons.
Dinner: At a local restaurant
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; on/off a ferry. Road Trips Te Anau to Invercargill: 96 mi (155 km) 1 hr 50 min. Invercargill to Bluff: 16 mi (25.6 km) 21 min. Foveaux Strait Ferry Crossing, Bluff to Stewart Island (Rakiura): 1 hr.
Breakfast: At a local café
Morning: We depart Te Anau and journey across green and fertile Southland to the city of Invercargill. Here, we visit the Bill Richardson Transport World and Classic Motorcycle Mecca where, as a result of one man’s passion, there’s an impressive automotive collection for enthusiasts. For others, there’s a growing wearable arts collection and themed bathrooms. A fun and quirky tourist attraction in the deep south.
Lunch: At a local café in Invercargill
Afternoon: Later, we make the short hop to Bluff, the embarkation point for our ferry ride across Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island. During the crossing, we see many seabirds including varieties of the majestic albatross. Stewart Island (Maori name Rakiura) is New Zealand’s third largest island, located 19 mi (30 km) south of the South Island. It is triangular-shaped, generally hilly and densely forested with 85% in National Park. Visitors come for the multi-day walking tracks (tramping) and birdwatching, with rare species, including penguins and kiwis. Arriving on Stewart Island, we check in to our hotel and settle in.
Dinner: At the hotel
Evening: At leisure
Activity note: Akers Point Lighthouse to Golden Bay, Observation Rock: 7 mi (10-12 km) 5 hr; loop; hard-packed dirt/gravel; uneven; rocks; undulating; numerous steps (Golden Bay Track).
Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: We visit the local cinema for a delightful film describing the history of the island and lifestyle for those living here, from a dog’s point of view. Following, we head off for a gentle hike to a local lighthouse and back along the coastline enjoying the views of bays & inlets, lush bush and birdlife to Ringaringa Beach.
Lunch: Packed lunch during field trip
Afternoon: We continue our hike to Golden Bay and back to Oban, the main settlement on the island, with a stop-off up to Observation Rock for a viewpoint over the area.
Dinner: At the hotel
Evening: At leisure
Activity note: Getting on/off a boat. Oban to Port William Walk: 7.5 mi (12 km) 5 hr; through; hard-packed dirt/gravel; uneven; rocks; undulating; some steps.
Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: We depart on foot from the hotel, walking alongside the road past several picturesque beaches before entering the Rakiura National Park and onto the Rakiura Track. This takes us along beaches and over densely native-forested spurs of ferns, mosses, lichens, majestic conifers and broadleaf species, past Maori Beach (the site of the island’s last timber mill) to Port William. Early Maori settled here, and its sheltered harbour was later used by sealers and then whalers. The eucalyptus (gum) trees are the most notable remnants of attempted European settlement during the 1870s.
Lunch: Packed lunch during field trip
Afternoon: We are picked up by a local boat operator and transported back along the coastline to Oban, with the skipper locating and pointing out various wildlife, such as sea lions, penguins and various seabirds.
Dinner: At the hotel
Evening: At leisure
Activity note: Getting on/off a boat. Ulva Island: Well-formed tracks for all levels of fitness.
Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: We board a specialized vessel for a pelagic boating trip (with commentary) taking us just offshore and between islands, marveling at the ocean-going seabirds, including many varieties of albatrosses, mollymawks, terns, petrels, shearwaters, penguins, etc. Later, we’re dropped off on Ulva Island, a predator-free bird sanctuary. Here, armed with our guidebooks, we quietly self-navigate our way along the various tracks on the island, taking in the abundant birdlife and lush native vegetation. We are picked up again and returned by boat to Oban.
Lunch: Own choice
Afternoon: FREE TIME to explore Oban with options including sea-kayaking, birdwatching, local walks, revisit Ulva Island, etc.
Dinner: At the hotel
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity note: Getting on/off a ferry; on/off a bus; on/off a plane. Foveaux Walkway from Stirling Point: 2.2 mi (3.5 km) 1 hr; out & back; well-formed; light gravel; flat.
Breakfast: Continental breakfast before early check-out & departure from hotel
Morning: Depart by ferry for return crossing of Foveaux Strait to Bluff on the South Island. We are picked up by coach and drive up to the Bluff Hill Lookout for the scenic view then back down to Lands End, the southernmost road in New Zealand. We take a short walk along the Foveaux Walkway, as time permits.
Lunch: At a local cafe
Afternoon: Our coach drops us at Invercargill Airport for the two-hour flight to Wellington, arriving mid-afternoon. Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and was chosen for its central location. One of the many enticing aspects of this exciting “little” 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” and in 2018, for the second year in a row, Wellington topped Deutsche Bank’s list of 50 cities with the best quality of life, beating Zurich, Copenhagen, Edinburgh and Vienna. On arrival, we will transfer by shuttle and check into our central city hotel. Before dinner, we gather for an informal time of program review and feedback, recalling the highlights of our program together.
Dinner: Farewell Dinner at the hotel
Evening: At leisure. Final pack and prepare for check-out in the morning and our flights home or continuation of personal travel plans.
Activity note: Getting on/off a cable car; on/off a bus, on/off a plane. Walking up to 3.5 mi (6 km); paved city streets. Walking & standing during field trip.
Breakfast: At the hotel
Morning: We check out of the hotel but our luggage is stored on the premises. We walk from the hotel to the Cable Car for a short ride uphill to Kelburn. This is an excellent viewpoint looking down over the city and then we stroll downhill through the Wellington Botanic Gardens and Bolton Street Memorial Park and back along the waterfront to Te Papa Tongarewa (National Museum & art Gallery of New Zealand). Colloquially called Te Papa, the museum, situated right on the waterfront, is dedicated to preserving and presenting the taonga (treasures) of New Zealand’s peoples and to interpreting the country’s heritage for national and international audiences.
Lunch: At a central city restaurant
Afternoon: After lunch, it is FREE TIME for the afternoon to explore Wellington city. Take this opportunity to see and do what interests you most. You may wish to return to Te Papa for further exploration or to take in one or two of the impressive art galleries and museums nearby. Our program concludes with a 5:00 p.m. transfer to Wellington Airport for International check-in. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!