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New Zealand

Discover New Zealand: Walking Clean and Green

Program No. 12346RJ
Walk and learn about New Zealand with experts, discovering this island nation’s passion for protecting their natural resources as you explore fjords, coastlines and Maori culture.

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Protecting the Environment

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At a Glance

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.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Walking up to six miles daily; uneven and hilly terrain.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Explore the 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 farm to gain first-hand insight into farming in New Zealand.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Fiona Barker
Fiona Barker is a graduate of both Victoria University and Harvard University, and teaches comparative politics at Victoria University. Prior to joining the staff at Victoria, she was a Jean Monnet Postdoctoral Scholar at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy. Her research and teaching interests focus on topics such as nationalism, immigration and electoral reform in New Zealand. She has been a visiting fellow at various institutions including the University of Edinburgh and Université Québec à Montréal.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Fiona Barker
Fiona Barker View biography
Fiona Barker is a graduate of both Victoria University and Harvard University, and teaches comparative politics at Victoria University. Prior to joining the staff at Victoria, she was a Jean Monnet Postdoctoral Scholar at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy. Her research and teaching interests focus on topics such as nationalism, immigration and electoral reform in New Zealand. She has been a visiting fellow at various institutions including the University of Edinburgh and Université Québec à Montréal.
Profile Image of Ray Willett
Ray Willett View biography
Fiordland local, Ray Willett, will delight and enthuse with his tales of adventure and discovery on the Milford Track, known by many as the “finest walk in the world.” Since the 1950s, Ray has been leading adventurers along this noted path which makes its way through Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, to Sutherland Falls, and along the Clinton River. In 2013, Ray trekked the entire length of the Milford Track in celebration of its 125th anniversary.
Profile Image of John Hellstrom
John Hellstrom View biography
Dr. John Hellstrom founded biosecurity in New Zealand, developed new systems for protecting native plants and agriculture from pests and disease, and established new standards for animal welfare. His proudest moment, however, was getting a native parrot on the cover of the biosecurity strategy booklet. John was previously Chief Veterinary officer for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. He was recently made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen's Birthday honours list.
Profile Image of Athol Parks
Athol Parks View biography
Athol Parks is a Dunedin-based writer who leads city walks in Dunedin. The walks showcase the city's history, architecture and urban renewal. His business, City Walks, was established in 2006. Formerly a sub-editor with The Southland Times Ltd., he has done freelance work and contributed notes to the Book Discussion Scheme. Athol is writing short fiction now, with the aim of finishing something and getting published.
Profile Image of Quentin Mitchell
Quentin Mitchell View biography
Quentin Mitchell is a qualified instructor in the outdoors with experience in the UK and New Zealand. He has worked at Outward Bound in New Zealand and continues to work in the area of youth development with the Spirit of New Zealand Trust. In retirement, he works part-time leading boating excursions. Quentin enjoys the outdoors, in particular, sailing, diving and skiing. He swims regularly and enjoys gardening and reading for relaxation. Both he and his wife, Rae, travel extensively.
Profile Image of Rae Mitchell
Rae Mitchell View biography
Rae Mitchell grew up farming before her love of nature and the outdoors led her into tramping and alpine climbing around New Zealand. After university, she headed overseas focused on exploring the mountains of the world. She worked as an outdoor instructor while overseas, coming back to New Zealand eight years later to marry and raise a family. She is retired but is still tramping regularly, is a Search and Rescue member, does voluntary work for Department of Conservation and travels with her husband, Quentin.
Profile Image of Russell Davie
Russell Davie View biography
Russell Davie is an ex-dairy farmer with a background in geology, geography, soil mineralogy and volcanology, with a particular interest in the Fiordland area, in and around Te Anau, where he now lives and the lake, which bears the same name.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
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Meals
53 Meals
19 Breakfasts
17 Lunches
17 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Oct 22, 2024 - Nov 12, 2024
  • Oct 22, 2024 - Nov 12, 2024
  • Oct 22, 2024 - Nov 12, 2024 (Rotorua to Balclutha)
  • Jan 14, 2025 - Feb 04, 2025 (Rotorua to Balclutha)
  • Feb 04, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025 (Rotorua to Balclutha)
  • Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025 (Rotorua to Balclutha)
  • Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025 (Rotorua to Balclutha)
3 nights
Rotorua
JetPark Hotel Rotorua is the perfect base for discovering the rich Maori cultural heritage of New Zealand, in a city renowned for its geothermal activity. Rotorua is located on the edge of the lake of the same name, is the centre of Maori culture, and its geography is the result of still-active volcanoes, craters, boiling mud, and erupting geysers. Rotorua was the forerunner for New Zealand’s international tourism industry back in the 1880s, known across the world for its spectacular Pink and White Terraces, which were, unfortunately, destroyed in the 1886 nearby volcanic eruption. From JetPark Hotel Rotorua, it is just a short walk to nearby picturesque Lake Rotorua and the popular Polynesian spa, for therapeutic thermal bathing.
3 nights
Wellington
With over 100 spacious rooms, we can easily cater for your large groups and conferences. Many of the rooms are flexible, with interconnecting doors making the West Plaza Hotel a great choice for families. You'll find the accommodation clean, smart and very comfortable. Our rooms are fully self-contained and come with all the hotel services you'd expect to find in a hotel of 4-star Qualmark standard.
3 nights
Picton
Welcome to Jasmine Court Motel, Picton. Discover a peaceful oasis of comfort just minutes from Picton’s pristine waterfront, cafes, restaurants, shops and tourist activities. Located near the ferry terminal, our Picton accommodation is the ideal base for you while you experience one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in New Zealand.
2 nights
Greymouth
Welcome to Greymouth's Bella Vista Motel where you will receive a warm welcome - experience true West Coast hospitality at its best in extremely clean and fresh units. Bella Vista Motel offers superior studio and family units, all serviced daily. Walk to town centre, cafes, restaurants and bars.
1 night
Fox Glacier
Many of the Fox Glacier motels are perfectly situated for exploring the local area and Lake Matheson Motels is no exception, being just 400 metres from the centre of the township. Fox Glacier motels offer visitors a great base for visiting not only the famous glacier, but for enjoying many of the activities available locally. Accommodation is in a peaceful setting centrally located only 400 metres from the main street of Fox Glacier township and all amenities Views of Mt Cook
2 nights
Wanaka
The Wanaka Hotel offers affordable accommodation in a fantastic location. Stay with us in the center of town only one minute walk to the Lake and Town Centre.
3 nights
Te Anau
Te Anau is the hub of the Fiordland region and the perfect base for your adventures. From the moment you arrive, you'll enjoy the convenience of being located in close proximity to the Te Anau town centre for business, shops, entertainment and other activities. At Bella Vista Te Anau we cater for all your business or recreational needs. Bella Vista Motel offers superior studio and family units, all serviced daily. Walk to town centre, cafes, restaurants and bars.
3 nights
Te Anau
Welcome to the Arran Motel, Te Anau, where our spacious, modern motel/apartments accommodation is the perfect base to start your Fiordland adventure or simply relax in the beauty of Te Anau itself. It is a two-minute walk to Lake Te Anau (quiet area, sheltered from the lake breeze).
2 nights
Balclutha
Located on the southern hill of Balclutha heading toward Gore, the Rosebank Lodge is our superior hotel offering a "One Stop" shop. The Rosies Bar & Bistro offers convenient, relaxed & affordable Bistro styled meals from 10.00am to 9.00pm daily. Whilst the Picasso's restaurant offers fine food for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
See All Lodging Options
3 nights
Rotorua
JetPark Hotel Rotorua is the perfect base for discovering the rich Maori cultural heritage of New Zealand, in a city renowned for its geothermal activity. Rotorua is located on the edge of the lake of the same name, is the centre of Maori culture, and its geography is the result of still-active volcanoes, craters, boiling mud, and erupting geysers. Rotorua was the forerunner for New Zealand’s international tourism industry back in the 1880s, known across the world for its spectacular Pink and White Terraces, which were, unfortunately, destroyed in the 1886 nearby volcanic eruption. From JetPark Hotel Rotorua, it is just a short walk to nearby picturesque Lake Rotorua and the popular Polynesian spa, for therapeutic thermal bathing.
3 nights
Wellington
With over 100 spacious rooms, we can easily cater for your large groups and conferences. Many of the rooms are flexible, with interconnecting doors making the West Plaza Hotel a great choice for families. You'll find the accommodation clean, smart and very comfortable. Our rooms are fully self-contained and come with all the hotel services you'd expect to find in a hotel of 4-star Qualmark standard.
3 nights
Picton
Welcome to Jasmine Court Motel, Picton. Discover a peaceful oasis of comfort just minutes from Picton’s pristine waterfront, cafes, restaurants, shops and tourist activities. Located near the ferry terminal, our Picton accommodation is the ideal base for you while you experience one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in New Zealand.
2 nights
Greymouth
Welcome to Greymouth's Bella Vista Motel where you will receive a warm welcome - experience true West Coast hospitality at its best in extremely clean and fresh units. Bella Vista Motel offers superior studio and family units, all serviced daily. Walk to town centre, cafes, restaurants and bars.
1 night
Fox Glacier
Many of the Fox Glacier motels are perfectly situated for exploring the local area and Lake Matheson Motels is no exception, being just 400 metres from the centre of the township. Fox Glacier motels offer visitors a great base for visiting not only the famous glacier, but for enjoying many of the activities available locally. Accommodation is in a peaceful setting centrally located only 400 metres from the main street of Fox Glacier township and all amenities Views of Mt Cook
2 nights
Wanaka
The Wanaka Hotel offers affordable accommodation in a fantastic location. Stay with us in the center of town only one minute walk to the Lake and Town Centre.
3 nights
Te Anau
Te Anau is the hub of the Fiordland region and the perfect base for your adventures. From the moment you arrive, you'll enjoy the convenience of being located in close proximity to the Te Anau town centre for business, shops, entertainment and other activities. At Bella Vista Te Anau we cater for all your business or recreational needs. Bella Vista Motel offers superior studio and family units, all serviced daily. Walk to town centre, cafes, restaurants and bars.
3 nights
Te Anau
Welcome to the Arran Motel, Te Anau, where our spacious, modern motel/apartments accommodation is the perfect base to start your Fiordland adventure or simply relax in the beauty of Te Anau itself. It is a two-minute walk to Lake Te Anau (quiet area, sheltered from the lake breeze).
2 nights
Balclutha
Located on the southern hill of Balclutha heading toward Gore, the Rosebank Lodge is our superior hotel offering a "One Stop" shop. The Rosies Bar & Bistro offers convenient, relaxed & affordable Bistro styled meals from 10.00am to 9.00pm daily. Whilst the Picasso's restaurant offers fine food for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
See All Lodging Options
3 nights
Rotorua
JetPark Hotel Rotorua is the perfect base for discovering the rich Maori cultural heritage of New Zealand, in a city renowned for its geothermal activity. Rotorua is located on the edge of the lake of the same name, is the centre of Maori culture, and its geography is the result of still-active volcanoes, craters, boiling mud, and erupting geysers. Rotorua was the forerunner for New Zealand’s international tourism industry back in the 1880s, known across the world for its spectacular Pink and White Terraces, which were, unfortunately, destroyed in the 1886 nearby volcanic eruption. From JetPark Hotel Rotorua, it is just a short walk to nearby picturesque Lake Rotorua and the popular Polynesian spa, for therapeutic thermal bathing.
3 nights
Wellington
With over 100 spacious rooms, we can easily cater for your large groups and conferences. Many of the rooms are flexible, with interconnecting doors making the West Plaza Hotel a great choice for families. You'll find the accommodation clean, smart and very comfortable. Our rooms are fully self-contained and come with all the hotel services you'd expect to find in a hotel of 4-star Qualmark standard.
3 nights
Picton
Welcome to Jasmine Court Motel, Picton. Discover a peaceful oasis of comfort just minutes from Picton’s pristine waterfront, cafes, restaurants, shops and tourist activities. Located near the ferry terminal, our Picton accommodation is the ideal base for you while you experience one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in New Zealand.
2 nights
Greymouth
Welcome to Greymouth's Bella Vista Motel where you will receive a warm welcome - experience true West Coast hospitality at its best in extremely clean and fresh units. Bella Vista Motel offers superior studio and family units, all serviced daily. Walk to town centre, cafes, restaurants and bars.
1 night
Fox Glacier
Many of the Fox Glacier motels are perfectly situated for exploring the local area and Lake Matheson Motels is no exception, being just 400 metres from the centre of the township. Fox Glacier motels offer visitors a great base for visiting not only the famous glacier, but for enjoying many of the activities available locally. Accommodation is in a peaceful setting centrally located only 400 metres from the main street of Fox Glacier township and all amenities Views of Mt Cook
2 nights
Wanaka
The Wanaka Hotel offers affordable accommodation in a fantastic location. Stay with us in the center of town only one minute walk to the Lake and Town Centre.
3 nights
Te Anau
Te Anau is the hub of the Fiordland region and the perfect base for your adventures. From the moment you arrive, you'll enjoy the convenience of being located in close proximity to the Te Anau town centre for business, shops, entertainment and other activities. At Bella Vista Te Anau we cater for all your business or recreational needs. Bella Vista Motel offers superior studio and family units, all serviced daily. Walk to town centre, cafes, restaurants and bars.
3 nights
Te Anau
Welcome to the Arran Motel, Te Anau, where our spacious, modern motel/apartments accommodation is the perfect base to start your Fiordland adventure or simply relax in the beauty of Te Anau itself. It is a two-minute walk to Lake Te Anau (quiet area, sheltered from the lake breeze).
2 nights
Balclutha
Located on the southern hill of Balclutha heading toward Gore, the Rosebank Lodge is our superior hotel offering a "One Stop" shop. The Rosies Bar & Bistro offers convenient, relaxed & affordable Bistro styled meals from 10.00am to 9.00pm daily. Whilst the Picasso's restaurant offers fine food for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
See All Lodging Options
3 nights
Rotorua
JetPark Hotel Rotorua is the perfect base for discovering the rich Maori cultural heritage of New Zealand, in a city renowned for its geothermal activity. Rotorua is located on the edge of the lake of the same name, is the centre of Maori culture, and its geography is the result of still-active volcanoes, craters, boiling mud, and erupting geysers. Rotorua was the forerunner for New Zealand’s international tourism industry back in the 1880s, known across the world for its spectacular Pink and White Terraces, which were, unfortunately, destroyed in the 1886 nearby volcanic eruption. From JetPark Hotel Rotorua, it is just a short walk to nearby picturesque Lake Rotorua and the popular Polynesian spa, for therapeutic thermal bathing.
3 nights
Wellington
With over 100 spacious rooms, we can easily cater for your large groups and conferences. Many of the rooms are flexible, with interconnecting doors making the West Plaza Hotel a great choice for families. You'll find the accommodation clean, smart and very comfortable. Our rooms are fully self-contained and come with all the hotel services you'd expect to find in a hotel of 4-star Qualmark standard.
3 nights
Picton
Welcome to Jasmine Court Motel, Picton. Discover a peaceful oasis of comfort just minutes from Picton’s pristine waterfront, cafes, restaurants, shops and tourist activities. Located near the ferry terminal, our Picton accommodation is the ideal base for you while you experience one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in New Zealand.
2 nights
Greymouth
Welcome to Greymouth's Bella Vista Motel where you will receive a warm welcome - experience true West Coast hospitality at its best in extremely clean and fresh units. Bella Vista Motel offers superior studio and family units, all serviced daily. Walk to town centre, cafes, restaurants and bars.
1 night
Fox Glacier
Many of the Fox Glacier motels are perfectly situated for exploring the local area and Lake Matheson Motels is no exception, being just 400 metres from the centre of the township. Fox Glacier motels offer visitors a great base for visiting not only the famous glacier, but for enjoying many of the activities available locally. Accommodation is in a peaceful setting centrally located only 400 metres from the main street of Fox Glacier township and all amenities Views of Mt Cook
2 nights
Wanaka
The Wanaka Hotel offers affordable accommodation in a fantastic location. Stay with us in the center of town only one minute walk to the Lake and Town Centre.
3 nights
Te Anau
Te Anau is the hub of the Fiordland region and the perfect base for your adventures. From the moment you arrive, you'll enjoy the convenience of being located in close proximity to the Te Anau town centre for business, shops, entertainment and other activities. At Bella Vista Te Anau we cater for all your business or recreational needs. Bella Vista Motel offers superior studio and family units, all serviced daily. Walk to town centre, cafes, restaurants and bars.
3 nights
Te Anau
Welcome to the Arran Motel, Te Anau, where our spacious, modern motel/apartments accommodation is the perfect base to start your Fiordland adventure or simply relax in the beauty of Te Anau itself. It is a two-minute walk to Lake Te Anau (quiet area, sheltered from the lake breeze).
2 nights
Balclutha
Located on the southern hill of Balclutha heading toward Gore, the Rosebank Lodge is our superior hotel offering a "One Stop" shop. The Rosies Bar & Bistro offers convenient, relaxed & affordable Bistro styled meals from 10.00am to 9.00pm daily. Whilst the Picasso's restaurant offers fine food for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
See All Lodging Options
3 nights
Rotorua
JetPark Hotel Rotorua is the perfect base for discovering the rich Maori cultural heritage of New Zealand, in a city renowned for its geothermal activity. Rotorua is located on the edge of the lake of the same name, is the centre of Maori culture, and its geography is the result of still-active volcanoes, craters, boiling mud, and erupting geysers. Rotorua was the forerunner for New Zealand’s international tourism industry back in the 1880s, known across the world for its spectacular Pink and White Terraces, which were, unfortunately, destroyed in the 1886 nearby volcanic eruption. From JetPark Hotel Rotorua, it is just a short walk to nearby picturesque Lake Rotorua and the popular Polynesian spa, for therapeutic thermal bathing.
3 nights
Wellington
With over 100 spacious rooms, we can easily cater for your large groups and conferences. Many of the rooms are flexible, with interconnecting doors making the West Plaza Hotel a great choice for families. You'll find the accommodation clean, smart and very comfortable. Our rooms are fully self-contained and come with all the hotel services you'd expect to find in a hotel of 4-star Qualmark standard.
3 nights
Picton
Welcome to Jasmine Court Motel, Picton. Discover a peaceful oasis of comfort just minutes from Picton’s pristine waterfront, cafes, restaurants, shops and tourist activities. Located near the ferry terminal, our Picton accommodation is the ideal base for you while you experience one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in New Zealand.
2 nights
Greymouth
Welcome to Greymouth's Bella Vista Motel where you will receive a warm welcome - experience true West Coast hospitality at its best in extremely clean and fresh units. Bella Vista Motel offers superior studio and family units, all serviced daily. Walk to town centre, cafes, restaurants and bars.
1 night
Fox Glacier
Many of the Fox Glacier motels are perfectly situated for exploring the local area and Lake Matheson Motels is no exception, being just 400 metres from the centre of the township. Fox Glacier motels offer visitors a great base for visiting not only the famous glacier, but for enjoying many of the activities available locally. Accommodation is in a peaceful setting centrally located only 400 metres from the main street of Fox Glacier township and all amenities Views of Mt Cook
2 nights
Wanaka
The Wanaka Hotel offers affordable accommodation in a fantastic location. Stay with us in the center of town only one minute walk to the Lake and Town Centre.
3 nights
Te Anau
Te Anau is the hub of the Fiordland region and the perfect base for your adventures. From the moment you arrive, you'll enjoy the convenience of being located in close proximity to the Te Anau town centre for business, shops, entertainment and other activities. At Bella Vista Te Anau we cater for all your business or recreational needs. Bella Vista Motel offers superior studio and family units, all serviced daily. Walk to town centre, cafes, restaurants and bars.
3 nights
Te Anau
Welcome to the Arran Motel, Te Anau, where our spacious, modern motel/apartments accommodation is the perfect base to start your Fiordland adventure or simply relax in the beauty of Te Anau itself. It is a two-minute walk to Lake Te Anau (quiet area, sheltered from the lake breeze).
2 nights
Balclutha
Located on the southern hill of Balclutha heading toward Gore, the Rosebank Lodge is our superior hotel offering a "One Stop" shop. The Rosies Bar & Bistro offers convenient, relaxed & affordable Bistro styled meals from 10.00am to 9.00pm daily. Whilst the Picasso's restaurant offers fine food for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
See All Lodging Options





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