Jan 29 - Feb 17, 2025
Australia/New Zealand
New Zealand and Australia: The People Down Under
Program No. 15487RJ
Voyage on a premium ocean liner as you discover the vibrant culture, iconic wildlife, complex history and stunning natural beauty of Australia and New Zealand.
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20 days
19 nights
49 meals
17B 16L 16D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
6
At Sea
At Sea
8
At Sea
At Sea
9
Hobart
Hobart
10
At Sea
At Sea
11
At Sea
At Sea
20
Free Time, Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
At the far end of the world, the people of New Zealand and Australia have forged a unique bond with their surroundings. Journey from the vibrant, multicultural city of Sydney, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand; home to the largest Polynesian population in the world. Through field trips and on-board lectures, learn about Australian art, Maori culture, history, geography, and the lasting impact of human settlement on these two island nations.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking and standing for up to three hours; some uneven terrain; stairs without railings.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Explore the magnificent Sydney Opera House.
- Sail through the stunning Fiordland National Park.
- Learn about Maori culture and historic crafts in Rotorua.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Dave Stevenson
Dave Stevenson was a high school chemistry and science teacher, later in his career getting involved with teacher training and setting up a university program to encourage students to study science. In the mid-1980s, a year off work to travel through Europe gave Dave the travel bug. After taking early retirement in 2000, he and his wife Rose now travel as much as possible, to date accumulating over 100 countries. In 2008, they discovered cruise ships and have now spent over 600 nights at sea.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Dave Stevenson
View biography
Dave Stevenson was a high school chemistry and science teacher, later in his career getting involved with teacher training and setting up a university program to encourage students to study science. In the mid-1980s, a year off work to travel through Europe gave Dave the travel bug. After taking early retirement in 2000, he and his wife Rose now travel as much as possible, to date accumulating over 100 countries. In 2008, they discovered cruise ships and have now spent over 600 nights at sea.
Rose Stevenson
View biography
Rose Stevenson retired in 2000 from her career in accounting to pursue her passion for travel. She took her first cruise in 2008, she loves the cruising lifestyle and has visited six continents by cruise ship. When she is at home, she enjoys gardening, cooking for friends and keeping fit. She lives with her husband David on the beautiful Banks Peninsula, just south of Christchurch.
Peter Wilson
View biography
Peter Wilson has qualifications in fine arts, economics, and education. He was an education officer at the National Gallery of Victoria and foundation manager of Brambuk Cultural Centre, established by Aboriginal traditional owners of Gariwerd-Grampians National Park, Victoria. He established Antipodes, a gallery for authentic Australian arts and crafts. With the University of the Third Age, he has conducted numerous courses on Australian art and culture. Peter enjoys meeting Road Scholars and discussing the revelations art can provide about the land and people of Australia.
Ken Rimmer
View biography
Ken Rimmer is a site coordinator for Melbourne and a group leader. Ken graduated from Victoria University in Wellington and worked for many years in administration and sales for companies such as IBM, Polaroid, and Xerox. He has lived in Melbourne since 1982, as does his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. Ken is an enthusiastic cook and follower of sports, especially rugby and cricket.
Jill Bunning
View biography
Jill Bunning originally trained as a school teacher before moving into travel over 40 years ago. For many years she was based in the UK and Europe, organizing and personally leading groups for various companies. Now back in Australia, Jill enjoys welcoming Road Scholar visitors to Sydney. She speaks conversational German and Italian and loves spending time with her family and attending the many shows that Sydney has to offer.
Suggested Reading List
(23 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
New Zealand and Australia: The People Down Under
Program Number: 15487
The Tears of Strangers
A family memoir charting the political and social changes of Aboriginal Australians over the past 40 years.
Deep Time Dreaming: Uncovering Ancient Australia
In this important book, Griffiths investigates a twin revolution - the reassertion of Aboriginal identity in the second half of the twentieth century, and the simultaneous uncovering of the traces of ancient Australia by pioneering archaeologists. Deep Time Dreaming is about a slow shift in national consciousness. It explores what it means to live in a place of great antiquity, with its complex questions of ownership and identity. It brings to life the deep time dreaming that has changed the way many Australians relate to their continent and its enduring, dynamic human history.
True History of the Kelly Gang
A powerful, daring novel, steeped in the colonial history of late 19th-century Australia. Outlaw, folk hero, thief and patriot, the Irish immigrant Ned Kelly and his clan figure large in the Australian mindset. Carey's Booker Prize-winning novel (his second after "Oscar & Lucinda") takes the form of a series of rough, captivating letters by the barely literate gang leader to his young daughter. Kelly was hanged in Melbourne in 1880, where his mother was also imprisoned.
Bradt Australian Wildlife
A guide not just to kangaroo and koala, this compact, illustrated survey, featuring 250 color photographs, takes in habitats, parks and conservation, marsupials, birds and bats.
A Commonwealth of Thieves, The Improbable Birth of Australia
With drama and flair, novelist Keneally illuminates the birth of New South Wales in 1788, richly evoking the social conditions in London, the miserable sea voyage and the desperate conditions of the new colony. His tale revolves around Arthur Phillip, the ambitious (and bland) captain in the Royal Navy who would become the first governor of New South Wales. You may be familiar with Keneally as the author of the acclaimed work (made into an equally-renowned film) "Schindler's List".
Whale Rider
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.
Cotter: A Novel
A strong story of banishment, displacement, and crucial first contact, Cotter tells of a moving friendship between two very different men, ultimately powerless against the forces of history.
The Turning, New Stories
These 17 overlapping stories, steeped in everyday life on western Australia, follow the fates of a handful of characters in a small coastal town outside Perth. Winton, short-listed twice so far for the Booker Prize, has published a string of memorable novels, children's books and stories, all richly set in the working class milieu of the sparsely populated coastal desert.
The Luminaries
It is 1866, and Walter Moody has come to make his fortune upon the New Zealand goldfields. On arrival, he stumbles across a tense gathering of twelve local men, who have met in secret to discuss a series of unsolved crimes. A wealthy man has vanished, a whore has tried to end her life, and an enormous fortune has been discovered in the home of a luckless drunk. Moody is soon drawn into the mystery: a network of fates and fortunes that is as complex and exquisitely patterned as the night sky. The Luminaries, an extraordinary work of fiction, was the Man Booker prize winner in 2013.
My Place
In 1982 Sally Morgan travelled to her grandmother's birthplace, Corunna Downs Station in Western Australia. She wants to trace the experiences of her childhood andolescence in Perth in the 1950's. Through memories and images, hints and echoes begin to emerge and another story unfolds - the mystery of her aboriginal identity. Gradually her whole family is drawn in to the saga and her great-uncle, her mother and finally her grandmother tell their stories in turn. My Place is a work of great humour, humanity and courage.
Chasing Kangaroo
An ode to the kangaroo in all their splendid diversity and oddity. Revisiting his early love of kangaroo fossils, Flannery weaves engaging tales of his adventures on the trails of marsupials past and present with his travels and encounters with eccentric scientists and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Book Of Fame
In August 1905 a party of young men set sail for England. Among them were ordinary farmers and bootmakers, a miner and a bank clerk. Together they made up the All Blacks, an unknown rugby team from New Zealand. And they had come to show the world what they could do. What they didn't know was that they were bound for fame. In this melding of true history and imagination, Lloyd Jones has recreated an unforgettable journey from innocence to celebrity.
Position Doubtful
Since the publication of her prize-winning memoir Craft for a Dry Lake, in 2000, writer and artist Kim Mahood has been returning to the Tanami desert country in far north-western Australia where, as a child, she lived with her family on a remote cattle station. The land is timeless, but much has changed- the station has been handed back to its traditional owners; the mining companies have arrived; and Aboriginal art has flourished. Comedy and tragedy, familiarity and uncertainty are Mahood's constant companions as she immerses herself in the life of a small community and in groundbreaking mapping projects. What emerges in Position Doubtful is a revelation of the significance of the land to its people - and of the burden of history.
Dark Emu : Aboriginal Australia and the birth of agriculture
History has portrayed Australia's First Peoples, the Aboriginals, as hunter-gatherers who lived on an empty, uncultivated land. History is wrong. Using compelling evidence from the records and diaries of early Australian explorers and colonists, Bruce Pascoe reveals that Aboriginal systems of food production and land management have been blatantly understated in modern retellings of early Aboriginal history, and that a new look at Australia's past is required - for the benefit of us all. Dark Emu, a bestseller in Australia, won both the Book of the Year Award and the Indigenous Writer's Prize in the New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards.
Purakau: Maori Myths retold by Maori Writers
A lively retelling of Purakau - Maori Myths - by contemporary Maori Writers.
The Meaning of Trees
Robert Vennel is the manager of Auckland Museum's natural science collection. In this book, sub-titled "The History & Usage of New Zealand's Native Pants", he tells the story of plants and people in Aotearoa New Zealand. In addition to outlining indigenous bush kai (food), Vennell also investigates New Zealand's native plants in terms of their value for suitability for carving, weaving and rongoa (medicinal uses). He looks at traditional Maori usage of the forest and how it put sustainability above all else as well as how European settlers had to change their way of thinking when confronted with vastly different vegetation.
The Bone People
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 1985 Booker Prize.
Stories
This collection includes three marvelous, long pieces which together constitute the beginnings of an unfinished novel based on Mansfield's childhood in Wellington, New Zealand in the 1890s.
In A Sunburned Country
Bill Bryson revels in Australia's eccentric characters, dangerous flora and fauna, and other oddities. As has become his custom, he effortlessly imparts much fact-filled history in this wildly funny book. Included at the end is a short bibliography. This book is published as "Down Under" in Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain.
Journey to the Stone Country
Betrayed by her husband, Annabelle Beck retreats from Melbourne to her old family home in tropical North Queensland where she meets Bo Rennie, one of the Jangga tribe. Intrigued by Bo's claim that he holds the key to her future, Annabelle sets out with him on a path of recovery that leads back to her childhood and into the Jangga's ancient heartland, where their grandparents' lives begin to yield secrets that will challenge the possibility of their happiness together.
The Penguin History of New Zealand
This bestselling book is arguably the definitive contemporary reference to the history of New Zealand. New Zealand was the last country in the world to be discovered and settled by humankind. It was also the first to introduce full democracy. Between those events, and in the century that followed the franchise, the movements and conflicts of human history have been played out more intensively and more rapidly in New Zealand than anywhere else on Earth. The Penguin History of New Zealand tells that story in all its colour and drama. The narrative that emerges is an inclusive one about men and women, Maori and Pakeha. It shows that British motives in colonising New Zealand were essentially humane; and that Maori, far from being passive victims of a 'fatal impact', coped heroically with colonisation and survived by selectively accepting and adapting what Western technology and culture had to offer.
Aboriginal Art
This well illustrated survey of Aboriginal art, ancient and modern, focuses on the spiritual and geographic sources of art and ritual traditions in Australia. It covers the range of art from all parts of the continent, including a chapter on the Wandjina rock art of the Kimberley region. The concise text is augmented by 187 well produced black-and-white and color illustrations.
A Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand
Comprehensive and compact, this Princeton Pocket Guide by longtime resident Julian Fitter and Don Merton at New Zealand's Department of Conservation features 600 color photographs. With range maps, descriptions and excellent introductory chapters on conservation efforts and key national parks for bird watching
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
20 days
19 nights
What's Included
49 meals (
17B, 16L, 16D
)
6 expert-led lectures
25 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
17 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
In Transit to Program, Crossing International Dateline
Location:
In Flight
Activity Note
A day is "lost" due to crossing the International Dateline.
Day
3
Arrival, Bondi Field Trip, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Sydney
Meals:
L,D
Stay:
Mercure Sydney
Activity Note
Walking a little over 1 mile; predominantly flat surfaces. Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Morning:
Welcome to Sydney!. Sydney’s stunning natural harbour forms the centrepiece of a dynamic city that has grown dramatically since its beginnings as a prison colony. Situated in the temperate area of Australia, Sydney is surrounded by National Parks and has a beautiful range of flora and fauna. It is Australia’s largest city with over 5 million citizens thriving in a multi-cultural society in a congenial climate. Sydney is dominated by Sydney Harbour, of which Port Jackson is only a small part. The city covers a large area, twice the size of London with half the population, and has large parks and sparkling sandy Pacific Ocean beaches, such as the well-known and very popular Bondi and Manly. On arrival in Sydney and after completing immigration formalities and clearing customs, you will be met by our driver service if you have booked your long-haul flights through Road Scholar. Those participants already in Sydney or making their own way to Sydney should ensure that they are at the Mercure Sydney Central Hotel by 11:30a.m.
Lunch:
At a typical, local Australian RSL (Returned Services League) club in Bondi, we will have pre-ordered, plated meals.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we have a chance to stretch our legs at Sydney's famous Bondi beach before boarding our motorcoach for the return trip to the city. We will visit South Head to get a perspective of the city and harbour. We will return to the hotel for check-in. After some time to relax in our rooms, we can join our Site Coordinator on a walking exploration of the local area. Orientation. The Group Leaders will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. The format of meals will vary based on each venue, with some meals being buffets, others plated and served, and some ordered in advance. Beverages typically include coffee, tea and water, with other beverages available for purchase depending on location. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At our hotel, we will have a buffet dinner. We will have "Welcome to Australia" wine with dinner tonight.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Taronga Zoo, Sydney Opera House
Location:
Sydney
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Mercure Sydney
Activity Note
On our feet most of the morning, walking approximately 3 miles at zoo; undulating, paved surfaces. Walking approximately 2 miles afternoon and evening, undulating paved surfaces & stairs - the Opera House visit involves between 150 and 200 stairs.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will take our motorcoach across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Taronga Zoo, located on the north shore, with delightful views across the harbour to the city. Here we will begin our study of Australian fauna. As well as meeting kangaroos, koalas and wallabies — and hoping for a glimpse of the rather more elusive wombat, echidna, and platypus — we will have a lecture from one of the keepers introducing some of Australia’s more dangerous inhabitants: spiders and snakes.
Lunch:
At Taronga Park Zoo, we will have a packed lunch.
Afternoon:
Next, we will board a ferry back across Sydney Harbour to Circular Quay. We will walk around the Quay to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House, where we will have an expert-led exploration of this truly wonderful, iconic building, a masterpiece of late modern architecture. Exactly which areas of the Opera House we see will depend upon what performances and rehearsals are taking place at the time. There are five main performance spaces at the Sydney Opera House — the Concert Hall, the Dame Joan Sutherland Theatre (formerly the Opera Theatre), the Drama Theatre, the Playhouse and the Studio — and the availability of these spaces for public visits changes from day to day. We return to our hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. Sample what Sydney's restaurant scene has to offer.
Evening:
At leisure. Perhaps, now that you have seen it up close, you will take the opportunity to go and see what is on at the Opera House this evening Prepare for check out and departure in the morning.
Day
5
Sydney's Colonial History Walk in The Rocks, Embark Ship
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
MS Westerdam
Activity Note
Walking along city sidewalks, up to 3 miles. There may be extra walking and/or standing in lines as the group prepares to board the ship.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
This morning we check out of our Sydney hotel and head for a guided walking exploration of The Rocks area giving us an insight to Sydney’s colonial past. The Rocks was the area of Sydney first settled by the British, and it has a fascinating history and wonderful Sydney sandstone buildings.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we transfer by coach to the cruise terminal to board the MS Westerdam and prepare for departure. Please ensure you have all your cruise boarding documents in your carry-on luggage. We go through the ship's boarding processes and settle in to our rooms.
Dinner:
On board the ship
Evening:
At leisure. Settle in and get acquainted with the amenities on the ship.
Day
6
At Sea
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Westerdam
Activity Note
A full day at sea to enjoy the ship's amenities.
Breakfast:
On board the ship
Morning:
This morning we participate in a lecture/discussion on a topic of the Group Leader's choice. We then have time to relax and enjoy the ship's amenities.
Lunch:
On board the ship
Afternoon:
At leisure to enjoy the ship's amenities.
Dinner:
On board the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Melbourne: Victorian National Gallery, Australian art
Location:
Melbourne
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Westerdam
Activity Note
Field trip combines viewing from motorcoach with short walks.
Breakfast:
On board the ship.
Morning:
Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city, is the capital of Victoria, a state in the south-eastern corner of Australia. During the gold era Melbourne possessed great wealth and many of the city’s fine buildings were built during this period of prosperity. Its magnificent streetscapes and extensive parks and gardens provide an ideal setting for its many elegant buildings. In the past Melbourne was a larger business centre and city than Sydney and today the two cities continue a friendly rivalry. Both are cosmopolitan and multicultural and Melbourne has many strong ethnic communities from three major periods of migration: Chinese and German (after the gold rushes), Italian, Greek and southern European (post-World War II) and, more recently, Asian. Melbourne has one of the largest Greek populations of any city outside Athens. We will locate our motorcoach and transfer into the city. Today's field trip will focus on Australian art. We shall visit the National Gallery of Victoria's Australian collection, housed in the intriguing buildings that make up Melbourne's Federation Square. Here, a local art historian and author will introduce us to the Gallery's wonderful collection of Aboriginal and wider Australian art. From here we will take a short stroll to lunch.
Lunch:
At a local eatery, we will have plated meals.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we have some more time to explore the city before returning to the ship on our motorcoach. We will pay a visit to the Shrine of Remembrance, a National War Memorial of great significance to Melburnians.
Dinner:
On board the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
At Sea
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Westerdam
Activity Note
A full day at sea to enjoy the ship's amenities.
Breakfast:
On board the ship.
Morning:
This morning we participate in a lecture/discussion on a topic of the Group Leader's choice. We then have time to relax and enjoy the ship's amenities.
Lunch:
On board the ship.
Afternoon:
At leisure to enjoy the ship's amenities.
Dinner:
On board the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Hobart
Location:
Hobart
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Westerdam
Activity Note
We will walk approximately 2 miles along well-maintained tracks.
Breakfast:
On board the ship.
Morning:
This morning we disembark our vessel and begin with an exploration of Hobart's historic quarter on foot. We then travel via motorcoach to a local wildlife sanctuary. Here local experts introduce us to Tasmania's local marsupial, the threatened Tasmanian Devil. We will learn of this unusual creature's habits and gain an understanding of the efforts being undertaken to save it from a disease threatening to wipe it out. We return to the vessel in time for lunch on board.
Lunch:
On board the ship.
Afternoon:
The afternoon is at leisure allowing time to explore the historic waterfront area of Tasmania's capital or just relax on board.
Dinner:
On board the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
At Sea
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Westerdam
Activity Note
A full day at sea to enjoy the ship's amenities.
Breakfast:
On board the ship.
Morning:
This morning we participate in a lecture/discussion on a topic of the Group Leader's choice. We then have time to relax and enjoy the ship's amenities.
Lunch:
On board the ship.
Afternoon:
At leisure to enjoy the ship's amenities.
Dinner:
On board the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
11
At Sea
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Westerdam
Activity Note
A full day at sea to enjoy the ship's amenities
Breakfast:
On board the ship.
Morning:
This morning we participate in a lecture/discussion on a topic of the Group Leader's choice. We then have time to relax and enjoy the ship's amenities.
Lunch:
On board the ship.
Afternoon:
At leisure to enjoy the ship's amenities.
Dinner:
On board the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Cruise Fiordland National Park, Doubtful & Milford Sounds
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Westerdam
Activity Note
A full day at sea to enjoy the ship's amenities.
Breakfast:
On board the ship.
Morning:
Today's cruising is no longer ocean cruising. Enjoy scenic cruising of Fiordland National Park, Doubtful Sound, and Milford Sound. Stand on deck and view the teeming wildlife.
Lunch:
On board the ship.
Afternoon:
We continue to cruise among the sounds of New Zealand's majestic Fiordland National Park, where mountains stand tall right out of the sea and rainforest clings to sheer rock faces. Keep an eye out for the resident pods of dolphins, basking seals, energetic little penguins and the abundant birdlife.
Dinner:
On board the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
13
Dunedin: Otago Peninsula, Albatross Colony, Larnach Castle
Location:
Dunedin
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Westerdam
Activity Note
Walking approximately 2 miles; paved surfaces; undulating, steep in parts. The drive from Port Chalmers to Taiaroa Head is about 26 miles (42 kilometres), approximately 1 hour each way.
Breakfast:
On board the ship.
Morning:
Dunedin, the "Edinburgh of the South", is home to New Zealand’s first university and was, during the height of the Central Otago gold rush, the largest city in the country. The dominant “industry” today is education, particularly tertiary and higher education, which permeates every aspect of city life. There are many historic buildings throughout the city and careful efforts have been made to preserve the architectural heritage. The city's architecture and feel give some hint to its Scottish settler roots. As a counter-balance to this grand old architecture, the city also has a new sporting stadium. Commissioned for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, the stadium's unique permanent "plastic" roof allows the grass to grow normally, providing a pristine playing surface. We begin our exploration of Otago Peninsula by boarding our motorcoach and visiting Larnach Castle, viewed as New Zealand's only "castle". A local expert will lead us through the castle and grounds enlightening us to the fascinating history surrounding the castle. We then drive out to Taiaroa Head to the Royal Albatross Centre.
Lunch:
At the Albatross Centre, we will have a plated lunch.
Afternoon:
Taiaroa Head is home to the only mainland breeding colony of the majestic Royal Albatross. A local expert will introduce us to these wonderful creatures before leading us on a walk to the hide for viewing the partially fledged birds on their nests. We then drive back in to town alongside Otago Harbour. Time permitting we will pause for some independent exploration at Toitu Otago Settlers' Museum and view Dunedin's grand railway station before returning to the ship.
Dinner:
On board the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
14
Timaru: Oamaru & Moeraki Boulders
Location:
Timaru
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Westerdam
Activity Note
Getting on/off the boat and coach. Walking on a sandy beach. There are relatively steep wooden stairs down to the beach.
Breakfast:
On board the ship.
Morning:
We disembark our vessel in Timaru and board a motorcoach for the drive south to Oamaru. Oamaru has a lovingly-restored historic quarter, featuring many grand buildings constructed using the locally-quarried stone. As we wander the historic area, we will also gain some understanding of the town's quirky steampunk identity.
Lunch:
At a local café.
Afternoon:
The Moeraki Boulders are a cluster of spherical rocks on Koekohe Beach. The "boulders" are, in reality, exposed by erosion from the nearby cliffs. We have some time to wander and explore this unusual landscape before reboarding our motorcoach and returning to the vessel.
Dinner:
On board the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
15
Picton: Blenheim, Marlborough Wine, Omaka Aviation Museum
Location:
Picton
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Westerdam
Activity Note
Walking approximately 2 miles; flat, paved surfaces. The drive from Picton to Blenheim is about 18 miles (30 kilometres), approximately 30 minutes each way.
Breakfast:
On board the ship.
Morning:
Today, we disembark our vessel in Picton and drive through to Blenheim. Here we embark on an expert-led visit to a Marlborough winery and discover for ourselves why Marlborough has gained a reputation as one of the finest wine-growing regions in the world. As we travel through the countryside we learn of the various land uses and the history of the area.
Lunch:
At the winery, we have a plated lunch. During lunch we have a guided wine tasting introducing us to Marlborough, New Zealand's most internationally-recognised wine region.
Afternoon:
We board our motorcoach and transfer for an expert-led exploration of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre where we view one of the largest collections of historical aircrafts in New Zealand. What fascinates most about this excellent facility is the range of interests catered to through its displays. It is certainly not only for the plane fanatics. We reboard our motorcoach and travel back through to Picton. You will have some time to explore Picton independently before jumping back on the ship if you wish.
Dinner:
On board the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
16
Wellington: Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary, Parliament
Location:
Wellington
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Westerdam
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles; generally flat, paved surfaces; some stairs.
Breakfast:
On board the ship.
Morning:
Wellington, the capital of New Zealand since 1865, is located at the southern extremity of the North Island. Its magnificent amphitheatre-like harbour, hemmed in by rugged hills, was formed by the flooding of the crater of a very large and long-extinct volcano. It provides a picturesque setting for the city’s distinctive wooden houses (many visitors have been known to draw parallels with San Francisco) set precariously on the steep hills. In addition to its role as the seat of government Wellington is a major seaport, rail and ferry centre and a commercial and manufacturing hub. Its compact city centre is immensely walkable and is full of life and interest. It has a vigorous cultural and artistic scene and is the home of many national cultural institutions. Thanks partly to the fact that it is the home town of Sir Peter Jackson (“Lord of the Rings” movie trilogy), Wellington is the focal point of New Zealand's thriving film industry. This morning we visit Zealandia, a sanctuary of native forest and lakes, a motorcoach ride of 10 minutes from the city centre. Here we will learn about some of New Zealand’s unique and fascinating birdlife. Expert volunteers will introduce these wonderful birds and explain the challenges of conserving rare and vulnerable species in New Zealand. We will learn the story of how local residents lobbied and volunteered to get this valley sanctuary set aside as a reserve and have it fully enclosed by predator-proof fencing.
Lunch:
At a historic hotel close to Parliament, we will have pre-ordered plated lunches.
Afternoon:
After lunch we walk across to New Zealand’s parliament buildings — including the aptly-named Beehive — for an expert-led exploration. We spend time learning about the relationship of the people of New Zealand and their government. The program today covers both the old and new government buildings and the historic and modern aspects of parliamentary democracy. We then return to our vessel.
Dinner:
On board the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
17
Napier Art Deco Experience
Location:
Napier
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Westerdam
Activity Note
Field trip combines viewing from motorcoach with short walks.
Breakfast:
On board the ship.
Morning:
Napier is located on Hawkes Bay on the North Island east coast. The surrounding region has a typical Mediterranean style climate with some of New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours, which makes the region famous for its vineyards, stone fruit orchards and its wide range of horticultural crops. The city of Napier was virtually destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 and the rebuilding that followed created one of the world’s best examples of an Art Deco city. This morning we have a local expert leading us on foot and on motorcoach to introduce us to Art Deco Napier. Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in styles of the 1930s classical, Spanish Mission and, above all, Art Deco. We will also view a film introducing us to the Napier earthquake, the reason for this unique architecture.
Lunch:
On board the ship.
Afternoon:
Free time to enjoy the ship's amenities.
Dinner:
On board the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
18
Rotorua: Maori Culture, National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa
Location:
Tauranga
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MS Westerdam
Activity Note
The coach ride from the Port of Tauranga to Rotorua takes around 75 minutes each way. Walking 2 - 3 miles; flat surfaces.
Breakfast:
On board the ship.
Morning:
This morning we board our motorcoach and transfer through to Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland at the heart of Maori society and culture. Located on the shores of Lake Rotorua and nicknamed “Sulphur City,” Rotorua has been sustained by tourism since 1870. It is a thermal wonderland with the most energetic thermal activity in the country including hot springs, geysers and bubbling mud pools. It is also an important centre of Maori culture. In the early 19th century the colonial government attempted to develop it as a European-style spa town. The impressive Tudor-styled Bath House dating from that time is now the Rotorua Museum. The area also has fine trout fishing and scenic wildlife parks. Nearby Mount Tarawera erupted in 1886 resulting in major changes to the landscape and considerable loss of life. The beautiful lakes in the region are part of the legacy of this cataclysm. We first transfer to Te Puia, the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Here we will view the Whakarewarewa thermal area, renowned for its boiling mudpools and the spectacular Pohutu geyser. We will also learn from local experts at the Institute about the role it plays in encouraging young Maori to train in the traditional Maori arts and crafts: carving wood and stone, weaving, traditional building techniques, and the like.
Lunch:
At an historic and lovingly-restored hotel beside Rotorua's Government Gardens, we will have a pre-ordered, plated lunch.
Afternoon:
Next, we will take our motorcoach to the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa at Rainbow Springs. Here we are introduced to New Zealand's endangered national bird. We will learn of the vital role the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa is playing in rearing young kiwi chicks until they are large enough to be released into the wild. After a tour of this wonderful facility we transfer back to the Port of Tauranga and reboard our vessel.
Dinner:
On board the ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
19
Auckland: Auckland War Museum, North Shore, Farewell Dinner
Location:
Auckland
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Movenpick Hotel Auckland
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.2 miles; flat, paved surfaces.
Breakfast:
On board the ship.
Morning:
On arrival in Auckland we disembark our vessel for the final time and have an overview introducing us to Auckland.. Auckland, the “City of Sails,” is New Zealand’s largest city and over one-third of all New Zealanders live in the greater Auckland area. It has a cosmopolitan population and the high proportion of indigenous Maori and other Polynesian peoples from the Pacific Islands have contributed distinctive elements to its cultural mix. This mix has been heightened by increased immigration from a number of Asian nations throughout the last decade or two. A third of the city’s population was born outside New Zealand. The city has a unique setting between two harbours on a narrow isthmus studded with numerous volcanic cones. To the east, the Waitemata Harbour provides New Zealand’s busiest Pacific port and a picturesque setting for the central business district and suburbs. Beyond this harbour lie the superb boating waters of the island-studded Hauraki Gulf. To the west, the broad shallows of the Manukau Harbour provide ideal habitat for large flocks of seabirds in the shadow of the rugged rainforest-covered Waitakere Ranges. Beyond these ranges the wild black-sand surf beaches of the west coast are a dramatic contrast to the gentle golden sand of the tree-fringed beaches of the east coast. We head first to visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum. At the museum, a docent will introduce the permanent exhibitions showing patterns of Polynesian and European settlement. We will then drive across the Harbour Bridge to the north shore of the Waitemata Harbour. We pass through the sought-after suburban real estate of Devonport and view Auckland from North Head. Here we gain an idea of the myriad dormant volcanic cones that make up the Auckland landscape. We continue on to a local restaurant for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we will have a buffet lunch looking out over picturesque Cheltenham Beach and across to the cone of Rangitoto, Auckland’s most recognisable volcano and an iconic natural landmark.
Afternoon:
After lunch we drive back into central Auckland and check in to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.
Dinner:
Farewell dinner at our hotel. We will have "Farewell to New Zealand" drinks with dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
20
Free Time, Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check out is by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers. If you are an independent traveller (POP status), see the information “For participants NOT taking the group transfer”.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
This morning we have breakfast at the hotel, prepare for check-out and departure. This concludes our program. For those who have purchased airfare through Road Scholar, we will transfer you to Auckland airport for your return flights to the US. 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. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
MEALS
49 Meals
17 Breakfasts
16 Lunches
16 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Feb 26, 2025 - Mar 17, 2025
- Jan 29, 2025 - Feb 17, 2025 (Sydney to Auckland)
- Feb 26, 2025 - Mar 17, 2025 (Sydney to Auckland)
Participant Reviews
Based on 22 Reviews
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Totally recommend this program the combination of being on a cruise ship and Road Scholars excellent off ship tours and education is hard to beat! Our group was fun and our leaders New Zealanders Rose and Dave were delightful
— Review left April 3, 2024
I recommend travel through Roads Scholars. One of the better travel agencies. Good value for the money.
— Review left March 25, 2024
I really loved this trip! The Toranga zoo and the Sydney opera house were done with excellent guides. As a bonus our guide recommended a great restaurant with melt in your mouth food and reasonable prices.
Unfortunately the weather didn’t allow us to see Tasmania or much of Fjordland National Park, but the wonderful trip up the coast of New Zealand made up for that. In particular I enjoyed the Albatross sanctuary, The Wellington Sanctuary and the Kiwi sanctuary. The parliament chambers in Wellington were very interesting as well. Our guides Dave and Rose were outstanding and made the trip run quite smoothly
— Review left February 25, 2024
My first visit to Australia and New Zealand. Had a wonderful time with the educational value of the culture, history and the architecture of these countries.
— Review left February 2, 2024
5 Star Rating -
I was interested in a RS program offering an overview of Australia and New Zealand and this combined land and sea program met my expectations. It was expertly led by New Zealanders, Dave and Rose Stevenson, and offered a range of interesting educational excursions, lectures and activities. And, I enjoyed the additional benefit of having to unpack my luggage only once upon embarking the ship, as well as taking advantage of the many shipboard amenities. Our group quickly bonded and the ensuing camaraderie enhanced my overall enjoyment of the program.
— Review left January 29, 2024
WOW! what a trip of a lifetime! Seeing Australia and New Zealand with a historian from the area was very educational and she was lots of fun. Made the whole trip awesome.
— Review left December 7, 2023
I attended the Holland America Noordam cruise with Road Scholar for two weeks around New Zealand in November. It was a lovely cruise, we had great weather and smooth seas, and as usual, a wonderful group of attendees, which always adds to their programs. New Zealand was so green and lush, going into their spring, however, I believe a cruise can somewhat limit the time and experience on land. I would definitely consider a land tour to see more of the country.
Betsy W.
Cincinnati
November 2023
— Review left December 7, 2023
This holiday was one of the best I've been on. Although my first RoadScholar trip it will definitely not be my last. The quality of the group leader, the hotels and transportation are best available and exceeded all expectations.
— Review left December 2, 2023
We just got home from Down Under and it was loaded with adventure, realy interesting fellow travelers and two wonderful leaders.
— Review left November 28, 2023
I loved my trip with Road Scholar to Australia and New Zealand. However, I was completely DISSATISFIED with the air travel arrangements made by Road Scholar
— Review left April 6, 2023
From Sydney's Opera House to Milford Sound to Rotorua, this was a fascinating journey for me. The program provided an introduction to the high brow, the low brow, the rural, the urban, and the natural environments of a corner of Australia and most of the coast of New Zealand. I now have a much deeper understanding and appreciation of those nations and peoples. I'm so glad I took the trip.
— Review left March 6, 2023
Learn about the world of Australia and New Zealand with great local leaders and wonderful fellow participants!
— Review left February 28, 2023
I learned a lot about New Zealand and was surprised to learn that it is very similar to my home in north Central US with very welcoming people, a pride in our native citizens and related heritage, beautiful vegetation which is very different than the northern midwest US, and much better wines!
I learned a little about Australia in the few days that I spent in the southeast corner of the country and learned that it is beautiful, advancing very rapidly with great architecture (even updating the interior of the beautiful Sydney Opera House), citizens are proud of their country and its uniqueness, a lot like US, Europe and the rest of the world.
— Review left February 27, 2023
Highly recommended. A wonderfully organized tour. Ngaire Douglas was terrific both as group leader and as lecturer. It felt like we saw everything worth seeing wherever we stopped. I loved having docent tours at museums. The hotels at the beginning (Sydney) and end (Auckland) were excellent and within an easy walk of the harbors. We loved the food and the entertainment on the Holland America cruise, especially the chamber music at the Lincoln Center Stage area and the jazz at the B.B.King Blues night club. Plus it was a very congenial group of people on this tour.
— Review left December 16, 2019
I authorize you to excerpt any comment or evaluation that I'm submitting with this reflection about my experience. Dale Bracey
— Review left December 15, 2019
This is the best Road Scholar trip of the four we've been on so far! The organization and knowledge that Dr. Ngaire brought to the program as its leader far exceeded our expectations and the experiences she provided did as well. The value of this program far outweighed the cost!
Seeing New Zealand was on our bucket list for awhile and the cruise, with interesting port stops and beautiful scenery, was the perfect way to get the most enjoyment and see much of the country in two weeks while being very comfortable.
We learned so much about AU and NZ, the contrasts and differences of the two countries, that we never would have known if we had not been in this Road Scholar program.
The guides at many of the stops were contacts Dr. Ngaire knew and had worked with before. They also were able to provide history and relevant details, that had we been on our own, we never would have known.
We both enjoyed the trip and the group we traveled with. Our thoughtful leader made this trip especially outstanding!
Kit and La Raw
— Review left December 14, 2019
A great learning experience and tour of two countries that are more different than you might think. Traveling by ship is a great way to see them and the ports of call provide interesting and unique opportunities to learn. Finally, Milford Sound is awesome when it rains, as the waterfalls just multiply! -- Jim M, Nov. 2019
— Review left December 10, 2019
I had a great time and learned a lot. I recommend Road Scholar to anyone who wants a learning experience and doesn't just want to check something off their bucket list.
— Review left December 5, 2019
My recent trip/cruise with Road Scholar to Australia/New Zealand was wonderful. All costs and organization of the trip were handled so well by Road Scholar, including most activities, excursions, gratuities and meals. I have been telling everyone about my Road Scholar experience.
— Review left November 26, 2019
I like telephone calls with real people best! My husband thought the website was excellent.
— Review left April 2, 2019
Website excellent. Advice to people evaluating tours: check for pop-up blockers. We were stymied until we accidentally discovered that problem even after calls to the main office.
— Review left April 2, 2019
The program is a great choice for those wanting to visit AU and NZ. It is a good combination of activity and rest (on the ship). It was wonderful to experience the multi-cultural complexities of these two countries as you visit the past and the present life of its inhabitants.
— Review left March 31, 2019
