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New Zealand

New Zealand’s Best: Natural Marvels and Cultural Heritage

Program No. 22090RJ
With nearly one-third of its land dedicated to national parks, New Zealand is ideal for exploring natural treasures like harbors, fjords and snow-capped mountains.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
12 days
Program Begins
Auckland
Program Concludes
Queenstown
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
20 ( 9B, 4L, 7D )
Activity Level
Imagine a land where pristine volcanic harbors meet snow-capped mountain peaks, and ink-black night skies explode with a brilliant blanket of stars. These are the breathtaking wonders that await you on a learning adventure to New Zealand. Join us on an exploration from vibrant Auckland to the majestic Queenstown. You'll have ample free time to wander and discover on your own, but the true magic lies in the immersive experiences. Connect with Maori traditions firsthand, lean in to local history through captivating field trips led by experts and embrace the awe-inspiring power of nature that surrounds you at every turn – from the towering mountains to the serene lakes. This is your invitation to discover the soul of New Zealand.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Experience traditional Maori customs.
  • Stargaze in the Mackenzie Basin, home to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, located in New Zealand's only International Dark Sky Reserve.
  • Witness spectacular landscapes during a study cruise.
General Notes
Program includes independent time (including free days in Auckland and Queenstown) to explore independently, and has several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials.
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Hamish Campbell earned a Ph.D. in paleontology from Cambridge University, and went on to serve as a senior scientist at GNS Science — the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences — in Wellington, New Zealand, and as geologist at the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Hamish channeled his expertise to write several popular books on New Zealand geology. His passion for New Zealand, geology and learning have made him an exceptional long-time instructor for Road Scholar.
A native of Wellington, Robbie Selwyn graduated with a commerce degree from Victoria University, and worked for ExxonMobil in financial, corporate planning and marketing roles. His career allowed him the wonderful opportunity to live and work in various locations around the world, fueling his interest in travel and international culture. An active golfer, Robbie is married and has two children and five grandchildren.
Hazel Petrie is an Honorary Research Fellow in the University of Auckland Department of History. She has a and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Maori Studies, a Master of Arts in History, and a Ph.D. in Maori Studies, all from the University of Auckland. Her published books include “Chiefs of Industry: Maori Tribal Enterprise in Early Colonial New Zealand” that was a finalist in the New Zealand Book Awards, and “Outcasts of the Gods?: The Struggle Over Slavery in Maori New Zealand.”
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three miles daily over varied terrain. Elevations up to 3,200 feet.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.