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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
Pristine volcanic harbors. Snow-capped mountain peaks. Ink-black night skies ablaze with brilliant stars. These are just a few of the treasures visitors seek on journeys to New Zealand. On our journey from Auckland to Queenstown, complete with full free days to explore on your own, experience Maori traditions first-hand, learn local history on expert-led field trips and embrace the awe-inspiring power of nature — evident in every view of the mountains and lakes that surround you.
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.
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Hazel Petrie
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.”
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
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 Reading List
View Full List (11 Books)
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's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

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.