New Zealand
New Zealand’s Best: Natural Marvels and Cultural Heritage
Program No. 22090RJ
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New Zealand’s Best: Natural Marvels and Cultural Heritage
New Zealand’s Best: Natural Marvels and Cultural Heritage
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Participant Reviews
Based on 42 Reviews
SHOWING
Our tour guides Alison and Shana were exceptional! The places we visited were magnificent. Visiting New Zealand was on my bucketlist and it may still be on my bucketlist to visit again.
— Review left February 17, 2026
Road Scholar supports your ability to remain a lifelong learner and have fun while doing so.
— Review left February 10, 2026
A terrific introduction to New Zealand's fascinating history, both for the native Maori population and colonial settlers - in addition to more recent immigrants. Some of the issues continue to resonate and discussions of politics were very helpful to understand what we saw. The beauty of New Zealand cannot be overstated and we were so lucky with weather and natural events! (The Aurora Astralis in particular!) This program was our first with Road Scholar but I'm sure we'll sign up for more!
— Review left January 29, 2026
I can't say enough about the quality of the educators who shared their expertise with us while we were in Auckland. Absolutely the best! The information they provided leant a great deal to my experience throughout the rest of the program.
— Review left October 14, 2025
So interesting and so much fun! Tour leaders exceptional, knowledgeable and friendly. Site visits, museums, boat rides, walkabouts always educational, always interesting. First time on an organized tour, and it surpassed all expectations. Can't wait to take the next trip.
— Review left February 14, 2025
This is a whirlwind tour through three of the major NZ cities – Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown, with excursions to see beautiful natural settings and city sights. The program leader, city lecturers, and even the bus drivers were very enjoyable companions, knowledgeable about NZ history, culture, wildlife and geology, and also excellent sources for stories. The excursions to Aoraki Mount Cook and Milford Sound, both stunning and informative, were highlights.
Although there was a good introduction to Maori history and culture in the museum, along with a dance/haka show, there was no direct interaction with the indigenous people who have had a huge influence on NZ’s culture. Suggested enhancements would be a personal visit to a school, craft area, local business or a waka (canoe) ride to provide an opportunity to interact with the Maori people and learn firsthand their history, crafts, architecture, religion and/or their current position in society. Being invited into a Marae would be an excellent opportunity to hear from an iwa and observe native art. I hope some of these options can be added to the learning program in the future.
I would encourage future participants to arrive early and/or stay a few days afterwards; although there is some free time scheduled in Auckland and Queenstown, there is much more to see. We thoroughly enjoyed the learning program and the friendly people of New Zealand. We also appreciated the extra time we took before and after the tour to see and learn more!
— Review left February 14, 2025
The ability to just see the sights and gain knowledge from the guides and not have to worry about logistics was the best part of the experience for me.
— Review left February 13, 2025
This trip was a great introduction to the people and beauty of New Zealand. We enjoyed all the boat trips, especially the Auckland harbor cruise and the cruise in Milford Sound. However, these might not be good if someone suffers from motion sickness. Our trip leader shared his enthusiasm for NZ and provided information beyond the basics. We liked having free time to explore, like the art museum in Auckland. The Auckland War Memorial Museum was exceptional. The New Zealand people were all so welcoming and I enjoyed learning about their culture and history. Definitely recommend this trip if you like beautiful scenery and time on the water while learning about the New Zealand people.
— Review left January 26, 2025
New Zealand was the best trip I have taken. Beauty to explore and history to learn.
— Review left October 29, 2024
Kia ora - New Zealand is a treasure not to be missed! The locals, the scenery, the food, and the experts are all outstanding. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the Maori culture and the interesting changes that occur when a land begins with only 2 mammals, and the beautiful flora you will see. I highly recommend the flowers and cool temperatures of springtime, and a visit to Dark Sky in the South Island.
— Review left October 28, 2024
This was our first program with Road Scholar but will not be the last.
Very well organized and conducted.
— Review left October 27, 2024
New Zealand is beautiful, her people very friendly and the Moari culture fascinating. I very much enjoyed that we visited both the north island and the south island. I highly recommend this program!
— Review left October 6, 2024
New Zealand is beautiful and residents friendly and helpful.
All the programs were excellent especially the night program to see the stars
— Review left March 9, 2024
We were disappointed in this trip. There was very little educational or intellectual program- just one presentation on Maori culture on the first day. We took sightseeing walks in Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown that were just unplanned tourist walks that could have been in any modern city. We spent long hours on many days riding in the bus, only to have an hour or two at the destination before getting back on the bus. For example, there was a ten-hour round trip bus ride from Queenstown to Milford Sound, where we were herded onto a tourist boat for a two hour ride. The trip description talked about walking up to three miles a day, but we never walked more than a mile, and often less.
Other people on this tour had taken previous RS trips in places like Europe, and said they had been much better because there was much more history, architecture, art, and culture in a much smaller area, and much less time on the road.
— Review left March 8, 2024
This program was stellar. The places we visited were interesting and stunningly beautiful. Be prepared to spend long (!) hours on buses traveling through gorgeous scenery and comparatively little time walking or hiking. We were very lucky with sunny weather throughout, but unfortunately had a cloudy evening that prevented us from seeing the dark sky program outside.
— Review left February 11, 2024
As this was my first Road Scholar trip, I was not sure what to expect. The key to the wonderful experience we all enjoyed was our guide, Allison. At every site she evidenced her love for her country and knowledge of its culture and history. New Zealand is an exceptionally beautiful country and we had a great time with a wonderful guide and convivial group. Traveling single, I appreciated the welcoming of couples and other singles and never felt that I was just on my own.
On balance, it could not have been better!!
— Review left December 8, 2023
Spectacular trip with a lovely group and a wonderful New Zealand tour leader who had the knowledge of a college professor, the patience of a saint, and the wisdom of a kindergarten teacher.
— Review left November 7, 2023
New Zealand was our first trip with Road Scholar and it was fantastic! The organization of the destinations we enjoyed was wonderful and our guide was absolutely stellar in her knowledge, sensitivity and great humor. She kept us on track-which was like herding cats-and she did it with grace and patience. Her candor and insight were deeply regarded and we learned so much while taking in truly awesome landscapes and meeting friendly people. The other participants were great as well. Amazing journey and we are planning our next one now! Thank you Ms Douglas, our guide, and Road Scholar!
— Review left November 4, 2023
The beauty of New Zealand was incredible and our group leader really added to our experience by her humor and friendly personality.
— Review left October 31, 2023
The New Zealand Natural Marvel's trip was fantastic and if Albert is your guide, consider yourself very lucky - he was fantastic. This trip covers some of the major highlights of both the North and South Island. Makes sure to look into the recommended side trip options for your free day and in your materials so you can plan ahead. It was not physically taxing but there was some walking. I loved New Zealand the people there and this trip exceeded my expectations.
— Review left April 16, 2023
Excellent trip, The best ever guide..
— Review left March 11, 2023
New Zealand is a Fantastic Country. A visit should be on everyones bucket list!
— Review left December 8, 2022
Thank you, Road Scholar, for putting together another fantastic learning experience. Our guide, Richard, was caring and humorous. When the weather was bad for the outdoor Big Sky Stargazing, Richard arranged for us to go to an indoor astronomy program that was packed with information! Everyday, there were remarkable views of mountains and beauty and sun did not set until 8:30 pm. There was some rain, even on one of our harbor cruises, but that did not matter as we all had fun!
— Review left November 26, 2022
Words cannot describe this trip adequately. I Loved it. The activities they had planned were excellent. I have travelled a lot but usually planning the trips on our own. So great to not have to spend hours researching what to do in an area. We got to experience so many amazing areas of New Zealand. We went sailing, and on a couple of other boat rides. Loved them all. Even riding the coach bus was great to see the countryside, so beautiful. Our guide and the bus driver kept us entertained and learning new things. The dark sky experience was amazing. My first time to see the southern cross. On one of the free days 4 of us went biking over bridges and by river gorges and ended at a winery. I went with my mom. I am 53 and she is 78. We both really enjoyed it. Good variety of people in the group - all very friendly and from many different states. Couples and singles. Our guide Ngaire added a lot of fun info about life in New Zealand. The accommodations were very nice and the food was good. I wasn’t sure about October but we had great weather. So fun to have springtime this time of year. If you are thinking about doing this you will not be disappointed. Highly recommend.
— Review left October 30, 2022
This New Zealand program and guide did not disappoint! New Zealand is a beautiful and welcoming country.
— Review left October 16, 2022
Although our trip was abruptly cancelled after only a few days due to the COVID-19 crisis, I made new friends with everyone in the group. Ngaire Douglas is an extraordinary leader and a warm, experienced leader. I would take any trip she offers!
— Review left March 27, 2020
Our tour leader made every effort to fulfill our needs. She was enthusiastic and knowledgeable and spoke up for us to do things like extend our check-out to when we had to leave. Sadly, the best part was the last part (the southern island), which we mostly lost but am grateful we were able to return to the US. I am not sure the books suggested were truly pertinent to our understanding of NZ or at least it was hard to make the connections. The food and lodging was simple but usually sufficient. Am grateful also that we had at least one day in the southern isle. Suggest not giving a lecture, especially w/wine, on the first day and hour we arrive, instead maybe just a shorter talk and a walk due to the extreme exhaustion of long trip.
— Review left March 23, 2020
Although the trip was cut short 4 days by the coronavirus situation, the days we were able to complete were filled with fascinating activities and beautiful places. I especially appreciated the free time built into the schedule. Most important to enjoying the trip was our leader, Ngaire Douglas, who was was well-prepared both to inform us about places we visited and to answer our wide-ranging questions. During the stress of having to leave early, she was patient and persistent in making arrangements and kept the group in good humor. I look forward to being able to re-visit the South Island at some future time, especially if Ngaire is leading.
Peter N
— Review left March 21, 2020
New Zealand was the most amazing place I have ever been to. I had a wonderful experience that I shall never forget.Ngaire Douglas was our guide and she did such an unreal job. Ngaire kept us filled with history and at the moment experiences. Listening to her and being with her for the time that we were there was a pleasure and I will cherish those moments and memmories forever. Ngaire kept us moving and motivated us to soak up all we could about beautiful New Zealand. When the time was cut short by "world happenings" I just wanted to cry and say NOOOOOO! I wanted more.
I realize that the decision to come home was unavoidable.But I will be on another Road Scholar trip as soon as I can. You Road Scholar did a great job in arranging my trip. thanks to all of you at Road Scholar and especially Ngaire Douglas!!!
Sincerely Lois Miles
— Review left March 20, 2020
I am so thankful that I was able to take part in this trip. Our group leader, Ngaire Douglas, was extremely professional and knowledgeable. When we learned that we had to return to the US early, she was calm, helpful and went out of her way to ensure that appropriate arrangements were made for all.
I definitely want to return to New Zealand and would love another chance to be with Ngaire.
I will strongly recommend Road Scholar trips to other people. It's a delight to travel with others who are so interested in learning.
Thank you so much and a huge "thank you" to our amazing leader, Ngaire.
— Review left March 20, 2020
First, I need to point out how wonderful Ngaire is. She is extremely knowledgeable and delightful to be around. It was very sad saying goodbye, especially since the trip was cut in half due to COVID-19. Because of the curtailment, the trip was lacking a great deal. We only had one day on the south island, which was the better part of the trip. We were only able to see one town with beautiful landscapes and it left me thirsty for more. I don't know how we are going to be compensated, but I doubt it will be enough to cover another trip to the other side of the world. It costs $4000 in travel alone, so I feel that I will never get the opportunity again to experience the great country that is New Zealand. I had to cancel the part of the trip that I was most looking forward to which was on the last day. I intentionally selected a program that has free days since I need to be able to plan some things on my own while traveling. I have never liked the idea of having a trip completely planned out for me. The two best parts of this trip were Akaroa and our trip to Hobbiton (on a free day).
While I realize that it is unfair to rate this trip based on what we did only in the first half, that is all I have to work with. The first part did bore me at times because there was too much history and lecturing and not enough active learning and site-seeing. I also realize that I am in a different demographic than most people that use Road Scholar, so I am trying to honestly voice my 32 year old opinion. Perhaps there could be a way to market certain trips to a younger audience with more rigorous activities. I did appreciate learning about the Maori people and some of the history, but it seemed to drag on.
In conclusion, I'm sorry to report that the trip was not enough for me but also that I love Ngaire and would travel again with her in a heartbeat. I only hope that I get the chance.
— Review left March 19, 2020
This trip was planned with a little something for everyone: outdoor activities, science, history, and culture. But sadly the trip was cut short about halfway through due to coronavirus. We did get to experience a yacht trip in the Auckland harbor, a boat trip to see dolphins, penguins and seals in a bay at Akaroa, a beautiful hike on Waiheke Island, a visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum to see a Maori cultural performance, and a visit to the Antarctic Centre in Christchurch. I wish we could have had a little more time at the museum and Antarctic Centre - there was much more to see and learn. We were so sad to miss Mt. Cook and Queensland.
The hotels were great and very accommodating when our trip was cut short. The food was very good at the hotels, but I would have enjoyed having at least one more meal in an Aukland restaurant rather than at the hotel.
Our tour group bonded quickly. Lots of engaging discussion, laughter and sharing and concern for each other in trying times during the coronavirus scare.
Ngaire Douglas was a wonderful leader. She helped us keep up our spirits when we were all so disappointed that the trip was cancelled early. She was very knowledgable, enthusiastic, and has a great sense of humor. Would enjoy having her as a tour leader again.
This was my first Road Scholar trip. And I plan to sign up again when we are all free to travel safely.
— Review left March 19, 2020
we have thought about NZ for some years. after a Roads Scholar trip to Quebec city, we decided to try another trip with these folks. what a wonderful experience we had. NZ is definitely worth the travel time and expense.
— Review left February 23, 2020
This was my first Road Scholar trip but hopefully it will not be the last. I like the pace, activities, and organization that were done on this program. We had an outstanding tour leader with George who enhanced our overall learning and experience.
— Review left February 22, 2020
Excellent program. Our group leader, Louise Shave, was superb and anticipated our every need. Around Christchurch and Queenstown we spent a lot of time on the bus, but that was a good thing because bus was very comfortable, scenery spectacular and constantly changing, frequent stops for photo-ops. Program allowed two free days for which I spent a lot of time researching what field trip would be perfect for me, and I was very pleased with my choices. I took rain gear and was psyched up for having a good time in case of rain. We encountered many micro climates -- it could be sunny one minute, raining the next, then sunny again, and I got along fine with the weather. I highly recommend this program.
— Review left November 28, 2019
This was an amazing trip and a very compatible and companionable group. Our group leader Alison Broad took great care to make every stop a special experience, and she succeeded! Our driver on the South Island, Jeremy, was attentive to safety, comfort, and the next place to get ice cream - a vital skill, indeed. This was a flex program, and we had several opportunities to devise our own adventures. Even though we had challenging weather with rain and snow changing some of our plans, Alison and the Road Scholar program managed to make changes for even better experiences.
What a great way to get a taste of New Zealand!
— Review left November 28, 2019
It isn't that user friendly in getting around!
— Review left March 28, 2019
New Zealand is breathtaking and the tour opens up a world of information and the opportunity to meet its people. I highly recommend taking this trip, you will be happy you did. Safe Travels
— Review left March 27, 2019
The New Zealand Tour is well worth it. Don't miss this opportunity of a lifetime.
— Review left March 27, 2019
A great tour to find about about New Zealand and let someone else figure out the details! A good mix of structured activities and free time too.
— Review left February 26, 2019
This program is a great introduction to New Zealand for those who have never had the experience. I cannot imagine another way we could have seen so much in a meaningful way in this time frame. The agenda, program details, and logistics were top notch. The country is stunning from top to bottom. Highly recommended!
— Review left February 24, 2019
This is an amazing program with wonderful content, most of which is on the South Island. Spend time on your own exploring the North Island if possible before starting this program, because the islands are so different. Beautiful scenery, wonderful people, excellent food. Another very satisfying experience with Road Scholar.
— Review left February 11, 2019