New Zealand
A New Zealand Odyssey: Indigenous Culture & Natural Beauty
Program No. 22753RJ
Explore the unique story of New Zealand as you learn of its distinctive natural environment and rich Maori and European history from local experts.
Participant Reviews
Based on 57 Reviews
SHOWING
A great experience! The Program Coordinator did an excellent job. The local guides were wonderful, adding their knowledge and personal experiences to really give us an understanding of NZ life. Be prepared-you will be on the move as there is a lot to see and do! Try to plan your free time activities in advance, even if you don’t book them-you won’t want to waste a moment!
— Review left February 18, 2026
We saw many truly amazing sites and learned in a most enjoyable way about the culture, history, flara and fauna, and unique beauty of New Zealand. I highly recommend this experience!
— Review left February 17, 2026
As a humor writer, I always hope to have people in any group with a good sense of humor. Lots of laughs and good storytelling with our group. I was also inspired to write about our adventures.
— Review left December 16, 2025
This was my 8th Road Scholar trip, and the first international one. Definitely one of the best. NZ is a wonderful and beautiful country, and I can’t say enough good things about the people, who are as astounding as the country. Our group leader, Evan, is a gem. He left the day-to-day stuff to the local coordinators, but he made sure every one was looked after and no one was left behind. I loved pretty much everything about the trip, other than the disappointingly short stay at the International Antarctic Center. An additional day in Christchurch really would have been ideal. The glow worm cave, the kiwi hatchery, the Akaroa cruise, the Milford Sound cruise, the sheep farm visit, and Zealandia were well beyond what I hoped. The accommodations were generally good; there was too much food (more boxed lunches would have been fine). The activity level was as advertised. NZ in November was lovely. The trip home was excessively long, but partly because of some late changes I made, considering it was the weekend before Thanksgiving. *****
— Review left December 9, 2025
This trip was well worth the long flight. Amazing scenery, knowledgeable guides, interesting culture and delicious food! There is so much to see and do and this trip packed in so many interesting experiences. It was a well organized and enjoyable trip!
— Review left December 1, 2025
What a great way to learn about New Zealand!!! The itinerary, group leader & local experts are excellent. Add this trip to your bucket list...:-)
— Review left November 6, 2025
Excellent
— Review left November 3, 2025
From sailing in Auckland to the dinner an a mountain in the south, this program takes you through a world of experiences on these two islands. Learn about the history, cultural diversity, the role of women, the flora and fauna and more . They pack so much into 2 1/2 short weeks you really get your money’s worth.
— Review left October 12, 2025
New Zealand is hilly even inside the cities. You need to be shape to travel there.The people are friendly, English is the primary language of commerce. There are other secondary languages spoken by the first migrants to the islands the Polynesians . The English got there a few hundred years later. The islands were named by the English.
I had a great time my compaions were good people. We bonded fairly quickly. The countryside looked like scenes from Lord of the Rings. Starkly beautiful. The guides made efforts to help us with our free time. I went to a bar whose patrons sang sea shanties while drinking. I also had the opportunity to one of Peter Jackson's design studio's
— Review left July 27, 2025
If you are seeking a journey with incredibly beautiful landscapes and inspiring a positive change within you, this is the trip.
— Review left May 4, 2025
We really liked the diversity of knowledge that was shared with us by so many different people at the various locations. The two lectures were excellent; the guides were very informative, friendly and flexible. We learned more about NZ history, culture, politics, geography, geology, and nature than we could have imagined. We really enjoyed understanding more about the history and current status of the Maoris. We also liked the activity level of the trip, especially some of the faster-paced walks around the cities. We usually like to travel independently but I don't think we could have fit in as much as was in this tour if we'd planned it ourselves. A lot was packed into our two-week trip, making it well worth the costs.
— Review left April 1, 2025
This trip is succinctly named an odyssey. If the traveler/learner is looking for a New Zealand excursion that covers all of the dynamics of history, geology, geography, Zealandic human existence, human culture - and the intentional lifestyle of a people going forward, this is the trip for you.
— Review left March 23, 2025
The program was amazing and I learned so much about the country and fellow travelers.
— Review left March 20, 2025
This was a wonderful trip to New Zealand. It was our first and likely only trip there, and we wanted to experience everything. We are usually independent travelers, and were managing our own expectations as to whether the trip would be as active as we like to be. Our expectations were met and exceeded in every way. The leaders and guides were excellent. We had a few flights, and the leaders knew exactly how much time we would need for the airports; we neither felt rushed nor like we were waiting too much. The buses were always on time. The hotel checkins were so much easier than we are used to. Tickets for everything from the ferries and cable cars to museums and programs were almost invisible to us. Restaurants had our tables ready (and with a couple of exceptions, handled the food orders very well.) Our fellow travelers were delightful—prompt, friendly, interesting, and engaged. Because of the efficiency and organization of the trip planners, our leader Robbie and our four excellent site coordinators, we were able to experience so much in our time in New Zealand! Aided by exceptional weather , we had spectacular visits to Zealandia, Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park, Queenstown (that gondola ride! That dinner on Bob’s Peak!), the National Kiwi Hatchery, and Akora; informative city tours in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch; a viewing of the dark sky in Te Anau; the hot springs and steam vents near Rotorua; those Glow Worm caves in Waitomo; excellent museums, a couple of wonderful lectures and a cultural performance; and so much more. This was quite an active trip; we were on buses, planes, boats, ferries, cable cars, gondolas, and on our feet a lot! Hotels were fine to good. The trip leader and site coordinators offered several optional outings during the free time. I was so very impressed with their energy, dedication and love for NZ. I would highly recommend this trip to any energetic traveler who wants to get the most out of every minute.
— Review left March 8, 2025
This tour was well designed and fulfilled the stated description.
— Review left December 18, 2024
A trip of a lifetime. Education & Fun abound!
We plan to take many more tours with Roads Scholas
— Review left December 15, 2024
This was my first Road Scholar trip and I look forward to many more.
— Review left December 4, 2024
A trip that everyone who has an interest in culture and nature with outstanding trip leaders who provide education all along the way, should not miss.
Lizzie, our leader from arrival in Auckland until the last day , provided a wealth of New Zealand cultural, environmental and practical information. Always with a smile and wonderful sense of humor, Lizzie always greeted us each morning. The regional guides were outstanding.
A beautiful country and kind and welcoming people, New Zealand is a country one could visit more than once.
— Review left October 24, 2024
Excellent trip but had trouble with visa before the trip. One of our favorite trips among the several trips we have done.
— Review left May 10, 2024
What a fabulous adventure! The guides provided us with their personal insight into the fascinating history of the islands and the landscapes we traveled through were breathtaking. Our first local guide greeted us with a wonderful mix of warmth and information. Most memorable? A Maori woman who took us through a small museum on the South Island and spoke of her family.
— Review left April 15, 2024
Exceeded expectations in every way
— Review left April 9, 2024
A well-organized, educational introduction to the natural beauty, history, sheep farming, politics, culture of New Zealand, Maori people and colonization. Excellent accommodations, meals and lecturers and group leader.
— Review left March 5, 2024
If you want to learn about New Zealand and its people, including the Mauri, and have a wide variety of opportunities to experience the beauty and unique character of the wildlife and geology, this is the trip for you. Heather was an incredible group leader, and each of the experts in various locations was top notch. You must be able to "keep the pace", but every minute was well planned! We loved it!!!
— Review left February 26, 2024
This program is active but so enriching. I learned so much about the geology, history and culture of New Zealand. Everyone we interacted with (the guides, local experts and random encounters) was delightful. They wanted us to understand and fully experience their country and culture. And the country is so beautiful.
— Review left February 12, 2024
The New Zealand Odyssey was fantastic. New Zealand is a beautiful and fascinating country with friendly people. I contracted COVID about 3/4 through trip. The Group Leader was very helpful and considerate. I discovered that Paxlovid is only available in New Zealand to legal residents of the country and Australia and the U.K. So I left early to return to the U.S. and get treatment.
— Review left February 2, 2024
The most beautiful country I have visited. I am amazed at how much we did both on the North and South islands. Heather, our group leader for the entire trip, was extraordinarily organized, proactively prevented problems, and was just fun to be with. The regional organizers and lecturers were consistently good and we benefitted from their diverse interests and expertise. Our group in Oct. ‘23 was smaller than usual and this led to greater personal attention and cohesiveness. I’ve traveled extensively and been on 7 Road Scholar trips; this was the program that I loved the most.
— Review left January 23, 2024
If you've any interest in NZ, this trip is a fabulous introduction to a unique, and uniquely beautiful, country.
— Review left December 14, 2023
Our first Road Scholar trip but not our last! Every logistical detail handled expertly so we could focus on enjoying the amazing varied beauty, culture and people of New Zealand. It is a unique place and should be on your bucket list if it's not already. Our group leaders were outstanding, the food and accommodations exceeded our expectations. It was simply an amazing experience.
— Review left December 8, 2023
The two-week program in New Zealand was truly the trip of a lifetime. Incredibly well-organized and diverse in exploring everything from the environment to culture to history and politics. Well done, Road Scholar!
— Review left November 27, 2023
Our two-week tour of New Zealand was completely satisfying, a total joy and happily exhausting. The program, accommodations, food, group leader, guides, and the overall experience met and exceeded all our expectations.
— Review left November 5, 2023
Despite this being my 4th trip to New Zealand, I learned more about the country and its people with Road Scholar than my previous non Road Scholar trips combined.
— Review left November 4, 2023
Fabulous experience!! Beautiful country, knowledgeable guides, great food and companionship. I don't think you'll have any regrets. Do it!
— Review left May 17, 2023
This trip was a wonderful experience, and I would recommend it to anyone who has been thinking of visiting New Zealand. In addition to guest speakers covering the history and geography of the islands, it included amazing sightseeing by boats, walks, bus, and gondola. As we walked and traveled, the guides and tour coordinators provided interesting personal stories and reflections on life in New Zealand. It would to hard to overstate the beauty of this country and how much I enjoyed the tour.
— Review left March 20, 2023
No one was more skeptical about traveling with a group of strangers than I was, but the comments I read about making new friends really did prove to be true. It was one of the most pleasant surprises about the trip.
— Review left March 20, 2023
An excellent experience! Learned a tremendous amount about New Zealand flora, fauna, geology, culture, history, government, politics and more.
— Review left March 14, 2023
Never disappointed by a Road Scholar trip! Usually the only issue is you are learning so many interesting things so quickly that you need to return home to truly process everything you’ve experienced and just how great the trip was.
— Review left February 26, 2023
This was the best trip ever! Our group coordinator, Robyn Selwck was terrific as were most of the site guides. Our group really gelled and there wasn't a person in it who was not extraordinary. Lifelong friends were made as well as lifelong memories.
— Review left February 19, 2023
Go go go to New Zealand!!!
— Review left February 14, 2023
This was a great trip. Guides were superlative and the activities were very informative. There were places we would have like to have gone that we didn't, but that's normal for a tour trip like this. In general we were left with a greater knowledge of New Zealand that we had upon arrival and a strong interest in learning more. That's all one can hope for, isn't it? Our guides were all terrific. That's a key element. I would recommend you adding adventures to this trip such as the rail journey from Christchurch across the mountains to the west and perhaps driving to the volcanic plateau of the north island south of Taupo, but otherwise I feel like we ended with a good feel for NZ. Kia Ora.
— Review left February 13, 2023
We did not have good experience, on a two week international tour. Before going, we could not get the travel agency staff to help us ... until "three months before". This was not enough time for international travel arrangements, and cost more than it would have if obtained earlier. Then one of us (we are a couple) acquired Covid, likely from a fellow traveler. , Our whole prepaid trip was gone. Plus It cost a fortune to rent two motel rooms for the required week-long isolation stay. I regret that we did not get the trip insurance .... expensive but worth it in these days of Covid. I would encourage all to strongly consider.
— Review left February 13, 2023
If you want to experience ALL of New Zealand, this is your trip. The history, culture, nature, birds (flying and flightless), conservation efforts, political system, geologic foundation, etc etc etc! My 7th RS trip, and the crown jewel.
— Review left December 14, 2022
The exceptional itinerary afforded the ability to experience the beauty of the country (natural and cultural). The program was further enhanced, without question, by the incredible leaders and fellow travelers. All of these combined made for a memorable trip. AWE inspiring is truly how this trip can be described. If New Zealand is not on your bucket list, add it. If your bucket is full, get a larger bucket.
— Review left November 8, 2022
Great program but buying "trip assistance" is a waste of money. No help in a bad situation or emergency.
— Review left March 26, 2020
Road Scholar has done a nice job of hotel upgrades where possible. We really noticed upgrades in the meals that were provided as well. They do a nice job with educational opportunities as well. We will be back for more trips !
— Review left February 2, 2020
Truly a wonderful way to discover New Zealand! Congratulations to Road Scholar on their well-chosen destinations & guides. I've never traveled with a group before & was happily surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. Highly recommended!
— Review left December 5, 2019
Great value for any location. Wonderful variety of experiences, well organized, planned and executed well!
Highly recommend for any trip
— Review left November 19, 2019
I never thought I could learn so much about a new country in two weeks -- and have fun doing it!
— Review left November 19, 2019
For the amount of time scheduled, this trip gives a good introduction to the variety of cultural and natural resources in New Zealand. The program leader and guides added a lot to my understanding.
— Review left November 17, 2019
Active program, great itinerary, excellent speakers and field trips, wonderful experiences.
— Review left April 27, 2019
I just returned from my first Road Scholar trip. I started at the top or should I say bottom: New Zealand The Road Scholar trip to New Zealand was outstanding. RS prepared me with information of what to expect, the Travel Dept. made travel arrangements easy..The program was great with a variety of activities. The hotels, the food, the guides, the bus rides and boat rides were all enjoyable. I felt safe; there was always someone looking after us.
— Review left April 22, 2019
This trip was a good way to get a two-week survey of both North and South Islands, urban and rural, via air and bus, with some boat trips as well. The speakers were very informative and were well taken care of. Moderate activity level
— Review left April 12, 2019
We came away feeling we had a full taste of this exceptional country and it’s unique culture. Never have we had so many memorable lecturers. A ***** experience.
— Review left April 7, 2019
We had a wonderful trip crisscrossing both islands with 5 in country flights and 7 different boat tours. We really enjoyed our expert guides who were very knowledgeable and funny. They were always open to our questions and needs. We particularly liked the small group experience, sharing our experience together with a focus on learning. The site visits were all unique and our guides and coordinators knew how to keep us out of the crowds to enhance our experience. When we visited sites we used small earphones so that we could clearly hear our guides even when we were spread out walking around the sites. These earphones were fantastic and really enhanced our experience.
This was our first Road Scholar trip and we are excited to start planning our next trip with them.
— Review left March 18, 2019
It was a wonderful trip! We learned A LOT about the Indigenous Culture (Maori) and the Natural Beauty of New Zealand just as the name of the trip offered. We have never had a trip where we learned so much. We now feel as so we know and understand New Zealand and her Kiwis.
All of our speakers were experts in their fields. Many of them were successful authors, politicians, retired military, government or state department officers. The time was well divided between the North and South Islands. And equally well divided between the Maori culture, natual beauty including volcanic activity, geysers, seismic activity, flora and fauna. The history of New Zealand and Maori cultural center Te Puia were highlights not to be missed. We were very busy every day, Great group leader!
The Grand Mercure Auckland, Novotel Christchurch and Copthorne Wellington and Queenstown were all very good hotels in central parts of their cities with excellent dining options. Millennium Rotorua and Kingsgate Te Anau were rustic and a bit long in the tooth. Food at both of these hotels was also very good. And we ate very well on the field trips all through the journey.
We thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this trip.
— Review left March 15, 2019
I would recommend the NZ culture and nature trip to all. It is truly an adventure I won't forget. But this is not for the dot the "I"and cross the"T" type personality. Roll with the flow and what's next works best.
— Review left February 20, 2019
A wonderful two weeks exploring both islands of this beautiful, diverse country. Definitely one for the bucket list!
— Review left February 3, 2019
What a great program!! It covered a great deal of New Zealand in a short period of time. I enjoyed being on the water a number of times; the highlight on water was watching the Hectors dolphins around the boat. We spent a great deal of time outdoors, which I love. The trip into Waitomo Cave to see the glow worms was magical! You couldn't ask for a better leader in Bruce, excellent site coordinators and knowledgeable, interesting speakers. Bring your walking shoes as Kiwis are great walkers. I learned so much about New Zealand, its geology, government, Maori and European history, sheep, and the laid back attitude of the people. Wait until you hear about their form of government. It made me jealous. They are passionate about keeping New Zealand pristine and beautiful.
— Review left January 28, 2019