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.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
16 days
Program Begins
Auckland
Program Concludes
Wellington
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
36 (
13B, 12L, 11D
)
Activity Level
Absorb the beauty of “the land of the long white cloud,” as Aotearoa, the Maori name for New Zealand, is commonly translated. Delve into the story of this island nation’s Indigenous Maori people. Examine the natural environments of both the North and South Islands: descend into a pristine volcanic valley, stand alongside bubbling mudpools and meet New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi. Sail the beautiful waters of Lake Wakatipu, enjoy stunning vistas of Queenstown and much more.
Best of all, you'll...
- Learn from experts about New Zealand’s settlement by Maori and Europeans.
- Witness bubbling mudpools in a volcanic park.
- Experience the majestic Piopiotahi/Milford Sound.
General Notes
For a similar program with greater opportunity for independent exploration (including free days in both Auckland and Queenstown), please view program 22090.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Hamish Campbell
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.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Hamish Campbell
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.
Lloyd Esler
Lloyd Esler is a Southland teacher and writer with a background in natural history and museum work. He has explored many hidden corners of New Zealand and visited Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands. Lloyd is an Invercargill City Councilor who also works part-time as program coordinator at Borland Lodge on the edge of Fiordland National Park. He has organized and escorted hundreds of field trips around New Zealand. He also writes a weekly newspaper column on history and has written several Southland reference books.
Margaret Copland
Margaret Copland is a graduate of the University of Canterbury and the Christchurch College of Education. As a historian, she has enjoyed researching the stories of the early Canterbury immigrants, which she will share with us in her capacity as the Te Puna Ora storyteller. Margaret is an experienced history teacher and she has been a heritage storyteller and local historian for 20 years. Her original stories have been researched and developed to create 13 characters who bring New Zealand history to life.
Mavis Sager
Mavis Sager is a docent at the Auckland War Memorial Museum and has enjoyed travelling around the world. For the past eight years she has travelled extensively throughout New Zealand and Australia, two countries of great diversity. Mavis finds sharing her knowledge of the history, flora, fauna and lifestyle of the places she visits with people from around the world greatly stimulating. Her other interests are photography, singing, music and painting.
Robbie Selwyn
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.
Alison Broad
Alison Broad lives in Southland and has a Master’s degree from the University of Otago, where she studied Rural Community Learning. She has since been involved in community projects and capacity building and is currently a member of the Southland Conservation Board, trustee of a community-led development organization and an executive member of a community education group. Alison has also served as New Zealand’s National Commissioner for Education for UNESCO and was responsible for many wilderness-based domestic programs offered by the Southland Institute of Technology.
Heather Valetta Robertson
Heather Robertson grew up in Auckland, then spent a year in upstate New York as a Rotary Exchange student before moving to New Zealand’s South Island. Recently retired after a 40-year career in mental health, Heather now enjoys leading Road Scholars in New Zealand. She also volunteers at her local Community Garden, and has an allotment growing her own organic vegetables. Other interests include reading, research, and international travel, her favorite places being Scotland and Italy.
Shane Cave
Shane Cave is a former journalist and broadcaster. In a journalism career lasting over two decades, Shane was a presenter New Zealand's national radio service, a feature writer for a leading national magazine and editor of magazines published by the United Nations Environment Program at its World Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Shane then embarked on a new career advising on the combat of corruption. He is a co-founder of the New Zealand Chapter of Transparency International.
Gill Wilson
Gill Wilson was born in Hamilton, New Zealand, has two adult children, and is a grandmother of four. She worked for Tourism New Zealand for 13 years, then as executive manager of the Vice-Chancellor's Office at the University of Auckland, also for 13 years. Gill works regularly as a volunteer for a hospice store, and is involved in a walking group. She loves travel, cooking, and music, and in the past has been a keen snow skier. Gill also loves watching rugby and cricket.
Ian Smith
Ian Smith is a full-time livestock farmer with his wife Heather. They own and farm 1000 acres running 1,000 sheep, 480 dairy cows and 200 supporting dairy stock. Ian bought his first land in 1971 and farmed in a three-generation partnership before going on to farm with Heather. Parallel to running a successful farming business, Ian has always had interests beyond the farm gate whether it is advocacy for fellow farmers through to the national level or taking an active interest in research and training.
Bill Rout
Bill Rout moved from the South Auckland/Waikato area to live in the Catlins on the East Coast of Southland in 2012 after having spent many years tramping, hitchhiking and cycling around the South Island. Bill is a former primary school teacher, technical writer and workplace trainer. He has also worked as a disc jockey at a roller skating rink, surf-lifesaving lifeguard and a violence prevention facilitator. He currently works part-time as a therapist and volunteers as an ambulance officer.
Kris Lockett
A fine arts graduate of the University of Canterbury, Invercargill-born Kris Lockett initially worked in graphic design before doing her OE and living overseas for three years. She returned to New Zealand and began working in the tertiary sector, becoming Head of Faculty in Arts & Design at the Southern Institute of Technology in Invercargill before moving to the Open Polytechnic in Wellington where she designed and produced distance learning materials. She is co-owner of DIY Publishing Ltd, helping people publish their books.
Kate McMillan
Kate McMillan is an associate professor in comparative politics and head of the political science and international relations program at Victoria University of Wellington. Her research and teaching focuses on immigration politics, media politics and citizenship politics, with a particular focus on New Zealand and its region. Kate grew up in Christchurch but has spent much of her adult life in Wellington, with stints also living and working in Melbourne, London, San Diego and Lund.
Wendy Black
Wendy Black is a born and bred Southlander who has worked in a variety of jobs. She began her tertiary education with an office management course at Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) and in her time off worked at a local florist. From there, she managed a local veterinary clinic and, once married, worked part-time at SIT helping run educational programs with New Zealand College for Seniors. As children arrived and the family grew, they have undertaken extensive overseas travel: 48 countries and counting.
Peter Lawson
Peter Lawson has lived in Wellington for 44 years after graduating from Christchurch’s Canterbury University with a Bachelor of Science in Pure Maths and Operations Research. He started his career in the Government Railways Department in their Economic Planning and Research unit when the Railways employed approximately 20,000 people. During 22 years, Peter worked as a marketing manager, in General Management, and Project Management. He then had a career change, working as a self-employed investment adviser and sharebroker before retiring in 2021.
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.”
Steve Garland
Steve Garland is a born and bred Cantabrian whose family has had a significant connection to the early settlement of Christchurch. He is a graduate of the University of Canterbury with an M.A. (Hons) in History. He is a retired teacher who taught History and Social Studies at a boys' secondary school in Christchurch for 42 years. He was also actively involved in organizing and coaching school sport and has a wide range of sporting interests from cricket and rugby to golf and sailing.
Lizzie Johnston-Walker
Lizzie Johnston-Walker graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Science in zoology and microbiology. She completed a Bachelor of Nursing at Otago Polytechic and a Master of Health Sciences at the University of Otago. She has worked in clinical areas and hospitals in New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S. For the past 15 years, Lizzie has been an RN in the Intensive Care Unit at Christchurch Hospital. She is also involved in undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education at the University of Otago.
Ian Selwyn
Ian Selwyn grew up in Wellington Ian and has lived on the North Shore of Auckland for more than 40 years. He held executive positions in the insurance industry before establishing a brokerage dealing in all aspects of Insurance. After selling the business, he was able to pursue his passion of rugby coaching and held a liaison role for visiting international teams. He has always had an interest in history and world affairs and has enjoyed his overseas travels including the United States of America.
Sue Hume
Sue Hume retired from a career as a secondary school teacher and principal. She led her school through difficult periods including the Canterbury earthquakes in 2011, the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Sue was awarded a Christchurch City Council Earthquake Award in 2012 for service during the earthquakes, a Woolf Fisher Fellowship in recognition of educational excellence in 2012, and a Queen’s Service Medal in 2022 for services to education. A keen traveler, Sue has always resided in the South Island.
Sue Chamberlain
Sue Chamberlain grew up on a farm in Canterbury, but has been a proud Wellingtonian since 1987. Sue has a B.A. in history and an M.B.A. She has worked as a teacher/trainer, an international development delegate for the Red Cross, and in communications and fundraising. Sue also set up Walk Wellington, which provides expert-led walking expeditions. Sue loves the arts and is a member of three choirs and a singing duo.
Evan France
Evan France retired in 2023, ending a three-decade career as a secondary school teacher. Prior to embarking on a teaching career, Evan spent 15 years living on Rakiura Stewart Island - New Zealand's third-largest island - where he variously worked for the Department of Conservation on the kakapo program, as a group leader, commercial fisherman, and as a partner in a salmon farm. Evan and his wife live in Invercargill where he coaches volleyball and rowing and enjoys mountain biking, orienteering, and golf in his spare time.
Julian Thomson
Julian Thomson has a background in geology and an interest in the outdoors. For about 15 years, he was a secondary school science teacher in Lower Hutt near Wellington, before taking up a position as the educational outreach facilitator at GNS Science in 2008. In 2020, he started his own geoscience communication and education consultancy.
Pat Bonisch
Pat Bonisch has lived in Christchurch for nearly three decades. He is retired after a career in the banking industry and more recently in the financial services sector. Over the last two decades, he has traveled extensively throughout New Zealand, Australia, Europe, Asia, and North America. His interests include running, golf, rugby, cycling, photography, hiking, and the arts. He enjoys meeting new people from all walks of life.
Jacqué Mandeno
Jacqué Mandeno lives in Auckland’s Torbay, enjoying the surrounding ocean and bush and the diversity of flora and fauna there. She has lived in many different parts of beautiful Aotearoa – from the Catlins in the deep south, to the Tutukaka Coast in the far north, where she is currently developing a small permaculture block. With degrees in history, English literature, and communication, Jacqué teaches public speaking and drama to children and adults. Her interests include the performing arts, history, conservation, and ocean swimming.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three miles at a time at a normal public walking pace over varied terrain. Standing at least three hours daily; climbing stairs (at times without handrails), getting on/off buses and boats, carrying own luggage. If you believe you require wheelchair assistance to get through an airport you are not fit enough to participate in this program. Elevations up to 3,100 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.
- 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.