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A panoramic view of Wellington Bay, New Zealand, featuring the city skyline, sailboats in turquoise water, and green hills under a bright blue sky.
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New Zealand

New Zealand Coastal Expedition & Discovery

Program No. 25742RJ
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Itinerary
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All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
15 days
14 nights
What's Included
33 meals ( 12B, 10L, 11D )
6 expert-led lectures
9 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Afternoon:
This day is "lost" due to crossing the International Date Line.
Activity Note
Check-in available from 3:00 PM
Afternoon:
After arriving at the hotel, check-in and take some time to unpack and relax. Attend an orientation meeting, where your Group Leader will lead introductions, review the program theme and up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible.
Dinner:
At the hotel, get to know your fellow participants with a welcome meal.
Evening:
Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Boarding a motorcoach with 2-4 steps up/down. Walking up to 2 miles, standing up to 1.5 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning, we will board our coach and head just outside of Queenstown to the historic former gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown (Ka-Muriwai) at the head of the Arrow Valley. Founded in 1862, and still largely composed of wooden goldrush-era buildings, Arrowtown is steeped in history, and is today a passionate working town known for its strong community spirit, arts and cultural scene, and proximity to nature.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Return to Queenstown for some free time.
Dinner:
Dinner on your own to enjoy what you like, allowing you to sample the many fine restaurants, cafes and bars Queenstown has to offer.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Boarding a motorcoach with 2-4 steps up/down. The drive to Bluff for embarkation is approximately 3 hours long, and there will be a stop for lunch.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel and board our motorcoach to Bluff. NOTE: The drive to Bluff is approximately 3 hours.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant en route to Bluff.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival in Bluff, we will board our ship. After completing boarding procedures and getting your cabin, take some time to unpack, freshen up, and relax and start becoming familiar with the ship. There will be a mandatory passenger briefing and safety drill. Please note that your departure is part of our Floating Campus programs. All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of excursions without prior notice.
Dinner:
Aboard ship. Included beverages are coffee, tea, water, house wine, beer, and soft drinks; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars and enjoy the amenities on board the ship.
Activity Note
Zodiac cruising; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
This morning, we will board the ship's zodiacs to explore Dusky Sound. Our expedition will take us to some of the most significant historical and conservation sites, as well as some of the most majestic scenery, in New Zealand as we sail deep into the heart of Fiordland Experience the site where the first European boat was built in New Zealand, explore the coastline and be amazed by the abundant birdlife, and walk in the footsteps of Captain Cook and his astronomer William Wales at Astronomy Point, the site where he HMS Resolution was moored during their time in Dusky Sound.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
At leisure aboard ship. Enjoy the activities of your choice, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars.
Activity Note
Zodiac cruising; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Spend the morning enjoying a scenic cruise as our ship traverses the stunning Milford Sound, renowned for its sheer cliffs, dramatic waterfalls, and abundant marine life. Experience views that only small-ship exploration can offer as we make our way toward Doubtful Sound. We will also enjoy a lecture on topics relevant to the program.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We continue our exploration of the most spectacular scenery in all of Fiordland – Doubtful Sound, or the ‘sound of silence’ as it’s also known. Spanning a staggering 24 miles and holding the title as New Zealand’s deepest fiord, Doubtful Sound with its cloud-scraping wilderness cloaked mountains, sheer stone cliffs, waterfalls, inlets, quiet coves and wildlife presents nature on a magnificent scale. Sailing along the Fiordland coast, join your naturalists on deck to spot seabirds including the majestic Wandering and Buller’s Albatross, and to look out for incredible marine life around Breaksea Island, a protected nature reserve of great significance to the many endangered species which call the island home.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars.
Activity Note
Approximately 2.5 miles of walking on outdoor trails, including gravel and dirt walking paths.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today, we venture onto New Zealand's lesser-known "third island," Stewart Island. We begin the day at the nearby Ulva Island sanctuary, a predator-free unspoiled rainforest where endangered bird species including the South Island Saddleback and Yellowhead flourish in safety. Our local experts will help us identify the many species we encounter, and search for the elusive Kiwi, New Zealand's national bird. Later, we will spend time in the charming town center of Oban, including a visit to the Rakiura Museum, where we will discover how early Stewart Islanders lived, worked, and travelled.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time in Stewart Island or aboard the ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure aboard ship as we sail toward Dunedin.
Activity Note
Walking approximately 2 miles; paved surfaces; undulating, steep in parts. The drive to the Albatross Center is about 26 miles (42 kilometres), approximately 1 hour each way.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Dunedin, the "Edinburgh of the South", is home to New Zealand’s first university and was, during the height of the Central Otago gold rush, the largest city in the country. The dominant “industry” today is education, particularly tertiary and higher education, which permeates every aspect of city life. There are many historic buildings throughout the city and careful efforts have been made to preserve the architectural heritage. The city's architecture and feel give some hint to its Scottish settler roots. We will also visit the Royal Albatross Centre, the only mainland breeding colony of the majestic Royal Albatross. A local expert will introduce us to these wonderful creatures before leading us on a walk to the hide for viewing the partially fledged birds on their nests.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
At leisure aboard ship or in port.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure aboard the ship as we sail toward Akaroa.
Activity Note
Zodiac transfer to land; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking 2-3 miles.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
This morning, we explore the delightful Banks Peninsula township of Akaroa, a historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. Some of the town's French character is shown by its French street names. As we explore the town on foot, we will learn from a local expert about historical patterns of settlement of the local Maori, French, and other European settler populations.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
At leisure. Later, there will be a lecture on topics relevant to our program.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure aboard the ship as we sail toward Wellington.
Activity Note
Walking up to 3 miles; paved surfaces, uphill and downhill.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today we venture into Wellington, the capital of New Zealand since 1865. Wellington's magnificent amphitheatre-like harbour, hemmed in by rugged hills, was formed by the flooding of the crater of a very large and long-extinct volcano. It provides a picturesque setting for the city’s distinctive wooden houses set precariously on the steep hills. In addition to its role as the seat of government, Wellington is a major seaport, rail and ferry center and a commercial and manufacturing hub. Its compact city center is immensely walkable and is full of life and interest. It has a vigorous cultural and artistic scene and is the home of many national cultural institutions. Thanks partly to the fact that it is the home town of Sir Peter Jackson (the director of the “Lord of the Rings” movie trilogy), Wellington is the focal point of New Zealand's thriving film industry. We will also visit Te Papa Tongarewa -- the National Museum of Aotearoa New Zealand. Here we will discover the key cultural, historical, and artistic displays of the collection.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
At leisure to independently explore Wellington or enjoy the amenities on board the ship.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure aboard ship.
Activity Note
Full day at sea.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
The ship will be sailing around New Zealand's North Island as we head toward Tauranga. We will gather with our lecturer for a lecture on topics relevant to our program.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship. Later in the afternoon, we will gather with our lecturer to hear about topics relevant to our program.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure aboard ship.
Activity Note
Boarding a motorcoach with 2-4 steps up/down. The drive to Rotorua is about 40 miles (63 kilometers), approximately 1 hour each way. Walking approximately 2-3 miles, including gravel paths and wooden boardwalks.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today we will board a motorcoach to Rotorua, where we will learn about the region's geothermal background and Maori history and culture. We will travel first to Waimangu Volcanic Valley to learn more about volcanic and geothermal New Zealand. Waimangu Volcanic Valley is the only geothermal system in the world wholly created as the direct result of a volcanic eruption, the Tarawera Eruption of June 10, 1886. We will walk through this amazing volcanic landscape serenaded by the songs of the local native birdlife. At the end of our walk, we will have a cruise on Lake Rotomohana, surrounded by pristine bush.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Return to Tauranga from Rotorua.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure aboard ship as we sail toward Auckland. Pack up and prepare for disembarkation tomorrow.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles, paved surfaces, undulating terrain.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
This morning we will disembark the ship and along with our Group Leader and local expert we will have a walking field trip in central Auckland, introducing us to New Zealand's largest city. We will learn how Auckland utilizes its harbor for both business and pleasure by taking an informative stroll up Queen Street, around the art gallery and through the university grounds.
Lunch:
Lunch on your own to enjoy what you like, allowing you to sample the many fine restaurants, cafes and bars Auckland has to offer.
Afternoon:
Arrive at the hotel for check-in. After settling into our rooms, we'll have a wrap up meeting and farewell dinner.
Dinner:
Farewell dinner at the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
This concludes our program.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!