A New Zealand Odyssey: Indigenous Culture & Natural Beauty
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Overview
Highlights
- I like to spend much of the day exploring
- Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
- Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Rooms are being held at the Grand Mercure Auckland tonight for all participants, allowing them to check in to their rooms as soon as they arrive at the hotel after their early-morning arrival into Auckland on the group flights on Sunday morning. Participants arriving ...
Walking up to 2 miles, paved surfaces, undulating terrain. As tap water throughout New Zealand is drinkable, at the orientation you will be given a Road Scholar water bottle to use throughout your program. This is yours to keep.
Kia ora! Welcome to Auckland. Ori...
Walking up to 1.2 miles; flat, paved surfaces.
We begin today with a local educator who will provide an introduction to New Zealand history. We will then walk down to Viaduct Basin for a yacht cruise on Auckland's magnificent Waitemata Harbour giving us stunning...
Walking up to 3 miles; undulating terrain, varied surfaces. The order of today’s activities may vary depending on tides.
A local scientist will join us at the hotel for a lecture giving us an overview of New Zealand's geography, geology, climate and weather. The...
The drive from Auckland to the Waitomo Caves is about 120 miles (190 kilometres), approximately 2.5 hours. The drive from Waitomo Caves to Rotorua is about 90 miles (140 kilometres), approximately 2 hours. At Waitomo Caves, uneven terrain; getting into/out of boats. O...
In the morning, walking up to 3 miles; gravel pathways, uneven, steep in parts. In the afternoon, walking up to 1.5 miles; paved surfaces, some steep sections.
Today we will learn about Rotorua’s geothermal background and Maori history and culture. We will trave...
The flight from Rotorua to Christchurch is a little less than 2 hours (depending on weather). Typically Air New Zealand uses ATR 72 aircraft on this route. Walking up to 1 mile at Riccarton Bush.
This morning we check out of our hotel and transfer to the Nationa...
Getting on/off a boat. The drive from the centre of Christchurch over Hilltop to Akaroa is about 50 miles (80 kilometres), approximately 1.5 hours each way.
We will head to the delightful Banks Peninsula township of Akaroa, a historic French and British settleme...
The flight from Christchurch to Invercargill is about 1.5 hours. Typically Air New Zealand uses ATR 72 aircraft on this route. The drive from Invercargill to Te Anau is about 125 miles (200 kilometres), approximately 3 hours.
After checking out of the hotel, we ...
The drive from Te Anau to Piopiotahi Milford Sound is about 75 miles (120 kilometres) a little over 2 hours. The drive from Piopiotahi Milford Sound to Queenstown is about 180 miles (290 kilometres), and will take about 4 hours. Stops en route. Walking up to 2 miles.<...
Getting on/off a boat. Getting on/off a cable car.
Today we will cruise across Lake Wakatipu to a local high country farm for an expert-led exploration during which we gain insights into the training and usage of farmers' working dogs, the backbone of New Zealan...
The drive from Queenstown to Arrowtown takes less than 1/2 hour. The flight from Queenstown is a little less than 2 hours. Typically Air New Zealand uses ATR 72 on this route. Occasionally Airbus A320 aircraft are used. Walking up to 2 miles; paved surfaces, predomina...
Walking up to 2 miles, on our feet most of the morning.
We transfer to New Zealand’s parliament buildings — including the aptly-named Beehive — for an expert-led exploration. We will then walk across Lambton Quay to New Zealand’s Supreme Court where their reside...
Walking up to 3 miles; paved surfaces, uphill and downhill.
We board our motorcoach to Zealandia, a sanctuary of native forest and lakes 10 minutes from the city centre. Here we will learn about some of New Zealand’s unique and fascinating birdlife. Expert volun...
Field trip combines viewing from motorcoach with short walks. Some terrain is uneven so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Hotel check out is by 10:00 a.m. Participants will be at Wellington airport at 2:00 p.m.
After checking out of the hotel, we will l...
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Tour Operator
Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975, offers 5,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. Alongside local and renowned experts, experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural tours and study cruises to walking, biking and more.
Programs For Whatever You Love to Do:
Much more than a tour, a Road Scholar program is a true learning adventure. Whether you join us in Seattle or Santiago, Beijing or Berlin, Road Scholar programs all share four unique attributes:
--Exceptional opportunities for learning and exploration through special behind-the-scenes access to the world's most fascinating treasures, led by our passionate and knowledgeable instructors.
--The shared fellowship of learning and warm camaraderie, whether a solo traveler or with a companion.
--Comfortable accommodations and appetizing meals.
--Excellent value.
Explore Your Mind and the World:
There are no grades or tests on Road Scholar programs. All that's needed is an inquiring mind, an adventurous spirit, and the belief that learning and discovery are lifelong pursuits.
Established in 1975, Road Scholar offers participants once-in-a-lifetime experiences delivered by local and world-renowned experts. Experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural excursions and study cruises to walking, biking and more.
Our Most Popular Tours:
Adventures Afloat Cruises: On these educational cruises, you’ll traverse some of the world's most spectacular waterways, offering you a convenient and rewarding way to learn and explore aboard ocean liners, riverboats and small ships.
Independent City Discoveries: Combine structured learning with independent discovery — each program includes hotel accommodations and some meals, lectures, expert-led field trips and detailed outlines for four self-guided excursions.
Grandparent Travel: Discover and explore together with your grandchild through interactive learning experiences and field trips. Both you and your grandchild will share the joy of learning with other grandparents and their grandchildren, bridging generations and opening doors to discovery and friendship.
National Parks: From Denali to the Everglades and countless beautiful, historic places in between, field trips to America’s National Parks reveal what tourists can’t see on their own, with specialized experts showing you how to track wildlife or lead you to the spot with the most awe-inspiring view.
Outdoor Adventures: From hiking in the Grand Canyon to exploring France by barge and bicycle, to sharpening your golf or tennis skills, these active programs exercise the body and the mind.
Service Learning: From tutoring school children or helping restore a crucial forest habitat for wildlife, to assisting with artifact restoration and museum curatorial work, Service Learning adventures are an opportunity to make a difference in the world.
Small Groups: Love to learn in a small-group setting? Check out this collection of programs that have 10-24 participants.
Why Road Scholar?
You Can't Beat Road Scholar's Remarkable Value: Our all-inclusive prices have no hidden costs. Compare the price of one of our programs to what it would cost to duplicate the experience on your own (if that's even possible) and you'll see what we mean by "remarkable value."
Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Friends: When you participate in a Road Scholar program, you will not only expand your mind, you will be in the company of other people who believe that learning is one of the best parts of life.
Instructors Who Inspire: Road Scholar instructors are both experts in their field and lifelong learners themselves who are excited to answer your questions, hear your opinions and share in your experience.
Solo Participants Love Our Programs: Road Scholar programs are renowned for being inclusive, warm and welcoming for solo participants. We can either match you with a roommate or, on most programs, you can choose to room on your own.
Think Outside the Tour: The educational focus of Road Scholar programs makes us completely different from a commercial travel tour. Road Scholar programs offer educational experiences that answer the what's, the why's and the how-to's.
You Go Where Others Can't: We've been offering educational experiences since 1975 and we've made connections with educators and other local "insiders" all around the world, creating learning opportunities that show you the world in a way that just can't be done on your own or on a "tour."
We've Covered All the Bases: From expert-led lectures and field trips to comfortable lodgings and meals, we handle all the details, including the ones you might not anticipate. We've taken the worry out of the planning, so you can focus on your learning experience.
Peace of Mind Through the Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan: The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, which is purchased on behalf of every participant, provides 24-hour emergency assistance in the unlikely case of a medical emergency.
Scholarships for Those in Financial Need: Each year, Road Scholar awards $250,000 in scholarships toward programs in North America for those who do not have the financial means to participate.
Our Donors: Each year, thousands of donors contribute to our Annual Fund, helping to cover the gap between the tuition we charge and the actual cost of our programs.
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Logistics
- Number of Breakfast: 13
- Number of Lunch: 12
- Number of Dinner: 11
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