Compare Trekking in New Zealand by Exodus Travels vs New Zealand and Australia: The People Down Under by Road Scholar

Day 1 Start Auckland

The adventure begins in Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand.  If you’re arriving into Auckland Airport today, you can arrange a free arrival (shared shuttle) transfer from the airport to the hotel – see the Joining Instructions for more information. The day is free to relax at the centrally located hotel or wander the downtown area to get your bearings. Other options include catching a ferry to Devonport or clambering up the volcanic cone of Mount Eden for panoramic views of the city and its bright-blue harbours. At 6pm, there is a briefing in the hotel foyer where you will meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. Afterwards, those who wish, can gather for a group meal, which your leader will organise.

Day 2 Travel to Rotorua

We depart Auckland and head south through the dairy-farming plains of the Thames Valley before passing over old ignimbrite flows to reach Lake Rotorua, home to crater lakes and volcanoes. We savour a picnic lunch sitting on the beach of Lake Tarawera – an ancient caldera crater among forest and volcanoes. In the afternoon, we enjoy a bushwalk, taking a good trail alongside this splendid lake – there are plenty of great swimming spots. We use a water taxi to travel one way. Sample good kiwi kai (food) with an evening meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants in Rotorua.

Day 3 Hike through the ancient rainforest of Whirinaki Forest Park; visit the Waiotapu Thermal Reserve

It’s a 1hr 30min drive to the Jurassic rainforest of Whirinaki Forest Park, where the Walking with Dinosaurs BBC series was filmed. It covers 150,000 acres (60,000ha) and is famous for its podocarp trees, an ancient off shoot of the conifer family that evolved before flowering plants. It is thought that forests like this once covered the super-continent of Gondwanaland more than 150m years ago so step back in time as you hike among weeping ferns, forest giants and rare birdlife. On our way back to the vehicle, keep an eye out for the rare blue ducks that are sometimes seen in this river. En-route to Taupo, we visit Waiotapu Thermal Reserve, where you can walk at your own pace through this fascinating thermal wonderland of geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. We visit Huka Falls before arriving in Taupo, situated on the shores of the largest lake in New Zealand, which was formed by a series of massive volcanic eruptions over the last 2,000 years.

Day 4 South to Tongariro; bush and alpine walks

A one-hour drive gets us to Tongariro National Park. Established in 1887, it was the first national park in New Zealand, gifted to the people of New Zealand by Māori chief Tukino Te Hue Hue who saw this as a way of protecting the tapu (respect or sacredness) of the land – in particular the summits of the active volcanoes. It is also a dual World Heritage area, a status that recognises the park’s important Māori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features. En route to the park, we enjoy a one-hour hike through forest around the slopes of Mount Pihanga and to the mystical Lake Rotopounamu (Lake of Greenstone). The next two nights are spent in a hotel on the edge of the park, providing a great opportunity for you to explore the area at your own pace. In the afternoon, hike to Taranaki Falls, which cascades 65ft (20m) over a 15,000-year-old lava flow.

Day 5 Trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Today is a full day of hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, regarded as one of the best daywalks in the world. The well-built track climbs, steeply at times, to the craters of Mount Tongariro. Hike up through a moon-like valley of contorted lava flows and ash fields before climbing up the last steep section to Red Crater, and down to the Emerald Lakes – our usual lunch stop. Admire the volcanic views and steaming vents that make this hike so outstanding. This is a tough walk so those who prefer a more restful day can find plenty to do at the village (unguided): Soda Springs walk, Taranaki Falls walk, or simply drink coffee and view the great exhibits at the park visitor centre. Enjoy your second night in this village. Today and yesterday may be swapped around to take advantage of the best weather on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Day 6 To Wellington; free time

We drive to Wellington this morning, the wonderful harbour capital of New Zealand, arriving in the early afternoon. The giant fault-created harbour almost encircled by steep suburbs gives it a giant coliseum feel. You have free time to walk around the city and absorb the lively atmosphere. Wellington is well known for having vibrant cafe, art and culture scenes. There is no shortage of places for a drink with more bars, cafes and restaurants per capita than New York. You may like to visit the Museum of New Zealand, called Te Papa, or the Beehive (Parliament House).

Day 7 Short, scenic flight to Nelson; to Abel Tasman; water taxi into park

We transfer to Wellington Airport for the short flight across the Cook Strait to the South Island, where we meet our South Island-based guide. A pleasant drive through the orchards and vineyards of Nelson Bay takes us to Kaiteriteri, gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. Abel Tasman’s wilderness flows unhindered to golden beaches and granite headlands; there are no roads here – just boat and walking access. We hail a water taxi to reach the lovely Onetahuti Beach in the heart of the park. From here, we hike on the coastal track to our tranquil campsite at Bark Bay, a great spot to stargaze before falling asleep to the ocean sounds.

Day 8 Walk Abel Tasman National Park coastal track; to Murchison

Today we wander through lush coastal forests, cross Falls River via a 155ft (47m) suspension bridge then (depending on the tides) we may cross an estuary or follow the all-tide track. Cleopatra’s Pool is a worthwhile side trip; here, the river has carved a smooth slide down the rocks into deep clear pools – you may not be able to resist a dip! We finish our hike on the gold-sand beaches of Anchorage, where a water taxi takes us back to Kaiteriteri and our vehicle. We spend the night in Murchison, a quiet rural town on the edge of the wilds. This is the northeastern limit of the vast wilderness ranges and rivers that dominate much of the South Island.

Day 9 To Paparoa National Park; hike up Fox River to the Ballroom Overhang

This morning, we drive beside the mighty Buller River to the rugged West Coast. At Cape Foulwind, we take a short walk to view a seal colony. We might see the young pups frolicking in rockpools sheltered from the heaving waves that pound this part of the coast (New Zealand fur seal pups are born in December and January). After lunch, we start an overnight hike in Paparoa National Park. Among the largest remaining tract of coastal native forest in New Zealand are towering limestone cliffs, caves and rivers – an ideal area for hiking. Starting at the mouth of the Fox River, we take a historic packhorse route to Dilemma Creek, then follow the river upwards to the Ballroom Overhang where we spend the night. Your guide will show you river-crossing techniques and you will be thankful for your proper hiking boots, which are essential in this terrain. The Ballroom is a large limestone overhang, which shelters a serene campsite just above the Fox River. The evening is spent sitting around the campfire and enjoying a delicious meal.

Day 10 Hike out of canyon; drive to Punakaiki, Pancake Rocks, Hokitika and Fox Glacier

After a leisurely breakfast, we hike back down the Fox River before driving south along the coast to Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks. These 30m-year-old limestone rocks have formed immense features with thousands of layers. Continuing south, we stop at Hokitika. Originally known as the Capital of the Goldfields, Hokitika was once a thriving and prosperous port. Much of its old character remains and it is now a major centre for greenstone (pounamu) or jade. This hardstone is treasured by the Māori who used it for decorative jewellery and for carving some of their lethal weapons – the war clubs known as meres. From Hokitika, we continue south to Fox Glacier, one of the few places in the world where you can see glaciers descending into the level of the rainforest.

Day 11 Fox Glacier trek; to Makarora and Wanaka

We make the most of being in the South Westland World Heritage Area this morning and hike to a viewpoint of the Franz Josef glacier. This dynamic glacier falls 7,875ft (2,400m) over 7.5mi (12km) as it journeys from high in the Southern Alps to temperate rainforest just 820ft (250m) above sea level. After we return from the hike, we continue our drive through this remarkable World Heritage Area onto Makarora, crossing back over the Southern Alps at Haast Pass, stopping to explore remote beaches and coastal lagoons and forests on the way. Tonight, we stay in the lakeside town of Wanaka.

Day 12 Rob Roy Glacier walk in Mount Aspiring National Park; transfer to Queenstown

After a relaxed breakfast enjoying stunning views over Lake Wanaka, we set off on today’s hike to the Rob Roy Glacier. We start with a beautiful drive up the Matukituki Valley, journeying through large sheep, cattle and deer farms. Our hike starts from Raspberry Flat and crosses a suspension bridge across the Matukituki River before climbing through Beech Forest alongside the raging, boulder-strewn waters of Rob Roy. Eventually the track emerges above the treeline in a delightful alpine meadow with a superb vista of the Rob Roy Glacier. We lunch here before wandering back down the valley to the vehicle. We drive over the Crown Range into Queenstown, where we stay for the next two nights.

Day 13 Free day in Queenstown

The adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown offers the chance to sample numerous optional activities. Alternatively, you may choose to sit back, relax and take in the amazing views from the shores of Lake Wakatipu on this free day. There are also great daywalks (some up to eight hours) that leave from this bustling little town. Your guide will outline all the options.

Day 14 To Te Anau; afternoon hike on the Kepler Track

We head into Fiordland National Park, the largest national park in New Zealand. The area is dominated by water, in the form of lakes, ocean fiords or as falling rain, which has enabled the establishment of temperate rainforest, while the huge glacial lakes of Te Anau and Manapouri are the border of the dramatic inland coast. We hike on the Kepler Track, firstly around the lakeshore before climbing gently up through the forest and limestone outcrops to the bush line. From these broad tussock tops, we are rewarded with sweeping views of the Fiordland wilderness including the Murchison and Kepler mountains and lakes Te Anau and Manapouri. Descend back to the lake and follow the lakeside trail back to the vehicle. We stay in Te Anau for the next two nights, an ideal base to explore Fiordland National Park.

Day 15 Drive to Milford Sound; optional boat cruise into the fiord; to Te Anau

We rise early and drive through the Homer Tunnel and down to Milford Sound itself. Here we have the option to take a two-hour cruise on the fiord with its cascading waterfalls and views of Mitre Peak (5,650ft/1,722m). Fiordland crested penguins and New Zealand fur seals often play near the boat. An afternoon hike takes us up to Key Summit (the tail end of the renowned Routeburn Track) for fantastic views across the gneiss and granite Darran Mountains. After the hike, return to Te Anau via the splendid Eglinton Valley, one of the only road-accessible valleys in Fiordland National Park.

Day 16 Drive through Mackenzie Country to Aoraki/Mount Cook

After several days of rigorous hiking, give the legs a rest today on our drive north to Aoraki/ Mount Cook National Park. A stop in Cromwell is a good opportunity to sample delicious locally grown fruit and take a stroll through the quaint and lovingly restored historical precinct of the town. The high-country landscape of Central Otago contains some of the largest high-country sheep stations in NZ, many measuring tens of thousands of hectares – Patagonian-like in size and splendour. Crossing Lindis Pass, we continue through Mackenzie Country to the shores of Lake Pukaki and then west to Aoraki/Mount Cook (12,218ft/3,724m). Arriving late in the afternoon, we have the remainder of the afternoon free, either hike (unguided) the nearby Red Tarns Track or relax and enjoy the views of Aoraki.

Day 17 Hike up to Mueller Ridge via Sealy Tarns

Today we hike up the Mueller Ridge via Sealy Tarns, with awesome views of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman (the two highest peaks in New Zealand) and Mueller Glacier with its terminal meltwater lakes. There is time in the afternoon to take another hike up to the Hooker Valley or stroll around the village and visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center.

Day 18 Hike small lakes of Tasman Glacier; transfer across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch

Time for one final hike this morning as we explore the nearby Tasman Valley, an area of alpine vistas, lakes and glacial moraines. Leaving Mount Cook, we continue north through Mackenzie Country, taking a break at Lake Tekapo – aqua-blue waters framed by the Southern Alps. Tekapo is filled by glacially fed rivers which deposit tons of glacial flour (finely ground rock) into the lake; this flour is so fine that it is suspended in the water and refracts the light giving the lake a stunning colour. After crossing the Canterbury Plains, we arrive in Christchurch midafternoon, and here the trip concludes after three weeks of hiking through volcanoes, thermal wonderlands, rainforests, glaciers and remote mountain valleys.

Day 19 End Christchurch

The tour ends in Christchurch and it’s time to begin our return journeys home. A free shared shuttle departure transfer from the hotel to Christchurch Airport is included but it must be booked at least one month before departure if you wish to utilise this service. If you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to you sales representative about extending your stay.

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 In Transit to Program, Crossing International Dateline In Flight

A day is "lost" due to crossing the International Dateline.

Day 3 Arrival, Bondi Field Trip, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Sydney

Walking a little over 1 mile; predominantly flat surfaces. Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.

Welcome to Sydney!. Sydney’s stunning natural harbour forms the centrepiece of a dynamic city that has grown dramatically since its beginnings as a prison colony. Situated in the temperate area of Australia, Sydney is surrounded by National Parks and has a beautiful range of flora and fauna. It is Australia’s largest city with over 5 million citizens thriving in a multi-cultural society in a congenial climate. Sydney is dominated by Sydney Harbour, of which Port Jackson is only a small part. The city covers a large area, twice the size of London with half the population, and has large parks and sparkling sandy Pacific Ocean beaches, such as the well-known and very popular Bondi and Manly. On arrival in Sydney and after completing immigration formalities and clearing customs, you will be met by our driver service if you have booked your long-haul flights through Road Scholar. Those participants already in Sydney or making their own way to Sydney should ensure that they are at the Novotel Sydney Darling Square by 12:00 noon.

After lunch, we board our motorcoach at the hotel and head off to visit Sydney's eastern suburbs, including a chance to stretch our legs at Sydney's famous Bondi beach. We will visit South Head to get a perspective of the city and harbour. We will return to the hotel and check-in. After some time to relax in to our rooms, we can join our Group Leader on a walking exploration of Darling Harbour. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. Some meals will be buffets, others will be plated and served; and some we will order in advance. Beverages typically include coffee, tea, water, with other beverages available for purchase depending on location. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure.

At our hotel, we will have shared platters.

At our hotel we will have a buffet dinner. We will have "Welcome to Australia" wine with dinner tonight.

Day 4 Taronga Zoo, Sydney Opera House Sydney

On our feet most of the morning, walking approximately 3 miles at zoo; undulating, paved surfaces. Walking approximately 2 miles afternoon and evening, undulating paved surfaces & stairs - the Opera House visit involves between 150 and 200 stairs.

We will take our motorcoach across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Taronga Zoo, located on the north shore, with delightful views across the harbour to the city. Here we will begin our study of Australian fauna. As well as meeting kangaroos, koalas and wallabies — and hoping for a glimpse of the rather more elusive wombat, echidna, and platypus — we will have a lecture from one of the keepers introducing some of Australia’s more dangerous inhabitants: spiders and snakes.

Next, we will board a ferry back across Sydney Harbour to Circular Quay. We will walk around the Quay to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House, where we will have an expert-led exploration of this truly wonderful, iconic building, a masterpiece of late modern architecture. Exactly which areas of the Opera House we see will depend upon what performances and rehearsals are taking place at the time. There are five main performance spaces at the Sydney Opera House — the Concert Hall, the Dame Joan Sutherland Theatre (formerly the Opera Theatre), the Drama Theatre, the Playhouse and the Studio — and the availability of these spaces open to visits changes from day to day. We return to our hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure.

At leisure. Perhaps, now that you have seen it up close, you will take the opportunity to go and see what is on at the Opera House this evening Prepare for check out and departure in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

At Taronga Park Zoo, we will have a buffet barbecue lunch.

On your own to enjoy what you like. Sample what Sydney's restaurant scene has to offer.

Day 5 Sydney's Colonial History Walk in The Rocks, Embark Ship At Sea

Walking along city sidewalks, up to 3 miles. There may be extra walking and/or standing in lines as the group prepares to board the ship.

This morning we check out of our Sydney hotel and head for a guided walking exploration of The Rocks area giving us an insight to Sydney’s colonial past. The Rocks was the area of Sydney first settled by the British and it has a fascinating history and wonderful Sydney sandstone buildings.

After lunch, we transfer by coach to the cruise terminal to board and prepare for departure. Please ensure you have all your cruise boarding document in your carry-on luggage. We go through the ship's boarding processes and settle in to our rooms.

At leisure. Settle in and get acquainted with the amenities on the ship.

Hotel buffet.

On your own.

On board the ship

Day 6 At Sea At Sea

A full day at sea to enjoy the ship's amenities.

This morning we participate in a lecture/discussion on a topic of the Group Leader's choice. We then have time to relax and enjoy the ship's amenities.

At leisure to enjoy the ship's amenities.

At leisure.

On board the ship

On board the ship

On board the ship.

Day 7 Melbourne: Victorian National Gallery, Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne

Field trip combines viewing from motorcoach with short walks.

Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city, is the capital of Victoria, a state in the south-eastern corner of Australia. During the gold era Melbourne possessed great wealth and many of the city’s fine buildings were built during this period of prosperity. Its magnificent streetscapes and extensive parks and gardens provide an ideal setting for its many elegant buildings. In the past Melbourne was a larger business centre and city than Sydney and today the two cities continue a friendly rivalry. Both are cosmopolitan and multi-cultural and Melbourne has many strong ethnic communities from three major periods of migration including: Chinese and German (after the gold rushes), Italian, Greek, southern European (post-World War II) and, more recently, Asian. Melbourne has one of the largest Greek populations of any city outside Athens. We will be met by our local Site Coordinator and transferred into the city. Today's field trip will focus on Aboriginal art in Australia. We shall visit the National Gallery of Victoria's Australian collection, housed in the intriguing buildings that make up Melbourne's Federation Square. Here, a local art historian and author will introduce us to the Gallery's wonderful collection of Aboriginal and wider Australian art. From here we will transfer to Melbourne's Botanical Gardens for a short stroll before lunch.

After lunch, we visit the Shrine of Remembrance then return to the ship via the famous beach-side suburb of St Kilda.

At leisure.

On board the ship.

At a café set in the Royal Botanic Gardens, lunch will consist of shared platters.

On board the ship.

Day 8 Burnie Burnie

This morning we explore northern Tasmania with our Group Leader.

We have this afternoon free to explore Burnie at our leisure.

At leisure.

On board the ship.

On board the ship.

On board the ship.

Day 9 At Sea At Sea

A full day at sea to enjoy the ship's amenities.

This morning we participate in a lecture/discussion on a topic of the Group Leader's choice. We then have time to relax and enjoy the ship's amenities.

At leisure to enjoy the ship's amenities.

At leisure.

On board the ship.

On board the ship.

On board the ship.

Day 10 At Sea At Sea

A full day at sea to enjoy the ship's amenities.

This morning we participate in a lecture/discussion on a topic of the Group Leader's choice. We then have time to relax and enjoy the ship's amenities.

At leisure to enjoy the ship's amenities.

At leisure.

On board the ship.

On board the ship.

On board the ship.

Day 11 Cruise Fiordland National Park, Doubtful & Milford Sounds At Sea

A full day at sea to enjoy the ship's amenities.

Today's cruising is no longer ocean cruising. Enjoy scenic cruising of Fiordland National Park, Doubtful Sound, and Milford Sound. Stand on deck and view the teeming wildlife.

We continue to cruise among the sounds of New Zealand's majestic Fiordland National Park, where mountains stand tall right out of the sea and rainforest clings to sheer rock faces. Keep an eye out for the resident pods of dolphins, basking seals, energetic little penguins and the abundant bird life.

At leisure.

On board the ship.

On board the ship.

On board the ship.

Day 12 Dunedin: Otago Peninsula, Albatross Colony, Larnach Castle Dunedin

Walking approximately 2 miles; paved surfaces; undulating, steep in parts. The drive to from Port Chalmers to Taiaroa Head is about 26 miles (42 kilometres), approximately 1 hour each way.

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. As a counter-balance to this grand old architecture, the city also has a new sporting stadium, commissioned for the 2011 Rugby World Cup and boasting a unique permanent “plastic” roof allowing the grass to grow normally and providing a pristine playing surface. We begin our exploration of Otago Peninsula by boarding our motorcoach and visiting Larnach Castle, viewed as New Zealand's only "castle". A local expert will lead us through the castle and grounds enlightening us to the fascinating history surrounding the castle. We then drive out to Taiaroa Head to the Royal Albatross Centre.

Taiaroa Head is home to 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. We then drive back in to town alongside Otago Harbour. Time permitting we will pause for some independent exploration at Toitu Otago Settlers' Museum and view Dunedin's grand railway station before returning to the ship.

At leisure.

On board the ship.

At the Albatross Centre we will have a plated lunch.

On board the ship.

Day 13 Timaru Timaru

Getting on/off a boat.

We disembark our vessel in Timaru and explore the fertile agricultural heartland of South Canterbury, home to a surprisingly diverse cultural history.

At leisure to enjoy the ship's amenities.

At leisure.

On board the ship.

On board the ship.

On board the ship.

Day 14 Picton: Blenheim, Marlborough Wine, Omaka Aviation Museum Picton

Walking approximately 2 miles; flat, paved surfaces. The drive to from Picton to Blenheim is about 18 miles (30 kilometres), approximately 30 minutes each way.

Today, we disembark our vessel in Picton and drive through to Blenheim. Here we embark on an expert-led visit to a Marlborough winery and discover why Marlborough has gained a reputation as one of the finest wine-growing regions in the world. As we travel through the countryside hear commentary on the various land uses and the history of the area and the people who have settled here.

After lunch we have a guided wine tasting introducing us to Marlborough, New Zealand's most internationally-recognised wine region. We reboard our motorcoach and transfer for an expert-led exploration of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre where we view one of the largest collections of historical planes in New Zealand. What fascinates most about this excellent facility is the range of interests catered to through its displays. It is certainly not only for the plane fanatic. We reboard our motorcoach and travel back through to Picton. You will have some time to explore Picton independently before jumping back on the ship if you wish.

At leisure.

On board the ship.

At a winery, we have a plated lunch.

On board the ship.

Day 15 Wellington: Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary, Parliament Wellington

Walking up to 2 miles; generally flat, paved surfaces; some stairs.

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand since 1865, is located at the southern extremity of the North Island. Its 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 (many visitors have been known to draw parallels with San Francisco) set precariously on the steep hills. In addition to its role as the seat of government Wellington is a major seaport, rail and ferry centre and a commercial and manufacturing hub. Its compact city centre 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 (“Lord of the Rings” movie trilogy), Wellington is the focal point of New Zealand's thriving film industry. This morning we visit Zealandia, a sanctuary of native forest and lakes, a motorcoach ride of 10 minutes from the city centre. Here we will learn about some of New Zealand’s unique and fascinating birdlife. Expert volunteers will introduce these wonderful birds and explain the challenges of conserving rare and vulnerable species in New Zealand. We will learn the story of how local residents lobbied and volunteered to get this valley sanctuary set aside as a reserve and have it fully enclosed by predator-proof fencing.

After lunch we walk across to New Zealand’s parliament buildings — including the aptly-named Beehive — for an expert-led exploration. We spend time learning about the relationship of the people of New Zealand and their government. The program today covers both the old and new government buildings and the historic and modern aspects of parliamentary democracy. We then return to our vessel.

At leisure.

On board the ship.

At a historic hotel close to Parliament, we will have pre-ordered plated lunches.

On board the ship.

Day 16 Napier Art Deco Experience Napier

Field trip combines viewing from motorcoach with short walks.

Napier is located on Hawkes Bay on the North Island east coast. The surrounding region has a typical Mediterranean style climate with some of New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours, which makes the region famous for its vineyards, stone fruit orchards and its wide range of horticultural crops. The city of Napier was virtually destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 and the rebuilding that followed created one of the world’s best examples of an Art Deco city. This morning we have a local expert leading us on foot and on motorcoach to introduce us to Art Deco Napier. Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in styles of the 1930s classical, Spanish Mission and, above all, Art Deco. We will also view a film introducing us to the Napier earthquake, the reason for this unique architecture.

Free time to enjoy the ship's amenities.

At leisure.

On board the ship.

On board the ship.

On board the ship.

Day 17 Rotorua: National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, Maori Culture Tauranga

The coach ride from the Port of Tauranga to Rotorua takes around 75 minutes each way. Walking 2 - 3 miles; flat surfaces.

This morning we board our motorcoach and transfer through to Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland at the heart of Maori society and culture. Located on the shores of Lake Rotorua and nicknamed “Sulphur City,” Rotorua has been sustained by tourism since 1870. It is a thermal wonderland with the most energetic thermal activity in the country including hot springs, geysers and bubbling mud pools. It is also an important centre of Maori culture. In the early 19th century the colonial government attempted to develop it as a European-style spa town. The impressive Tudor-styled Bath House dating from that time is now the Rotorua Museum. The area also has fine trout fishing and scenic wildlife parks. Nearby Mount Tarawera erupted in 1886 resulting in major changes to the landscape and considerable loss of life. The beautiful lakes in the region are part of the legacy of this cataclysm. We first transfer to the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa at Rainbow Springs. Here we are introduced to New Zealand's endangered national bird. We will learn of the vital role the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa is playing in rearing young kiwi chicks until they are large enough to be released into the wild. After a tour of this wonderful facility we then board our motorcoach and transfer to lunch.

Next, we will take our motorcoach to Te Puia, the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Here we will view the Whakarewarewa thermal area, renowned for its boiling mudpools and the spectacular Pohutu geyser. We will also learn from local experts at the Institute about the role it plays in encouraging young Maori to train in the traditional Maori arts and crafts: carving wood and stone, weaving, traditional building techniques, and the like. We transfer back to the Port of Tauranga and reboard our vessel.

At leisure.

On board the ship.

At an historic and lovingly-restored hotel beside Rotorua's Government Gardens, we will have a pre-ordered, plated lunch.

On board the ship.

Day 18 At Sea At Sea

A full day at sea to enjoy the ship's amenities

This morning we participate in a lecture/discussion on a topic of the Group Leader's choice. We then have time to relax and enjoy the ship's amenities.

At leisure to enjoy the ship's amenities.

At leisure.

On board the ship.

On board the ship.

On board the ship.

Day 19 Auckland: North Shore, Hauraki Gulf, Farewell Dinner Auckland

Field trip combines viewing from motorcoach with short walks.

On arrival in Auckland we disembark our vessel for the final time and have an overview introducing us to Auckland.. Auckland, the “City of Sails,” is New Zealand’s largest city and over one-third of all New Zealanders live in the greater Auckland area. It has a cosmopolitan population and the high proportion of indigenous Maori and other Polynesian peoples from the Pacific Islands have contributed distinctive elements to its cultural mix. This mix has been heightened by increased immigration from a number of Asian nations throughout the last decade or two. A third of the city’s population was born outside New Zealand. The city has a unique setting between two harbours on a narrow isthmus studded with numerous volcanic cones. To the east, the Waitemata Harbour provides New Zealand’s busiest Pacific port and a picturesque setting for the central business district and suburbs. Beyond this harbour lie the superb boating waters of the island-studded Hauraki Gulf. To the west, the broad shallows of the Manukau Harbour provide ideal habitat for large flocks of seabirds in the shadow of the rugged rainforest-covered Waitakere Ranges. Beyond these ranges the wild black-sand surf beaches of the west coast are a dramatic contrast to the gentle golden sand of the tree-fringed beaches of the east coast. We will drive across the Harbour Bridge to the north shore of the Waitemata Harbour. We pass through the sought-after suburban real estate of Devonport and view Auckland from North Head. Here we gain an idea of the myriad dormant volcanic cones that make up the Auckland landscape. We continue on to a local restaurant for lunch.

We return back to central Auckland via Devonport and check in to our accommodation. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore Auckland at your leisure.

At leisure.

On board the ship.

At a local restaurant, we will have a buffet lunch looking out over picturesque Cheltenham Beach and across to the cone of Rangitoto, Auckland’s most recognisable volcano and an iconic natural landmark.

Farewell dinner at our hotel. We will have "Farewell to New Zealand" drinks with dinner.

Day 20 Auckland Museum, Program Concludes In Flight

Walking up to 2 miles on flat, paved surfaces. Hotel check out is by 10:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers. If you are an independent traveller (POP status), see the information “For participants NOT taking the group transfer”.

This morning we check out of our hotel, board our motorcoach and transfer to Auckland’s War Memorial Museum for an expert-led exploration of the permanent exhibitions showing us patterns of Polynesian and European settlement. From the museum we transfer to Auckland airport for our return flights to the US. We will be at the airport by 12:00 noon. 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. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet.