Compare New Zealand and Australia: The People Down Under by Road Scholar vs New Zealand's North Island Adventure (Northbound) by Intrepid Travel

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.

Day 1 Wellington / Taupo

Welcome to the North Island! Your adventure begins in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, where you’ll meet up with your local leader and new travel buddies for an 8am welcome meeting. Wellington is as cool and creative as it is windy (and it’s thought to be the windiest city in the world!). After your meeting, your leader will show you around the capital. Depending on the interests of the group, this may include a visit to Weta Workshop of Lord of the Rings fame, the parliament buildings, cable car and Mt Victoria. Then it’s time to leave the city behind and drive on to Taupo, nestled into the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. With calm waters fringed by mountains, this is one of the prettiest spots in the country.

Day 2 Taupo

The day is yours to enjoy all Taupo has to offer. Chill out lakeside to soak in the inspiring views, or get active and take on one of the awesome hiking trails in the area. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, the Tongariro Crossing in the nearby Tongariro National Park is considered one of the best one-day walks in the world (but it’s not for the faint hearted!). Carved into the cliff faces surrounding Lake Taupo you’ll find 14-metre-tall Maori artwork that can only be accessed by boat. Want to relax and unwind? A visit to the natural hot pools at Otumuheke Stream is a must! However you decide to spend the day, it’s sure to be one to remember.

Day 3 Taupo / Murupara

Travel today to the Kohutapu Lodge in Murupara – the majority of proceeds from the activities you take part in here are fed back into the local community. You’ll be greeted by a Maori elder who will show you around the Ngati Manawa Tribal Lands while sharing the history and culture of this tribe. Meet with other members of the village and learn a famous haka war dance, then weave a plate for tonight’s dinner out of flax plants. Dinner tonight is one for the books – tuck into a traditional hangi meal, cooked underground to create a delicious, earthy flavour.

Day 4 Rotorua

Your journey continues as you drive north towards Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and the pervasive sulphur smell it lends the town. Fluorescent lakes, bubbling mud pools, active volcanoes and dramatic geysers punctuate the landscape here, making it feel like you’re on another planet. Stop off at a thermal park to get your first look at Rotorua’s otherworldly landscapes, then continue into the town where your leader will show you around the Government Gardens and pleasant lakefront. End the day with a visit to the Te Puia Maori Village, where you’ll get firsthand insight into Maori culture. You’ll also have the chance to see Pohutu, New Zealand’s largest geyser, in action – this is a sight that will blow you away! A visit to the kiwi conservation centre will allow you to observe this endearing nocturnal bird as it behaves at night.

Day 5 Rotorua

There’s so much to see and do in Rotorua, so today is free to discover it all. Have a chat to your local leader for tips on how to get the most out of your day here. You may like to take an unforgettable stroll through Kuirau Park, surrounded by bubbling and boiling mud pools. If you feel like getting your heart racing, the Kaituna River is one of the world’s top white water rafting destinations. Choose to head deep into one of New Zealand’s most ancient forests for an exhilarating eco canopy adventure, learning about the native wildlife and ecology as you zipline from tree to tree. Or take a guided kayak trip where you’ll enjoy a fun-filled evening of hot pools (which are only accessible by boat), BBQ dinner and paddling through magical glow worm caves.

Day 6 Coromandel Peninsula

We start today with a visit to Hobbiton, an absolute must-do on the way through Matamata. On a fully guided tour of the set you will see Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and even enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. This afternoon we head to the Coromandel Peninsula, a land of beautiful beaches and lush rainforests. Take a walk along the clifftops and down to Cathedral Cove, one of the region’s most beautiful and photogenic spots – the rock arches, columns and pristine beaches are a truly impressive sight. While here you may like to take the chance to explore the coastline on a guided kayaking tour – if you do, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins swimming alongside the boat!

Day 7 Coromandel Peninsula / Auckland

Of all the Coromandel Peninsula’s marvellous beaches, one stands out above the rest. Hot Water Beach is made famous by the warm waters that run beneath its sand, meaning all you need to do to make your own hot tub is dig a hole. Visit at low tide and get digging – unwinding in a natural hot tub on the beach is an experience second to none. Complete the final stretch of your journey as you travel to Auckland, hugging the glittering on your way there. New Zealand’s biggest city has a privileged location where you’re never far from the water, and the dining and nightlife scene is up there with the best of them. As it’s your last night together, you may like to head out for a final dinner with the group before saying your goodbyes.

Day 8 Auckland

Your North Island adventure comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time getting to know Auckland, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange extra accommodation (subject to availability).