New Zealand
Discover New Zealand: Walking Clean and Green
Program No. 12346RJ
Walk and learn about New Zealand with experts, discovering this island nation’s passion for protecting their natural resources as you explore fjords, coastlines and Maori culture.
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800-454-5768
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Feb 4 - Feb 25, 2025
Starting at
9,799DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jan 14 - Feb 4, 2025
Starting at
11,199Feb 25 - Mar 18, 2025
Starting at
11,199Oct 28 - Nov 18, 2025
Starting at
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
22 days
21 nights
53 meals
19B 17L 17D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
7
Parliament Buildings Visit, Free Time
Wellington
12
To Greymouth via Reefton, West Coast
Greymouth
14
To Fox Glacier/Weheka via Hokitika, Treetops Walkway
Fox Glacier village/Weheka
17
To Te Anau via Queenstown
Te Anau
18
Kepler Track Walk, Free Time
Te Anau
21
Explore the Catlins Coast
Balclutha
At a Glance
The sparsely populated but multicultural island nation of New Zealand takes pride in its “clean and green” environment. From grand glaciers, stunning fjords and sparkling lakes to majestic mountains, lush pasturelands and rich rainforests, experience New Zealand’s wealth of natural beauty on walks led by lively and knowledgeable local experts.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Walking up to six miles daily; uneven and hilly terrain.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Explore the world-famous Milford Sound by boat and foot.
- Enjoy a morning of traditional Maori song, dance and customs.
- Take a field trip to a family sheep farm to gain firsthand insight into farming in New Zealand.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Fiona Barker
Fiona Barker is a graduate of both Victoria University and Harvard University, and teaches comparative politics at Victoria University. Prior to joining the staff at Victoria, she was a Jean Monnet Postdoctoral Scholar at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy. Her research and teaching interests focus on topics such as nationalism, immigration and electoral reform in New Zealand. She has been a visiting fellow at various institutions including the University of Edinburgh and Université Québec à Montréal.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Fiona Barker
View biography
Fiona Barker is a graduate of both Victoria University and Harvard University, and teaches comparative politics at Victoria University. Prior to joining the staff at Victoria, she was a Jean Monnet Postdoctoral Scholar at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy. Her research and teaching interests focus on topics such as nationalism, immigration and electoral reform in New Zealand. She has been a visiting fellow at various institutions including the University of Edinburgh and Université Québec à Montréal.
Ray Willett
View biography
Fiordland local, Ray Willett, will delight and enthuse with his tales of adventure and discovery on the Milford Track, known by many as the “finest walk in the world.” Since the 1950s, Ray has been leading adventurers along this noted path which makes its way through Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, to Sutherland Falls, and along the Clinton River. In 2013, Ray trekked the entire length of the Milford Track in celebration of its 125th anniversary.
John Hellstrom
View biography
Dr. John Hellstrom founded biosecurity in New Zealand, developed new systems for protecting native plants and agriculture from pests and disease, and established new standards for animal welfare. His proudest moment, however, was getting a native parrot on the cover of the biosecurity strategy booklet. John was previously Chief Veterinary officer for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. He was recently made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen's Birthday honours list.
Athol Parks
View biography
Athol Parks is a Dunedin-based writer who leads city walks in Dunedin. The walks showcase the city's history, architecture and urban renewal. His business, City Walks, was established in 2006. Formerly a sub-editor with The Southland Times Ltd., he has done freelance work and contributed notes to the Book Discussion Scheme. Athol is writing short fiction now, with the aim of finishing something and getting published.
Quentin Mitchell
View biography
Quentin Mitchell is a qualified instructor in the outdoors with experience in the UK and New Zealand. He has worked at Outward Bound in New Zealand and continues to work in the area of youth development with the Spirit of New Zealand Trust. In retirement, he works part-time leading boating excursions. Quentin enjoys the outdoors, in particular, sailing, diving and skiing. He swims regularly and enjoys gardening and reading for relaxation. Both he and his wife, Rae, travel extensively.
Rae Mitchell
View biography
Rae Mitchell grew up farming before her love of nature and the outdoors led her into tramping and alpine climbing around New Zealand. After university, she headed overseas focused on exploring the mountains of the world. She worked as an outdoor instructor while overseas, coming back to New Zealand eight years later to marry and raise a family. She is retired but is still tramping regularly, is a Search and Rescue member, does voluntary work for Department of Conservation and travels with her husband, Quentin.
Russell Davie
View biography
Russell Davie is an ex-dairy farmer with a background in geology, geography, soil mineralogy and volcanology, with a particular interest in the Fiordland area, in and around Te Anau, where he now lives and the lake, which bears the same name.
Annie Telford
View biography
Annie Telford’s passion for sport and the outdoors has been hugely influential in her life and friendships. She completed a Bachelor of Leisure Studies degree and has had varied careers as a science technician, adventure tourism tutor, school sports administrator, new home consultant, and realtor. These have been balanced with travel, sport, and outdoor activities: namely squash, running, biking, kayaking, and tramping. Annie and her husband Bruce have a home in stunning Golden Bay but have chosen to semi-retire and live a nomadic lifestyle.
Pam Wood
View biography
Pam Wood has spent many years in Europe, travelling, having adventures, tramping in the French Pyrenees, and working in London as a housing officer for a local council’s social housing program. Since returning to New Zealand with her two children in 2006, she has been working in a beautiful small town as an administrator in an early childhood kindergarten and as a property manager for a number of holiday homes. Pam enjoys the great outdoors, tramping in national parks, biking, reading, and playing the ukulele.
Christopher Stewart
View biography
Chris Stewart was a Parks and Reserves Ranger for 40 years, working in Mt Cook and Arthur’s Pass National Parks, Dunedin Reserves, and in the South Island High Country. He is now retired but still lives in Arthur’s Pass. Chris is a trail runner and hiker, and is still involved in predator trapping and other conservation activities. He is also a community volunteer being involved in the local fire brigade and civil defense teams, along with chairing the local Residents’ Association.
Deborah Stewart
View biography
Deb Stewart is a homemaker who has worked in areas of hospitality, administration, and customer service when it has fitted into family life. She resides in Arthur’s Pass, an Alpine village in a national park, and she is involved with civil defense and community center committees. Deb loves everything associated with home, hiking, and nature, which is enhanced when she can take Mac, her West Highland Terrier, along with her and her husband, Chris.
Kate McMillan
View biography
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 focus on immigration politics, media politics, and citizenship politics, with a particular concentration 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, Sweden.
Suggested Reading List
(14 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Discover New Zealand: Walking Clean and Green
Program Number: 12346
The Penguin History of New Zealand
The definitive and bestselling history of Aotearoa New Zealand by one of our leading historians, continuously in print for 20 years. This bestselling book by the late Michael King is the unchallenged contemporary reference on the history of New Zealand.
The Whale Rider (film)
The Whale Rider (1987) was written in New York and Cape Cod in the space of three weeks. A magical, mythical work about a young girl whose relationship with a whale ensures the salvation of her village, it is, says Ihimaera, the work of his ‘that the Maori community accepts best’.
The Field Guide to New Zealand Geology
This is the first field guide written for the general public and beginners in geology in New Zealand. Now fully revised and updated, it shows travellers in New Zealand something of the tremendous variety of our rocks, minerals and fossils and describes what to look for in many areas where rock formations are prominent. It covers the history of New Zealand from it's beginnings on the sea floor some 600 million years ago to its present patchwork landscape of volcano, range and plain. The land was formed from many different layers of rock- volcanic flows, forest debris, ocean mud. All these have special characteristics, which are explained and illustrated to enable readers to find the layers and understand their origins and what they can tell us about the landscape of the past. The crystals that grew in the rocks and the remains of living creatures that were preserved are also illustrated and described. Written in simplified terms, it includes an introductory chapter on general geology, a geological time chart and quick reference maps of the North Island and the South Island for travellers.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (films)
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Two Towers (2002), The Return of the King (2003) - Action | Adventure | Fantasy. Set in the fictional world of Middle-earth, the films follow the hobbit Frodo Baggins as he and the Fellowship embark on a quest to destroy the One Ring to ensure the destruction of its maker, the Dark Lord Sauron. Director: Peter Jackson. Writers: J.R.R. Tolkien (novel), Fran Walsh (screenplay). Stars: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen and Viggo Mortensen.
The Denniston Rose
Denniston Is a real Coal mining town, now deserted, on a high barren plateau above the West Coast of the South Island. Events on the Hill in the 1880s are accurate. The people on the other hand are pure fiction.
The Piano (film)
121 min- Drama | Romance. A mute woman along with her young daughter, and her prized piano, are sent to 1850s New Zealand for an arranged marriage to a wealthy landowner, and she's soon lusted after by a local worker on the plantation. Director: Jane Campion. Writer: Jane Campion. Stars: Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel and Sam Neill.
Slipping Into Paradise, Why I Live in New Zealand
2004, PAPER, 304 PAGES
In this far-ranging travelogue, Masson (who wrote a series of books on the emotional lives of animals) combines his travels and tales with history, riffs on the kiwis, nature and society.
An Angel at My Table (film)
An Angel at My Table is a 1990 New Zealand-Australian-British film directed by Jane Campion. The film is based on Janet Frame's three autobiographies, To the Is-Land (1982), An Angel at My Table (1984), and The Envoy from Mirror City (1984).
An Angel at My Table is a dramatisation of the autobiographies of New Zealand author Janet Frame. Originally produced as a television miniseries, the film, as with Frame's autobiographies, is divided into three sections, with the lead role played by three different actresses who portray Frame at different stages of her life: Karen Fergusson (child), Alexia Keogh (adolescent) and Kerry Fox (adult).
The Hand Guide to the Birds of New Zealand
The new edition of this essential reference for identifying New Zealand birds features its biggest update ever. The Hand Guide to the Birds of New Zealand is a trusted, invaluable reference for lovers of New Zealand birds. Comprehensive and easy to use, this new edition features- 374 species, including 35 new additions, the book's biggest revision since first publication, 85 stunning colour paintings of New Zealand birds.
The Luminaries
The Luminaries is the second novel by Eleanor Catton, published by Victoria University Press in August 2013 and Granta on 5 September 2013. On 15 October it was announced as the winner of the 2013 Man Booker Prize. It is the longest book (at 832 pages), and she the youngest author (at age 28), ever to win the award. The book was described as "a dazzling feat of a novel" by The Observer.
The Bone People
Set on the coast of the South Island of New Zealand, the novel focuses on three characters, all of whom are isolated in different ways: a reclusive artist, a mute child, and the child's foster father. Over the course of the novel the trio develop a tentative relationship, are driven apart by violence, and reunite.
Here at the End of the World We Learn to Dance
2008, PAPER, 276 PAGES
Dancing between New Zealand and Buenos Aires and ranging over decades, tango is the leitmotif of this earlier novel by Lloyd Jones, published here for the first time, author of Mister Pip. Like Mr. Pip, this compact, seductive novel concerns the power of storytelling.
The Hobbit Trilogy (films)
The Hobbit is a series of three fantasy adventure films directed by Peter Jackson. The films are subtitled An Unexpected Journey (2012), The Desolation of Smaug (2013), and The Battle of the Five Armies (2014). The films take place in the fictional world of Middle-earth, sixty years before the beginning of The Lord of the Rings and follow hobbit Bilbo Baggins, who is convinced by the wizard Gandalf the Grey to accompany thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug.
Boy (film)
Boy (film). Waititi wanted to shoot the film where he grew up in Waihau Bay. It was a summer film but impossible to shoot in the height of summer due to the popularity of the area as a fishing and holiday destination. The film features the maize fields and the maize is harvested from late April. Boy was shot entirely in the area of Waihau Bay, New Zealand. James Rolleston was never actually intended to play the lead role of "Boy". Rolleston originally turned up on set for a costume fitting as an extra and after short deliberation, the teen was offered the role.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
22 days
Program Begins
Rotorua
Program Concludes
Balclutha
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
53
| 19B |
17L |
17D |
Activity Level
The sparsely populated but multicultural island nation of New Zealand takes pride in its “clean and green” environment. From grand glaciers, stunning fjords and sparkling lakes to majestic mountains, lush pasturelands and rich rainforests, experience New Zealand’s wealth of natural beauty on walks led by lively and knowledgeable local experts.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Explore the world-famous Milford Sound by boat and foot.
- Enjoy a morning of traditional Maori song, dance and customs.
- Take a field trip to a family sheep farm to gain firsthand insight into farming in New Zealand.
Featured Expert
Fiona Barker
Fiona Barker is a graduate of both Victoria University and Harvard University, and teaches comparative politics at Victoria University. Prior to joining the staff at Victoria, she was a Jean Monnet Postdoctoral Scholar at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy. Her research and teaching interests focus on topics such as nationalism, immigration and electoral reform in New Zealand. She has been a visiting fellow at various institutions including the University of Edinburgh and Université Québec à Montréal.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Ray Willett
Fiordland local, Ray Willett, will delight and enthuse with his tales of adventure and discovery on the Milford Track, known by many as the “finest walk in the world.” Since the 1950s, Ray has been leading adventurers along this noted path which makes its way through Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, to Sutherland Falls, and along the Clinton River. In 2013, Ray trekked the entire length of the Milford Track in celebration of its 125th anniversary.
Quentin Mitchell
Quentin Mitchell is a qualified instructor in the outdoors with experience in the UK and New Zealand. He has worked at Outward Bound in New Zealand and continues to work in the area of youth development with the Spirit of New Zealand Trust. In retirement, he works part-time leading boating excursions. Quentin enjoys the outdoors, in particular, sailing, diving and skiing. He swims regularly and enjoys gardening and reading for relaxation. Both he and his wife, Rae, travel extensively.
Rae Mitchell
Rae Mitchell grew up farming before her love of nature and the outdoors led her into tramping and alpine climbing around New Zealand. After university, she headed overseas focused on exploring the mountains of the world. She worked as an outdoor instructor while overseas, coming back to New Zealand eight years later to marry and raise a family. She is retired but is still tramping regularly, is a Search and Rescue member, does voluntary work for Department of Conservation and travels with her husband, Quentin.
Russell Davie
Russell Davie is an ex-dairy farmer with a background in geology, geography, soil mineralogy and volcanology, with a particular interest in the Fiordland area, in and around Te Anau, where he now lives and the lake, which bears the same name.
Christopher Stewart
Chris Stewart was a Parks and Reserves Ranger for 40 years, working in Mt Cook and Arthur’s Pass National Parks, Dunedin Reserves, and in the South Island High Country. He is now retired but still lives in Arthur’s Pass. Chris is a trail runner and hiker, and is still involved in predator trapping and other conservation activities. He is also a community volunteer being involved in the local fire brigade and civil defense teams, along with chairing the local Residents’ Association.
Deborah Stewart
Deb Stewart is a homemaker who has worked in areas of hospitality, administration, and customer service when it has fitted into family life. She resides in Arthur’s Pass, an Alpine village in a national park, and she is involved with civil defense and community center committees. Deb loves everything associated with home, hiking, and nature, which is enhanced when she can take Mac, her West Highland Terrier, along with her and her husband, Chris.
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 focus on immigration politics, media politics, and citizenship politics, with a particular concentration 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, Sweden.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Walking up to six miles daily; uneven and hilly terrain.
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 Reading List
View Full List
(14 Books)
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
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
22 days
21 nights
What's Included
53 meals | 19B | 17L | 17D |
10 expert-led lectures
30 expert-led field trips
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
19 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
In Transit to Program Continues, Crossing Int’l Dateline
Location:
In Flight
Activity Note
A day is “lost” due to crossing the International Dateline
Day
3
Arrive Auckland, Coach to Rotorua, Welcome Lunch
Location:
Rotorua
Meals:
L,D
Stay:
Millennium Hotel, Rotorua
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Walking in Hamilton Gardens for approximately 1.5 hr; flat gravel paths. Road trip Auckland to Hamilton: 70 mi (113 km), 1 hr 40 min. Hamilton to Rotorua: 66 mi (106 km), 1 hr 30 min.
Morning:
After claiming your luggage, wait inside the Arrivals area and meet our Group Leaders who will be holding a Road Scholar sign. When everyone has arrived, we will board a bus for the ride south from Auckland to Rotorua, with a stop-off at Hamilton Gardens for our Welcome Lunch.
Lunch:
At Hamilton Gardens Café
Afternoon:
We will wander at our leisure around the Hamilton Gardens, exploring a variety of themes. These include the Indian Char Bagh, Italian Renaissance, Japanese Contemplation, Chinese Scholars’, English Flower, Modernists, Tudor and Chinoiserie gardens. Also, themes such as fantasy, tropical, sustainable, herb, kitchen and the Te Parapara garden – New Zealand’s only traditional Maori heritage productive garden showcasing traditional practices, materials and ceremonies related to food production and storage. We continue our journey south by coach, arriving at our hotel in Rotorua, where we will stay for the first three nights. Rotorua is New Zealand’s own geothermal paradise. This good-looking city is big on Maori culture and hospitality, where you can stand on active volcanoes, peer into massive craters and view boiling mud and erupting geysers. There is time to freshen up after check-in before gathering for our Orientation session. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will pre-order some meals so as to make the most of our time. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
4
Hongi’s Track & Redwood Forest Walks
Location:
Rotorua
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Millennium Hotel, Rotorua
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Hongi’s Track: 1.4 mi (2.2 km), 1 hr 30 min, one way; flat but uneven terrain; some roots. Redwood Forest walk: up to 3.1 mi (5 km), 1 hr 30 min, loop; smooth forest paths and/or dirt/gravel paths with zigzag undulations.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
Board the coach for a walking field trip on historic Hongi’s Track at Lake Rotoiti, including a short introduction in the field on New Zealand’s native rainforest and bush flora.
Lunch:
Packed lunch during field trip
Afternoon:
Boarding the coach, we travel back to Rotorua to The Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest for a walking field trip through one of the many forest paths. Enjoy the eclectic mix of towering exotic Redwood trees, familiar to all Americans, side-by-side with impressive endemic New Zealand tree ferns.
Dinner:
At a local craft beer bar and restaurant
Evening:
At leisure
Day
5
Geothermal area & Lake walks, Maori Cultural Concert
Location:
Rotorua
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Millennium Hotel, Rotorua
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Blue Lake walk: up to 3 mi (5 km) partial loop; undulating; uneven terrain. Geothermal area walk: 0.62 mi (1 km); smooth asphalt paths.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
We will travel by coach to the start of a walking field trip at Blue Lake (Tikitapu). This pleasant stroll almost circumnavigates this small lake, framed by pretty native bush and forestry. A collapsed volcanic crater, from above, the lake can look quite blue/aqua/turquoise in colour. This is due to a pumice and rhyolite bottom which the sun reflects up. If time permits following, travel by coach to the Mt Tarawera Lookout for local Maori legend interpretation.
Lunch:
Packed lunch during field trip
Afternoon:
We board our coach for the short drive to Te Puia (Whakarewarewa), one of New Zealand’s premier Maori cultural and geothermal visitors’ centres. A local expert will lead us through the area, with commentary, describing early Maori life in the region, followed by a traditional Maori cultural performance. Visiting the recently-completed New Zealand Maori Art and Crafts Institute, we can observe students at work learning traditional arts, such as wood and bone carving and weaving, under the tutelage and guidance of master craftspeople.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
6
To Wellington via Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, Desert Road
Location:
Wellington
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
West Plaza Hotel, Wellington
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Walking and standing during field trip. Road trip: 281 mi (453 km), 5 hr 45 min.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
After check-out, we board the coach for an all-day drive to Wellington. Visit Waiotapu mud pools and spectacular Huka Falls. The drive south passes Lake Taupo (the largest lake in NZ), then traverses the famous Desert Road with spectacular views, if the weather permits, of the still-active volcanoes – Mts Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu.
Lunch:
Packed lunch en route
Afternoon:
Continue by coach to Wellington, travelling south through the central part of the North Island, eventually reaching, and following, the western coastline and the Tasman Sea for the last hour or so, before entering the outskirts of the city. Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and was chosen for its central location. One of the many enticing aspects of this exciting “little” city is its compact CBD – you can walk from one side to the other in 20 minutes. The waterfront is lined with immaculate parks, heritage buildings and museums. Wellington is dubbed the “creative and cultural capital of New Zealand” and in 2018, for the second year in a row, Wellington topped Deutsche Bank’s list of 50 cities with the best quality of life, beating Zurich, Copenhagen, Edinburgh and Vienna. On arrival we will settle in to our central city hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel
Evening:
At leisure
Day
7
Parliament Buildings Visit, Free Time
Location:
Wellington
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
West Plaza Hotel, Wellington
Activity Note
Walking up to 3.5 mi (6 km); paved city streets. Walking and standing during field trip.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
We take a walking field trip with our Group Leaders along the picturesque Wellington waterfront, in the heart of the city, stopping off at Old St Pauls, a small heritage cathedral built from native timbers and rich in history. We'll also visit New Zealand’s Parliament Buildings for an expert-led commentary and exploration.
Lunch:
Own choice
Afternoon:
Free time to explore Wellington. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Recommended, is a visit to Te Papa Tongarewa (National Museum and Art Gallery of New Zealand). Te Papa, situated right on the waterfront, is dedicated to preserving and presenting the taonga (treasures) of New Zealand’s peoples and to interpreting the country’s heritage for national and international audiences. Before dinner we will gather in the hotel for a lecture from a noted political scientist on New Zealand's government and parliamentary system.
Dinner:
At the hotel
Evening:
At leisure
Day
8
Karori Wildlife Centre, Wellington Botanic Gardens
Location:
Wellington
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
West Plaza Hotel, Wellington
Activity Note
Getting on/off a cable car. Walk approximate total of 6 mi (10 km) to Zealandia & through the Botanic Gardens; paved city streets. Note: Extra walking is optional or alternative shuttle transport is available.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
Departing from the hotel, we walk to the Wellington Cable Car for a short ride uphill to Kelburn. From there, we walk to Zealandia (Karori Wildlife Sanctuary) for an expert-led exploration. Minutes from downtown Wellington, Zealandia is a safe haven for endangered native birds and other wildlife. The sanctuary is surrounded by a predator-proof fence, protecting wildlife within the forest as it gradually regenerates to its pre-human state, estimated to take 500 years!
Lunch:
At Rata Café within Zealandia
Afternoon:
We take a shuttle bus, then walk down through Wellington Botanic Gardens and Bolton Street Memorial Park to the city and back to the hotel. There is time to freshen up before an early dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer early in the morning.
Day
9
Cook Strait Ferry to Picton, Kaipupu Point Sanctuary
Location:
Picton
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Jasmine Court Motel, Picton
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; on/off a ferry/boat. Cook Strait ferry crossing: 3 hr 30 min. Kaipupu Point walk: 1.8 mi (3 km); loop; packed clay track; some uphill, mostly level terrain.
Breakfast:
Cash will be provided for you to purchase your breakfast on the ferry.
Morning:
We will check-out by 7.00 a.m. and transfer by shuttle bus to the ferry terminal, then take the scheduled ferry passenger service to Picton via Cook Strait and the Marlborough Sounds. The crossing from the North to the South Island is picturesque, featuring panoramic views of Wellington City and Harbour as we depart, dramatic rocky coastal shorelines and, once across Cook Strait, stunning, bush-clad hills and bays as we meander through the labyrinthine waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. There is plenty of opportunity to observe some of New Zealand’s many seabird species and look out for dolphins and whales. The Group Leaders will provide commentary and points of interest along the way. Picton, in the Queen Charlotte Sound of the Marlborough Sounds, is an important port town serving as the South Island terminal for the busy inter-island ferry service. Picton, and nearby Blenheim, are the major towns in the Marlborough region that is notable for the production of world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc wine and other varietals, as well as green-lipped mussels and high sunshine hours.
Lunch:
At a café in Picton
Afternoon:
We board a vessel for the short hop across to Kaipupu Point Sanctuary for a loop walk in this mainland island predator-free zone, through regenerating native forest vegetation and with glorious views out to the ocean and back towards Picton. Later in the afternoon, we will settle into our Picton motel with time to freshen up before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
At leisure
Day
10
Marlborough Sounds Cruise, Ship Cove, Queen Charlotte Track
Location:
Picton
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Jasmine Court Motel, Picton
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; on/off a boat. Queen Charlotte Track: 5.3 mi (8.5 km), 2 hr 30 min to 3 hr; undulating/hilly uneven terrain; firm clay; some roots.
Breakfast:
At a local café
Morning:
We wander down to the waterfront in time to board a vessel for a scheduled run that will take us on a full-day study cruise and walking field trip in the Marlborough Sounds with our Group Leaders. Our vessel will drop us off at Punga Cove, where we begin our hike on the lush native bush-clad trail of the Queen Charlotte Track.
Lunch:
Packed lunch during field trip
Afternoon:
We continue our hike on the Queen Charlotte Track with tantalising glimpses of the stunning Marlborough Sound’s waterways with its myriad of coves, inlets and bays. Continuing our walk onto Furneaux Lodge, we are then met by Sounds locals, Dr John and his wife Judy Hellstrom. Once there you can relax with a beverage while John, a retired veterinarian and noted biosecurity specialist, will provide a lecture on the history and geology of the Marlborough Sounds. Following the lecture we are picked up by the mail-boat on its scenic route back to Picton.
Dinner:
Own choice
Evening:
At leisure
Day
11
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, Sheep Farm, Wine-Tasting.
Location:
Picton
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Jasmine Court Motel, Picton
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Walking and standing during field trips.
Breakfast:
At a local café
Morning:
We meet our bus driver and board the coach for the short half-hour drive through to Blenheim, the main town in the Marlborough region. Our first stop is at the Marlborough Research Centre for a lecture by Richard Hunter, respected Maori elder, on the Treaty of Waitangi and Waitangi Tribunal. Following, we visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum for a docent-led commentary of its impressive exhibitions. “Knights of the Sky” presents the personal World War I collection of Sir Peter Jackson, Director of the “Lord of the Rings” movie trilogy, that includes aircraft, memorabilia, dioramas, and mannequins. “Dangerous Skies” is a World War II exhibition focusing on the war on the Eastern Front, the world’s only female flying aces, and the 588th Night Bombers, a Russian women’s regiment. It also includes aircraft as well as a stunning recreation of the Stalingrad experience produced by CGI graphics, lasers, lighting and sound effects. Next, we head west for the half-hour drive to visit a farm near Havelock.
Lunch:
Packed lunch during farm visit
Afternoon:
By coach, to a nearby working family sheep and cattle farm for an informative, in-depth talk by the farming couple on their various livestock practices. We will see a sheep-shearing demonstration, be impressed by working dogs displaying their skills herding sheep in obedience to a complex array of whistle signals and commands. This visit is usually a program highlight. Next, we drive back towards Blenheim, stopping at a local Winery and vineyard for an organic wine growing education session. Following this session we will head down the road to be hosted by a couple for dinner in their private home.
Dinner:
Hosted in a Private Home
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
12
To Greymouth via Reefton, West Coast
Location:
Greymouth
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Bella Vista Motel, Greymouth
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Road trip Picton to Greymouth: 219 mi (351 km), 4 hr 30 min. Reefton township walk: 0.75 mi (1.2 km); paved streets. Walking and standing during field trip.
Breakfast:
At a local café
Morning:
After checking-out, we board the coach for an all-day trip south-west to Greymouth on the West Coast. We stop for a short break at St Arnaud, Lake Rotoiti, with magnificent mountain and lake views and sightings of New Zealand’s endemic long-finned eel. We continue on to historic Reefton, a quaint little town, charmingly redolent of its gold-mining past.
Lunch:
At a local café in Reefton
Afternoon:
After lunch, a short walk through the town, learning, amongst other things, that it was the first town in the Southern Hemisphere to switch on electricity. Continuing by coach, we arrive in Greymouth, named for its location at the mouth of the Grey River. It is the West Coast’s largest town, renowned for its gold and coal-mining past, and we settle into our motel.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
At leisure
Day
13
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Truman Track, Pororari River Walk
Location:
Greymouth
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Bella Vista Motel, Greymouth
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Pancakes Rocks and Blowholes walk: 0.75 mi (1.2 km) loop; paved paths; some steps. Truman Track: 0.75 mi (1.2 km) out and back; well-formed terrain; some steps down to beach/view point. Pororari River Track: 4.3 mi (7 km) out and back; firm clay; uneven terrain; some roots; steps. Optional Pororari/Punakaiki Track: 6.8 mi (11 km) uphill over low saddle; loop; firm clay; uneven terrain; some roots; steps.
Breakfast:
At a local café
Morning:
Board the coach for the scenic coastal drive north to Punakaiki for a walking field trip to view the unusual and spectacular coastal geological formations of the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Then we wander down a short track through lush sub-tropical native bush to a viewpoint overlooking a rugged and dramatic West Coast beach.
Lunch:
Packed lunch during field trip
Afternoon:
We board the coach again to the start of a walking field trip which meanders along the edge of the Pororari River, through groves of stunning nikau (the only palm tree indigenous to New Zealand) and keeping a look out for sightings of the rare blue duck (whio) in the swiftly-flowing current. There is an option to return the same way or to cross over a low saddle and follow the Punakaiki River down and back to the coach.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
14
To Fox Glacier/Weheka via Hokitika, Treetops Walkway
Location:
Fox Glacier village/Weheka
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Lake Matheson Motel, Fox Glacier
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Stroll around Hokitika township or on beach at own pace. Treetops walk: 0.75 mi (1.2 km) on an aerial walkway; easy. Road trip Greymouth to Fox Glacier/Weheka: 122 mi (196 km), 2 hr 45 min.
Breakfast:
At a local café
Morning:
After check-out, we board the coach for the drive south to Fox Glacier/Weheka with a stop en route at Hokitika. This small town, also rich in gold-mining history, is renowned for its pounamu (the Maori name for New Zealand’s own greenstone or jade), sourced from the headwaters of nearby rivers. We will have an opportunity to visit workshops and watch master craftspeople creating exquisite jewellery and carvings from this beautiful stone. Before lunch, we visit Treetops where, as we traverse an aerial walkway, we can view the native rainforest in a unique way by looking down on it from above.
Lunch:
At Treetops
Afternoon:
We continue our journey following the coastline south to Fox Glacier/Weheka and settle into our local motel. Fox Glacier/Weheka and Franz Josef/Waiau (14 mi north-east) are each named for their nearby glaciers that descend from the top of the Southern Alps, cutting through dramatic glacial valleys into rainforest close to sea level. A New Zealand World Heritage area, Westland National Park has some of New Zealand’s highest peaks including the highest, Aoraki/Mt Cook. A unique and spectacularly scenic spot, this town is the perfect base for a myriad of adventures, entertainment and sightseeing attractions.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
At leisure. Optional walk after dark to view glow-worms in their natural environment. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
15
To Wanaka via Fox Glacier View, Lake Matheson Walk
Location:
Wanaka
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Wanaka Hotel, Wanaka
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Lake Matheson walk: 0.75 mi (1.2 km) out and back; well-formed, gently undulating; or full lake circuit: 1.5 mi (2.6 km). Road trip Fox Glacier/Weheka to Wanaka: 163 mi (262 km), 3 hr 30 min.
Breakfast:
At a local café
Morning:
Starting from outside our breakfast venue, we embark on a walking field trip, either to the jetty and back or the full circuit of the lake. Lake Matheson is world-famous for its stunning mirrored reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman, on a clear windless day. We will also travel by coach to the best viewpoint of the dramatic Fox Glacier descending out of the mountain range in the distance.
Lunch:
At a café en route
Afternoon:
We resume our journey south, through native beech forests and past small lakes. Traversing the Haast Pass (Main Divide of the Southern Alps), we observe the vegetation changing dramatically as we enter the drier and more open countryside of the province of Otago, passing Lake Hawea to Wanaka, where we settle into our hotel. Wanaka, on the shores of New Zealand’s fourth largest lake (of the same name) is a popular holiday playground in both summer and winter and particularly noted for its glorious autumn colours and lake and mountain vistas.
Dinner:
At the hotel
Evening:
At leisure
Day
16
Mt Iron Walk, Farm Visit & Lunch at Glendhu Bay
Location:
Wanaka
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Wanaka Hotel, Wanaka
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Mt Iron walk: 2.8 mi (4.5 km) loop; uphill; hard clay path; open terrain. Waterfall Creek walk: 1.2 mi (2 km) one way; well-formed flat track along lake shore.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
We take the coach to the start of our walking field trip on Mt Iron, where we are rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountain ranges. Following a short time to freshen up back at the hotel, we board the coach again for the drive around the lake to Glendhu Bay for lunch at the private home on a working sheep station. Prior to lunch, we enjoy a stroll around the mature English-style garden with our host providing commentary.
Lunch:
At a private home
Afternoon:
Our coach drops us off to wander, at our own pace, along the shoreline of Lake Wanaka and back to the township. For the rest of the afternoon, we enjoy some free time to further explore this pretty little lakeside town.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
17
To Te Anau via Queenstown
Location:
Te Anau
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Free time in Queenstown; walking and standing during field trips. Road trip Wanaka to Te Anau: 141 mi (227 km), 3 hr.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
Following check-out, we board the coach for our drive to Te Anau. Our journey follows the Clutha River and passes Lake Dunstan and the relocated town of Cromwell, through the Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown. Here, for the rest of the morning and over lunchtime, there is free time to explore what interests us most in New Zealand’s most famous tourist town. There’s also an opportunity to visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park (optional, additional cost) to see our iconic nocturnal bird, the kiwi, and other species endemic to New Zealand, up close.
Lunch:
At Queenstown - own choice
Afternoon:
Farewelling Queenstown, situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by The Remarkables and other majestic mountain ranges, we continue our journey south along the lake shore into the rich farming province of Southland to Te Anau, also located beside a lake (of the same name), and settle into our motel. The economy of Te Anau, a town with a small resident population, revolves around a thriving tourism and accommodation industry, as it is the gateway to the world-famous Milford Sound.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
At leisure
Day
18
Kepler Track Walk, Free Time
Location:
Te Anau
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Kepler Track hike to Moturau Hut or Brod Bay: total of 7.5 mi (12 km), 4 hr, out and back; mostly flat/gently undulating; well-formed; some roots. Optional shorter walk on same track.
Breakfast:
At a local café
Morning:
We are dropped off by coach to the start of our walks on the Kepler Track, either in one direction or the other. The trails follow the lake shore through mountain and red beech forest, with mosses and ground ferns providing an airy magical atmosphere, and with stunning glimpses of Lakes Manapouri or Te Anau, and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Lunch:
Packed lunch during field trip
Afternoon:
Our return walk is by the same route and, on our arrival back in Te Anau, we have free time enjoying rest and relaxation or further exploration of the town for the remainder of the afternoon and evening. Recommended is a wander along the lake edge to visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary to view the rare flightless takahe and other endangered species, and the Fiordland National Park Visitors Centre is well worth a visit for the informative displays. You may choose to take an optional Lake Te Anau boat trip excursion to Te Ana-au Glow-worm Caves (additional cost).
Dinner:
Own choice
Evening:
At leisure
Day
19
Milford Sound Cruise, Lake Gunn Walk
Location:
Te Anau
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; on/off a boat. Lake Gunn Nature Walk: 1 mi (1.6 km) loop; well-formed track; flat.
Breakfast:
At a local café
Morning:
After an early breakfast, we board the coach for an all-day field trip to Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, with short walks en route. Later in the morning, we embark on a cruise, with commentary, by a scheduled service on the world-famous Milford Sound. Known for the towering Mitre Peak, plus rainforests and waterfalls like the Stirling and Bowen Falls, which plummet down its sheer sides, the fiord is home to fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins.
Lunch:
Boxed lunch onboard the vessel
Afternoon:
On our return journey back to Te Anau, we stop for a short walk in the Lake Gunn Nature Reserve, where we enjoy the ancient red beech forest with weird moss-covered stumps and ground ferns. Pre-dinner, we gather up for a short film at the local cinema “Atu Whenua - Shadowlands”, a panoramic journey, taken from the air, portraying the majesty and splendour of immense and isolated Fiordland, over all four seasons.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
20
To Balclutha via Gore, Geology Lecture
Location:
Balclutha
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Rosebank Lodge Motor Hotel, Balclutha
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Road trip Te Anau to Balclutha: 130 mi (210 km), 2 hr 30 min. Walking and standing during field trips.
Breakfast:
At a local café
Morning:
After check-out and before departing Te Anau, we have a lecture by a local expert about the unusual geology of the area, which contains New Zealand’s oldest known plutonic (igneous) rocks. There are also large areas of metamorphosed sedimentary rocks that are closely related to the rocks of Northwest Nelson. Following, we board our coach for the drive to Balclutha.
Lunch:
At a café en route
Afternoon:
Continue by coach to Balclutha with a stop in Gore to visit the Hokonui Museum and learn about “moonshine”, harking back to earlier, less law-abiding times, or the Eastern Southland Gallery, a major provincial art gallery with an eclectic and significant collection of exhibits from across the world. We arrive in Balclutha and settle into our Lodge. Balclutha, a small rural town off the beaten tourist track, is a fishing paradise for brown trout and salmon in the Clutha River, and is the gateway to the increasingly popular Catlins Coast.
Dinner:
At the lodge
Evening:
At leisure
Day
21
Explore the Catlins Coast
Location:
Balclutha
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Rosebank Lodge Motor Hotel, Balclutha
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Several short walks of 0.75 mi (1.2 km) duration; well-formed bush tracks to waterfalls and along beaches; flat terrain; some roots.
Breakfast:
At the lodge
Morning:
We depart by coach for an all-day field trip in the Catlins, an area on the south-east coast, where we pass through rural heartland to ancient podocarp forests, overlook rugged and dramatic coastlines and walk along native bush tracks to hidden lakes and waterfalls.
Lunch:
Packed lunch during field trip
Afternoon:
We take a short walk to Nugget Point/Tokata Lighthouse (one of New Zealand’s oldest – 1869) on a dramatic headland with soaring rugged Pacific Ocean views, and sightings of fur seals and seabirds. Before dinner, we gather for an informal time of program review and feedback, recalling the highlights of our time together.
Dinner:
Farewell Dinner at the lodge
Evening:
At leisure. Final pack and prepare for check-out in the morning and our flights home or continuation of personal travel plans.
Day
22
To Dunedin, City Walk, Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Road trip Balclutha to Dunedin: 50 mi (80 km), 1 hr. Walking and standing during field trips. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the lodge
Morning:
After check-out, we board the coach for our drive north to Dunedin, where we explore the central city on foot with a local expert, who will share his extensive knowledge of one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian heritage cities in the Southern Hemisphere and its strong Scottish Presbyterian history. Our program concludes at 12.00 pm at the end of this walk.
Lunch:
Own choice
Afternoon:
Free afternoon to explore Dunedin city at your leisure. At 1.00 p.m. we will transfer by coach from the central city to Dunedin Airport for international check-in. 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!
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MEALS
53 Meals
19 Breakfasts
17 Lunches
17 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025
- Jan 14, 2025 - Feb 04, 2025 (Rotorua to Balclutha)
- Feb 04, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025 (Rotorua to Balclutha)
- Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025 (Rotorua to Balclutha)
- Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025 (Rotorua to Balclutha)
Participant Reviews
Based on 18 Reviews
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A fun, well planned and nicely executed program to a beautiful and friendly country. Well worth the long trip to get there!
— Review left February 24, 2024
This was a comprehensive and active trip, exposing us to the Maori culture, politics, fauna and flora, and beautiful landscape of New Zealand. The guides (Annie and Pam) were outstanding, and even the bus drivers shared their knowledge and good photo spots. Memorable outings included a hike on the Queen Charlotte Track (Marlborough Sounds); family sheep farm demo; dinners and lunches at family homes; the otherworldly Fiordland and Milford Sound. Lectures by various experts at each stop, something you are unlikely to arrange on your own. Great hikes through the bush with enthusiastic guides. Other program participants were interesting, fun. and very supportive of one another. Highly recommend if you enjoy a thorough and energetic vacation.
— Review left February 10, 2024
I have the most enjoyble time in New Zeland,and I took home wonderfoul memories.We have fantastic group of people and thanks most to Peter Brady, Gerard Dunne ,Chris and wonderfool driver for thear care and kindness. On tap of every day biutifol nature we have comftybol accomodation for rest and delishos breakfast, dinner,sandwichys and froots. I like contakt with nature, we walk in biutifol forest's. Every day we expirance someting new and biutifol. (Sheap farmer dog stol my hard.) Thank you Road Schollar for planing and making this grate program for as,to learn and expierience life and culture of New Zeland.
Danuta
— Review left December 14, 2023
Our trip through New Zealand was one of the most interesting and exciting experiences in my life. The scenery, fellow travelers, and guides were exceptional! I thought that 3 weeks would be too long, but it passed so quickly because every day held new adventures and beauty.
— Review left November 17, 2023
We learned so much! The hikes in the native bush were spectacular, and the variety of activities made this a very rich experience. Did you know that New Zealand has about 200 species of ferns, and 40% exist nowhere else in the world?
— Review left March 12, 2023
This program was one of the top programs my wife and I have been on, out of thirteen. The leaders were energetic, kind, and knowledgeable; the hiking was amazing and the tours of a great variety of New Zealand features were inspiring; and the local provider was a pleasure to work with when our arrival was delayed due to the cyclone. It’s a long way to go, but worth it!
— Review left March 12, 2023
Terrific program with cultural and historical activities along with the nature walks in different landscapes.
— Review left December 5, 2022
What an adventure to fulfill a lifelong dream! Our three weeks were filled with exceptional hikes and educational opportunities while being balanced with some enjoyable downtime. The leaders provided a great experience while navigating the newly-opened post-pandemic of a wonderful country. The sights and people of New Zealand are spectacular. I recommend this three week immersion vacation highly!
— Review left November 19, 2022
This trip is absolutely your best option for a first visit to New Zealand. It hits the high spots(Mt. Iron), the hot spots(a geyser and mud pits), and the sweet spots(Kapiti ice cream). We were extremely satisfied with everything about this trip. Our guides were awesome. The hikes, meals, and accommodations were exceptional. The islands are spectacularly beautiful. We just can’t say enough good things about this adventure and what a great time we had hanging out with the Kiwis!
— Review left November 19, 2022
This was a wonderful experience, with great guides, and a variety of activities that accommodated everyone. We saw so much of this beautiful, friendly country.
— Review left November 16, 2022
This was a great overview of both New Zealand islands. We saw mountains, Milford Sound, hiked on unique forested tracks, and saw so much beauty. Learned about the Maori culture and language. This trip met all of my expectations!
— Review left February 5, 2020
This is a group oriented, educationally & physically active program so if you want to go off on your own or stay in your room, just stay hone.
— Review left November 19, 2019
The sights and sounds of New Zealand will amaze anyone who ventures there.
— Review left April 17, 2019
This program helped fulfill a life-long dream. I am so glad we chose Road Scholar to see New Zealand. There is no way to experience every aspect of this land in only three weeks but this program gave us a mix of cultural, geological, and biological history that was quite satisfying. Days with longer walks were followed by days of less vigorous activity. The longer drives necessary to cover the distances between the major sites were broken up by stops to walk or tour interesting places along the way. We enjoyed our time interacting with and learning from our terrific leaders and bus drivers as well as our fellow participants.
— Review left March 31, 2019
This was a wonderful trip in every way. The country is beautiful in so many ways. We were very happy to be with our very congenial fellow participants, our excellent Road Scholar guides and our two very special bus drivers! The planning that went into the trip worked out beautifully in every detail, nice hotels, terrific food - including even three visits for meals in New Zealanders' homes. RS even arranged for perfect weather and some very special views.
I mention our bus drivers: Don (North Island) and Carl (South Island) both fit in to our activities, were gracious, interesting, and added much to our enjoyment of the country.
Our Road Scholar guides were very knowledgeable, interesting, and fun to be with. They shepherded us with ease and gave us a real feeling for the country. Our thanks to both of them! It was a job well done!
I would heartily recommend this tour to anyone!
Bob Weaver
— Review left March 9, 2019
This was our third Road Scholar tour. Each experience has exceeded our expectations. The New Zealand trip is exceptional and a must do.
— Review left March 3, 2019
What an amazing 20 some days of tramping in New Zealand's glorious countryside. Excellent leaders, congenial and competent fellow participants, and overwhelmingly friendly and welcoming Kiwis! Most impressed with what appears to be very genuine efforts to recognize and value the rich Maori culture - special moments included Kepler Track hike and Milford Sound. Having the opportunity to connect visit a sheep farm and lunch with a NZ family only accentuated our experience of the Kiwi's as warm, welcoming, and of course, athletic people.
Only improvement would be better WiFi in some of the hotels -- we recognize that some hotels were in fairly remote areas but one would think that Wellington and Blenheim would have better access! (This is a small issue in context of entire program though!)
One final shout out to our bus drivers (Don in the North Island and Karl in the South Island) who not only provided us with safe travel, were truly engaged as part of our group - with sharing of stories, experiences, hikes and much more. And finally, a thank you to one of our more silent co-travelers, Freed Gag who quietly greeted us each time we boarded or exited our coach! What an amazing trip -- Thank you to all who made it such an exceptional experience! Ma Tae Wa
— Review left February 26, 2019
TRAMPING THROUGH PARADISE. Hiking Clean and Green through New Zealand was a wonderful and continuous adventure. Stunning landscapes and seascapes abounded. Tramping through a myriad of different environments while learning about the geology, botany and wildlife and building up an appetite for hearty New Zealand meals couldn't have been more enjoyable. Tramping was seasoned with informative lectures and home visits for up close and personal Kiwi experiences. At the end, we were ready to do it all over again. Kia Ora!
— Review left February 26, 2019
