11-Nights New Zealand Nature Explorer — CALL
Natural Habitat Adventures
OFFER ID 1544667
A Small-Group Immersion in the Scenic Splendors of New Zealand's South Island
Among travelers who covet spectacular natural scenery, New Zealand is legendary. Our focus is the South Island, a land of topographic extremes, from seaside rain forests and sapphire lakes to ice-crowned peaks, active glaciers and frigid fjords. On a dramatic itinerary that winds from alpine heights to Pacific shores, we are immersed in nature at its showiest. Explore lush mountains and deep gorges in Fiordland National Park, hike on remote Mou Waho Island in Lake Wanaka, and walk among towering ferns to wild Monro Beach. Within these diverse landscapes, we find rare and intriguing creatures such as the flightless buff weka, yellow-eyed penguins and the famous brown kiwi. We also experience the hospitality New Zealanders are renowned for as we meet sheep farmers, learn about Maori culture, and find a bit of Scottish heritage in the South Pacific.
11 nights | Call for pricing
Featured Destinations
Christchurch
Christchurch was founded in 1850 by members of the Church of England, who wanted a little bit of heaven on earth. They succeeded, and today the city takes great pride in its spacious layout and distinctive English-style buildings in elegant grey stone. The River Avon winds through Christchurch, along parks and gardens that cover one-third of the city.
Arthur's Pass National Park
Arthur's Pass National Park is located on New Zealand's south island in the heart of the Southern Alps on the untamed west coast. It is the highest pass over the Southern Alps, used by Maori hunting parties as a hunting route long before it was officially discovered by Arthur Dobson in 1864. Enjoy viewing rare birds and wildlife, take guided nature adventures along the seacoasts and through ancient rainforests, or enjoy the views via TranzAlpine Train. Walks, skiing and mountaineering are popular activities in Arthur's Pass, and there are routes for all abilities.
Lake Moeraki
View the beautiful Lake Moeraki via a fleet of canoes which offer you a unique perspective of the lake and the Moeraki River – or brave the Moeraki rapids for the more adventurous traveler!
Wanaka
Wanaka, in a dramatic glacier-carved basin on the shores of the lake, and is the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park World Heritage Area and welcomes all: adrenaline addicts, foot-sore travellers, lovers of luxury. Glide through the soft sky beneath a parachute; spin through the air in an aerobatic stunt plane. Enjoy a game of golf, test your mind at the puzzle center or ride horse-back up the golden hills where prospectors searched for gold and Maori searched for greenstone. Walking and cycling tracks around lakes ascend nearby hills to give spectacular views of Mt Aspiring/Tititea in the distance. Tiny planes offer a bird's-eye view of this magnificent wilderness area. Discover Central Otago's fascinating history from wild river rafting, visiting Wanaka's world renowned Fighter Pilot's Museum and fascinating Transport Museum, or by sharing an ale with locals. The arts are present in Wanaka through galleries, exhibitions, live theatre, concerts and the colorful local movie theatre 'Cinema Paradiso'. Lake Wanaka has a continental climate with four distinct seasons.
Fjordland National Park
Created in 1952, Fjordland is the largest national park in New Zealand, and one of the largest in the world - stretching 143 miles from northeast to southwest, and at its broadest 50 miles across, covering an area of 3,000,000 acres. Fjordland National Park is also the largest area of wilderness in New Zealand. There are only three roads in the park (one with public access), and only a few tracks, although three of the country's Great Walks (the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler tracks) are located within its boundaries. Fjordland remained wild because it is mountainous and extremely rugged. Fiordland is submitted to very high rainfall weather pattern characteristic of the west coast of South Island. Temperatures are mild, at least at low altitude. Forests cover all of Fjordland National Park from valley bottom up to the treeline. Most of these forests are beech. Wildlife includes forest birds, sea birds, marine mammals, among others.
Stewart Island
Located 20 miles from mainland New Zealand, Stewart Island’s attractions lie in its virtually untouched beauty and unhurried pace. To the Maori people who have lived on the island for hundreds of years, the island is known as Rakiura, meaning “heavenly glow”. The majority of the approximately 360 permanent residents live at Halfmoon Bay (or Oban), the island’s only sizeable settlement. This fishing settlement borders a scenic bay, with low buildings blending into forested hills behind. The village has a few shops, one hotel and a couple of cafes. Stewart Island is mountainous and heavily forested, with steep wooded promontories rising sharply from clear waters. Ninety percent of the island is national park and most of that is native forest.
Dunedin
One of New Zealand’s loveliest harbors is gracious, dignified Dunedin. The city boasts fine Victorian and Edwardian buildings complete with spires, gables and gargoyles. Its Scottish heritage is present in street names and the appeal of its handsome stone buildings. One of Dunedin’s most famous visitors, Mark Twain, wrote "The…Scots…stopped here on their way to heaven, thinking they had arrived." Dunedin boasts the country’s only kilt maker and whisky distillery as well as a statue of Scottish poet Robert Burns in the heart of the city. Dunedin’s surroundings are renowned for their magnificent scenery and wildlife. The nearby beautiful Otago Peninsula provides a breeding habitat for such rare birds as the royal albatross and yellow-eyed penguin. The biggest attraction is probably the albatross colony at Taiaroa Head – which can only be visited as part of pre-arranged guided tour. Nowhere else on the globe do these birds breed so close to humans. Other sights to visit include Octagon Park, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Edwardian Railway Station, and Otago Museum.
Vacation Details
Valid Date Ranges
01/15/2025 -
12/20/2025
Call for pricing
02/11/2026 -
02/22/2026
Call for pricing
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices Start At
Call for pricing
Air City
Call for airfares from your city.
Vacation Rating
Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
Remarks
Prices are land only, per person based on double occupancy and given in U.S. dollars. Airfare is additional. Deposit fee and Single Supplement fees apply. All itineraries are subject to change without notice; please inquire at the time of booking. Advertised rates vary by date of travel; please inquire for the best prices for your preferred travel dates. Inquire for a list of exclusions and physical fitness requirements based upon trip activity level. Private Customized Groups and Special Photo Departures and Themed Departures may be available; inquire for itinerary and details. Full terms and conditions apply.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
OFFER ID
1544667
Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.
Travel content powered by Advaia.com
