Proposed Itinerary

Our proposed Itinerary follows; a map is available:

This tour will provide travellers with a comprehensive overview of the natural history of New Zealand from north to south. We will visit a variety of ecosystems on both of New Zealand’s main islands, and focus on plants, lichens, birds, and other animals, along with the regional geology, and the dynamic culture of this magnificent land.

Day 1 – February 06. We fly into Auckland where we board our comfortable bus and travel into the city. In the afternoon, we take an excursion to view the spectacular Muriwai coast with its Australasian Gannet colony, followed by Mt. Eden with its wide vistas of the city and its two wonderful harbours.

Day 2 – February 07. After breakfast, we travel west from Auckland to the Waipoua Kauri Forest Sanctuary. Once widespread in the north, only 150 hectares of pristine forest remain, home of some of the world’s largest trees, the great Kauris. A gentle walk here provides an excellent introduction to the North Island's lowland forests, their ecology, and information on their early exploitation. In the afternoon, we return through Auckland and head east onto the spectacular Coromandel Peninsula. We take an afternoon walk to beautiful Cathedral Cove before arriving in Whitianga.

Day 3 – February 08. From Whitianga we travel south along the coast then across the base of the peninsula to the lush dairying country of the Hauraki Plains. Here we enjoy a special ’Lord of the Rings’ tour of the ’Hobbiton’ location. In the early afternoon we continue through to Rotorua. This evening we enjoy a Maori concert and Hangi style meal at the Tamaki Maori Village Centre.

Day 4 – February 09. This region is the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal activity. However, few of the geothermal wonders remain relatively natural. This morning we visit one of the most fascinating, the Waimangu Valley, with its recent volcanic heritage and large boiling cauldron lakes. Later we visit the Orakei Korako geothermal region before retunring to Rotoua.

Day 5 – February 10. We go on an excursion to Pureora, home of one of the ancient podocarp forests. Walking amidst this forest is one of the most memorable nature experiences of any trip to New Zealand. The Rimu-dominated forest here is perhaps the finest in the country while the elusive Kokako is one of New Zealand’s most special birds with a haunting call never to be forgotten. We will study these forests in detail, particularly the grand array of ferns, either on the ground or rocks, perching on trees, or growing as trees themselves. To complete a day of memories, we drive alongside the central North Island’s high volcanoes to Whakapapa. Our accommodation is on the slopes of Mt. Ruapehu.

Day 6 – February 11. Today, we visit an alpine wonderland, to study the effects of recent volcanic activity on the flora and landscape. Our walks take us through montane beech forest and along cinder-laced creeks, and out into open sub-alpine shrublands and moors.

Day 7 – February 12. We travel south to the capital city of Wellington, where there will be time to visit the renowned Te Papa Museum, New Zealand’s national museum. In the late afternoon, we embark on a three hour ferry crossing to Picton on the South Island. This crossing is delightful as the sailing takes us first through Wellington Harbour, then across a short stretch of Cook Strait before the final hour is spent travelling up the Marlborough Sound. The scenery and bird life is spectacular and you may be able to see little blue penguins.

Day 8 – February 13. Day 8, February 13: In the morning, we will be captivated by stunning views from the Black Birch Range, while at our feet lie an array of scree and rock outcrop plants including herbfield daisies and cushion plants. The tightly cushioned Raoulia, often growing up to two metres in width, are affectionately known as vegetable sheep—so apt for this farming country! Back at sea level we continue to Kaikoura were we stay for the next two nights.

Day 9 – February 14. We go on a three hour marine trip to view sperm whales which inhabit deep waters just off the coast. In addition, the seas around Kaikoura contain three dolphin species, and a wide array of seabirds, including four species of albatross. In the afternoon, we drive down the rugged and spectacular Kaikoura coast to Christchurch.

Day 10 – February 15. Today is a free day for yourselves to enjoy the many charms of Christchurch. Close to our hotel there is the Christchurch Botanical Gardens, the Canterbury Museum, the Arts Centre, and the main shopping centre for the city. You might want to allow some time in the afternoon for an optional Hector’s dolphin trip on Lyttleton Harbour, or you may wish to explore the Crater Rim Walkway with wonderful vistas of Christchurch, the harbour, and the Canterbury Plains.

Day 11 – February 16. We depart Christchurch and travel west across the Canterbury Plains. One of New Zealand’s most productive agricultural regions, these wide plains run into the foothills of the central Southern Alps. As we leave the plains, the highway winds its way over Porter’s Pass, through the limestone basins of Castle Hill, then on over Arthur’s Pass. Here you will enjoy walks in the dramatic alpine settings for which this National Park is so renowned, before continuing down to the west coast and Hokitika.

Day 12 – February 17. Ancient forests, bush-clad lakes, glistening glaciers, and rapid rivers make Westland an area of imposing beauty. In the morning, we travel south along the coast to Lakes Mapourika and Ianthe. Later, we visit Okarito Lagoon and its surrounding primeval lowland forest before arriving at Fox Glacier.

Day 13 – February 18. Our route takes us further down Westland’s impressive coastline before turning inland to cross Haast’s Pass. This will be our first opportunity to listen and view the rare Yellowhead along with Brown Creeper. Beyond the pass, the landscape changes dramatically to arid and rocky tussocklands and scenic lakes such as Wanaka and Hawea. We arrive in Queenstown in the late afternoon.

Day 14 – February 19. After breakfast, we take a jet boat excursion on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. The afternoon will be spent exploring the area on your own.

Day 15 – February 20. To the west of Queenstown lies the Fjordland World Heritage Area. At times stunning, at others awesome, and in places even tranquil, this area encompasses New Zealand’s largest National Park. Glacially gouged valleys and lakes nestled between range upon range of mountains characterize the landscape. But before arriving in Fjordland, there is a special treat in a visit to an authentic working sheep farm—no frills and touristy gimmicks on this farm. It provides wonderful insights into this the backbone industry of rural New Zealand. In the afternoon, we drive to Lake Te Anau on the eastern edge of Fjordland to our hotel by the lake.

Day 16 – February 21. We continue into the Eglinton Valley, a valley famed for its superb red beech forests and array of forest birds. Even more spectacular than the Eglinton Valley is the Hollyford Valley just to the north. Little visited cirque basins off the main valley are botanical treasure troves set in awesome surroundings. We walk in the Gertrude Cirque to study the diversity and character of New Zealand alpine flora, then descend back to sea level at Milford Sound. There will be time for an optional cruise to the fjord entrance before we return early evening to Lake Te Anau.

Day 17 – February 22. We will cross the southern portion of the South Island and arrive in Dunedin. We take a late afternoon cruise down Otago Harbour to Taiaroa Head. The only mainland colony of the Northern Royal Albatross,one of the world’s largest flying birds, is found here. Just below them is a colony of several thousand Stewart Island Shags and nearby, on the rocky shore, are numerous New Zealand fur seals. We dine on board the vessel as it returns to central Dunedin at the head of the harbour.

Day 18 – February 23. We fly out from Dunedin to connect with our international flights out of Auckland.