NEW ZEALAND
Tour Description


21 Day Tour               October 21 to November 10, 2019

See also our tours to The Outback, Queensland & Sydney


New Zealand mapHard to beat for spectacular scenery, New Zealand offers nutrient-rich blue seas teeming with sea lions, dolphins, and fur seals over which glide albatrosses; shorelines of penguins; rugged coastlines and dramatic capes hosting gannet and tern colonies; estuaries for spoonbills; mirrored lakes reflecting snow-capped mountains, sheep-grazed hills; mossy forests and ancient podocarpus forests where Kokako glide across the high canopy; alpine meadows and scree slopes; braided rivers spilling down from the Southern Alps; hanging glaciers; geysers, hot springs, boiling mud pools and volcanoes; and endemic birds with strange names like Kaka, Kea, and Kiwi.  Curiously, New Zealand has no native land mammals. Enjoy adventures too, like boat cruises through mile-high fiords, across cold mountain lakes or into underground caverns.  Thrill to a jetboat ride over river rapids or taking a luge down a mountain track.  Visit Hobbiton, the miniature village where Lord of the Rings was filmed. Take a breath and enjoy it all!

 

Day 1:  Our New Zealand tour originates in Auckland.  Those travelers from our Queensland and Sydney tour will be flying to Auckland this day and be transported to the hotel near Auckland harbor.  Hotel in Auckland for two nights.

Auckland Auckland

Day 2:  Hotel breakfast will be provided, at which time we will conduct our tour orientation meeting.  Two choices of  itineraries are available for today.  Tiritiri Mantangi Island is a must-visit site for nature lovers hoping to see New Zealand endemic birds. We will take a 30-minute ferry ride from Auckland and a guided tour of the island that was once farmlands but now is native forests resulting from an enormous revegetation project from 1984 to 1994. Some 78 species of birds have been observed on or near the island, including endangered species such as Little Spotted Kiwi, Brown Teal, Takahe, Stitchbird, and Kokako. Other endemic species are New Zealand Pigeon, New Zealand Bellbird, Tui, New Zealand Robin, and Whitehead.   A packed lunch is included.

Alternatively, an on-off narrated bus tour of Auckland is offered for those who would rather see city sights.  The tour includes Sky City, Auckland waterfront, Parnell Village, Kelly Tarlton's, Mount Eden, Auckland Zoo, and many more stops.  Last tour, the Auckland Museum was highly recommended.  Lunch will be included.

Tiritiri Mantangi Tiritini Matangi

Tiritiri Mantangi Tiritiri Mantangi

  Takake Tiritiri Mantangi

Auckland Auckland

Day 3:  We will be renting RV’s for travel, sleeping, and many meals. Typically, these are late model Class C turbo diesel vehicles accommodating two to four adults and including double bed, gas stove, refrigerator, microwave, shower, toilet, air-conditioning/heating, pressurized hot & cold water, and TV/radio/CD player. Also included are linen, bedding, and kitchen equipment.  We will pick up our RVs in the morning, get groceries, and head to the Firth of Thames where thousands of Bar-tailed Godwits gather in the Austral winter. At the Shorebird Centre a local naturalist will explain the godwits phenomenal migration flight across the Pacific from Alaska.  The Centre offers an attractive gift shop and a wide selection of New Zealand nature books.  At the estuary, we will especially seek out Wrybills, the unusual shorebird with a bill that hooks to the right. At our Miranda campsite we can luxuriate in a swimming pool filled from thermal mineral springs pouring in from below at a temperature of 97-100°. (Travel ~82 mi.).

Bar-tailed Godwit Miranda

Day 4:  After revisiting the beach in early morning, we drive toward Waitomo.  In the afternoon we take a guided walking tour through Waitomo Glowworm Cave, first discovered 400-500 years ago by a young Maori hunting for birds.  This tour is followed by a boat ride through the underground Ruakuri Cave where we will marvel at these bioluminescent insects (Arachnocampa luminosa) illuminating Glowworm Grotto.  We camp at Waitomo for one night. (Travel ~100 mi.).

 Waitomo caves Waitomo caves

Waitomo caves Waitomo caves

Day 5:  Our first stop today is Hobbiton, the famous tiny village were the Hobbits lived when filming Lord of the Rings.  For lunch we will feast at Shire's Rest Cafe right in Hobbiton.  Next we drive in the direction of Rotorua and stop at a raptor facility that raises endangered New Zealand Falcons for release into the wild.  Here we will view a falconry training session, affording amazing close ups of these birds in action and flying freely. We camp at Rotorua. (Travel ~90 mi.). 

Hobbiton Hobbiton

Hobbiton Hobbiton

New Zealand Falcon New Zealand Falcon

Day 6:  Our travels today take us past Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, and on to Napier. En route we can stop at Huka Falls where a turbulent turquoise river plunges through a narrow gap in the rock substructure.  Near Taupo we'll take a wild ride on the Rapids Jet Boat as it jumps and turns over whitewater rapids.  Some may choose to visit Ahuriri Estuary which offers a variety of birds such as Australian Shoveler, Rufous-necked Stint, and a high concentration of Silver-eyes. Others will want to check out the Classic Sheepskins Tannery where you could have a tour of the sheep tanning process and purchase sheepskin products, such as warm clothing made from the fur of Alpaca and possum. In the afternoon we have the unique experience of riding in a wagon pulled by a tractor, racing to beat the incoming tide along the narrow rock-strewn beach and vertical cliffs that graphically depict rock shifts caused by earthquakes.  Then we visit Cape Kidnappers for a view of largest mainland colony (7500 pairs) of Australian Gannets and a colony of White-fronted Terns. Camp at Napier. (Travel ~164 mi.).

Huka Falls Silver-eye

Cape Kidnappers Cape Kidnappers

Cape Kidnappers Australian Gannet colony

Day 7:  On the way to Wellington we will stop for lunch (optional) at a brewery named after a well-known bird, the Tui, which also can be found in the area.  At a stop at Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre (optional) we will be introduced to the comical antics of the Kaka, cross a foot bridge over a pool filled with monster eels, and learn what are Takake and Kokako. Camp at Wellington for two nights. (Travel ~200 mi.).

Tui Brewery Kaka

 Kaka Eel

Day 8:  A site enjoyed on our last trip is Kaori Wildlife Sanctuary. This unique protected area excludes the introduced predators that have plagued New Zealand endemics elsewhere on the main islands. A fascinating Kaori exhibition hall traces millions of years of natural history, giving real insight into New Zealand's loss of natural habitat and native animals.  At the same time, the sanctuary illustrates the successful wildlife comeback in their exclosure.  This sanctuary and its inhabitants are a delight to photographers.  Here, in the wild, we can see Bellbird, Saddleback, Whitehead, Red-crowned Parakeet, and best of all, during a special night tour, Little Spotted Kiwi. We undoubtedly will hear many Morepork calling and might be lucky enough to see the owl as we did last trip.  Here also are the prehistoric Tuatara that look like large lizards or small dinosaurs, but are neither.

Zealandia gecko or anole

Zealandia Tuatara

Bellbird Red-crowned Parakeet

Kiwi  Kiwi

Day 9:  Cook Strait separates North Island and South Island. The 3-hr. car-ferry ride is touted to be one of the most spectacular ferry rides in the world.  We have an excellent chance of seeing up to six species of albatross, Northern Giant Petrel, and Buller’s Shearwater as well as Common, Dusky and Hector’s Dolphins, and Killer Whales. If nature and sea breezes is not your thing, you can relax in the many comfortable lounges or catch breakfast in the cafeteria. Camp is on the South Island at Kaikoura for two nights (Travel by RV ~105 mi.).

Cook Strait ferry

White-capped Mollymawk Cook Strait

Day 10:  Again a choice: birds or dolphins.  Some will take a pelagic boat tour 7 mi. offshore from Kaikoura.  Because they almost never come near land, albatrosses are notoriously difficult to see close up, but here many come near the boat and we are likely to see Buller’s, Black-browed, and Salvin's, as well as Giant Petrels and lots of an oddly named petrel called a Cape Pigeon. The rest of our group will choose the dolphin boat cruise and see dozens of high leaping dolphins put on a comical show at sea.  Optionally, you can rent snorkeling equipment and wetsuits and swim with the friendly dolphins.  Kaikoura, a small fishing town, is known for its crayfish (rock lobster) and also hosts a New Zealand fur seal colony.

Kaikoura

Albatross Black-browed Albatross

Day 11:  We travel to Christchurch, with a free afternoon to visit some sites on your own.  You can view the incredible effects of several recent earthquakes and the slow rebuilding of this famous city, which also offers several great museums and a beautiful botanic garden. Camp at Christchurch. (Travel ~111 mi.).

Christchurch Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Day 12:  From Christchurch we travel into the Southern Alps to Twizel, Lake Ruataniwa, and in clear view of Mt. Cook at 12,136 ft. the highest mountain in Australasia. Take a break to see the old stone Church of the Good Shepherd with its marvelous view of Lake Tekapo, backdroped by snow-covered mountains.  Then drive beside Lake Pukaki, past the alluvian fan caused by glacier melt water runoff, and climb to the end of the road for your closest view of Mt. Cook.  For the bird enthusiasts, backtrack to that alluvial fan (Tasman Delta) and search for Black Stilt, the world’s rarest wading bird. Last trip we found Pied Stilts, Black Stilts, and an odd hybrid of the two species. Camp at Twizel. (Travel ~177 mi.).

Church of the Good Shepherd Lake Tekapo

Black Stilt Mt. Cook

Day 13:  Continuing through the Southern Alps, we pass a series of turquoise lakes and a salmon-raising pond popular for New Zealand Scaup. The braided streams have become flowerbeds for colorful introduced lupines, pretty to view but environmentally disruptive.  In the evening we will take a Lake Wakatipu cruise on a 1912 vintage steamer from Queenstown and enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared from locally grown fresh products.  We will also get a demonstration of sheep shearing and an exhibition of sheep-herding dogs.  Camp in Queenstown (2 nights).  The city was originally a sheep run, then a gold rush town, and now South Island's most popular ski resort, set on Lake Wakatipu among rugged peaks and hills smoothed by glaciers.  (Travel ~124 mi.).

dam lupine

Lake Wakatipu cruise Lake Wakatipu cruise

Lake Wakatipu cruise Lake Wakatipu cruise

Day 14:  Just because we aren't here in ski season doesn't mean we can't enjoy the mountains.  We'll take a gondola ride to Bob's Peak and high in the mountains we can take multiple rides on a luge, an experience I doubt few have had.  You are on your own for dinner, but we are sure many of you will want to try one of the many great restaurants this ski town has to offer.  Overnight Queenstown.

Day 15:  Passing through mountains, beside large lakes, and then descending to broad farmlands populated by thousands of sheep and large herds of Red Deer, we thread our way toward the west coast, stopping at Te Anau. In the afternoon we can explore part of the expansive 12,000-sq.km. Fiordland National Park, including its rugged snow-capped mountains, vast river valleys, dense forests, mirrored lakes, and cold rushing rivers.  We should have enough time to reach Monkey Creek, home of the Blue Duck, or the Homer Tunnel, before we head back to Te Anau.  At the last stop or two we will undoubtedly meet the comical Kea at the parking lot. A friendly alpine parrot, it has a fascination for tires, windshield wipers and checking out the roofs of RVs. Camp at Te Anau for two nights. (Travel ~106+ mi.).

sheep Mirror Lakes

Kea Mirror Lakes area

Day 16: The day is dedicated to exploring Fiordland National Park, encompassing wet forests, lakes, braided rivers, alpine meadows, glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and fiords. Rudyard Kipling described magical, unforgettable Milford Sound as the eighth wonder of the world and to this day it is one of the most famous attractions in New Zealand. We will cruise by tour boat through Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea, viewing glacier-capped mountains that rise a mile high directly from the sea. Most spectacular are the many amazingly tall waterfalls including one that is the Fountain of Youth for those that catch its spray.  We have a chance at seeing Fiordland Crested Penguins and undoubtedly will find New Zealand Fur Seals lounging on the rocks. In the evening we can visit (option) a favorite restaurant at Te Anau where locally raised venison is a specialty on the menu.

Fiordland National Park New Zealand Fur Seal

Fiordland Crested Penguin Fiordland National Park

Day 17:  Today we cross to the southeast coast of South Island at Dunedin, choosing among several routes, depending how much of the coastline you want to explore or taking a side trip to the preserve at Sinclair Wetlands. Camp at Dunedin. (Travel ~177 mi.).

Tree ferns The Catlins

Day 18:  Rising at the peak of the Otago Peninsula is Lamach Castle and Gardens, billed as one of New Zealand's premier visitor attractions.  On the tip of Otago Peninsula we will visit the only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatrosses in the world. Heading north now along the coast, we'll stop to see Moeraki Boulders and then continue to Oamaru where we will camp near the Blue Penguin colony.  We'll visit the colony to see the march of the penguins, a must-see for everyone. At dusk Blue Penguins emerge from the sea, pause to survey the beach for danger, and then march across the sand to the grassy spots where they spend the night in burrows.  Overnight Oamaru (Travel ~72 mi. between campsites).

Otago Peninsula Royal Albatross

  Oamaru Yellow-eyed Penguin

 Day 19:  We follow the coast to Christchurch.   We will turn in our RVs and transfer to a Christchurch hotel near the airport.(Travel ~153 mi.).

Commodore Christchurch

 Day 20.  We visit the Antarctic Centre which includes a ride in the all terrain amphibious Hagglund.  The center also includes a Blue Penguin rehabilitation facility. In the late afternoon and evening we will tour a small wildlife reserve with a captive breeding program for Great Spotted Kiwi, enjoy a cultural performance by native Maori people and celebrate our farewell dinner. In darkness only illuminated by dim flashlights, we will visit the Kiwi enclosures for our farewell to the national bird of New Zealand..

Antarctic Centre Blue Penguin

Maori Maori

Kiwi

Day 21:  Return flights from Christchurch.  Free shuttle transport to the airport.

Christchurch from the air Tiritiri Mantangi

New Zealand North & South Island Tour Price Includes:

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Revised: February 10, 2018.