Expedition Details
Graced with glacial mountains, dramatic fjords, cascading waterfalls, and sky-blue lakes, New Zealand is a paradise for those who love the outdoors. Explore lush rain forests, cruise the stunning Milford Sound, float on a subterranean river, search for whales and other sea mammals, and kayak in secluded bays on New Zealand's exotic South Island.
Trip Highlights
- Trek across the icy landscape of Fox Glacier.
- Paddle through the expansive caverns of Metro Cave on an unforgettable tubing adventure.
- Kayak along the wild forests and pristine beaches of Abel Tasman National Park.
- Immerse yourself in the magnificent Fiordland region on an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound.
- Ride a jet boat, go white-water rafting, and soar above Queenstown in a helicopter.
Itinerary - 14 Days
Days 1, 2, & 3 — U.S./Christchurch, New Zealand
Depart for Christchurch, crossing the international date line, and arrive on Day 3. Take a guided walking tour of the city, and enjoy time at leisure before gathering for a welcome dinner.
Rydges Christchurch (D)
Day 4 — Kaikoura
Travel to Kaikoura and take an ocean cruise, looking for dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, royal albatrosses, and sperm whales. Or you may choose to swim with a pod of friendly dolphins. This afternoon, attend a talk about the local dolphin population.
Waves on the Esplanade (B)
Day 5 — Marlborough/Nelson
You may wish to rise early and take an optional swim with the dolphins. After a leisurely morning, depart for Marlborough to taste New Zealand's acclaimed vintages at Wairau River Wines, followed by lunch at the vineyard restaurant. Continue to Nelson and check into the hotel late this afternoon.
Rutherford Hotel Nelson (B,L)
Day 6 — Nelson/Abel Tasman National Park
Explore Abel Tasman National Park today. From Torrent Bay, kayak through a marine reserve to Pinnacle Island, home to penguins and playful fur seals, or go on a guided walk to Bark Bay. After lunch, relax on the beach before cruising to Kaiteriteri Bay. Return to Nelson and take an optional horseback ride, or enjoy time at leisure.
Rutherford Hotel Nelson (B,L)
Day 7 — Charleston/Punakaiki
Take a short hike, or set out on an underground tubing adventure in Metro Cave in Charleston. Don a wetsuit for your descent to a subterranean stream. Millions of glowworms greet you with an otherworldly luminescence as you paddle through the caverns and out into the rapids of the Nile River. Then visit unusual pancake rocks of Punakaiki.
Punakaiki Resort (B,L)
Day 8 — Punakaiki/Fox Glacier
Travel south, stopping in Hokitika and Whataroa to view ancient and modern Māori carvings. Then explore Westland/Tai Poutini National Park, home of Fox Glacier, and part of southwest New Zealand's UNESCO World Heritage region. Join a guide on an invigorating hike up to the glacier, or take an optional helicopter ride and land high among the ice formations. Or you may go on an easy walk through the temperate rain forest to the glacial moraine.
Te Weheka Inn (B,L)
Day 9 — Wanaka
Trace the rugged coast, pausing en route for short walks. Sample New Zealand hospitality during tea at a high-country sheep station. Arrive in Wanaka and enjoy free time to explore.
Edgewater Resort (B)
Day 10 — Mount Aspiring National Park/ Wanaka
Take an easy hike in Mount Aspiring National Park, an incredible world of glaciers, soaring peaks, waterfalls, and alpine lakes. In the afternoon, explore Wanaka on your own or take an optional flight-seeing excursion over Milford Sound.
Edgewater Resort (B)
Day 11 — Fiordland National Park/Doubtful Sound
Drive to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. Board the Fiordland Navigator for an overnight cruise on the stunning Doubtful Sound. Experience the majesty and wilderness of the sound as you glide past tumbling waterfalls and basking seals and explore the shores by kayak or Zodiac. Tonight, step out on deck and take in an incredible celestial display, including the Southern Cross.
Fiordland Navigator (B,D)
Day 12 — Doubtful Sound/Queenstown
Disembark this morning, and take a private tour of the Manapouri underground power station, a hydroelectric plant that provides green energy while preserving the region's beauty. On the way to Queenstown, take a short ride aboard the restored Kingston Flyer, a narrow-gauge steam train. Arrive in Queenstown late this afternoon and check into the hotel, ideally located on the lakefront.
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside (B)
Day 13 — Queenstown
Today, take the Triple Challenge: a jet boat ride on the Shotover River, a white-water rafting trip, and a helicopter flight. Or ride a jet boat on the Dart River, and learn about Māori traditions on an interpretive walk. After time to explore on your own, gather for a festive farewell dinner.
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside (B,D)
Day 14 — Queenstown/U.S.
After a morning at leisure, transfer to the airport for your return flight, arriving home the same day.
(B)
View LargerNational Geographic Expert
Malcolm Campbell
Native New Zealander Malcolm Campbell is a professional naturalist and birder who has worked for 20 years on conservation and environmental issues in his country's national parks, forests, and coastal marine environments. He has led many National Geographic Expeditions in New Zealand and will share his in-depth knowledge of his country's people, political history, flora and fauna, and indigenous Māori culture. Malcolm possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of New Zealand, which he imparts with warmth and zest.
Malcolm will join the following departures:
Oct 30 - Nov 12, 2009 • Nov 13 - 26, 2009Dec 27, 2009 - Jan 09, 2010 • Feb 06 - 19, 2010
Mar 05 - 18, 2010
Expedition Costs
The helicopter flight at Fox Glacier, the Milford Sound flyover, and the horseback ride in Abel Tasman National Park are offered at an extra charge; all other activities are included.
What To Expect
This is an active expedition with easy to moderate hikes—sometimes on uneven terrain—and options for horseback riding, kayaking, rafting, and tubing. Accommodations are selected for their comfort and ideal location.
