National Geographic Expeditions
Immerse yourself in New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and multicultural heritage, travelling by plane, train, van, boat, and cable car through the North and South Islands. Discover magnificent fjords, ethereal glowworm caves, and snowcapped peaks; visit picturesque vineyards, explore vibrant cities and get to know "The Land of the Long White Cloud".
- Meet a Maori elder in Rotorua and enjoy a performance of Maori folklore, followed by a traditional hangi feast.
- Embark on a train ride through the jaw-dropping landscapes of South Island, and explore the area surrounding Franz Josef Glacier.
- Sample award-winning local wines in multicultural Auckland and spend a full day discovering the delights of Queenstown.
- Cruise through dramatic Fiordland National Park with naturalist guides, spotting dolphins, seals, and penguins.
Vacation Inclusions
- Accommodation: Hotels (11 nts)
- Meals: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
- Transport: Private vehicle, plane, train, boat
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Waiheke Island Wineries, Waiheke Island
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: A day at Kohutapu, Rotorua
- Waitomo Caves tour
- Scenic TranzAlpine train
- Ride the Queenstown gondola
- Wilderness day cruise (winter) or overnight cruise (summer) in Fiordland National Park
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Featured Destinations
Fjordland National Park
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.
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Destination Guide
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Queenstown
Queenstown
Queenstown hosts an outstanding collection of adrenaline inducing activities and spectacular scenery. From jumping from tall bridges or quiet fishing, this is New Zealand's number one adventure destination. Lake and river join towering mountain ranges to make Queenstown as popular in the winter as it is in the summer.
At the heart of the action are cafes, the entire spectrum of accommodation, boutique shopping, restaurants and the visitor services expected in a small town with a big reputation.
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Destination Guide
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Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier
The South Island's most renowned explorer and geologist, Julius von Haast, named Franz Josef Glacier after the Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Franz Josef Glacier is a remnant of a much older, larger glacier which flowed from the alpine snowfields right to the sea. The glacier is over 7.5 miles long extending into the rainforest just 3 miles from the Franz Josef township, making it easy to visit. Walk to viewpoints and the terminal face or, for a close-up view of the spectacular ice formations, take a guided glacier walk, helihike or scenic flight.
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Christchurch
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.
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Destination Guide
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Rotorua
Rotorua
New Zealand's premier destination on the edge of beautiful Lake Rotorua offers visitors so much to see and do the trouble is deciding what to do. From a quiet stroll through the magnificent Redwood Forest to an adrenaline rafting plunge over one of the world's highest commercially rafted waterfalls or an entertaining view of life on the farm at one of our award winning farmshows - Rotorua has it all. Famous for awesome geological forces, Rotorua has hundreds of gentle plopping mud pools, powerful erupting geysers, and intriguing geothermal lakes. Maori Culture is another unique facet to Rotorua's popularity. For more action try hiking down Mt Ngongatah, fishing for trophy-sized trout on one of Rotorua's many lakes, tandem skydiving, horse trekking, or off-road driving. Or just sit back, watch the world go by and enjoy the fresh, clean, picturesque atmosphere from one of many sidewalk cafes and bars. To end the day, soak away ailments in one of many thermally heated natural mineral spas.
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Destination Guide
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Auckland
Auckland
Auckland is regularly voted one of the best lifestyle cities in the world, with the cosmopolitan city centre complemented by great escapes within half an hour of downtown. Indulge in Auckland's shopping, nightlife and unrivalled cuisine and experience some of the many attractions and adventure activities on offer. There is never a shortage of things to do in the City of Sails. Sights to see include Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Zoo, and Museum of Transport and Technology.
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Destination Guide
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