New Zealand Adventure
Overview
Highlights
- Sea kayak among dolphins and fur seals on the coast of Abel Tasman National Park.
- Trek across Franz Josef Glacier, exploring the maze of crevasses and towering icefalls.
- Go tubing through caves lit up by glowworms.
- Stargaze and watch for wildlife on an overnight cruise in glorious Milford Sound.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- Accommodations and meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Pre-departure information
- Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary
- All gratuities except those for train or ship's crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page
- Ground transportation during the expedition
- Transfers to and from group flights where applicable
- Services of National Geographic experts and/or local guides, lecturers, expedition leaders, and any other staff
- Taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges
Itinerary
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation:DeLorenzo’s Apartments Nelson
Arrive in Nelson, a sunny hub of artists and craftspeople on the northern shores of the South Island. Gather for an orientation at our waterfront hotel and enjoy time to discover this vibrant town before our welcome dinner tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Awaroa Lodge
Travel to Kaiteriteri and catch a water taxi into Abel Tasman National Park. Set out on the Abel Tasman Coast Track, declared one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks” by the Department of Conservat...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Awaroa Lodge
Spend the day exploring the spectacular Tonga Island Marine Reserve by sea kayak. Paddle into inlets and intimate coves, keeping an eye out for dolphins, fur seals, and little blue penguins. ...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Punakaiki Resort
After a leisurely morning, return to Kaiteriteri by water taxi. Follow the Buller River gorge to the wild west coast, where the snowcaps of the Southern Alps rise above the rugged shores ...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Beachfront Hotel Hokitika
Ride the Charleston Nile River Rainforest Train into a jungle-covered karst canyon to our black-water cave rafting adventure. Head through a jagged wonderland of stalactites and ...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Hit the trail in Okarito, taking in a magnificent panorama of wild coastline and soaring, icy peaks including, on a clear day, Mount Cook, the highest summit in New Zealand. Conti...
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Set out on a hike this morning with our guide to explore the Franz Josef area by foot. Weather permitting, perhaps choose to book an optional flightseeing helicopter ride for views of the glacier (additional cost). This afternoon, relax at a café, or enjoy the glacier hot pools. (2 miles hiking, 2–3 hours)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Mecure Oakridge Resort
Travel into the Southern Alps today, crossing the Main Divide on our way to the Southern Lakes District and the charming town of Wanaka. Trace the shores of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea, and stop for short hikes along our route.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Mecure Oakridge Resort
Follow the Matukituki River valley into Mount Aspiring National Park. Spend the day hiking the Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain tracks, and take in stunning alpine views of Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park. (6 miles hiking, 4–6 hours)
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown
Drive to Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of the world. Enjoy free time this afternoon to visit a local winery, go on a hike, or try out an adventure sport—bungee jumping, jet boating, and skydiving are just a few of the possibilities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Milford Mariner
Journey into Fiordland National Park today, taking short hikes along the way. In the afternoon, set sail on the Milford Mariner on the magnificent Milford Sound, cruising the full length with a nature guide. Celebrate our adventure amid the majesty of this fabled fjord with a farewell dinner on board.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the ship before returning to Queenstown. This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with National Geographic Expeditions.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Tour Operator
National Geographic Expeditions span the globe and are designed to reflect our travelers' broad spectrum of interests, from small-ship expeditions and classic train journeys to photography workshops and family adventures. When you travel with us, you'll enjoy boundless opportunities to be surrounded by natural wonders and exotic wildlife, to explore celebrated archaeological sites, to learn about different cultures and share in local traditions. A National Geographic expert or expert team accompanies each expedition, sharing their knowledge and passion for a region and making each experience enriching and unforgettable.
An Extraordinary Legacy of Exploration
National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the National Geographic Society, was founded on the same belief in the importance of exploration that distinguishes the Society's 125-year history. Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions now operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 60 destinations.
Since its founding in 1888, the Society has developed incredible resources—from its network of experts, contacts, and Society-sponsored researchers all over the globe, to the top-tier editorial staff of National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines, and the books, maps, and film and television divisions. National Geographic Expeditions taps these resources to create unique and authentic expeditions to fascinating parts of the world.
As part of the National Geographic Travel group, National Geographic Expeditions aims to fulfill the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research.
National Geographic Adventures
National Geographic Adventures are unique, active itineraries for intrepid travelers that feature spectacular places, cultural interaction, and physical challenge: the perfect mix for an unforgettable adventure. Trek through some of the world's most legendary mountain ranges and veer far off the beaten path, discovering wild landscapes by foot, kayak, horseback, or camel. Each adventure has a designated activity level—from Easy to Ultimate Challenge, and you'll have the option to take it easy or push your limits on a harder hike throughout most trips. Your group will never be larger than 16 travelers, and you'll explore in the company of top guides, enjoying adventures that are both physically active and culturally rewarding.
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National Geographic Student Expeditions offer active summer travel experiences for high school students in some of the world's most amazing places. With the guidance of dynamic trip leaders and top National Geographic experts, students explore their interests, build new skills, and experience new landscapes and cultures firsthand. Each type of program—expedition, field workshop, community service trip, and photo workshop—is designed to educate and inspire, combining adventure, discovery, and cultural immersion. Photo workshops are led by a National Geographic photographer and include instruction and daily photo shoots. Students in our community service programs live in a village and work with community members on a variety of service projects. On each expedition and field workshop, students get involved in a unique, hands-on project that allows them to delve deeper into a specific topic—such as photography, wildlife and conservation, filmmaking, or archaeology—and further engage with the places they visit.
National Geographic Difference
Travel that’s tailored to your interests: Whether you're a budding photographer, a natural history enthusiast, a parent looking for a great family trip, or a traveler seeking an active adventure, you'll find an array of opportunities that fit your passions and interests.
The beauty of happenstance: Some of the best moments in travel occur when you least expect them. So that you can savor these instances and enjoy each place in a way that’s meaningful to you, we offer options and build free time into our itineraries wherever we can.
Travel in good company: Lasting friendships often begin on National Geographic Expeditions. Your traveling companions are Society members like you: active, engaged, and curious about the world.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- International airfare
- Optional gratuities
- Personal items
Accommodation
11 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches and 9 Dinners
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