ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrive Dunedin, New Zealand
Upon arrival in Dunedin, home to New Zealand’s oldest university and a city well known for its Scottish heritage, you will be met at the airport by your Expedition Leader. Our accommodations for the next two nights will be at either Larnach Castle or Dunedin City Hotel. Larnach Castle is a manor house perched on the Taiaroa Peninsula that took five years to build and provides magnificent views of the ocean 1,000 feet below. Dunedin City Hotel is just two blocks from the Octagon in the heart of the city. This evening we will gather together at 6:00pm for an orientation welcome dinner.

Day 2: Albatross and Penguin Viewing in Dunedin
This morning enjoy a relaxing stroll through the castle garden before breakfast. Our first full day in New Zealand provides a wildlife lover’s dream as we head out to Otago Peninsula. We will visit the only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross in the world, where we will learn about their fascinating social and family life, and observe these huge birds in flight and on the land. Later, we will visit a beach that is home to several pairs of rare yellow-eyed penguins, found only in southeastern New Zealand and a few sub-Antarctic islands.

Day 3: Catlins/Stewart Island National Park
This morning we take the southern scenic route to the Catlins, an area known for its diversity of flora and fauna; the rocky shoreline was noted in Captain Cook’s journals as he traveled along the New Zealand coastline. The numerous protective coves are home to many species, such as the New Zealand fur seal, the rare Hooker’s sea lions, elephant seals, shags (cormorants), gannets and many other sea and shore birds. Stop by the Southland Museum where we can view tuataras, New Zealand’s surviving dinasour. This creature is the sole survivor of an early order of reptiles that have existed for about 220 million years. From Invercargill, we catch a 20-minute flight to Stewart Island, New Zealand’s newest national park. After dinner, weather permitting, we join our local guide for a late night activity – kiwi spotting! We will take a boat to a remote beach to look for kiwis, New Zealand’s national symbol, and watch as these primarily nocturnal birds walk the beaches looking for insects under the kelp. We will also have an excellent opportunity to view penguins. Tonight we will stay in the lovely little village of Halfmoon Bay.

Day 4: Ulva Island
New Zealand was once a land of birds. Some 70 species of birds found nowhere else in the world, a third flightless and nearly a quarter nocturnal, occupied niches that in other ecosystems were the domain of mammals. Ulva Island with an area of 250 hectares is situated in Paterson Inlet. It is managed as an open sanctuary by the Department of Conservation. Its restored forest and lack of predators make it a safe environment for many rare bird and plant species and is a place where we can enjoy rare birds and native plants at close quarters. Native Birds, which have largely disappeared from many mainland regions, include the inquisitive Weka which will readily approach visitors, the South Island Kaka (parrot), Parakeets, Woodpigeon, Bellbird, Brown Creeper, Tomtit, Fantail and Tui. Kiwi are also present but in low numbers. Recent releases to the Island are the South Island Saddleback, Stewart Island Robin, Yellowhead and Rifleman.

Day 5: Doubtful Sound
After an early morning flight across the Foveaux Strait we drive to Lake Manapouri, the gateway to the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area. Upon arrival, we will board the Fiordland Navigator for an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. Our 70-passenger vessel has spacious viewing decks and an observation lounge, and cabins onboard all have private bathrooms. Doubtful Sound, the deepest fiord in Fiordland National Park, is ten times larger than Milford Sound and offers the opportunity to see New Zealand fur seals, Fiordland crested penguins and bottlenose dolphins, as well as absolutely remarkable scenery with waterfalls, rainforest and towering mountains leading straight down to the tranquil waters. This evening, the vessel will anchor in a peaceful arm of the fjord, allowing passengers to explore the shorline up-close in kayaks or tender craft.

Days 6 & 7: Queenstown
This morning we cruise back through Doubtful Sound to Deep Cove and across Lake Manapouri. Disembarking, we continue on to Queenstown – New Zealand’s adventure capital. The Mercure Grand St. Maritz, where we'll spend the next two nights, is nestled on a hillside overlooking the lake and mountains. A free day in Queenstown gives us an exciting array of optional activities, including hiking, rafting, kayaking, jetboating, horse trekking, and glider flights. Those who prefer less strenuous activity can take a scenic steamship ride, tour a sheep station or winery, or just relax at a sidewalk cafe in this alpine resort.

Day 8: Westland National Park/Fox Glacier
In the morning we wind our way along the beautiful shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, joining the Heritage Highway through the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, recognized as the best example of the ancient land of Gondwana. A rainforest walk brings us to an isolated beach where we may catch a glimpse of nesting Fiordland crested penguins. In the afternoon, we arrive at the town of Fox Glacier and the Te Weheka Inn, our comfortable accommodations for the next two nights, nestled beneath the towering Southern Alps.

Day 9: Fox Glacier
This morning we rise early to view the reflections of Mount Cook and Tasman in Lake Matheson, one of New Zealand’s most scenic spots. After breakfast, we will take a walk to witness the ever-changing face of the Fox Glacier. “Calving” is a common occurrence at the glacier terminal, and in a dramatic display of the power of nature, large chunks of ice separate from the glacier and crash to the ground. This afternoon you may want to take an optional helicopter flight over the glacier providing unmatched views of the ice as it cascades down the mountainside. After dinner, we will take a walk to one of New Zealand’s glow worm grottos.

Day 10: Paparoa National Park
Today we follow the coastline northwards to the Okarito Lagoon, New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland and an excellent place to watch many species of birds. Over eighty percent of the trees, ferns and flowering plants here occur nowhere else in the world, making New Zealand a naturalist’s dream. After our visit, we continue on to the old gold mining town of Hokitika, now a center for local crafts. In the afternoon we enter Paparoa National Park, home of the famous pancake rocks. A short walk takes us through limestone landscapes and sub-tropical rainforest. Eventually we emerge from the palm and fern-filled forest to the sea. This evening as we enjoy the west coast sunset at a restaurant overlooking the breakers.

Day 11: Kaikoura – Whale Watching
Today we will drive over Lewis Pass to Kaikoura, a traditional, sleepy fishing village that is fast becoming one of the best places in the world to view marine mammals. From our boat we will have the chance to view resident sperm whales, orcas, New Zealand fur seals and Hector’s dolphins (one of the smallest and rarest dolphins in the world, found only in New Zealand). This evening we stay at the historic Old Convent, a unique accommodation dating back to 1911 and surrounded by the Kaikoura mountains.

Day 12: Kaikoura Dolphin Swim
We will rise early this morning and get together with some of Kaikoura’s more famous local personalities – the playful dusky dolphins! With mask, snorkel and fins, we will have the opportunity to enter their world and swim amongst them. Pods of dolphins range from 100 to 800 individuals. If you would prefer, stay on the boat and marvel at their acrobatic displays. After a picnic by the sea we’ll walk along the peninsula to observe seals and sea birds, as well as spectacular views of the surrounding coastal mountains. In the evening we’ll celebrate the end of a fantastic adventure and discover why Kaikoura means “Lobster feast” in Maori.

Day 13: Christchurch
Today we will drive to Christchurch, New Zealand’s most charming city. We will spend our final night at The George Hotel. This wonderful accommodation is a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is located in a prime area for city exploration. This evening we will share memories of our trip at a farewell dinner.

Day 14: Depart Christchurch
Today you will be transferred to the Christchurch airport for your flights home.

 
Trip Details  

Group Size Limit: 12 travelers
A very important feature of our trips is the limited group size as nature expeditions are best experienced with smaller sized groups of travelers.

Included
Accommodations,transportation,meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day (with the exception of lunch and dinner on Day 7), services of NHA's professional Expedition Leader, entrance fees, all taxes and service charges.

Not Included
Travel to and from starting and ending point of trip, lunch and dinner on Day 7, items and expenses of a personal nature, alcoholic beverages, airport taxes.

Physical Requirements
Moderate/Flexible
This trip involves walking distances of approximately one mile, but can include long walks and hikes for those who desire. A nighttime kiwi spotting walk may require walks on uneven terrain, although your expedition leader will be available to assist you.