14 Days / Starting From $8,995
New Zealand Nature Explorer
A Guided Nature Adventure Amid the Scenic Splendors of the South Island
Among travelers who covet spectacular natural settings, New Zealand is legendary. We focus on the South Island, whose rugged coastline embraces a land of topographic extremes, from seaside rainforests and volcano craters to active glaciers and icy fjords. On this comprehensive itinerary, we are immersed in nature at its showiest. We also experience the human side of New Zealand, equally renowned. We meet sheep farmers, learn about Maori culture, and find a bit of Scottish heritage in the South Pacific. Two weeks in New Zealand offers more excitement and diversity than two years in most other parts of the world!- Experience some of the world’s best whale watching – dolphins and seals, too! – alongside expert naturalists on a boat cruise off Kaikoura
- Cruise the fjords of Milford Sound, where mists weave through glacial valleys and waterfalls pour from vertical peaks above
- Enjoy an exclusive stay on wild, rarely visited Stewart Island, where our Expedition Leaders guide us in a search for the famed brown kiwi
Location of Adventure
South Island, New Zealand
South Island, New Zealand
Group Size Limit
Approximately 12 Travelers
A very important feature of our New Zealand ecotourism expedition is the limited group size, as nature travel is best experienced with a small group of travelers.
Included
Accommodations, meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on final day, bottled water, services of NHA Expedition Leader, local guides and lodge staff, most gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, permits and entrance fees, all taxes.
Not Included
Travel to and from start and end point of trip, alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees, optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes, optional travel insurance.
Physical Requirements
Moderate / Flexible
This trip involves walking distances of approximately 1-2 miles but can include longer walks and hikes for those who desire. Some long drives are involved, and we will spend time on boats out on the open sea, where conditions may be rough. A nighttime kiwi-spotting walk will involve a zodiak shuttle to a beach landing, followed by about a one mile night-hike over slippery, uneven terrain with some steep inclines.
Important Information
The South Island of New Zealand is vast and varied, and we attempt to take in as much of this beautiful land as possible without rushing, from mountain passes to ocean fjords (some long drives are involved). Our Expedition Leader knows the land and its flora and fauna intimately as well as its less-visited sites.
Getting There & Getting Home
Please note that this trip begins and ends in two different cities. Arrive in Christchurch in time for a 6 pm orientation at the George Hotel. For those travelers who wish to participate in the optional Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Canterbury Museum tour, plan to arrive in Christchurch no later than 2 pm on Day 1. You may depart Dunedin any time on the final day. We can serve you best if Natural Habitat Adventures’ Travel Desk makes these reservations for you, as they are intimately familiar with the special requirements of this program and can arrange the most efficient and cost effective travel for you.
