New Zealand Nature Explorer

A very important feature of our New Zealand ecotourism expedition is the limited group size, as nature travel is most meaningful when experienced in the company of fewer travelers.

• Trip price includes: Accommodations, services of Nat Hab's professional Expedition Leader(s), local guides and lodge staff, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day, private boat tour on Stewart Island, private boat tour in Milford Sound, private boat tour to Mou Waho Island, all kayaking equipment, some gratuities, airport transfers for those arriving by air on Day 1 and final day, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.

• Internal air fee includes: Flights from Invercargill to Stewart Island and back to Invercargill, and private scenic helicopter flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown, including scenic glacier and alpine lake landings, plus any additional taxes and fees on these flights (this will be listed separately on our invoicing).

Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, some alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), required medical evacuation insurance, optional travel protection insurance.

The South Island of New Zealand is vast, and we attempt to take in as much of this beautiful land as possible without rushing, from mountain passes to ocean fjords. Our comprehensive exploration covers more than 900 miles, and the trip involves a fair amount of driving. These are scenic drives that we break up with activities and short stops. They’re always worth the windshield time, allowing us to visit iconic nature destinations like Steward Island, Milford Sound, Lake Wanaka and the beautiful Wilderness Lodges at Lake Moeraki and Arthur’s Pass. Our Expedition Leader knows the land and its flora and fauna intimately as well as its less-visited sites.

New Zealand’s climate is quite complex and varied. Travelers should expect a cool, temperate climate on the South Island, with alpine conditions in the mountainous areas. Mountain chains extending the length of New Zealand provide a barrier for the prevailing westerly winds, dividing the country into dramatically different climate regions. The west coast of the South Island is the wettest area of New Zealand; thus, when traveling in this region, you should be prepared to encounter some rain. The areas just to the east of the mountains are the driest. Keep in mind you should be prepared for chilly wet weather.

Meals on your New Zealand adventure are generally satisfying and well-prepared, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. You’ll enjoy a variety of dining experiences, from lodge-cooked meals and casual barbecues to regional specialties served in scenic settings. That said, it’s important to note that in remote areas—such as Stewart Island or along the West Coast—meal options can be limited due to location and access to supplies. In these settings, you can expect simple, wholesome meals that reflect what’s locally available. Travel days may also include more straightforward meals like packed lunches or quick stops. While the overall quality is strong, we encourage guests to bring a flexible mindset and an appetite for variety—these meals are part of the authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience that makes this trip so memorable.

Accommodations on your New Zealand adventure are chosen not just for comfort, but for their location and connection to the surrounding environment. You'll stay in a mix of boutique hotels, historic properties, and remote wilderness lodges—places that immerse you in the landscapes, wildlife, and culture that make this journey so special. Because some of our destinations are intentionally remote (such as Stewart Island), amenities may be simpler. You might find that rooms are more rustic, with fewer modern conveniences, but they offer warmth, character, and often a deeper connection to place. These properties are selected for their proximity to nature, and while they may be simple, they are all a part of exploring New Zealand’s wilder corners in a meaningful way.

Please arrive in Dunedin by 12 pm on Day 1 in order to join your group for an orientation meeting at 2 pm, followed by a tour of the Otago Peninsula to view royal albatross and yellow-eyed penguins. We recommend that you arrive at least one day prior to Day 1 of your trip to adjust to the time difference. For those that are traveling on the North Island pre-trip extension, you have an included pre-trip night in Dunedin and will be joined with the group for the start of the tour.

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. Please call us at 800-543-8917. Note that while we offer you the best possible rates available to us on airfare and additional nights' accommodations, you may find special web rates or better fares online.