New Zealand Nature Explorer

Discover the scenic splendors of New Zealand’s South Island! Expedition Leader Sam Kuperus reveals the details of our New Zealand Nature Explorer, including where we stay—luxury ecolodges, boutique retreats and even a historic castle—and what activities to expect, from hiking and kayaking to night walks beneath some of the darkest skies on Earth. He also introduces some of the wildlife we may encounter, including brown kiwis, fur seals and one of the world’s rarest birds: the Fiordland crested penguin.

New Zealand’s wildlife has suffered more extinctions from introduced predators than any other country, but innovative conservation projects are offering hope. Expedition Leader Jacob Emerson takes us inside the country’s rewilding movement, from predator-free islands like Tiritiri Matangi to fenced sanctuaries such as Zealandia. Discover how these efforts are reviving endemic species like the tuatara and kaka, and learn why the kea—New Zealand’s clever alpine parrot—poses unique conservation challenges.

New Zealand’s isolation gave rise to some of the planet’s most unusual birds, many of them found nowhere else on Earth. Expedition Leader Jacob Emerson explores the extraordinary evolutionary history and conservation challenges of New Zealand’s rarest birds. Meet flightless species like the kiwi, kakapo and takahe—some of which number fewer than 500 individuals today—and discover the scientific and community-driven efforts to save them from extinction. During the presentation, you’ll also find out about the birds we encounter on our New Zealand Nature Explorer adventure.