11-Nights New Zealand Nature Explorer

A Small-Group Immersion in the Scenic Splendors of New Zealand's South Island

Among travelers who covet spectacular natural scenery, New Zealand is legendary. Our focus is the South Island, a land of topographic extremes, from seaside rainforests and sapphire lakes to ice-crowned peaks, active glaciers and frigid fjords. On a dramatic itinerary that winds from alpine heights to Pacific shores, we are immersed in nature at its showiest. Explore lush mountains and deep gorges in Fiordland National Park, fly over the waterfalls and peaks of Milford Sound by private helicopter, hike on remote Mou Waho Island in Lake Wanaka, and walk among towering ferns to wild Monro Beach. Within these diverse landscapes, we find rare and intriguing creatures such as the flightless buff weka, yellow-eyed penguins and the famous brown kiwi. We also experience the hospitality New Zealanders are renowned for as we meet sheep farmers, learn about Maori culture, and find a bit of Scottish heritage in the South Pacific.