New Zealand

Kia Ora! Come journey with us to Aotearoa, “Land of the long white cloud’. This destination has an amazing variety of geological wonders and landscapes, all on a landmass almost half the size of California!  Come explore the best of what New Zealand has to offer!

Maori Cultural Experience – Geothermal and Volcanic Landscapes – Christchurch Community Service Project – Alpine Trek – Glacial Exploration – Mount Cook National Park – 300ft Abseil in Waitomo’s ‘Lost World’ – Study the Stars in Mackenzie District Dark Sky Reserve 

North Island Itinerary

Day 1– Feb 13th, depart Los Angeles for New Zealand, crossing the International Dateline.

Day 2– Arrive Feb 15th, in Auckland, drive to Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Penisula, experience geothermal springs on the beach. Drive north to Hahei and enjoy the water and views at Cathedral Cove. Stay a night on the Coromandel Peninsula!

Day 3– Feb 16th, drive to Rotorua and experience this geothermal wonderland. Learn why this area is a hotbed of geothermal activity. Next, take part in a Maori cultural experience and learn how the Maori used this geothermal region to their advantage. Experience a Maori powhiri ‘welcome’ and take part in a cultural ‘Haka’.

Day 4– Feb 17th, drive to Whakatane where we will board a boat to White Island. This day you will enjoy being on the open seas, with a chance to swim and see dolphins before exploring New Zealand’s most active cone volcano! Learn about this unique andesite stratovolcano on location. Visit this site for more information on New Zealand’s Volcanoes.

Day 5– Feb 18th, drive to Waitomo’s Lost World. Here you will have the chance to explore Waitomo’s underworld and see New Zealand’s Arachnocampa Luminosa ‘glow worms’. Either choose to rappel 300 feet into this ‘Lost World’ or if heights are not your thing, choose to explore this subterranean world on the Blackwater Rafting Adventure! Afterward, drive to Auckland airport where we will board our flight to Christchurch on the South Island.

South Island Itinerary

Day 6– Feb 19th, wake up in Christchurch and explore this English heritage city. Learn how the people and city of Christchurch were impacted by two severe, earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, shaking the very heart of the city. Learn how the earthquakes have affected lifestyle, engineering, and infrastructure for this community. Spend a portion of this day serving in a local community project. Before the evening is over, visit the Canterbury Museum Quake City and spend some time souvenir shopping.

Day 7– Feb 20th, drive further south to Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki in the Mackenzie District. Take in your first view of the Southern Alp’s foothills and enjoy the breathtaking lake and mountain scenery. Spend the afternoon exploring Lake Tekapo and Pukaki region. After the sun has set, stand in awe stargazing in one of the darkest places on earth, the Aoraki International Dark Sky Reserve.

Day 8– Feb 21, drive to Mt. Cook Village and walk one of the most renown tracks within the Mount Cook National Park, the Hooker Valley Trail. Spend the morning taking in the epic valley views. After lunch, embark on a glacial boat ride exploring the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake and learn how these areas have been shaped by glacial movement. We will conclude the day by enjoying stunning sunset views over Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo.

Day 9– Feb 22, drive to Christchurch and explore the Canterbury Plains region. Get one last glimpse of this epic landscape before your flight home.

 Experience a unique and unforgettable visit to this exciting country. Haere Mai!