Kiwis & More!
NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITION
November 16-December 1, 2008

From kiwis to kakas, temperate rainforests to glacial valleys, New Zealand possesses a rich heritage. The geologic forces are as dynamic as anywhere on earth, and can be seen in the fascinating geyser fields in Rotorua, in the plunging cliffs at Milford Sound, in the spectacular peaks and glaciers of the Southern Alps, and along the rugged shore. Some of the most spectacular scenery in the world is preserved in New Zealand’s national parks, many of which we will visit on this expedition.

We are delighted that one of the top naturalists in New Zealand, Lloyd Esler, will be our leader on this expedition. Lloyd has explored much of the New Zealand natural world, and is a historical researcher as well. He writes and illustrates popular scientific articles on New Zealand topics, and is an experienced trip leader. He is also secretary of the Southland Astronomical Society. Lloyd looks forward to showing us the cultural and natural delights of this fascinating island nation.

I hope you will join our New Zealand Expedition. As space is limited, we encourage you to make reservations right away.

Itinerary

Days 1/2 – San Francisco to New Zealand Flight from San Francisco International Airport on Air New Zealand for Auckland, New Zealand. Cross the International Date Line en route.
Days 3/4 – Christchurch. Take a connecting flight to Christ church on the South Island, often called the most English city outside of England. Transfer to Rydges Hotel Christ church (2 nights). Visit the Canterbury Museum and botanic gardens before our welcome dinner. On Day 4 visit the gardens and homestead at Mona Vale, the Antarctic Centre and other sights of this lovely city.
Day 5 – Arthur’s Pass & Paparoa National Parks. Today we will journey across the Canterbury Plains through remote river gorges into the heart of the Southern Alps of New Zealand and Arthur’s Pass National Park. Here we will take a short bush walk to look for mountain kea, rifleman, bellbird and silver eye. We will continue to the rugged West Coast and the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki in Paparoa National Park where we will see fascinating limestone formations and impressive geyser-like blow holes. Punakaiki Rocks Hotel.
Day 6 – Greymouth to Westland National Park. This morning, we will follow the coastline south to Franz Josef Glacier to learn about this spectacular river of ice and take a short walk in the glacier valley. There will be time for optional scenic flights—a stunning aerial excursion over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and Mt.Cook (weather permitting). We will also explore south along the Heritage Highway to Fox Glacier where we will look for the inquisitive fantails and may explore the terminus of Fox Glacier. Franz Josef Glacier Hotel.
Day 7 – Fox Glacier to Queenstown. Today we will begin our journey through the most historic yet most recently opened of the transalpine routes in New Zealand. We will stop for a short bush walk to Thunder Creek Falls and enjoy lunch on a working high country farm overlooking Lake Hawea. We will continue to Lake Wanaka, a popular summer and winter holiday location, and on through the fruit growing region of Cromwell to reach Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, an enormous glacial lake. Rydges Queenstown Hotel.
Day 8 – Queenstown to TeAnau. This morning is free to choose from the many optional activities available in Queenstown, including the Dart River jet boat trip into the back country to experience one of New Zealand’s “inaccessible” areas with views of high peaks, glaciers, ancient forests, spectacular waterfalls and unique bird life. This afternoon we will visit the kiwi house for a behind-the-scenes view of this rare bird and to learn about the artificial breeding program underway in an effort to increase the numbers of New Zealand’s most famous bird. We will then depart for Lake Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. Village Inn, Te Anau (2 nights).
Day 9 – Milford Sound. Today we will explore Milford Sound in Fiordland World Heritage Park. The road to Milford Sound is ranked as one of the finest of all alpine drives in New Zealand with towering mountains, primeval beech forest, and the historic Homer Tunnel with its rock hewn surfaces. Stop at Cascade Creek for a nature walk. Your cruise will show you breath taking scenery, waterfalls, and the famous Mitre Peak, and will give you the chance to see seals, penguins and dolphins. Also visit the underwater observatory. Below the surface, the stark gray granite walls of the sound turn into a kaleidoscope of red, pink, lilac, yellow, black and white, as coralline algae, anemones, and sponges contend for space.
Day 10 – Te Anau to Invercargill & Stewart Island. This morning we will meet a Conservation Officer at the Wildlife Centre who will show us the rare and once endangered takahe, a flightless rail. We’ll then depart for Invercargill, the southern most city of New Zealand. Here we will visit the Southland Museum to view the live tuatara, ancient and very rare native lizards known as “living fossils.” We will then fly to Stewart Island or Rakiura (Maori word meaning “heavenly glow”), a very special place for naturalists in New Zealand. On arrival,we will explore Half Moon Bay, the island’s only permanent settlement. Considerable bird life abounds in close proximity to the village where you can also enjoy short bush walks, featuring some of the world’s most beautiful ferns and temperate plants. Optional evening boat trip to Ocean Beach where you can see the Stewart Island kiwi in its natural environment—a rare opportunity. Accommodations are at a nearly traditional-style hotel and New Zealand’s “southern most pub.” South Sea Hotel (2 nights).
Day 11 – Ulva Island. Today we will explore Ulva Island,a sanctuary for native land birds with a forest abundant with native ferns, orchids,and a fascinating history. Here we’ll look for kakas, wekas, parakeets, and kereus, New Zealand’s large native wood pigeon.
Day 12 – Stewart Island to Dunedin. Fly to Invercargill today and travel north with stops to view spectacular coves en route. Arrive in Dunedin, view city highlights, and visit the Otago Museum. Dunedin City Hotel (2 nights).
Day 13 – Dunedin & Otago Peninsula. This morning, we will visit the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre at Portobello. Here we’ll have an introduction to the marine environment of southern New Zealand, the ecology of local species, and conservation issues. The aquarium includes a variety of life in the southern seas including pigfish, orange roughy, octupus, seahorses, crayfish and red krill. This afternoon, see the rare yellow-eyed penguin at close quarters from camouflaged hides, and visit the world’s only mainland colony of royal albatross including a short boat trip to view the colony from the sea.
Day 14 – Dunedin to Rotorua. Today we fly to Rotorua, New Zealand's most accessible area of geothermal activity and heart of the contemporary Maori culture in New Zealand. Tonight, we will go to a Maori marae(sacred community meeting place) for a traditional welcome, hangi dinner (cooked on hot stones in the ground) and Maori concert. Rydges Rotorua Hotel.
Day 15 – Rotorua to Auckland. Morning at leisure. Then we will visit the Whakarewarewa thermal reserve (“Whaka”), where a Maori guide will talk about the significance of Maori arts and crafts and guide us through the reserve to view the bubbling mud pools and fumaroles. We will then drive through fertile farming country-side to Auckland. Farewell dinner in celebration of our journey. Rydges Auckland Hotel.
Day 16 – Auckland to San Francisco. Morning at leisure to stroll along the waterfront in Auckland. Afternoon visit to Auckland’s fine museum with excellent Maori exhibits. Airport transfer for flight home. Arrive in San Francisco same day.

With $3,995 + $1,195 air + tax from from San Francisco including in-tour flights.