New Zealand

With its mountains, glaciers, fiords, lush subtropical forest, and miles of sandy coastline, one might call New Zealand a version of paradise. These features are indeed noteworthy, but their impact will be even greater as backdrop for New Zealand’s unique complement of endemic flora and fauna. We’ll be visiting New Zealand during the austral spring when flowers and bird life make themselves particularly conspicuous. We’ll see the famous Mount Cook Lilies as we visit alpine meadows, and Kōtukutuku – the world’s largest Fuchsia – in bloom in the forest. We’ll visit a famous colony of Northern Royal Albatross and photograph Little Blue Penguins and the rare endemic Yellow-eyed Penguin, among many other residents. We’ll visit the incomparable lushness of Pureora Forest Reserve with its 1000-year-old trees and endemic birds.

We’ll also explore New Zealand’s marine habitats. A boat tour off the Kaikoura Peninsula will lead us to Sperm Whales as they feed in the nutrient-rich waters. At Milford Sound we’ll cruise on the deep, icy blue waterways to search for Bottlenose Dolphins, New Zealand Fur Seals and the rare Fiordland Penguin. In addition, we will have the chance to experience some of New Zealand’s seismic features such as steaming geysers and boiling mud. A highlight will be our night-time search for the Southern Brown Kiwi, one of the nation’s five kiwi species that lend the human inhabitants of this country their name. Because English is the common language in New Zealand, on a few occasions we will allow you to experience an independent meal for a chance to interact with the local people.

Join us to discover the most remarkable flora, fauna and landscapes of this land down under!