New Zealand Sampler
November 4-18, 2010
With Pre-trip Extension Nov. 1-4
|
Recent Trip Report (N/A) |
Recent Species List (N/A) |
Join us on a remarkable NEW Naturalist Journeys trip to enjoy the dazzling scenery, unique wildlife and spring wildflowers of New Zealand. We visit the North, South and Stewart Islands which together are home to 45 endemic birds, including the flightless Kiwis. New Zealand rafted away from Gondwanaland before the main evolution of mammals. In isolation several of its birds became flightless and took over habits. Landscapes are stunning and varied -- from volcanoes to fjords, Southern Alps to rugged seashores. We arrive in Auckland where we visit Tiritiri Matanga Island, home to many of New Zealand’s rare and most endangered wildlife. One highlight here we hope will be a view of Takahe, a rare bird of New Zealand once thought to be extinct only to be rediscovered in the 1940’s. After a brief look at the North Island and some of its unique species, we fly to Christchurch to spend 13 days on the South Island. Here we head out for wild country in all its glory. Our first days we enjoy hiking, birds and flowers of the mountains as we explore from scenic Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge. We visit Mt. Cook National Park, Twizel Marshes (a good place to find endangered Black Stilt), and Dunedin, replete with Scottish 
heritage. On the Pacific Coast at Kaikoura we take a pelagic cruise on which we hope to see Sperm Whale, Dusky Dolphins, Orca, and a host of Southern Ocean seabirds. Feast on scenery on an overnight cruise in one of Earth’s most beautiful places – Doubtful Sound. On our final day we walk a portion of the Routeburn Track, a mossy realm where some of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. A highlight of the journey is superb wildlife viewing on Stewart and Ulva Islands, the Catlins and the Otago Peninsula – WOW! Here we look for Yellow-eyed Penguins, Saddlebacks along with a Royal Albatross nesting colony. For those wishing more time to explore the North Island, we offer, from Auckland, for an optional 4 day pre-tour to experience the thermal features at Rotorua, important shorebird areas and countryside of the Mamaku Ranges.
ITINERARY
Thurs., Nov. 4 (Nov. 2)*** Arrival in Auckland / Mt. Eden & Auckland tour
Please arrive in Auckland this morning. You will be met by the Auckland staff and transported to our hotel to register and rest after the flights. For those arriving in time, an afternoon city tour will include a drive up Mt. Eden, the tallest of the extinct volcanic cones surrounding Auckland. WE then take in a few of the highlights of the city. If time, some may want to visit Kelly Tarleton's Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter to see sharks, stingrays and penguins in appropriate environments. Enjoy an early welcome dinner to get acquainted and preview our journey ahead.
Accommodations at Mercure Auckland Hotel (D)
***Please note, due to crossing the dateline, you will depart the U.S. on Nov 2 to arrive by Nov. 4.
Fri., Nov. 5 Tiritiri Island Native Bird Sanctuary, North Island
After breakfast, we head for our day and picnic lunch at Tiritiri Matangi Island. This is a Department of Conservation bird sanctuary and home to many of New Zealand's rare and endangered species such as the Takahe, thought to be extinct until discovered in 1947. This is a wonderful opportunity to sample New Zealand’s North Island fauna in a short amount of time. We take a high-speed catamaran from Auckland Ferry Terminal to the island. A 60-minute guided tour is followed by free time on the island for us to search out species. We expect to see Stitchbirds, Tuis, Saddlebacks, Bellbirds and Kokako. Those that wish can swim at Hobbs Beach on the island. There is no food service on the island, so pick up snacks or a sandwich to bring with you as you wish. We return to enjoy a free evening in Aukland. Dinner is at your leisure tonight – some may wish to get a quick bite and rest up from travels while others may dine in style.
Accommodations at Mercure Auckland Hotel (B)
Sat., Nov. 6 Christchurch, South Island / Arthur’s Pass & Wildnerness Lodge
After breakfast at the hotel in Auckland, we fly to Christchurch on the South Island. Once on the South Island, we take off to sample some of New Zealands fine mountain scenery. Our route takes us inland across sheep stations and farms of the Canterbury Plains. We'll follow the Waimakiriri River valley to incredibly scenic Arthur's Pass to Wilderness Lodge. The lodge is on 6000 acres of high country sheep station surrounded by native beech forests and tussock lands. The wonderful views from the lodge look across the river valley to the Southern Alps. We'll have lunch and dinner at the lodge and meet our hosts, well known conservationists/ecologists/teachers Dr. Gerry McSweeney and his wife Anne Saunders. www.wildernesslodge.co.nz/wildernesslodge/
Accommodations at Wilderness Lodge, Arthur's Pass (B,L,D)
Sun., Nov. 7 Wilderness Lodge
Today is a day to relax and explore. The scenery is stunning as the lodge grounds are surrounded by Arthur's Pass National Park. There is a complimentary daily guided program of two half-day activities such as birdwatching, shearing and wool spinning, forest, wetlands and tussock land walks, historical and night sky walks. We may see Keas (green and comical parrots) giant buttercups, pygmy forests, alpine flower gardens and waterfalls. The lodge provides stylish comfort, great food, wines and warm hospitality.
Accommodations at Wilderness Lodge, Arthur's Pass (B,L,D)
Mon., Nov. 8 Arthur's Pass / Christchurch
This morning we drive back across Arthur’s Pass, enjoying another view of the spectacular scenery. Once back in Christchurch, we offer an afternoon of sightseeing of this beautiful city will include: the city-center’s Gothic style Cathedral, the Canterbury Arts Centre, the Museum and Botanical Gardens and the International Antarctic Centre. Lunch and dinner are at your leisure tonight as many fine pubs are within walking distance of our Christchurch hotel.
Accommodations at Copthorne Central Hotel, Christchurch (B)
Tue., Nov. 9 Christchurch / Kaikoura Day Excursion / Ocean Wings Albatross Encounter
Today we explore the coast , driving north up the coast to Kaikoura. We keep our eyes keen to watch for Sperm Whales, the largest of the toothed whales. We may also see pods of Dusky Dolphins, seals, penguins and occasionally Orcas. The variety of seabirds in this small area is more than anywhere else in New Zealand and we hope to see albatross, petrels, shearwaters, terns, shags and gulls. We'll board a boat in Kaikoura for an up-close view of the mighty albatross, one of the world's largest flight birds. After the cruise we'll visit a seal colony before we return to Christchurch. Lunch and dinner are at your leisure. This is an open-ocean pelagic trip with at times rough seas, so you can plan your meals accordingly! Those not pleased with a day at sea can enjoy a free day in Christchurch.
Accommodations at Copthorne Central Hotel, Christchurch (B)
Wed., Nov. 10 Christchurch / Mt. Cook National Park
We spend the morning in travel as we set off through the mountains near Tekapo and on to Mt Cook. We travel south, passing through sheep and cropping farmlands before climbing inland to the mountain towns of Geraldine and Fairlie. Near Geraldine is the Rangitata River valley, some of the most spectacular alpine and high country scenery in New Zealand. Inone of the towns, enjoy lunch at your leisure and time to shop and browse. It is not difficult to see why the “Lord of the Rings” director Peter Jackson chose this superb valley as an important location in his films. We take a look at the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd with its unique backdrop and continue around Lake Pukaki, formed by glaciers forms part of the extraordinary scenery.
Mt. Cook is New Zealand's highest peak at 12,349 feet and there are 17 peaks total in Mt. Cook National Park that are over 10,000 feet. We'll arrive at our lodgings in time to hike some short alpine trails or take an optional [extra fee] flight with glacial landing. Dinner tonight is in the Alpine Room Restaurant.
Accommodations at The Hermitage (Wakefield Wing), Mt. Cook (B,D)
Thurs., Nov. 11 Mt. Cook / Twizel / Pacific Coast / Penguins / Dunedin
Today we drive down from Mt. Cook past Lake Pukaki to Twizel to view one of the world's rarest wading birds – the Black Stilt (which the Maori call “Kaki”) up close from specially constructed “hides”. Here we also view a number of shorebirds and wader in significant wetlands.
Afterwards, we continue through Otematata and past hydro lakes Benmore and Aviemore down the Waitaki Valley to Oamara on the Pacific Coast where we make a stop to see the endearing Little Blue Penguins at one of their colonies. There is also a sizeable flock of shags we see here in the old wharf area.
In the afternoon we continue south through Moeraki where there are some unusual large marble like boulders ont eh beach and down the Pacific Coast to Dunedin. Dunnedin was originally settled by the Scots and retains a great deal of tartan character. It is a popular University city with its own culture and a very good botanic gardens. Our hotel is centrally located.
Accommodations at Scenic Circle City Hotel, Dunedin (B)
Fri., Nov. 12 Otago Peninsula / Royal Albatross colony
One hour from our hotel is the scenic Otago peninsula, the only mainland nesting place for the giant seabirds, the Royal Albatross. We take a guided tour to observe and learn about this amazing species with its 11 ft. wingspan. We also visit the nearby Penguin Place, also on the peninsula. Here we have a chance to view rare Yellow-eyed Penguins from special 'hides'.
Accommodations at Scenic Circle City Hotel, Dunedin (B)
Sat., Nov. 13 Dunedin / The Catlins / Bluff / Ferry to Stewart Island
Today from Dunedin we drive around the southern coast and through the Catlins, named for a whaling captain Edward Catlin. The Catlins are a naturalist’s paradise with beaches, walking tracks, wildlife, and rainforest. Hooker's Sea Lions, Sea Elephants, Yellow-eyed Penguins and Little (Blue) Penguins can be seen here. Seabirds to look for include Spotted Shags, Sooty Shearwaters and Australasian Gannets.
From here we continue to Bluff, where we take the ferry to Stewart Island. En route, we drive through Invercargill, the southernmost city of New Zealand and one of the most southern cities in the world. Invercargill is called “The City of Water and Light” which refers to the aurora australis (southern lights). A recent sign boasts “Invercargill, where Dreams Can Come True” with a photo from the 2005 movie “The World's Fastest Indian”.
AT 5:00 PM we board the ferry and cruise across Foveaux Straight to Stewart Island and the town of Oban. Stewart Island is an unspoiled paradise of native bush, rain forests, sand dunes and wetlands boasting wonderful bird life. Stewart Island is home to 130 species of birds – some of them rare, some endangered including the Southern Takoeka, one of 5 species of Kiwi. Our accommodations for the next two nights is a modern 12-room motel complex with an on site laundry facility. Dinner tonight will be at the Church Hill Cafe.
Accommodations at The Bay Motel, Oban (B,D)
Sun., Nov. 14 Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary
Ulva Island is the ultimate for bird watchers; it is free from predators and is a haven for native birds and plants. The birds are almost tame. After a continental breakfast at the hotel, we will meet our guide from Raggedy Range at Golden Bay Wharf for a ‘Birds and Forest’ full-day tour. Please be prepared with raincoats, warm clothing, covered footwear and a water bottle. Four species of birds have been released here since the year 2000; this includes the rare South Island Saddleback, Yellowhead and the threatened Stewart Island Robin. Other species we will see are the Weka, Tui, Robins, Spotted Shag, the Brown Creeper and the Kiwi. Enjoy lunch together on the island, and upon return, dinner is at your leisure. We suggest a pub meal at the South Seas Hotel.
Accommodations at The Bay Motel, Oban (B,L)
Mon., Nov. 15 Steward Island / Bluff / Manapouri / Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
This morning we enjoy a light breakfast at our lodgings on Stewart Island. We return to Bluff by ferry, then travel north and west to Manapouri. We'll take a cruise on Lake Manapouri to West Arm where we pick up a coach ride across the Wilmot Pass through Fjordland National Park. This is one of the most remote parts of New Zealand – the isolation is splendid. At Deep Cove, we board the MV Fiordland Navigator for an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. We cruise down the fjord to the open sea. This park is very remote and the only sounds we will hear tonight from our quiet anchorage will be those of nature! Your modern ship is modeled after the sailing scows common in New Zealand 100 years ago.
Accommodations on MV Fiordland Navigator (B,L,D)
Tuesday, Nov. 16 Doubtful Sound / Lake Wakatipu / Remarkable Ranges / Wineries / Queenstown
Our boat returns to Deep Cove and we arrive back at Manapouri township. From here we head north through the picturesque Southland countryside to Athol and Kingston and around Lake Wakatipu in the lee of the Remarkable Ranges to Queenstown. After lunch, we join a wine tasting in this fruit and grape growing area. The Pinot Noirs produced here in Central Otago are very good. In historic Arrowtown, we see quaint miner's cottages and other memorabilia from the 1860's gold rush. Take time to stroll the streets, and then we drive on across the Shotover River to our lodgings for the next two nights in Queenstown. The views are astounding from all the rooms – views across Lake Wakatipu to the Remarkable Ranges. Dinner is at your leisure in Queenstown, known for its cafes.
Accommodations at Copthorne Lakefront Resort, Queenstown (B)
Wed., Nov. 17 Routeburn Track Day Walk
Our guide will drive us around Lake Wakatipu to Glenorcy and Paradise – where some of the filming for the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy took place. We cross the Dart River and begin our a grand final day with awalk following the Routeburn River. Today we make a gradual climb through a world of mosses, lichens and the native beech forests of Mt. Aspiring National Park. We pass into the grandeur of alpine meadows, meandering streams and majestic snow-capped mountains. Along the way we should see native birds such as the Bush Robin and Tomtit. A box lunch will be provided at the hut at Routeburn Flats. The walk could be extended depending on weather and interest of the group to Routeburn Falls. We then return to Queenstown where dinner is at your leisure. Enjoy a final dinner at the Skyline Restaurant on Bob's Peak for the spectacular views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu for tonight’s dinner at your leisure. If you prefer time in town rather than the hike, this day is at your leisure.
Accommodations at Copthorne Lakefront Resort, Queenstown (B,L,D)
Thurs., Nov. 18 Queenstown/Departures
Our grand exploration of New Zealand ends today in Queenstown. We provide transfers to the airport for those returning home (likely the route is via Auckland) or continuing on to Australia, other parts of New Zealand or destinations of your choice. If you wish to stay on in New Zealand, our local operator is happy to assist you. Please note you will need to take a shuttle between the domestic and International airports. (B)
NORTH ISLAND PRE-TOUR EXTENSION
NOVEMBER 1-4, 2010
Mon., Nov. 1 Auckland/Rotarua
As you are already in transit, we plan to start in Rotorua for this pre-trip North Island extension to save you time and money. But by all means use the option that best meets your time and energies. Those going on the pre-trip extension may either book air from the USA to Rotorua (through Auckland, then on to Rotorua) and there is a courtesy shuttle to assist your transfer to the domestic airport for this short in-country flight. For this, we suggest you connect with the 8:05 am Auckland/Rotorua flight NZ2349, but later flights can be accommodated.
You may also come in a day or more ahead of the tour, overnight in Auckland and start fresh to Rotorua on Nov. 1st, at which time your hotel is booked in Rotorua. Flights from the USA typically land in the morning, and we plan that Nov. 1 is at your leisure to rest up from travel and explore as you wish.
Our hotel is centrally located near Lake Rotorua, the lovely Government Gardens and the Polynesian Thermal Pools and Spa. (D)
Accommodations in Rotorua at the Millennium Hotel (2 nights)
Tue., Nov. 2 ROTORUA SIGHTSEEING
From the hotel we are picked up by a local tour company for a guided, private 4 hour tour of Rotorua and environs. Start by taking in the views over Rotorua from Mt Ngongotaha followed by a visit to the Marae (Maori Village) at Ohinemutu on the Rotorua lakefront. This is where their stained glass window of Jesus appearing to walk on the waters of Lake Rotorua can be seen behind the alter of St Faith’s Anglican Church. We then drive south to Waiotapu Thermal Reserve to see the Lady Knox Geyser erupt and a walk through the thermal reserve. We view New Zealand’s largest mud pool before returning to the hotel mid-day. We may also wish to visit Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute on our own. If so, our local tour company will drop us off and we make our way back to the hotel afterwards – admission to these the optional two venues is an additional cost if we choose.
Early afternoon is free – we suggest to take a walk around the lakefront through the lovely Government Gardens to the Rotorua Museum, where there is a particularly good Maori collection and record of the devastating volcanic eruption of nearby Mt Tarawera in 1886, which buried the village of Te Wairoa (the Buried Village).
Late afternoon, take a guided tour of Te Puia – the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve to see the geysers and other weird thermal activity and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where young Maori are being taught traditional carving and weaving skills. This will be followed by Te Po – a powhiri (traditional welcome), hangi (dinner) and cultural performance of Maori song and dance in the beautifully carved Maori Meeting House on the Marae Maori Village) at Whakarewarewa.
Accommodations at Millennium Hotel (B,D)
Wed., Nov. 3 ROTORUA / MAUNGATAUTARI / MIRANDA / AUCKLAND.
This morning we drive west by private car / van across the Mamaku Ranges to Maungatatauri. This volcanically formed and bush clad mountain which dominates the Waikato landscape has been ring fenced (47 kms) with pest proof fencing to keep out predators and there is an active program of releasing native birds such as Kaka, Korimako (bellbirds) and Kiwis onto this ecological island. After a guided tour of this fascinating project, we drive on north through the Waikato Valley to Miranda on the Firth of Thames. This is a very important wintering ground for thousands of Arctic-nesting shorebirds. The most common of these are the Bar-tailed Godwit and the Lesser or Red Knot. Other species present in smaller numbers each year include Ruddy Turnstone, Eastern Curlew, and three or four different types of Sandpipers. There are also endemic species such as Dotterels, Variable Oystercatchers, Pied Stilts, Plovers, White faced Herons, White Fronted Terns, Banded Rails and Black Billed Gulls to be seen. It’s a beautiful wetland with much to see, and from here we continue our drive back to to Auckland, where we overnight and prepare for the main tour to begin the next day.
Accommodations at the Mercure Hotel Auckland (B)
Thurs., Nov. 4 Free Morning Auckland or Optional Tour Maori Culture
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, the morning at leisure and plan to join those of our group the main tour which starts this afternoon. You may also book an optional day tour of Maori culture for this day if you wish, and join the group at dinner. (B)
COST OF THE EXTENSION INCLUDES:
$845.00 from Rotarua, departing Auckland.
The cost of our extension is based on the number of people we have travelling and it in includes 3 nights in 3 ½ - 4 star accommodations, 3 full choice breakfasts and 1 dinner / Maori concert, all transfers and touring by private car / van with drivers who provide provide touring commentary for sightseeing as shown, and GST tax @ 12.5%. Please note, with fewer than 8 persons, we will use a self drive option with Peg driving as we explore - local guides only during our scheduled tours.
DOES NOT INCLUDE
Air fares Auckland/Rotarua, meals other than breakfast at our hotels, items of a personal nature or the cost of optional / suggested tours and activities or any touring in Auckland, use of hotel rooms after normal check out times.
AUCKLAND SIGHTSEEING – OPTIONAL activity for your final day – can be booked by our company but you will join a small group with a local tour company they work with regularly for this cultural tour.
Potiki Adventures Urban Maori Experience – small group tour
Spend a day exploring Auckland from a Maori perspective by small group coach tour. First visit Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill), originally the site of a Maori fortified village and see the panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland City and Rangitoto Island. You will learn the significance of this place to Maori and about the controversial history of more recent times. Next you will travel out to a boutique village where you can buy your lunch at a funky café, enjoy mixing with the locals and view some authentic Maori/NZ made arts and crafts then continue on to the west coast for a bush walk set beside a fresh water stream. Here you will be able to walk amongst the plants and trees and learn some of the ancestral knowledge of the traditional Maori medicinal and practical uses for them. Learn about the Maori Creation stories and Tane Mahuta - God of the Forest. The day finishes by exploring the realm of Tangaroa, God of the Sea, with a walk along the velvety sands of one of Auckland’s famous black sand surf beaches.
*NZ$170 per person (Note this tour is non exclusive – but can be taken privately at extra cost.)
**As we likely have a small number on our extension, Peg will drive and interpret between our local tours. We have a lot of flexibility this way and it will be fun to explore!
PLAN AHEAD!
Protect yourself with Access America Travel Insurance.
Offset your Carbon Footprint. Show us the receipt and we'll take 50% - up to $50.00 - of your carbon offset fee off your final payment.
COST
OF THE JOURNEY:
Cost of the journey from Auckland, will be based on the number of persons travelling - if we have a good size group we want you to find good savings!
12 or more persons $4350.00
10-11 persons $4590.00
8-9 persons $4890.00
6-7 persons $5190.00
The North Island extension will be:
$845.00 per person, based on a group of 4-6. If we have more than 6, Peg will pick up cost of the dinners as advised.
This cost includes all accommodations, meals as specified in the itinerary, professional guide services, other park and program entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.
Tour cost does not include: round-trip transportation from your home city to Auckland, flight from Auckland to Christchurch, return flight from Queenstown to Auckland (or other arrangements), optional activities such as flight-seeing, horseback riding or items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges, maid gratuities, or beverages from the bar.
Single supplement is $895.00
Tour cost is based on the exchange rate of March 24, 2009. The tour cost
may need to be adjusted if the rate has changed by billing due dates.
Likewise we will return funds to you if the rate changes in your favor
(until time payment is sent to NZ operator at which time price is fixed).
Right now US has a favorable rate and you may request to pay your tour in
full at any time to guarantee this price. We do not anticipate large
fluctuations, but be aware that prices may fluctuate with the changing
value of the US$.
Group Size: Maximum of 14, minimum of 4. Tour price is based on 8 persons, with fewer than 8 a small group surcharge (typically $100-$300) may apply.
TRAVEL INFORMATION:
Many airlines serve Auckland including United, Delta, American, Air New Zealand, Qantas and more.
Reminder if you fly from the USA, you will cross the International date line and you must depart on Tuesday Nov. 2 from the USA to arrive New Zealand on Thursday Nov. 4. Plan to arrive in Auckland on Thursday, November 4 any time. The Auckland staff will meet you at the airport and transport you to the hotel.
Please arrange your own travel from Queenstown to Auckland on the morning of Nov. 20 for later flights home from Auckland also on Nov. 20. Air New Zealand is a good option for this flight. Or if you prefer, spend another night in Auckland and explore the city.
Naturalist Journeys, LLC is an equal opportunity service provider and committed to the goal of ensuring equal opportunity for all in employment and program delivery.
|
Close
This Window
