New Zealand and its people were spectacular, as was our trip. We felt well taken care of by our operators. They were very responsive to inquiries before and during the trip. Kudos for their counsel prior to the trip, advising us to spend time exploring areas like The Catlins. Overall, our expectations were exceeded.
Highlights for us were private or small tours (Rotorua, Stewart Island, Wanaka) on which we could really engage with our guides and learn. We appreciated the variety of experiences – thrills, nature, hikes, boats, private flights. We especially liked the times when we had solitude rather than big crowds of tourists.
Rotorua, Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, Tongariro National Park, Kaikoura, Dunedin, Fox Glacier, Milford Sound, Christchurch, Mount Cook National Park, Te Anau, Franz Josef, Picton
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The South Island showcases some of its most spectacular scenery throughout its heartland. Head deep into the epic wilderness, tap into M-aori legends and sample some of the finest cuisine around.
Beginning in Christchurch, you’ll have a chance to explore a city rejuvenating itself. Take one of the great rail journeys through the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine before marvelling at magnificent Franz Josef Glacier. Head to Queenstown and indulge in the fantastic experiences on offer. Greet a new day in peaceful and serene Milford Sound. Surrounded by the majesty of Fiordland National Park, exploring this pristine part of the world will take your breath away.
Experience one of the most remote, historic sectors of the deep South in comfort on this exploratory expedition aboard the luxurious Douglas Mawson. Your journey begins in the subantarctic, where yellow-eyed penguins waddle through wizened rata forests and royal albatross nest amid megaherb moors. Cross the Antarctic Circle and cruise the pack ice, keeping watch for emperor and Adélie penguins porpoising along the ice edge, orcas patrolling for prey and snow petrels soaring against a backdrop of the vast Antarctic Ice Sheet. Embrace the spirit of adventure as you continue along the Victoria Land Coast and into the Ross Sea, where the Antarctic Ice Sheet flows into the world's largest floating ice shelf. These are historic waters, where the explorers of the Heroic Age staged their bold assaults on the South Geographic Pole. Hear the stories of their expeditions and attempt to land at some of their remarkably well-preserved huts.
Navigate through gleaming pack ice - alive with Weddell and leopard seals, Adélie and emperor penguins
Revel in the richness of the unique Ross Sea ecosystem - part of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area
Visit rowdy beaches - crowded with harems of New Zealand sea lions
Explore rata forests - where rare yellow-eyed penguins can be found
Reflect on the remarkable achievements of the Heroic Age explorers - visit some of their historic huts
A place of wild beauty and extraordinary friendliness, you’ll love getting to know New Zealand.
Begin your journey in the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland, explore ‘Middle-earth’ before taking in the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Continue with a visit to Wellington before hopping on a ferry to the South Island.
Sample crisp Sauvignon Blanc in its place of origin, and marvel at the diverse marine life along the East Coast before arriving in Christchurch. This city will delight visitors with its resilience and positive outlook before crossing the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine. Franz Josef Glacier is a highlight,
as is the energy and passion of Queenstown, while waking up to the views of Milford Sound and Mount Cook will be a treasured memory for years to come.
