New Zealand

New Zealand: Maori Marvels

(with Optional Australia Extension)

October 25 - November 9, 2024

Truly the tour of a lifetime! You will have the option of a layover in Hawaii for a night to ease the challenge of the long flight to Auckland (both ways). We will start in the capital Auckland, the “City of Sails.” Set on the shores of the Waitemata Harbour (meaning “sparkling waters” in the Maori language), New Zealand’s largest city boasts a diverse Pacific Rim and European cultural mix. After a total of five days on the north island exploring the Maori culture, agriculture bounty and geothermal wonders, we fly to Christchurch for ten days on the spectacular south island. Highlights will include Dunedin and the penguins, albatross and other wildlife of the Otego Peninsula, a private boat tour of Milford Sound, the Trans Alpine train journey to Greymouth and the Tasman Sea, Franz Josef, glacier hot pools, the southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, and the Queenstown Gondola. Wow!

If you choose, continue to Australia for a week of down-under highlights. We will play with Koalas in Brisbane and visit the Crocodile Hunter zoo, spend a day on the Great Barrier Reef, take a train into the rain forest and explore Sydney with a harbor cruise and of course tour the famed Opera House.

Tour Includes:

Roundtrip transportation to and from airport.
Air within New Zealand (and Australia if you choose that option) but NOT air to and from the U.S. so we can customize your flights to your liking.
4 nights north isle New Zealand, 9 nights south isle.
Private motor coach and local guides; fully escorted by Chris McCool.
All hotels, local tours and admissions to all parks, museums and attractions.
All meals, with full choice of menu where available.
Taxes, gratuities, and luggage handling.