New Zealand: Māori Traditions & Natural MarvelsNew Zealand: Māori Traditions & Natural Marvels

Today, you’ll navigate the sea the way the Māori have for generations—in a traditional Waka Ama, a tandem canoe. After exploring the sea, you’ll walk along the base of the mythic Mount Maunganui with a local expert to learn more about Māori culture and the sacred significance of the mountain. Relax in the healing waters of hot salt water pools at your leisure before enjoying a family barbecue.

Meet the local Tangata Whenua tribe for a traditional Pōwhiri welcome ceremony at the entrance of Romai Marae. Marae complexes are a focal point of Māori communities and their tūrangawaewae, their place to stand and belong. Stroll the Papamoa Hills on a leisurely guided walk, learning about the culture that’s rooted here. Later, you’ll adventure by kayak onto a lake and into a seemingly dark shoreline grotto to experience the turquoise, bioluminescence of glow worms. This intimate experience will provide a similar experience to the famed Waitomo Caves, but without all the crowds and commercialization. 

New Zealand’s incredible biodiversity is on display as you venture into the Whirinaki Forest, a lush 200-million-year-old jungle home to Tane Mahuta, the Māori god of the forest. The forest is renowned for its mighty ancient trees and rare and endangered native birds. As you explore, listen for the calls of brown kiwi, kākā (parrots), whio (blue duck), and endangered kārearea (New Zealand Falcon). You’ll dance a haka, a Māori war dance, before enjoying a memorable dining experience. On the menu tonight is a hāngī traditional pit BBQ dinner. Seafood, meats, and vegetables are placed in baskets and cooked on hot stones in a pit dug into the ground. Wet cloth and a mound of dirt cover the pile to trap the heat while cooking the food for hours. The result is an unbelievably tender and flavorful meal with smoky, earthen flavors.

Start the day at one of the most active geothermal areas in the world, Wai O Tapu, the sacred pools in Rotorua. Explore the steam, geyser, and mud pools at your leisure. Then it’s off to the South Island. You’ll arrive in New Zealand’s dynamic second city Christchurch with time to explore in the evening and have dinner on your own. We suggest exploring the food stalls of the Riverside Markets. 

Set off on the Tranz Alpine train for a ride along the braided Waimakariri River to the West Coast, barreling through the Southern Alps. Your eyes will be glued to the spectacular scenery passing by on this epic train ride. You’ll explore the strange geological landscape of Punakaiki Rocks, with its stacked layers of “pancake” rock formations. Feel a rush of excitement as sudden gushes of tidal water spurt out of the natural blowholes.

Lake Moreki is a natural playground featuring stunning beaches and sapphire waters. You’ll spend the day on the lake in a kayak, spotting penguins, Kea, and other wildlife. After a relaxing day around the lake, enjoy dinner at your 4-star lakeside lodge in the heart of Te Wahipounamu, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exquisite wildlife and natural beauty.

Head up into the snow-capped mountains and alpine lakes of Wanaka. It’s a long drive, but there will be stops along the way at scenic overlooks for short walks and photos. After settling into your gorgeous mountain resort, enjoy a short excursion from the lodge or relax at the resort with a glass of local cool-climate wine from the Central Otago region.

Catch a boat out to Mou Waho, an island lake known for active wildlife including giant, flightless crickets and the cute, camouflaged Southern Alps Gecko. Enjoy a guided nature walk and morning tea on the island. The rest of the day is free to explore whichever local attractions suit you. Your guide will be able to help you make arrangements to tour a local lavender farm or explore a giant maze.

Atop a speedy e-bike, explore a gorgeous, sprawling trail that crosses five bridges, including three suspension bridges. You’ll pause at Kawarau Bridge to appreciate the world’s first commercial bungy jumping operation. The energy you saved from not relying solely on pedal power will be spent enjoying wine while watching brave souls take the plunge over the bridge.

New Zealand is all about adventure and today you’ll explore the craggy corners of the wild, glacial Dart River in a jet boat. Calm back down at a lagoon walk after lunch, before setting out for a local farm to meet some of New Zealand’s famous sheep along with other furry friends. You’ll be able to hand feed some of the sheep and watch a shearing demonstration.

Fans of unreal landscapes, or the Lord of the Rings trilogy, will never forget this day. Board a helicopter for a breathtaking flight through cinematic landscapes. You’ll relish in more spectacular views hiking to a glacier-fed Middle Earth waterfall. After a gourmet picnic near the falls, you’ll return to Glenorchy for a farewell campfire barbecue. Exchange your favorite memories over drinks with your fellow travelers.

Take it easy in the morning before making the journey to Queenstown. You’ll have an incredible journey to reflect upon as you head home. You can be dropped at the Queenstown Airport for evening departure flights, or in downtown Queenstown if you wish to extend your travels on your own.