Geological & Scenic Tour (22 October - 19 November) 29 days

New Zealand had its beginnings 25 million years ago as part of the Zealandia continent.  Straddling the Pacific and Indo-Australian Plates, New Zealand is one of the most active seismic places on earth.

Dramatic beginnings are matched by fascinating geology and an unsurpassed natural environment, New Zealand is a delight.  We will take you on a journey of a lifetime from the volcanoes of Auckland, to the hydrothermal steaming pools and bubbling mud of the central North Island.  You will be walking on the mighty glaciers of the South Island one day and marveling at the spectacular natural beauty of Milford Sound the next.

Your knowledgeable tour leader is a member of the New Zealand Geological Society and the trip has been carefully planned to encompass many experts in their field - be it tour specialist Jens Tourborg (see separate profile), a fourth generation miner, indigenous Maori or an earthquake protection specialist in our Houses of Parliament!

This is sure to be the most varied, informative and visually stunning trip you have ever experienced.

Jens Touborg (B.Sc, M.Sc) is a seasoned exploration geologist and will provide expert analysis and explanation during your trip, such as;

• Identifying various rocks ,minerals and fossils
• Demonstrate Google Earth image technology to represent look-out points  in 3D and multiple scales
• View New Zealand geology and structure in a regional, plate tectonic-Gondwanaland frame
• Give short introductory or summary presentations, explaining geological map details
• Answer your questions to ensure you get the fullest geological impression of the tour sites.

Day 1 – Rangitoto Island

Our tour starts with a short ferry ride from Auckland to Rangitoto Island, Auckland’s largest volcano and a chance to get your bearings and see the sights of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city.

Day 2 – Mt Eden

Today is an opportunity for information gathering with a visit to a museum, finishing with a relaxing drive to Auckland’s highest point to gain perspective of the city of 50 volcanoes.

Day 3 – Thames

Boarding the coach we start our journey south by traveling to the township of Thames, gateway to the beautiful Coromandel Range, made up of extinct volcanoes. This region is also notable for the presence of hydrothermal mineral deposits.

Day 4 – Waitomo Caves

Underground caves, a museum, farm show and Maori feast make for a truly diverse day packed with inspiring, informative and entertaining activities.

Day 5 – White Island

Very few people have been privileged to make the journey you are about to experience today, so ready your sea legs as we jet boat off to the live volcano that is White Island.

Day 6 – Whakarewarewa

The human impact of volcanic activity is evident today as we go to the scene of a devastating eruption.  Plus we visit the famous Whakarewarewa thermal spring and mud pools before finishing the day with a gondola ride.

Day 7 – Waimangu

A landscape full of vibrant colours combined with unique ecology, botany, geothermal features and a knowledgeable guide make this a most inspiring and memorable day.

Day 8 – Tongariro River

Make sure you eat a hearty breakfast today as the day starts with a bang with some Kiwi adventure before a more sedate view the human implications of volcanic activity and stunning rock formations.

Day 9 – Mt Taranaki

We visit some natural wonders before taking a look at how man has utilized some of the area’s natural resources.

Day 10 – Hawera

Waking up under the classic cone of Mt Taranaki, you would almost think you were in Japan; such are its similarities in appearance to Mt Fuji.  Because of this resemblance the Taranaki region was used as the backdrop for the 2003 Tom Cruise film ‘Last Samurai’.

Day 11 – Mt Victoria

Be prepared for some intellectual stimulation this morning with a visit to two of New Zealand’s most important buildings and the opportunity to explore New Zealand’s capital at your whim.

Day 12 – Cook Straight / Marlborough Sounds

After a morning to yourself to relax we take to the sea and road as we make our way from North Island to South before landing in New Zealand’s sunniest city, Nelson.

Day 13 – Nelson

The Nelson region is famous for its thriving arts and crafts industry and fabulous local food and wine. Today is a chance to relax and unwind and experience all of this.

Day 14 – Abel Tasman National Park

New Zealand is famous for its natural scenic wonders and today you will experience one of the South Island’s finest examples.  The Abel Tasman National Park covers over 22,500 hectares and is renowned for its sparkling, pristine waters fringed by golden beaches, untouched native bush and rocky outcrops.

Day 15 – Split Apple Rock

We take to the crystal blue waters in the Abel Tasman National Park once again and explore the stunning sights and sounds by what some would argue is the best way, double sea kayak.

Day 16 – Takaka Hill

We drive over Takaka Hill (Marble Mountain) which affords dramatic mountain, wilderness

and ocean views and travel through the magnificent Golden Bay region, which is the northern edge of Kahurangi National Park, our newest national park.

Day 17 – Westport

We head to the West Coast or just ‘The Coast’ to South Islanders, guided on one side by the roaring Tasman Sea and dense native bush on the other.  We stop at the town of Westport, which has its origins in the coal mining industry.

Day 18 – West Coast

Today is dominated by coal mining, which forms the backbone of industry on the West Coast.  From incredible state-of the art open cast mines of the present day to the remarkable and sometimes tragic mines of the past.  Nature provides the picture perfect end to a fascinating day.

Day 19 – Pororari Gorge / Hokitika

The Alpine Fault that divides the South Island is the subject of much of the day as we take a look at the mighty fault from both air and land.

Day 20 – Franz Josef Glacier

A scenic journey today takes us through the heart of the West Coast and leads to one of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers.

Day 21 – Mount Cook / Fox Glacier

Glaciers, mountains, forests and rivers – nature puts on an awe-inspiring show for us today.

Day 22 – Central Otago

Say goodbye to the lush West Coast as we enter the setting for much of the Lord of the Rings films. Central Otago’s dry tussock country provides a total contrast to our previous days.

Day 23 – Arrowtown / Te Anau

There are few better ways to wake up than in the stunning surrounds of Central Otago.  Have the camera at the ready today for a delightful steam boat ride at Queenstown before journeying on to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Day 24 – Te Anau

As we discover the truly spectacular scenic delights of Fiordland National Park, make sure your camera is close at hand and there are plenty of batteries in it – photo opportunities abound.

Day 25 – Arrowtown / Te Anau

You may be understandably reluctant to leave the awe-inspiring Fiordland region but the natural wonders you will see today will make magnificent Mitre Peak a distant memory as we depart and head to Invercargill and up the rugged east coast.

Day 26 – Oamaru

We travel north along the East Coast of the South Island, taking in the South Island’s second largest city, Dunedin before passing the famous huge spherical Moeraki Boulders on the way into Oamaru in North Otago.

Day 27 – Twizel

Stone and hydro-electricity are the themes today.   This unusual combination makes for a diverse and informative excursion through the Otago region.

Day 28 – Christchurch

From magnificent mountains to iridescent waters and thriving farmland, we travel through Otago and into Canterbury.  Have your camera ready!

Day 29 – Sumner

All good things must unfortunately come to an end but we still have a few treats left for you in and around Christchurch on our final journey together.

Price $NZ10,327 per person - includes all accommodations, meals, attractions and activities.
Price based on double or twin share accommodations.
(Single Supplement $2,240 extra if individual accomodations are required).
Discounts for 3 or more - contact us for personalised price

[Click here to download full tour itinerary as PDF file.]