Discover New Zealand Tour

Conservation volunteering and adventure travel through the North and South Islands of New Zealand

Auckland, Waitangi, The Bay of Islands, Waitomo, Wellington, Nelson, Punakaiki, Okarito, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown and optional extension to Christchurch

New Zealand is refreshing...the perfect escape. Its temperate climate, vibrant culture and breathtaking environment are exhilarating. This tour combines rewarding volunteer conservation work on two 3-day volunteer projects with interpretive and insightful adventure travel. Get involved in important conservation initiatives and experience welcoming hospitality and unique adventures amidst spectacular landscapes of ancient forests, golden beaches, lakes, mountains and wide open spaces.

Aotearoa, New Zealand has enjoyed 100 million years of isolation from other landmasses (Australia is 1300 miles away), protecting unusual eco-systems where birds filled all the major niches usually taken by mammals. These eco-systems were radically compromised by colonization and the introduction of new animal species – first from the indigenous Maori some 800 years ago and more recently by European settlers. On this trip you will get a hands-on introduction to strategies initiated to protect and care for these eco-systems and the plants and wildlife they contain.

Discover New Zealand Tour Highlights

• Two rewarding 3-day volunteer conservation projects in National Parks and wildlife reserves, partnering with New Zealand’s Department of Conservation:

> Project 1: Based from Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands Historic and Maritime Park
> Project 2: Various work sites in the Nelson region which is home to 3 National Parks, 1 Forest Park, 1 Maritime Park and numerous reserve areas

• Adventure caving trip in the renowned Waitomo limestone caves
• Explore Maungatautiri, a unique conservation project
• Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital: Parliament tour, National Museum, city culture, Karori Wildlife Sanctuary
• Nelson’s art, craft and produce market
• Mountain biking in Nelson or optionally: walking and sea kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park, sky diving, vineyard and art tour
• Traveling down the West Coast of the South Island – voted one of the top-ten road trips in the world – stopping overnight at Punakaiki and Franz Josef Glacier with the choice of a glacier hike or an eco-canoe trip on Okarito lagoon
• Queenstown – the worlds adventure capital – offering bungy jumping, skiing, rafting, jetboating and much much more
• The option to travel through the scenic heart of the South Island – Queenstown to Christchurch, then explore the city’s parks, historic sites and experience its distinctly British heritage
• Informal lectures from local conservation experts
• Very personalized small group experience
• Escorted by fantastic 'Kiwi' tour leader/s supported by local guides

“We have nothing but positive things to say about our trip to NZ through Pacific Discovery. We avoided many of the pitfalls of being tourists due to the unique lodging choices and activity recommendations. The commercial activities that we did do were extremely well organized and the operators were friendly and accommodating. New Zealand is a beautiful country and we did get a good enough taste of it to want to come back for more. Thank you for our wonderful holiday.” Rob Glusman, 2008.

Discover New Zealand Tour Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 Arrive Auckland, welcome and briefing
Day 2 Drive to Bay of Islands, transfer to Urupukapuka Island
Day 3-5 Volunteer Conservation Project 1, then return to Auckland
Day 6 Drive to Castle Rock, explore caves at Waitomo
Day 7 Visit Mangatautari conservation project
Day 8 Drive to Wellington
Day 9 Explore Wellington
Day 10 Ferry between North and South Islands then drive to Nelson
Day 11-13 Volunteer Conservation Project 2
Day 14 Explore Nelson area (14-day finish)
Day 15-17 West Coast road trip – Punakaiki, Okarito, Franz Joseph Glacier
Day 18-19 Explore Queenstown area
Day 20 Farewell New Zealand, depart Queenstown

Christchurch extension option
Day 21 Drive to Christchurch
Day 22 Explore Christchurch
Day 23 Farewell New Zealand, depart Christchurch

Discover New Zealand Tour Itinerary

Conservation volunteering and adventure travel through the North and South Islands of New Zealand - Auckland, Waitangi, The Bay of Islands, Waitomo, Wellington, Nelson, Punakaiki, Okarito, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, and optional extension to Christchurch

BLD = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

DAY 1. Auckland, New Zealand

Arrive in Auckland, City of Sails…bright light and fresh air awaits you. Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, sprawling across an incredible landscape of harbors and the eroded cones of extinct volcanoes. Warm welcome and program briefing.
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DAY 2. Bay of Islands

We drive north to the stunning Bay of Islands. Enroute we visit Waitangi where New Zealand’s founding document the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. Late afternoon we ferry out to Urupukapuka Island where you’ll get to see how beautiful the Bay of Islands really is. Evening project orientation.
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DAY 3-5. Volunteer Project 1 - Urupukapuka Island

3 days of volunteer conservation work in the field, from approximately 9am – 5pm. While on the island we stay in a simple beachfront cabin and will be cooking all meals together. On the final afternoon we’ll return to Auckland.
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DAY 6-7. Waitomo and Castle Rock

Departing Auckland, our first stop is the spectacular Waitomo Caves. We’ll experience them up close as we undertake an adventurous caving trip with a 200 ft rappel (less thrilling options for exploring the caves are available if you prefer). Based from Castle Rock Lodge, we visit the Maungatautari Ecological Island, an exciting conservation initiative. At the end of each day you will enjoy soaking in a hot tub under the starry southern skies.
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DAY 8-9. Wellington

We drive from Castle Rock to Wellington. New Zealand’s capital city is vibrant, with great cafés and nightlife. We’ll visit Parliament to learn about New Zealand’s political system (more interesting than it sounds), and gain insight into Maori culture through an intimate Maori educational experience at the National Museum, Te Papa, before giving you free time to explore independently. You’ll also have the chance to visit Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, the first conservation initiative of its kind in the world.
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Day 10. South Island and Nelson

We board a ferry bound for the South Island. After crossing the mighty Cook Strait, we cruise through the twisting arms of the glacial carved Marlborough Sounds, and leap ashore in Picton. A short drive through Marlborough’s vineyards brings us to sunny Nelson, our base for project two.
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Day 11-13. Volunteer Project Two

3 days of volunteer conservation work in the field from approximately 9am – 5pm. At the end of each day we return to our hostel and you have the opportunity to enjoy Nelson’s cafes, take in a movie, or relax at the hostel.
BLD, BLD, BLD

Day 14. Nelson (14-day option tour end)

The day is yours to explore Nelson at your own pace, and we recommend starting with a visit to the colourful Saturday Market abundant with local delicacies, produce, art and craft. Late morning you might like to join us for a mountain bike ride on exciting scenic trails behind Nelson, and visit the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary. Alternatively a popular optional excursion is boating into the Abel Tasman National Park for an independent day walk or kayak to experience its gorgeous golden sand beaches and coastal forest. If on the 14-day option and departing today you will most likely have the morning to explore Nelson, before boarding your flight.
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Day 15-17. West Coast Road Trip

Voted one of the top ten road trips in the world, we travel the length of the South Island’s West Coast from Nelson to Queenstown. Enjoy rugged coastlines, beautiful rainforest and spectacular glaciers. We spend a night at Punakaiki, in a beach front hostel where the ocean’s roar will lull you to sleep, followed by a night at Franz Joseph, which gives us the opportunity to hike on the glacier, or spot rare white heron while canoeing on Okarito Lagoon.
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Day 18-19. Queenstown

This breathtakingly gorgeous lake side resort is the world’s adventure capital and has as much to offer by night, as by day. Optional activities abound and our time here is intentionally flexible to enable you to have a go at whatever interests you most. Popular options include: skiing or snowboarding at Queenstown’s three ski fields; bungy jumping at any of three spectacular sites (Queenstown is the birthplace of this sport); a jet boating and hiking daytrip in Mt Aspiring National Park. If you prefer a more cultured experience there are fantastic vineyards, a Kiwi House, and steamboat trips on Lake Wakatipu. At the end of each day we’ll enjoy the après ski festival atmosphere.
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Day 20. Tour end (or continue to Christchurch)

Our travels conclude. We farewell the lands ‘down under’ and hope you will carry with you vibrant memories and a hearty affection for these special places. If opting to continue to Christchurch, you will enjoy another night in Queenstown.
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Optional extension to Christchurch

Day 21. Christchurch
Your tour leader drives our vehicle to back to Christchurch, and you are welcome to join them if you would like to visit Christchurch.
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Day 22. Christchurch
You will have free time to explore this lovely city independently. We stay very centrally, within just a few minutes’ walk of the Botanical Gardens, Art Gallery, Museum, Christchurch Cathedral, the Square, and the Arts Centre, so there is plenty to explore, and wonderful food on offer at the city’s many cafes and restaurants.
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Day 23. Extension End
A final farewell as you depart the shores of Aotearoa/New Zealand and begin the journey home.
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Discover New Zealand Tour Notes

Conservation volunteering and adventure travel through the North and South Islands of New Zealand - Auckland, Waitangi, The Bay of Islands, Waitomo, Wellington, Nelson, Punakaiki, Okarito, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, and optional extension to Christchurch

Suitability

This tour is suitable for anyone who is moderately active, with an enthusiasm for conservation and new experiences. You need to be committed to, and prepared for, some physical work whilst on the volunteer component of the program i.e. trail building or the removal of invasive plants. We’ve had 10-80 year olds join us on our itineraries.

Accommodation

Our accommodation is budget level, but carefully chosen to enhance our experience. On this itinerary we enjoy: 16 nights in comfortable and clean hostels and lodges on a twin-share basis (single supplement available); 3 nights in a simple beachfront cabin with shared facilities. Laundry, postal, telephone and email facilities will be available most days, except while in the field on the volunteer projects.

Meals

Food is a highlight when traveling and meals on this trip are fresh, tasty, healthy and varied. Food preparation, shared by all participants, is fun, social and often a highlight. We happily cater for vegetarians and special dietary needs. Two thirds of meals are included in the tour cost. The remaining meals are not included to allow us a choice of when, where and what we eat. For the meals not included, you will have the option of dining out, or self-catering with others in the group.

Transport

The itinerary has been designed to maximise comfort and safety whilst also giving you the opportunity to experience and take part in daily life. For most travel we will use our own private van with trailer..

Tour Cost

20-day tour cost is $3,450 USD (change currency)
14-day tour cost is $3,100 USD (change currency)
23-day tour cost is $3,950 USD (change currency)

Tour inclusions

› All tour related travel and transfers from tour start to finish
› All accommodation*
› Meals as indicated in the itinerary
› All excursions, activities and entry fees as described in the itinerary (unless noted as optional)
› Escorted by a Pacific Discovery tour leader and the services of English-speaking local guides
› Online image library for your tour
›› Refer information booklet for international flight options and exclusions
*Twin or double share basis. Single supplement available for additional $600 USD (change currency)