New Zealand | Wildlife and Ecosystems with College of DuPage

Depart the United States today.

During the overnight flight, cross the International Date Line. On this journey to New Zealand, you "lose" a day, which you "gain" back upon returning home.

Upon arrival at the Auckland International Airport on New Zealand's North Island, after clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you will be taken to your hotel by a local representative. Early check-in has been arranged for your comfort. Spend the day relaxing or exploring Auckland, the "City of Sails" and New Zealand's most populous city, before joining your fellow travelers in the evening for a welcome orientation and dinner at the hotel.

Explore Tikapa Moana - the Hauraki Gulf onboard our purpose-built wildlife viewing vessel. Cruise through the islands and spot the diverse marine life that calls this marine park home including whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and more. Listen to the stories of the original inhabitants and Iwi of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf, Ngai Tai ki Tamaki, as you pass local landmarks and sites of significance. As part of your cruise you can discover one of our island destinations with your choice of island stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O' War, Waiheke Island - take the opportunity to stretch your legs, swim in a sheltered bay and discover wine or wildlife.

After a sumptuous buffet breakfast, head out on a tour of Auckland, the country's largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise is a playground for both city and nature lovers. Marvel at fantastic views over its harbor, extinct volcanoes, and its beautiful gardens and parks. Later, visit Auckland Museum to learn about the rich cultural and natural history of New Zealand and its people. In the afternoon, travel to Muriwai, one of the black-sand surf beaches on Auckland's rugged west coast. Muriwai is home to a breeding colony of sea birds known as Takapu or Australasian Gannet and its lookout point offers incredible views toward the Kaipara Harbour. During the walk to the Takapu colony, it is possible to observe several native plants and trees that hold great significance in Maori culture. This evening, enjoy dinner at Orbit 360° Dining, a restaurant at the top of the Sky Tower with a commanding 360-degree view of Auckland and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

After breakfast, depart south into the Waikato heartland of the North Island. On the way toward Cambridge, pass through a variety of scenery, from pastoral farmland to the open, flat Hauraki Plains. En route, stop at Waitomo to see the stunning glowworm caves. Walk through the Spellbound cave to learn more about the geological significance of the area, and witness the bioluminescent glowworms, which make the cave ceiling look like a brilliantly lit night sky. Continue to the town of Cambridge, New Zealand's equine capital, known also as "The Town of Trees & Champions." Explore the tree-lined streets of this quaint community located on the banks of the powerful Waikato River.

Today, explore Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. This 8,400-acre, predator-proof conservation project in this protected natural area aims to continue the reintroduction of threatened and endangered species via breeding programs and gives visitors the opportunity to see some of New Zealand's most incredible animals in a sound ecological environment. Stop for a picnic lunch in the native forest of the southern enclosure and try to spot birds like the North Island Kaka, South Island Takahe, Stitchbird or Hihi, Tui, New Zealand Bellbird or Korimako, and North Island Kokako, all of which are threatened or endangered and found only in New Zealand. Other wildlife that can be found at Sanctuary Mountain includes the Mahoenui giant weta, an endemic flightless insect, reptiles like geckos and tuataras, the koura, a freshwater crayfish, and New Zealand long-tailed bats. Then, travel to the geothermal capital of New Zealand, Rotorua. Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools, and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the world's most active volcanic regions. In addition to its geothermal landmarks, the city also has a rich Indigenous history and is home to several prominent Maori communities. The first stop is at Whakarewarea Forest, also known as The Redwoods, for the award-winning Treewalk(TM). This forest of naturalized coastal redwood trees is located adjacent to Whakarewarewa, the geothermal area that was the site of the Maori fortress of Te Puia, where the Maori have lived for centuries. Venture into an unforgettable walk on the network of eco-suspended bridges and platforms intricately designed to honor and accentuate the stunning natural environment. With the height of the walkways ranging between 30 and 60 feet, bask in the unique birds' eye perspective of the forest below and the treetops above.

This morning, visit the National Kiwi Hatchery to learn about New Zealand's renowned Kiwi conservation program while touring the hatchery, which has successfully hatched over 2,100 kiwi chicks. Then, visit the Agrodome right next door to enjoy a farm show and learn about sheep and their importance to New Zealand's economy. Travel back to the city to visit Mountain Jade, a jade-carving studio where visitors can observe revered New Zealand artists and master carvers working with pounamu to create beautiful jewelry and art. Jade, called "greenstone," or pounamu in Maori, is found in abundance on the west coast and treasured by the Ngai Tahu, the principal Maori community of the South Island. Later, explore Te Puia to view its bubbling mud pools, gushing geysers, and colorful hot springs before the start of an insightful and meaningful Maori cultural evening. Receive a traditional Maori welcome, followed by a wonderful performance that showcases Maori stories of long ago, and take part in the ceremony. After, enjoy dinner cooked in an earth oven, a unique and tasty experience.

The mighty and spiritually significant Waikato, New Zealand's longest river, has eight hydroelectric power stations ranging across its full length on the North Island. For the first stop of today, witness the opening of Aratiatia, one of these eight hydroelectric power stations, where visitors can also enjoy its river rapids as they once were prior to the dam being built. Then, visit the iconic Huka Falls to witness the phenomenon of natural hydro power, with more than 58,000 gallons of water per second barreling down a 36-foot high waterfall. Travel down the North Island on Desert Road, a section of State Highway 1 in Te Onetapu, commonly known as the Rangipo Desert, that offers one of the most scenic drives of the island, and pass the amazing active peaks of Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, Mount Ruapehu, and the Kaimanawa Range along the way. The drive into the country's capital city shows the astounding beauty of its harbor and surroundings.

Take the Interislander ferry from the North to the South Island, a voyage that has been described as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world. Travel through the Cook Strait to find spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges on the South Island. Dolphins and many sea birds are often seen as well. Enter the Marlborough Sounds, a region of bush-covered mountains, small islands, crystal-clear waters, and secluded bays, offering remarkable photographic opportunities. The final leg takes you through the stunning Totaranui, or Queen Charlotte Sounds, before reaching Picton, the gateway into the South Island. Upon arrival into the heart of Marlborough, New Zealand's largest wine-producing region, head to Allan Scott Winery to have a taste of the wines before enjoying a lunch of local produce. Then, travel onto the seaside town of Kaikoura. This town is famous for its marine wildlife and delicious seafood, so be sure to sample their specialties while having dinner on your own tonight.

Embark on a morning excursion aboard a catamaran to explore the krill-rich waters off the coast of Kaikoura. Because of this reliable food source, there is a 95 percent success rate of seeing whales year-round here, making this one of New Zealand's most iconic wildlife-viewing opportunities. Sperm whales are common, as well as humpback, blue, minke, southern right, and beaked whales. There may also be chances to observe albatrosses, penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and dolphins. Back on dry land, head south to Christchurch, known as the Garden City. This afternoon, join a specialist local guide for a walking tour of Christchurch. Learn about the history and settlement of the country's oldest city, which was badly damaged by the 2011 earthquake and its aftershocks. Witness how the city has joined together to build itself up again, notably at the Cardboard Cathedral, which was erected as a temporary replacement for the city's demolished Anglican cathedral. The transitional cathedral is a symbol of hope and resilience as it was the first significant structure rebuilt in the recovery efforts. From the cathedral, take a walk through the city center toward the Christchurch Botanical Gardens to enjoy its impressive showcase of exotic and autochthonous plants and its wide variety of collections and gardens. Then, have dinner at the gardens' famous Curators House restaurant.

Wake up early this morning to board the TranzAlpine train, one of the world's great train journeys, covering 139 miles one-way and taking just under 5 hours. The train travels coast-to-coast through the 'Great Divide' and the imposing spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand's South Island. Board the train from its station on the east, in the garden city of Christchurch, toward its station on the west, in the tranquility of Lake Brunner, glacier country, and Greymouth. Along the way, passengers can marvel at scenic views of the expansive Canterbury Plains, Springfield, and Arthur's Pass, following an ancient Maori trail through the mountains of the Southern Alps that astounds the senses. That is where the Southern Alps encroach on the western coast, and numerous glaciers run off from the mountains to the ocean. After checking in at the hotel in Franz Josef, enjoy the chance to take a short walk to see some local glowworms in the evening, or just relax at your own pace.

This morning, visit the tiny seaside hamlet of Okarito, home to only about 30 residents and many species of wading birds. Jump onto double kayaks and glide along the gentle waters of the Okarito Lagoon to explore its beauty and have a glimpse of some of the bird life here. Keep an eye out for the Kotuku, or Eastern Great Egret, Black Swan, Pied Oystercatcher, Royal Spoonbill, and Cormorants nesting among the dunes and reeds. Follow the estuary up the river channels deep into Kahikatea forest, all with a stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps. After a hearty lunch, hike toward Franz Josef Glacier, or Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere in Maori, to get a closer look at the spectacle of this frozen river carving its way down from the mountaintops. Both Franz Josef Glacier and the nearby Fox Glacier are part of Te Wahipounamu, a World Heritage Site, and descend from the Southern Alps almost to sea level, making them incredibly accessible to visitors. On a gentle valley walk along the Waiho River bed to the terminal face, learn about the history of the glacier, its retreat, and the geology of glacial carving.

This morning, there is an option to participate on a guided glacier walk for anyone who is interested. Continue south along the west coast, taking note of the bent and tilting tree formations that are a result of the perpetual and powerful trade winds coming from the ocean. On the journey along this spectacular coastline, stop at different intervals to take in the dramatic views and see some waterfalls. In the afternoon, head inland to the town of Wanaka for wine tasting at a local family-owned vineyard. Enjoy the chance to sample the delicious wines of the semi-arid Central Otago region, famous for its Pinot Noir grapes. Learn from the winemakers why the climate conditions here are perfect for viticulture. There are also many restaurants and cafes to try for dinner tonight.

Another magical day awaits to travel into Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Stop at Lake Te Ana-au before traveling through the Homer Tunnel, an engineering feat of its time. Your home tonight is the Milford Mariner, an overnight cruise. After settling in, cruise the length of Milford Sound, marveling at the towering cliffs, the beech trees hanging to the side of the cliffs, and the amazing wildlife. Settle into Harrison Cove, where there is time to take the tender craft to explore the coastline in search of penguins and nesting birds. Enjoy a delicious dinner, followed by a lecture from the nature guide to learn more about the local flora and fauna.

Enjoy a wonderful morning exploring another arm of Milford Sound. Then, say a fond farewell to the crew on the Mariner and have a leisurely drive back to Queenstown. After checking into your hotel, take advantage of a few hours at leisure to explore Queenstown before reconvening to take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob's Peak. Share a farewell dinner at the Skyline Restaurant with stunning views over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.

This morning, visit Queenstown's Kiwi Park to see New Zealand's most famous bird up close: the nocturnal Kiwi. This family-owned and operated nature sanctuary is a special home for this endemic bird and national symbol of New Zealand, as well as for some of the country's other endemic animals and plants. As part of Kiwi Park's conservation efforts, they are fully certified to provide positive animal welfare and educate visitors through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and educational programs. Get an up-close view of several native birds and reptiles during an entertaining free-flight show and see the famous Kiwi from the sanctuary's specially designed nocturnal Kiwi houses. Transfer to the Queenstown airport for your flight to Auckland and connections to international departures.