New Zealand Adventure 2026

December 03 - 18, 2026

Length: 16 days

Region(s): Australia & New Zealand

Activity Level: Activity indicator paw

Type: Land, Small Group Tours

It’s a tale of two islands as our small group journeys from New Zealand’s North to its South, through lively cities and pristine fjords, past lush farmland and enchanted forests in a land where the outdoors is the national shrine. Add engaging “Kiwis” and intriguing indigenous cultures – it’s a pure New Zealand experience.

Operated by Odysseys Unlimited

Tour Highlights

See Auckland’s highlights, including the acclaimed Auckland Museum, during a two-night stay in this cosmopolitan city.
Embark on a cruise around glittering Auckland Harbour.
Enjoy a subterranean adventure at Ruakuri Caves, home to unique glowworms.
Visit Rotorua’s Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Maori Cultural Centre for a traditional hangi dinner and performance.
Encounter intriguing Rotorua – a geothermal wonder, with its geysers, mud pools, and hot springs – on a city tour.
Get an up-close look at New Zealand’s biodiversity at Paradise Valley Springs.
Sample the local terroir at Mission Estate Winery, one of the country’s oldest wineries.
Go on a walking tour in seaside Napier, famed for its Art Deco architecture.
Learn about the country’s sheep farming industry at a private farm where you’ll watch sheepdogs at work and a sheep-shearing demonstration.
Ride on the historic cable car and visit New Zealand’s renowned national museum in the capital, Wellington.
Discover Christchurch, New Zealand’s “Garden City,” where highlights include the Botanic Gardens and Cathedral Square.
Board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world’s great rail journeys up into the Southern Alps.
Encounter spectacular Franz Josef Glacier and take a walk in a glacial valley during a two-night stay near Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
At the West Coast Wildlife Centre see New Zealand’s flightless national bird, the kiwi.
Stop at a local vineyard in the Central Otago wine region for a private tasting and a tour of the wine cave.
Take a cruise on stunning Doubtful Sound during a full-day excursion to lush, unspoiled Fiordland National Park, one of New Zealand’s top attractions.
Enjoy a day at leisure in the outdoor mecca of Queenstown, with abundant options for savoring this spectacular setting: a paddle steamer ride, jet boating, the Skyline gondola, and more.

If you would like to view a digital copy of this trip’s brochure, please click on the words “Digital Brochure” under Additional Resources (follows directly below Itinerary at a Glance) on this webpage.

* Cal lecturer’s participation cannot be guaranteed and is contingent upon a minimum number of paying travelers.

Activity Level 3

What to expect: These trips feature long touring days with travel via motor coach, ship, zodiac, all-terrain vehicle, or train. Travelers are required to board transportation without assistance as well as stand and walk over uneven terrain for extended periods of time. Some tours may include optional higher-intensity activities and travel at higher altitudes with steep ascents and descents. Outings last four to six hours most days.

Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk four to six miles, or 6,900–9,200 steps, each day.