Skip to Main Content
New Zealand

A New Zealand Odyssey: Indigenous Culture & Natural Beauty

Program No. 22753RJ
Explore the unique story of New Zealand as you learn of its distinctive natural environment and rich Maori and European history from local experts.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

Absorb the beauty of “the land of the long white cloud,” as Aotearoa, the Maori name for New Zealand, is commonly translated. Delve into the story of this island nation’s Indigenous Maori people. Examine the natural environments of both the North and South Islands: descend into a pristine volcanic valley, stand alongside bubbling mudpools and meet New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi. Sail the beautiful waters of Lake Wakatipu, enjoy stunning vistas of Queenstown and much more.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three miles at a time at a normal public walking pace over varied terrain. Standing at least three hours daily; climbing stairs (at times without handrails), getting on/off buses and boats, carrying own luggage. If you believe you require wheelchair assistance to get through an airport you are not fit enough to participate in this program. Elevations up to 3,100 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Learn from experts about New Zealand’s settlement by Maori and Europeans.
  • Witness bubbling mudpools in a volcanic park.
  • Experience the majestic Piopiotahi/Milford Sound.

General Notes

For a similar program with greater opportunity for independent exploration (including free days in both Auckland and Queenstown), please view program 22090.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Hamish Campbell
Hamish Campbell earned a Ph.D. in paleontology from Cambridge University, and went on to serve as a senior scientist at GNS Science — the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences — in Wellington, New Zealand, and as geologist at the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Hamish channeled his expertise to write several popular books on New Zealand geology. His passion for New Zealand, geology and learning have made him an exceptional long-time instructor for Road Scholar.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Hamish Campbell
Hamish Campbell View biography
Hamish Campbell earned a Ph.D. in paleontology from Cambridge University, and went on to serve as a senior scientist at GNS Science — the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences — in Wellington, New Zealand, and as geologist at the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Hamish channeled his expertise to write several popular books on New Zealand geology. His passion for New Zealand, geology and learning have made him an exceptional long-time instructor for Road Scholar.
Profile Image of Fergus Sutherland
Fergus Sutherland View biography
Fergus Sutherland lives in the Catlins region of New Zealand’s South Island. He is an award-winning conservationist who has run Catlins Wildlife Trackers Ecotours with his wife Mary for 25 years. He holds a master’s degree in geology from the University of Otago as well as a teaching diploma. Fergus was chairman of a local branch of New Zealand’s Forest and Bird Protection Society for ten years and has worked in soil conservation. His interests include painting, photography, hiking, writing and house restoration.
Profile Image of Margaret Copland
Margaret Copland View biography
Margaret Copland is a graduate of the University of Canterbury and the Christchurch College of Education. As a historian, she has enjoyed researching the stories of the early Canterbury immigrants, which she will share with us in her capacity as the Te Puna Ora storyteller. Margaret is an experienced history teacher and she has been a heritage storyteller and local historian for 20 years. Her original stories have been researched and developed to create 13 characters who bring New Zealand history to life.
Profile Image of Shane Cave
Shane Cave View biography
Shane Cave is a former journalist and broadcaster. In a journalism career lasting over two decades, Shane was a presenter New Zealand's national radio service, a feature writer for a leading national magazine and editor of magazines published by the United Nations Environment Program at its World Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Shane then embarked on a new career advising on the combat of corruption. He is a co-founder of the New Zealand Chapter of Transparency International.
Profile Image of Fiona Barker
Fiona Barker View biography
Fiona Barker is a senior lecturer in comparative politics at Victoria University of Wellington. Born and raised in New Zealand, she earned her Ph.D. from Harvard University and had research stays in Italy, Canada, Belgium, and France before returning to Wellington to teach and research the politics of immigration, nationalism, representation, and electoral politics. Her recent research examines topics including immigrants’ political participation and representation in New Zealand and Europe, and the role of the ethnic media in democratic politics in New Zealand.
Profile Image of Kate McMillan
Kate McMillan View biography
Kate McMillan is an associate professor in comparative politics and head of the political science and international relations program at Victoria University of Wellington. Her research and teaching focuses on immigration politics, media politics and citizenship politics, with a particular focus on New Zealand and its region. Kate grew up in Christchurch but has spent much of her adult life in Wellington, with stints also living and working in Melbourne, London, San Diego and Lund.
Profile Image of Hazel Petrie
Hazel Petrie View biography
Hazel Petrie is an Honorary Research Fellow in the University of Auckland Department of History. She has a and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Maori Studies, a Master of Arts in History, and a Ph.D. in Maori Studies, all from the University of Auckland. Her published books include “Chiefs of Industry: Maori Tribal Enterprise in Early Colonial New Zealand” that was a finalist in the New Zealand Book Awards, and “Outcasts of the Gods?: The Struggle Over Slavery in Maori New Zealand.”
Profile Image of Lizzie Johnston-Walker
Lizzie Johnston-Walker View biography
Lizzie Johnston-Walker graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Science in zoology and microbiology. She completed a Bachelor of Nursing at Otago Polytechic and a Master of Health Sciences at the University of Otago. She has worked in clinical areas and hospitals in New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S. For the past 15 years, Lizzie has been an RN in the Intensive Care Unit at Christchurch Hospital. She is also involved in undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education at the University of Otago.
Profile Image of Sue Chamberlain
Sue Chamberlain View biography
Sue Chamberlain grew up on a farm in Canterbury, but has been a proud Wellingtonian since 1987. Sue has a B.A. in history and an M.B.A. She has worked as a teacher/trainer, an international development delegate for the Red Cross, and in communications and fundraising. Sue also set up Walk Wellington, which provides expert-led walking expeditions. Sue loves the arts and is a member of three choirs and a singing duo.
Profile Image of Jacqué Mandeno
Jacqué Mandeno View biography
Jacqué Mandeno lives in Auckland’s Torbay, enjoying the surrounding ocean and bush and the diversity of flora and fauna there. She has lived in many different parts of beautiful Aotearoa – from the Catlins in the deep south, to the Tutukaka Coast in the far north, where she is currently developing a small permaculture block. With degrees in history, English literature, and communication, Jacqué teaches public speaking and drama to children and adults. Her interests include the performing arts, history, conservation, and ocean swimming.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





Recommended For You