Overseas Adventure Travel Announcing 2026 Adventures by Land & Small Ship | Pure New Zealand

SOUTH PACIFIC

Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound
Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound

New Zealand: Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Dunedin, Milford Sound, Queenstown
Small groups of no more than 16 travelers, guaranteed

New Zealand is a thrilling microcosm of the natural world-a land where wild rivers and glaciers flow through rain forests to the sea, pristine lakes and pastoral forests hug volcanic slopes, and snowcapped peaks pierce the sky. We'll immerse ourselves in this magnificent setting from North Island to South, as we discover treasures as distinct as they are unforgettable. We'll view the thermal geysers of Rotorua, take an overnight cruise across Milford Sound, and much more.

17 days starting from $7,295
including international airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco
Single Supplement: FREE
Departure Dates: Jan-Apr; Sep-Dec
Activity Level: 1 2 3 4 5 Moderately Easy

IT'S INCLUDED

Sheep farm, Rubicon Valley
Sheep farm, Rubicon Valley
Christchurch
Christchurch

ITINERARY

DAY 1 • Depart U.S.

Depart on your flight to New Zealand.

DAY 2 • Cross International Date Line
Continue your flight to Auckland, across the International Date Line.

DAY 3 • Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand
An O.A.T. representative meets us at the airport. We'll be joined by fellow travelers from our optional pre-trip extension to Australia: Sydney & Great Barrier Reef.
Holiday Inn Express Auckland or similar

DAY 4 • Explore Auckland • Controversial Topic: Maori reparations

Explore Auckland on foot, led by your Trip Experience Leader. Visit Bastion Point for a traditional Maori welcome ceremony. Then, a local expert will lead a conversation on the Controversial Topic of the historic harms done to the Maori population and how New Zealanders are struggling to remedy it.
Meals: B,L,D | Holiday Inn Express Auckland or similar

DAY 5 • Auckland • Explore Waiheke Island
Journey by ferry to Waiheke Island to visit a boutique winery to sample their wines and enjoy a tour of a local olive oil estate.
Meals: B,L | Holiday Inn Express Auckland or similar

DAY 6 • Explore Hamilton Gardens • Rotorua • National Kiwi Hatchery
Stop at Hamilton Gardens, and then continue your journey to Rotorua, famous for geothermal activity and Maori history.
Meals: B,L,D | Distinction Rotorua Hotel or similar

DAY 7 • Rotorua • A Day in the Life of a Ngati Manawa community
Experience A Day in the Life of the Ngati Manawa, a Maori community in Murupara, which includes a traditional hangi lunch on the shores of Lake Aniwhenua.
Meals: B,L | Distinction Rotorua Hotel or similar

DAY 8 • Rotorua • Optional Waimangu Volcanic Valley tour • Home-Hosted Dinner
Today is free for you to make your own discoveries. Or, join our optional Waimangu Volcanic Valley tour. Explore the world's youngest geothermal site, and discover Inferno Crater and Frying Pan Lake, followed by a cruise of Lake Rotomahana. This evening, sit down with a local Maori family for a Home-Hosted Dinner.
Meals: B,D | Distinction Rotorua Hotel or similar

DAY 9 • Rotorua • Fly to Christchurch

We fly to Christchurch this morning. Upon arrival, you'll take a walking tour of the city with your Trip Experience Leader, and then have some time for your own discoveries.
Meals: B | Rydges Latimer Christchurch or similar

DAY 10 • Christchurch • Local farm visit
Visit a working sheep station (ranch) in the Southern Alps for a glimpse of the daily lives of the farmers. Witness the teamwork of sheepdogs, followed by a sheep shearing demonstration.
Meals: B,D | Rydges Latimer Christchurch or similar

DAY 11 • Christchurch • Dunedin
Travel overland to the coastal city of Dunedin, taking in views of rugged beaches along the way. As you go, you'll stop in the historic town of Oamuru, and behold the Moeraki Boulders, mysterious stones scattered along the beach and steeped in Maori legend.
Meals: B,L,D | Distinction Dunedin Hotel or similar

DAY 12 • Discover Larnach Castle. Explore Dunedin

Delve into the European history of New Zealand at Larnach Castle, known as "New Zealand's only castle," built in the 19th century during the Gold Rush. Following a walking tour, the afternoon is yours to make your own discoveries in Dunedin.
Meals: B | Distinction Dunedin Hotel or similar

ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHT

On Day 13, board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise of Milford Sound, nestled in the heart of Fiordland National Park.

Queenstown
Queenstown
Maori community, Rotorua
Maori community, Rotorua

DAY 13 • Dunedin • Milford Sound Overnight Cruise

Explore Milford Sound in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Explore the wonders of this region on an overnight cruise. Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, we'll marvel at towering cliffs, Mitre Peak, waterfalls, beech forests, and unique flora and fauna.
Meals: B,L,D | Milford Mariner or similar

DAY 14 • Milford Sound • Disembark ship • Queenstown

Disembark the ship and journey to the "adventure capital of the world," Queenstown. Along the way, stop at the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary.
Meals: B,D | Heritage Queenstown or similar

DAY 15 • Queenstown • Optional Jet-Boat Ride

Your morning is free to make your own discoveries in Queenstown. Or, you may choose to join a half-day optional tour for a thrilling jet-boat ride on the remote Dart River, taking high-speed twists and turns as you explore the waterways.
Meals: B | Heritage Queenstown or similar

DAY 16 • Explore Queenstown • Discover Arrowtown

Explore the historic and colorful history of the Australian gold rush in Arrowtown. This afternoon is yours to explore Queenstown as you wish.
Meals: B,D | Heritage Queenstown or similar

DAY 17 • Return to U.S.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or to begin your New Zealand's Bay of Islands post-trip extension.
Meals: B

ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHT

On Day 10, visit a working farm in the Rubicon Valley, nestled in the Southern Alps and home to more than 3,000 sheep.

Want to know more? Find the full itinerary and dates & pricing at www.oattravel.com/nzo

PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE on your New Zealand adventure

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS

Choose to maximize your discoveries and value when you add a pre- or post-trip extension-or both-to your adventure.

Australia: Sydney & Great Barrier Reef

PRE-TRIP: 7 nights from $3,395

Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Revel in the myriad colors and vibrant life of the Great Barrier Reef, and stroll along iconic Sydney Harbour and discover its fascinating history.

IT'S INCLUDED

Learn more at www.oattravel.com/nzo-australia-2026

New Zealand's Bay of Islands

POST-TRIP: 3 nights from $1,495

This destination is only available as a trip extension

Explore one of New Zealand's most unique ecosystems in this subtropical archipelago of nearly 150 islands. Witness the pristine natural environment and stunning coastal scenery, and discover the rich history of the Maori people.

IT'S INCLUDED

Learn more at www.oattravel.com/nzo-bayofislands-2026

ARRIVE EARLY

We recommend that you relax after a long flight or explore more in depth before your trip. Prices shown include accommodations and private airport transfer.