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Total Aotearoa (23 days)

Grand traverse (16 days), northern light (7 days), summer blast (13 days).

• Southern Light (8 days)
• Wild West (6 days)
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New Zealand's Top Rated Adventure Tour

AWARD WINNING & UNIQUE NEW ZEALAND TOURS - ENJOY MORE TIME OUTDOORS

✅  Top-rated by National Geographic

✅ You stay in  remote locations other tours can't access

✅  Small groups of like-minded travellers, 

Flying Kiwi  adventure tours are the perfect way to enjoy the outdoor beauty and excitement of New Zealand. Every trip combines optional hiking , cycling and adventure activities with accommodation in stunning locations beside lakes, oceans, mountains and rivers. We get you further off the beaten track and explore New Zealand's best national parks and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

If you love the outdoors, love adventure and want to travel "beyond the tourist trail" these tours are for you.  You will make friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

Unbeatable value - our tours include more meals, flexibility, hikes, adventure & time in the best places.

Flying Kiwi featured New Zealand tours

Tour Length 16 days

Starts From Auckland

Starting your tour in Auckland? This 2 week adventure experience is the perfect way to fill your time. Try NZ's best great walks, experience cultural highlights and mix mountains with beaches as you head to NZ's adventure capital - Queenstown.

Tour Length 7 days

For those short on time but big on adventure this tour is ideal. Heading from top to bottom you'll experience kiwi culture, golden beaches, outstanding walks and Lord of the rings landscapes.

Tour Length 13 days

Starts From Christchurch

The south island offers the most diverse landscapes and activities. Explore & enjoy the 4 corners of the south with numerous national parks, towering mountains, golden bays, glowworm caves and the best adrenaline experiences in the country.

Tour Length 23 days

The Total Aotearoa tour covers almost all of NZ. You'll see stunning beaches, amazing National parks & the best hikes, bike rides and accommodation NZ has to offer.

Explore New Zealand on a Flying Kiwi tour

I feel really bad as I went on this trip a few years ago however, since the pandemic, I've seen images of NZ and it reminded me of my amazing experience. I really can't praise Flying Kiwi highly enough. Everyone from the staff who helped me with my online booking to everyone throughout the 3 week trip. You really feel like a family, everyone is so nice and welcoming. I have too many highlights to mention. NZ is one of the most breathtaking places I've ever visited. When we are past the Covid-19 pandemic please book a place and go. You won't regret it.

Matthew Gray, Summer Blast South Island Tour, 2018

Tara and Aaron were excellent and worked hard to ensure everyone had a great trip. Nothing was too much for Tara and I appreciated her consistently upbeat attitude while she helped with everyone's needs. A really spectacular trip - thanks Flying Kiwi.

Nina, Grand Traverse - Auckland to Queenstown tour, 2019

Achieved what I wanted to see, highlights of New Zealand and to do some hiking outside.

Navapreet, Ultimate Explorer - NZ's Top Rated Adventure Tour, 2019

One of my best trips filled with lots of activities and beautiful hikes. So happy with the Flying Kiwi staff that provided useful information and made my holiday free of stress, and making sure I got to experience everything New Zealand has to offer without planning anything myself!

Benedicte, Grand Traverse - Auckland to Queenstown tour, 2019

New Zealand is huge and with this trip I saw the best spots

Jan, Ultimate Explorer - NZ's Top Rated Adventure Tour, 2019

Amazing experience and amazing people,it felt like family. I will never forget my awesome experience in New Zealand, wonderful country!

Romina, Ultimate Explorer - NZ's Top Rated Adventure Tour, 2019

I think it was the best trip I've ever been on

Mats, Ultimate Explorer - NZ's Top Rated Adventure Tour, 2019

Had the most amazing time it was a great way to see New Zealand. Thank you!

Erin, Wild West South Island Tour, 2019

It was exactly what I was looking for and the driver & guide were amazing.

Bert, Total Aotearoa - 23 day New Zealand Tour, 2019

Traveling on my own this has meant, I have not been overwhelmed by the amount of activities there is to do, having a guide to help navigate has been a well needed part of my trip, both Nick and Chrissie have been amazing. I will definitely be joining you again.

Alison, Northern Light North Island Tour, 2019

I had great 5 days! Sad to leave...

Johanna, Northern Light North Island Tour, 2019

Brooke and Aaron were very patient, enthusiastic and helpful throughout the trip. I would travel with Flying Kiwi again. More than a hop-on hop-off experience. :) fun!!!

Jenna, Northern Light North Island Tour, 2020

Had a brilliant time, enjoyed it immensely, meet great people and of course the first days with only 4 people were such a luxury!

Larissa, Hot Rocks New Zealand North Island Tour, 2020

The friendly environment makes New Zealand landscape better, with a shared experience that is really awesome and has not equal (for what is my experience) in he rest of the world.

Riccardo, Hot Rocks New Zealand North Island Tour, 2018

Flying Kiwi was one of the best travel experiences of my life! I am already planning to book another trip with you guys and will be recommending you to all my friends :)

Anna, Hot Rocks New Zealand North Island Tour, 2019

Explore New Zealand with National Geographic CreativeWorks.

From epic   mountains to incredible beaches, Aotearoa New Zealand has heaps of beautiful places. But it’s the people and the kindness of this place that will stay with you.

We look forward to sharing our beautiful country, and we’re not shy to tell people where to go or what to do. There are a lot of secret spots and hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered, when the time is right. Take a look at some of our favorites!

Climate and Weather

Find out more about the different seasons on both North and South Islands.

Getting around

Know more about the different transportation options around New Zealand.

Accommodation

New Zealand has accommodation to suit every level of comfort and budget.

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New Zealand Journey National Geographic Journeys

• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided
• Christmas & New Year

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 Auckland
• Day 2 Auckland (1B)
• Day 3 Auckland/Rotorua (1B)
• Day 4 Rotorua (1B, 1L)
• Day 5 Rotorua/Christchurch (1B)
• Day 6 Christchurch/Franz Josef (1B)
• Day 7 Franz Josef (1B)
• Day 8 Franz Josef/Queenstown (1B)
• Day 9 Queenstown/Fiordland National Park (1B, 1D)
• Day 10 Fiordland National Park/Queenstown (1B)
• Day 11 Queenstown (1B)
• Day 12 Queenstown (1B)

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Customer photos.

Operated by National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures

TRAVEL, ENHANCED National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures are a collection of unique National Geographic tours designed to take you deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. They offer more inclusions, greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and the freedom to roam, all within the structure and security of travelling in a small group.

Sustainability Initiatives

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.7
• Itinerary Excellent 4.8
• Guide Excellent 4.7
• Transport Excellent 4.6
• Accommodation Excellent 4.1
• Food Excellent 4.3
• Tour Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures 4.5
• Most Recent
• Most Popular
• Highest First
• Lowest First

• EW Edwin · 26th May 2023 Greg Bray, our CEO, was knowledgeable fun to be with and skilled at making necessary adjustments when needed. We had a great experience all the way around. Trip date: May 2023
• KO Kathy · 7th November 2022 The tour itself was excellent. I was very frustrated however by the minimal communication. It was very difficult to get information prior to the tour, and the response time did not meet your commitments. Even during the tour, we were often in the dark... Show more Trip date: October 2022
• PB PAUL · 9th March 2020 great trip and tour of NZ Trip date: February 2020
• DB Diarmid · 31st December 2019 The trip fulfilled my expectations; a good introduction to New Zealand, including both North and South islands. The trip was very well organised; even an enforced change of itinerary was handled seamlessly. Trip date: December 2019

• AN Andy · 21st October 2019 This was an excellent tour with a very knowledgeable guide (Jonno). We only had 6 people on the tour which allowed us to get to know each other very well over the 12 day tour. The tour bus was very clean and our driver/guide kept us entertained during... Show more Trip date: September 2019
• AA Alina · 8th October 2019 Tour was a nice mix of beautiful landscape and fun physical activities, accommodations were clean and comfortable, overall great experience. Would recommend to friends! Trip date: September 2019

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
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• December 2025
• Sunday 19 May, 2024 Thursday 30 May, 2024 English Filling Fast €5,469 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 16 Jun, 2024 Thursday 27 Jun, 2024 English Filling Fast €4,499 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Sunday 7 Jul, 2024 Thursday 18 Jul, 2024 English Almost Sold Out Multiple Room Types €4,499 Confirm Dates
• -10% Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 11 Aug, 2024 Thursday 22 Aug, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €4,499 €4,049 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 8 Sep, 2024 Thursday 19 Sep, 2024 English Filling Fast €4,499 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Sunday 22 Sep, 2024 Thursday 3 Oct, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Standard €4,499 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Sunday 6 Oct, 2024 Thursday 17 Oct, 2024 English Almost Sold Out Multiple Room Types €5,469 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 13 Oct, 2024 Thursday 24 Oct, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €5,469 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 20 Oct, 2024 Thursday 31 Oct, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €5,469 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Sunday 27 Oct, 2024 Thursday 7 Nov, 2024 English Almost Sold Out Multiple Room Types €5,469 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

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Good to Know

• Currency $ New Zealand Dollar New Zealand

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.

• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 8th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 8th July 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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North America

Central america & caribbean, south america, north africa & middle east.

Few travellers make it to this icy continent, but the lucky ones who do get to explore a frozen Eden ruled by the elements and teeming with wildlife.

G Adventures Land

G adventures sailing & cruises, g adventures private travel.

Whether it’s a family retreat or a girls trip, you can surround yourself with a hand-picked crew and customize a tour that fits you all perfectly.

The Geluxe Collection

Our new line of premium active adventures is officially here. With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations and elevated dining, this is adventure at its finest.

National Geographic Journeys

Go deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. More is included and you’ll enjoy greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to roam.

National Geographic Family Journeys

Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.

Jane Goodall Collection

Step deeper into the animal kingdom while respecting all of its inhabitants. Our incredible collection of wildlife-focused tours is endorsed by the world-renowned ethologist.

Roamies by Hostelworld

The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

Why choose us

As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.

Change the world just by having the time of your life. When you travel with us, you become a force for good by acting responsibly and creating positive impact.

Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.

Trees for Days

Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.

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Looking to have the time of your life in the next 90 days or so? You can save big if you’re ready to book now.

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Back home from a G Adventures tour? Submit a quick trip evaluation to save 5% on your next tour with us.

Student discount

Got proof that you’re pursuing higher learning? Then we’ve got a travel voucher with your name on it.

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New Zealand: Best of the North Island

7 days, auckland to wellington.

• Full itinerary
• Tour details

Now's the time to explore New Zealand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. New Zealand’s North Island may be the smaller of the two, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in adventure. Over this seven-day tour, you'll hop in a sea kayak to explore a secluded harbour, learn about Maori culture from the source, and learn to surf on an iconic break. There's no better way to live, breathe, and paddle the New Zealand experience.

Auckland to Wellington

Special offers, is this tour for me, travel style: 18-to-thirtysomethings.

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Basic

Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 20, avg 16

Age requirement: 18-39

Check your visa requirements.

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 7

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 99

Places visited

• New Zealand

Itinerary Notes

Please note that most 18-to-Thirtysomethings accommodation in New Zealand is multi-share. For more info, see our Trip Details.

Day 1 Auckland

Arrive at any time. There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Day 2 auckland/raglan.

Begin your journey along backroads to Bridal Veil Falls where the group will head out on a short walk through north island native bush to this stunning waterfall. Continue onwards to the surf town of Raglan. After, get on the water for some sea kayaking and a boat trip; exploring remote parts of the harbour before, enjoy some fish & chips. With full stomachs and a relaxed atmosphere the group will head to our accommodation right in the middle of the surf and arts town of Raglan for the next two nights.

Meals included:

Day 3 raglan.

Spend the full day in Raglan, home to a world-famous surf break. There's no better way to live like the locals do, so grab a surf board and jump right in with an included lesson. You'll also have plenty of time to relax and soak up the laid-back coastal vibes while swapping stories with your travel buddies.

Day 4 Raglan/Rotorua

Another day, another chance to explore! Today the group will begin journeying to Rotorua with a stop along the way in Waitomo. Here you can choose to go caving in the famous Waitomo Caves, where you will see glow worms light up the cave's ceiling just like stars in the night sky. Next up is Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity. In the evening you'll visit a thermal valley for an engaging cultural experience by night at the Te Puia Village.

Day 5 Rotorua/Taupo

Spend a free morning in fascinating Rotorua. Opt to explore hot springs, walking past bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools, or go on a white-water rafting excursion. Depart Rotorua in the afternoon and travel to Taupo. Along the way stop for a visit to Rainbow Mountain Reserve for a short walk to a volcano. Then, continue on for a visit to the mighty Huka Falls. These impressive falls are not to be missed on the North Island. Arrive in Taupo, home to New Zealand's largest lake and the world's biggest crater lake in the evening.

Day 6 Taupo/Wellington

Hit the road to the nation’s capital at the southern end of the North Island. Take in the ever-changing scenery, swap travel stories with your group, and simply reflect on your journey. The group will arrive early enough to visit the National Museum, Te Papa — home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. Then the choice is yours, so take that cable car ride to the hills overlooking the city, or make that stroll along the Oriental Parade happen because you're here now and you might as well take advantage of everything around you. The group will finish the day off with an optional night out on the town together in the central business district.

Day 7 Wellington

Depart at any time.

Alas, your trip has come to an end. However, who says you have to go home? Why not add on another tour so you can keep exploring this stunning part of the world. After all, does anyone ever regret extending a vacation?

What's Included

• Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
• Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
• Your Hands-On Moment: Surf Lesson, Raglan
• Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington
• Lake Taupo Sailboat Trip (Lake Taupo)
• Sea kayaking excursion (Raglan)
• Surf lesson in Raglan
• Maori cultural experience
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hostels (6 nts, multi-share with 4-6 people)

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner Allow USD155-205 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private vehicle, boat, kayak, walking

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Available extras  (Add these to your tour when you book)

Auckland sailing: america's cup experience (pre tour) - from $121.00.

As part of the boat crew, you'll work together with your teammates to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour in this competitive yacht. Either take the helm and participate or sit back and enjoy the spectacle - the choice is yours.

Extend your stay with these add-on tours

New zealand: south island encompassed - from $2159.

Why stop at the North Island? Consider adding on this trip that explores the South Island.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

National Geographic Expeditions

Global operator

Service level

Travelers age

Trip prices

$1,595 — 67,950

Tour languages

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How well do you know the world?

National geographic expeditions reviews & ratings, inconsistent information, no refund.

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signed up to travel the Columbia-Snake River to visit Hell's Canyon. That part of the trip was cancelled by Nat Geo without notifying the passengers. Instead we vi...

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Cancel my trip but no refund

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Editoral Review of National Geographic Expeditions

In 1999, National Geographic launched their own tour company component: National Geographic Expeditions. Since then they have expanded to offer trips on all 7 continents in over 60 destinations. Recently they partnered with G Adventures to provide even more variety to their devoted customers.

What Makes National Geographic Expeditions Stand Out?

• Multiple modes of travel
• Expert guides and photographers
• After hours and special access to sites

With National Geographic, you can travel by small, expedition-style ships; classic train journeys; land tours; active adventures; photo tours; family-oriented trips; or private, independent expeditions based on your desires and budget.

Wherever you go with National Geographic, which has been in the tour business for 15 years, you can expect doors to open: entry to research sites, archaeological digs, private homes or special events.

Many expeditions are accompanied by a National Geographic expert or expert team who share their knowledge and passion for a region and help make each experience enriching and unforgettable.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling With National Geographic Expeditions?

• Photography enthusiasts
• Adventurous minded
• Nature lovers
• History buffs
• Life long learners

National Geographic is one of those special brands that has managed to successfully straddle the line between “your grandfather loves them” and “your eighteen year old sister loves them”. They cover a wide range of topics, themes, and travel styles, with the educational aspect always prevalent yet not overbearing.

If you love feeling like an explorer and an adventurer when you travel, and love learning about the world from experts in a variety of fields, National Geographic is the perfect place for you. This is a company for those who want to dig deeper, like getting the inside story from multiple perspectives - historical, cultural, political, economic, scientific and more.

National Geographic trips are great for families, and you can choose a private tour or a family friendly group, where hands on activities will widen your children’s worldview in innumerable special ways.

National Geographic trips are also extremely popular with photographers - novice photographers will enjoy their photography-centric tours, while many dedicated hobbyists can be found on their other trip styles as well.

If you’re the kind of traveler who sacrifices the space for a pair of shoes in your suitcase for another lens or photography accessory...you’ll be right at home on a trip with National Geographic Expeditions.

In the same way that National Geographic magazine has always inspired and furthered conversation and discourse, so too do their trips. The spirit of learning about the world is intertwined in every itinerary, so if you consider yourself a lifelong student, you should definitely consider traveling with National Geographic Expeditions.

Top Destinations

National Geographic Expeditions go all around the world, and cover almost every travel style imaginable. One might think they have a favoring of the more “exotic” locations but an impressive number of United States and European tours are offered as well as farther reaching destinations. National Geographic Expeditions in the Galapagos are especially popular.

Regardless of where you travel, you will be sure to get off the beaten path and discover unique cultural landmarks, meet interesting people, and enjoy a sense of adventure.

Small-ship expeditions, done in conjunction with Lindblad Expeditions, can take you to Antarctica, the Galapagos and points beyond. Classic train journeys include the Trans-Siberian and trains through India, Spain, and Switzerland. Active adventures might take you hiking in Bhutan or meeting Berbers in Morocco. Land tours could take you to Tanzania, Peru or the Grand Canyon.

National Geographic Expeditions Travel Style

The travel style with National Geographic Expeditions has an aura of old fashioned exploration with a modern twist.

National Geographic Expeditions is a family friendly outfit, offering a wide range of prices and trip styles. Trips vary from mid range budget to higher. Physical level is usually light to moderate.

By virtue of their longstanding presence in the world, National Geographic has a wide reaching global network to lean on for incredibly unique and authentic lodging options, knowledgeable guides, and VIP access to historical and archaeological sites.

They have several broad travel styles you can choose from:

Land Trips - National Geographic Land Trips are immersive explorations, often covering nature and wilderness points of interest such as national parks. They also dive into ancient cities and cultures, with trips exploring everything from monks in Burmese mountainside temples to the lives of nomadic Mongolian peoples. Most trips are around 11 days and physical level is between light and moderate, with some trips featuring moderately challenging hikes in various altitudes.

River Cruises - a relatively new addition, Nat Geo now offers around 7 river cruises in Europe covering the Danube, Rhine, and Douro. Currently they also have 1 river cruise in Asia, along the Irrawaddy. These trips are typically between 7 - 11 days and feature wine tasting, history tours, and very light physical activity.

Private Expeditions - If you and your family, significant other, or a few close friends are looking for a more intimate travel experience than a group of strangers, Private Expeditions are a great way to travel. These trips are customizable, and can be crafted to perfectly suit your interests and dates.

Photography Trips - National Geographic has consistently featured award winning travel photography. They run regular contests for those inspired by the thousands of groundbreaking and historic photographs taken by journalists and travel photographers around the world. On National Geographic photography trips you can actually learn tricks of the trade from real-world photographers and improve your skills.

Train Trips - Travel was revolutionized with the implementation of the railroad, allowing people to travel in what was then a rapid pace from destination to destination. Today this ideal has been flipped on its head, and train travel is a leisurely paced excursion allowing time to relax and appreciate the slower meandering through beautiful countrysides. National Geographic train trips cover the classics, such as the Trans-Siberian railway and the Rocky Mountain railroad. Accommodations are comfortable, around a premium level, with options to upgrade.

Active Expeditions - For those who enjoy a bit more of an adrenaline pumping and active travel experience, National Geographic also has trips for you. These trips feature multiple active outings, such as kayaking, hiking, and caving. Expect to explore the outdoors covering unique natural phenomena and gaining insight into how and why the landscape has been shaped the way it has. These trips also feature cultural insights, just to a lesser extent.

Family Expeditions - National Geographic is the perfect company to travel with when you have curious and adventurous youngsters eager to see the world. They will learn about other cultures, people, food, nature and wildlife from experts with “cool jobs” that might even inspire lifelong interests and perhaps influence a career. These trips are specifically designed to be hands on, allowing everyone to get involved and learn about how things work.

Private Jet Trips - For a luxurious and more lengthy travel experience, nothing beats a Private Jet tour. A dedicated team will be with you, and you’ll experience all the best that National Geographic has to offer from local guides to premiere accommodation. These trips are in a very high budget range, but if it’s in your wheelhouse - it’s a superb way to travel and cover a lot of ground.

Journeys - Part of a partnership with G Adventures, these trips are adventurous and immersive small group excursions imbued with the spirit of National Geographic. The best of two top travel worlds!

Why Choose a Tour  With National Geographic Expeditions?

When you travel with National Geographic you are participating in and contributing to a spectacular legacy. Over the years National Geographic has cultivated a reputation for being about cultural exploration, scientific advancement, and broadening perspectives.

Their travel experiences are perfect for anyone wishing to get back to the roots of what adventurous, experiential travel really means and enjoy discovering the world from multiple angles.

Really one of the best parts about traveling on a tour with National Geographic Expeditions is the sheer breadth of knowledge, personal and professional experience their guides bring to the table. They help provide richly detailed context, historical information, and dive into the details of local life, by showing and doing as well as explaining. You the traveler will have the true experience of getting to know a place from the inside out.

If that wasn’t enough of a reason, proceeds from your trip price go towards supporting National Geographic’s ongoing nonprofit work in conservation, exploration, education, and cultural preservation.

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About the company.

National Geographic Expeditions span the globe and are designed to reflect our travelers' broad spectrum of interests, from small-ship expeditions and classic train journeys to photography workshops and family adventures. When you travel with us, you'll enjoy boundless opportunities to be surrounded by natural wonders and exotic wildlife, to explore celebrated archaeological sites, to learn about different cultures and share in local traditions. A National Geographic expert or expert team accompanies each expedition, sharing their knowledge and passion for a region and making each experience enriching and unforgettable.

An Extraordinary Legacy of Exploration

National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the National Geographic Society, was founded on the same belief in the importance of exploration that distinguishes the Society's 125-year history. Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions now operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 60 destinations.

Since its founding in 1888, the Society has developed incredible resources—from its network of experts, contacts, and Society-sponsored researchers all over the globe, to the top-tier editorial staff of National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines, and the books, maps, and film and television divisions. National Geographic Expeditions taps these resources to create unique and authentic expeditions to fascinating parts of the world.

As part of the National Geographic Travel group, National Geographic Expeditions aims to fulfill the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research.

National Geographic Adventures

National Geographic Adventures are unique, active itineraries for intrepid travelers that feature spectacular places, cultural interaction, and physical challenge: the perfect mix for an unforgettable adventure. Trek through some of the world's most legendary mountain ranges and veer far off the beaten path, discovering wild landscapes by foot, kayak, horseback, or camel. Each adventure has a designated activity level—from Easy to Ultimate Challenge, and you'll have the option to take it easy or push your limits on a harder hike throughout most trips. Your group will never be larger than 16 travelers, and you'll explore in the company of top guides, enjoying adventures that are both physically active and culturally rewarding.

National Geographic Student Expeditions

National Geographic Student Expeditions offer active summer travel experiences for high school students in some of the world's most amazing places. With the guidance of dynamic trip leaders and top National Geographic experts, students explore their interests, build new skills, and experience new landscapes and cultures firsthand. Each type of program—expedition, field workshop, community service trip, and photo workshop—is designed to educate and inspire, combining adventure, discovery, and cultural immersion. Photo workshops are led by a National Geographic photographer and include instruction and daily photo shoots. Students in our community service programs live in a village and work with community members on a variety of service projects. On each expedition and field workshop, students get involved in a unique, hands-on project that allows them to delve deeper into a specific topic—such as photography, wildlife and conservation, filmmaking, or archaeology—and further engage with the places they visit.

National Geographic Difference

Travel that’s tailored to your interests: Whether you're a budding photographer, a natural history enthusiast, a parent looking for a great family trip, or a traveler seeking an active adventure, you'll find an array of opportunities that fit your passions and interests.

The beauty of happenstance: Some of the best moments in travel occur when you least expect them. So that you can savor these instances and enjoy each place in a way that’s meaningful to you, we offer options and build free time into our itineraries wherever we can.

Travel in good company: Lasting friendships often begin on National Geographic Expeditions. Your traveling companions are Society members like you: active, engaged, and curious about the world.

Explore the world in comfort and style: Whether you're relaxing in the arcaded courtyard of a 15th-century monastery in Peru or speeding through Siberia on a private luxury train, our accommodations are carefully selected for their exceptional quality, location, and character.

We'll take care of the details: Leave the legwork to us. We take care of the logistics and details so you can relax, enjoy, and immerse yourself in the places you are exploring.

Exceptional resources at your fingertips: To help prepare for your trip, we’ll send you detailed information specific to your trip, including National Geographic books, articles, or maps relating to your destination. You’ll also receive a 20-percent discount on your next purchase* from our gift catalog or online store—shopng.com—as well as a free one-year subscription to a National Geographic magazine of your choice.

We’ve explored the world for 125 years. Now, let us take you with us!

National Geographic Expeditions Trips & Specials

Tibet and Nepal: Journey to the Highest Himalaya

Southern Africa Safari Experience

Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey

Egypt Private Expedition

Archaeological Wonders of Southern Italy and Sicily

Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion National Parks Family Adventure

South Africa Family Adventure

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• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

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2024 will be huge for astrotourism—here’s how to plan your trip

One report estimates one to four million people will travel to see this year’s solar eclipse—but it's not the only cosmic event happening this year.

Constellations and comets. Solar eclipses and the aurora borealis. The cosmos are alive with wonders. Eclipses were mentioned in Assyrian cuneiform tablets as early as 763 B.C. and Han Dynasty documents since 90 B.C. Similarly, the aurora borealis was observed by Assyrian astronomers around 679-655 B.C. and documented by Aristotle between 384 and 322 B.C.

While solar eclipses and the northern lights get the most attention, comets, meteor showers, and other spectacular night sky events happen all year round. Traveling to destinations specifically to stargaze is called astrotourism, and it’s been gaining momentum over the past decade. The 2017 solar eclipse further increased interest, with more than 216 million people attempting to see it , making it one of the largest recorded audiences for any scientific, athletic, or entertainment event.   Plus, the growth of dark sky parks and reserves (designated areas with minimal light pollution) has made it easier for people to engage with the cosmos.

Here’s why 2024 will be huge for astrotourism and where and when you should look up.

The year for astrotourism  

2024 could bring the best auroras in 20 years , including in regions that don’t typically see the northern lights, such as Arizona , Arkansas , and Virginia . Alex Filippenko , an astrophysicist and professor at the University of California, Berkeley, says the strength of this year’s northern and southern lights is because the sun is nearing a maximum in its roughly 11-year solar activity cycle, expected to peak in 2025. He adds that the total solar eclipse that will take place on April 8 will also be visible in many parts of the U.S., and it will be the last one to occur here until 2044.

In April, the enormous 12P/Pons-Brooks comet will streak toward the inner solar system, becoming so bright that it may be visible to the unaided eye. Nearly three times the size of Mount Everest, the comet will align with the eclipsed sun on April 8 and swing by Jupiter on April 12 before reaching peak brightness on its way to the sun on April 21.

( This Swedish overnight train takes you straight to the northern lights .)

Come August, the annual Perseid meteor shower returns, scattering a flurry of up to 60 shooting stars per hour. On September 17,   Saturn will converge with the moon and do so again on October 14 and 15, November 11, and December 8. This spectacle will be visible to unaided eyes shortly after sunset, though binoculars could make the silvery lunar glow and giant yellow planet appear even more impressive.

Planning your own astro adventure

According to a report by the Great American Eclipse , an estimated one to four million people will travel to see this year’s solar eclipse. In response, travel companies are rocketing into astrotourism.

In 2021, Black Tomato launched a series of bespoke eclipse experiences, including adventures to Argentina and Patagonia and luxury private yacht trips in Antarctica . Wilderness Travel , a California -based adventure company, has offered expert-led eclipse trips for 20 years.

Texas-based Jean Ann LeGrand, who has seen eclipses on several Wilderness Travel trips, says, “the moment is ethereal—the personal excitement, the solar drama, the atmospheric changes; it’s as if you are being drawn in and cloaked in an experience of being made one with the sun.”  

Some of the best cities to view the eclipse in the U.S. are Austin and Dallas , Texas; Cleveland , Ohio; and Rochester and Niagara Falls , New York. Indianapolis has planned events at the Indianapolis Speedway, Children’s Museum, and zoo, where animals are expected to react to the sudden loss of light.

( The best places to see the 2024 total solar eclipse .)

August’s Perseid meteor shower is best seen in the Northern Hemisphere. For prime views, head somewhere dark, clear, and far from light pollution and threats of wildfires . Popular places for stargazing and meteor watching are Colorado and California, but to avoid the crowds (and potentially ash-filled skies), consider lesser visited dark skies in Nebraska or South Carolina .

Auroras are much harder to plan for in advance says Filippenko, but nights around the new moon are better than bright full-moon nights. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also offers a map that helps you determine whether or not the lights will be visible from your area.

Top spots to see the aurora borealis in Europe include Finland , Scotland , Iceland , and Norway , because they experience many hours of darkness. The southern lights illuminate the skies over the southern tip portions of Tasmania, Australia and New Zealand . But some of the darkest skies won’t be spotted from land. Rather, they’ll be found far from light pollution, in the middle of the ocean. Consider a cruise that passes through northern regions like Greenland and the Canadian Arctic .

For Hungry Minds

Related topics.

• AMATEUR ASTRONOMY
• SOLAR ECLIPSES
• DARK-SKY PRESERVES
• NIGHT SKY PHOTOGRAPHY

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