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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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• Bay of Islands
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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

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Journeys: Iconic Australia and New Zealand 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 Fiordland National Park Day Trip (1B)
• Day 10 Queenstown (1B)
• Day 11 Queenstown (1B, 1D)
• Day 12 Queenstown/Melbourne (1B)
• Day 13 Melbourne (1B, 1L)
• Day 14 Melbourne (1B)
• Day 15 Melbourne/Uluru (1B)
• Day 16 Uluru (1B)
• Day 17 Uluru/Sydney (1B)
• Day 18 Sydney (1B, 1D)
• Day 19 Sydney (1B)
• Day 20 Sydney/Port Douglas (1B)
• Day 21 Port Douglas (1B, 1L)
• Day 22 Port Douglas (1B)
• Day 23 Port Douglas/Cairns (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

CityLife Auckland

Millennium Rotorua

Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Rainforest Retreat

Peppers Beacon Hotel

Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

Desert Gardens Hotel

Vibe Hotel Sydney

Mantra PortSea

Sustainability Initiatives

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Reviews About This Operator

• Tour Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures 4.5
• Jean · 11th January 2024 The Guides for individual tours were knowledgeable and helpful, Our overall tour guide worked hard to make sure... Show more
• Edwin · 26th May 2023 Greg Bray, our CEO, was knowledgeable fun to be with and skilled at making necessary adjustments when needed. We had... Show more
• Kathy · 7th November 2022 The tour itself was excellent. I was very frustrated however by the minimal communication. It was very difficult to... Show more

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
• November 2025
• December 2025
• Sunday 11 Aug, 2024 Monday 2 Sep, 2024 English Almost Sold Out €9,949 Confirm Dates
• Sunday 8 Sep, 2024 Monday 30 Sep, 2024 English Almost Sold Out €10,699 Confirm Dates
• Sunday 22 Sep, 2024 Monday 14 Oct, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Standard €10,699 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Sunday 6 Oct, 2024 Monday 28 Oct, 2024 English Almost Sold Out €11,429 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Sunday 13 Oct, 2024 Monday 4 Nov, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Standard €11,429 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Sunday 20 Oct, 2024 Monday 11 Nov, 2024 English Sold Out €11,429 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Sunday 27 Oct, 2024 Monday 18 Nov, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Standard €11,429 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Sunday 3 Nov, 2024 Monday 25 Nov, 2024 English Sold Out €11,429 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Sunday 10 Nov, 2024 Monday 2 Dec, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Standard €11,429 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• 4 Other Unavailable Departures
• Sunday 17 Nov, 2024 Monday 9 Dec, 2024 English Almost Sold Out €11,429 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Sunday 24 Nov, 2024 Monday 16 Dec, 2024 English Almost Sold Out Multiple Room Types €11,429 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!

Got a question about this tour?

Reach out to our travel experts.

Good to Know

• Currencies $ Australian Dollar Australia $ New Zealand Dollar New Zealand

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

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an infected area for Australia. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Australia. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• 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 7th September 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 7th September 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.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures. Please familiarise yourself with the National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• 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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• Journeys: Iconic Australia and New Zealand National Geographic Journeys Tours in In-depth Cultural
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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.

Travel resources

Last minute deals.

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.

Loyalty discount

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.

All travel deals

New ways to save pop up all the time. Here’s where you’ll find every hot deal in one easy place.

Journeys: Iconic Australia and New Zealand

23 days, auckland to cairns.

• Winter Itinerary 5/27/24 - 9/27/24
• From Sep 27 2024
• Full itinerary
• Tour details

Discover the cultural and natural highlights of New Zealand and Australia on an epic 23-day adventure. Start off on New Zealand’s North Island with a Maori feast in Rotorua; then head south to cruise through majestic, wildlife-rich fjords. Queenstown—the adventure capital of the world—will serve up a healthy dose of adrenaline before we fly to Australia and eat our way through Melbourne on a walking lunch. Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House, and dive in to explore the Great Barrier Reef on a snorkeling excursion. Wrap up your adventure in Queensland by spending an afternoon with members of Australia's Indigenous community.

23 days - Auckland to Cairns

Is this tour for me, travel style: national geographic journeys.

Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

Service Level: Upgraded

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 12.

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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 for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 23

Ripple Score

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: 73

Places visited

• New Zealand

Itinerary Notes

Please note that due to seasonal weather the itinerary in Doubtful Sound varies from winter to summer months. The winter itinerary runs approx from mid-May to early Sept. The remaining departures will follow the summer itinerary.

There are new Health & Safety Protocols for National Geographic Journeys tours. Please see here for full details and up-to-date requirements as they may change.

Day 1 Auckland

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Auckland

Take an orientation walk in Auckland, one of the most multicultural cities in the Southern Hemisphere. We’ll then catch a ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island, a haven of world-class vineyards and idyllic beaches. Visit wineries to learn about New Zealand's burgeoning wine industry and the history of viticulture in the country while sampling some of the local blends.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Meals included:, day 3 auckland/rotorua.

Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.

Day 4 Rotorua

On a full-day excursion, head to the Maori-owned Kohutapu Lodge, our base for exploring New Zealand's indigenous culture. See ancient rock carvings and learn about their spiritual significance to the Maori people, both past and present. Watch as a hangi lunch is prepared the traditional way--buried in an underground pit—and enjoy the resulting feast with your Maori hosts. After lunch, take a walk through the 800-year-old podocarp trees in Whirinaki Rainforest, learning the history of the forest and spotting endemic birds and medicinal plants. Return to Rotorua for an optional evening meal or a well-deserved soak in the hot springs.

Day 5 Rotorua/Christchurch

Enjoy time at leisure this morning before catching a flight to Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island. Take some time to explore this small city on your own.

Day 6 Christchurch/Franz Josef

Board the TranzAlpine train—one of the world’s most scenic rail routes—for a breathtaking journey through verdant plains, beech forests, and majestic, misty mountains. After a whistle stop at Arthur’s Pass—the highest pass in the Southern Alps— continue to the end of the line in Greymouth, gateway to the West Coast. Continue on a private vehicle to a rainforest lodge near the town of Franz Josef, our home for the next two nights.

Day 7 Franz Josef

Discover the natural wonders of the Franz Josef area on your own today. Opt to embark on a walk in the area; soak in natural hot pools surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery; and more.

Day 8 Franz Josef/Queenstown

Set out towards Queenstown on a drive along the South Island’s magnificent west coast. Stop at tranquil Lake Matheson, where, on a clear day, you can capture a postcard-perfect image of New Zealand’s highest peaks reflected in the water. Continue to Queenstown, pausing for short walks through the rainforest and visits to picturesque waterfalls.

Day 9 Fiordland National Park Day Trip

Discover the glacially carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park on a cruise. Glide past shimmering waterfalls and towering cliffs, and look out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and little blue penguins with our naturalist guides. Travel back to shore, head to Queenstown for the night.

Day 10 Queenstown

After breakfast spend the rest of the day at leisure in this fun-loving lakeside town, known as the adventure capital of the world. Opt to visit a vineyard for a tour, or simply wander around, cafe hopping and sightseeing.

Day 11 Queenstown

The day is yours to explore Queenstown. Choose to cruise lake Wakatipu on a historic steamer; experience a thrilling jet boat ride; or visit a local winery to sample the region’s award-winning vintages. This evening, enjoy a cable car ride to the top of Bob’s Peak for panoramic vistas of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps and then have dinner together as a group.

Day 12 Queenstown/Melbourne

Fly from Queenstown to Melbourne, Australia, and enjoy free time in the city.

Day 13 Melbourne

Embark on a food tour of Melbourne with a local author and culinary storyteller. Home to many thriving immigrant communities, Melbourne has long been considered one of Australia’s gastronomic hubs. On this foodie walk through the city’s famed laneways, we’ll experience a range of flavors and cuisines over lunch at three popular venues. Start with an Asian entree with wine; move on to an Italian restaurant for a main dish accompanied with more wine, and finish off the tour with a gelato dessert at our third stop. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 14 Melbourne

Spend the day exploring vibrant Melbourne. Set out on an optional excursion on the Great Ocean Road, following spectacular sea cliffs along the windswept Southern Ocean. Visit some of the region’s top wineries or wander the city’s narrow cobbled lanes and alleys, discovering quirky cafés and colorful murals.

Day 15 Melbourne/Uluru

Catch a flight to Uluru, in the heart of the Australian outback. Visit the Cultural Centre of the Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and learn about the beliefs and customs of the Anangu, the area’s traditional Indigenous owners. Then take a guided walk along both the northwest and southern sides of Uluru to learn about the history of the area, hear the stories of the Anangu people and gaze upon these awe-inspiring uplifted sandstone rock formations.

Day 16 Uluru

In the morning make your way to Kata Tjuta, Uluru’s neighboring natural wonder for a morning of exploration as you walk along these ancient, red-hued landscapes. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon before capping off the day with a glass of sparkling wine as you witness a crimson sunset over this fabled monolith.

Day 17 Uluru/Sydney

Awaken at dawn to witness the famous Field of Light installation, the artist Bruce Munro created an art installation that becomes illuminated in the changing light. Enjoy your final moments in the heart of the outback before it’s time to pack up and head off to the airport for an afternoon flight to Sydney.

Day 18 Sydney

Take it slow with a leisurely morning, or get up early and join your CEO for a walk around the Rocks area, a waterfront neighborhood that marks the spot of the first European settlement in Australia. It also holds a spiritual significance for the area’s indigenous people. Around midmorning, circle back and meet for a private tour of the Sydney Opera House. This afternoon, step aboard a private catamaran for a sunset sail around Sydney's famous harbor. Tuck into a delicious Australian Barbecue dinner as the sun sets in the background.

Day 19 Sydney

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the best of Sydney. Walk the Rocks and stop by Maybe Sammy for a drink, which happens to be one of the best bars in Sydney. Take the ferry to Manly Beach or walk the Bondi Coastal walk and snap some photos. Or, spend a full day exploring the Blue Mountains on an optional excursion.

Day 20 Sydney/Port Douglas

Fly to Cairns today and travel up the scenic coastal road to Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on an interpretive walk with an indigenous guide at the lush Mossman Gorge, learning about the traditional ways of life of the region’s Kuku Yalanji people. Continue to the resort town of Port Douglas, our home for the next three nights.

Day 21 Port Douglas

Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day catamaran tour to the Outer Reef. Immerse yourself in the largest coral reef system in the world, which teems with 1500 species of tropical fish, as well as whales, dolphins and porpoises. Hop into the warm waters off Australia's east coast and experience this marine wonderland for yourself. Lunch will be served onboard. Back in Port Douglas the evening is yours to do as you please.

Day 22 Port Douglas

Enjoy a free morning in charming Port Douglas. Stroll the town’s boutique-lined streets and idyllic beaches or head to the Sunday markets to browse the stalls. Later in the day, join your fellow travelers for an exclusive cultural experience at Cooya Beach. Meet Indigenous guides for a welcome ceremony, and get acquainted with members of the Kuku Yalanji people. Our CEO will organize an optional farewell dinner to toast your adventures down under.

Day 23 Port Douglas/Cairns

After one last breakfast in Port Douglas, transfer back to Cairns where our tour ends at the airport mid-morning. Alternatively, extend your stay in Port Douglas.

What's Included

• Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Waiheke Island Wineries, Waiheke Island
• Your Journeys Highlight Moment: A day at Kohutapu, Rotorua
• Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Melbourne Foodie Walk, Melbourne
• Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Private Tour of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney
• Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach, Port Douglas
• Trip to Waiheke Island Wineries
• Visit glowworm caves
• Queenstown gondola ride
• Wilderness day cruise (winter) or overnight cruise (summer) in Fiordland National Park
• Melbourne Foodie Experience
• Sunrise interpretive walk at Uluru
• Sydney Harbour dinner cruise
• Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk in the Daintree Forest
• Great Barrier Reef Excursion
• Exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach
• Internal flights
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotel (22 nts).

22 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners Allow USD890-1160 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private vehicle, plane, train, boat, walking.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

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

12 apostles, otways & great ocean road - from $108.00.

Kick start this adventure early from Melbourne and travel straight to the 12 Apostles. Enjoy time to take in the scenery before the crowds of people arrive. Wander along the boardwalk and marvel at the limestone rocks and then continue on to the Gibson Steps. Walk down to the beach for a different perspective before grabbing lunch at a local cafe. With renewed energy the group will drive through the Great Otway National park where we’ll stop for a quick hike through the ancient rainforests here for a visit to a cascading waterfall. From there, take a stroll through the forest of Californian Redwoods and travel further along the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay. There’s time here to grab an optional ice cream before trying to spot koalas, kangaroos, and king parrots near the Kennett River. Before heading back to Melbourne the group will make a final stop to the town of Lorne. Grab a snack, stroll past the shops, or walk along the beach in this quaint destination.

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.

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.

See reviews Enquire now

Email: [email protected]

• National Geographic New Zealand Tour Prices

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Tour Overview

Day by Day Itinerary

Dates & Prices

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Pricing terms.

The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Please contact us for a final price

National Geographic reveals top travel spots for 2023

Sarah Pollok

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The famous list recommends people visit Aotearoa if they want a trip full of adventure. Photo / Supplied

Adventure-loving travellers should book a trip to New Zealand in 2023 according to National Geographic's latest annual travel list.

National Geographic's highly anticipated ' Best in the World ' list is released every year and includes recommendations on "superlative destinations" to visit.

Described as an adventure capital, New Zealand's recent opening and abundance of outdoor activities put it on the list as one of the best destinations in the world for adventure.

"The country that brought you bungee jumping is bouncing back from the pandemic," wrote National Geographic before describing the country as a place travellers can rekindle their sense of adventure post-pandemic.

Queenstown in particular was called out for its skiing, hiking and the newest Great Ride, the Queenstown Trail.

Other top adventure spots on the list included Utah, the Austrian Alps, Choquequirao in Peru and Mexico's Revillagigedo National Park.

The annual report is created by National Geographic's global editors and this year the 25 destinations were separated into five categories; community, nature, culture, family, and adventure.

Overall, the theme of the list was 'respect'; for the environment, local people and their cultures. The list has prioritised destinations that have prioritised community-led conservation work, sustainability and inclusivity.

National Geographic Travel's senior editor Amy Alipio said they hoped 2023 would see a return to travel but also a return to wonder.

"Because when you are awed by something, you treat it with respect. And that spirit is something we want to encourage with this list," Alipio said.

National Geographic's Best of the World 2023 list:

New Zealand

Choquequirao, Peru

Austrian Alps

Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico

CULTURE Appian Way, Italy Busan, South Korea Longmen Grottoes, Henan Province, China Egypt Charleston, South Carolina

NATURE Scottish Highlands Botswana Slovenia Big Bend National Park, Texas Azores

COMMUNITY Dodecanese Islands, Greece Milwaukee, Wisconsin Alberta, Canada Laos Ghana

FAMILY Trinidad & Tobago San Francisco Crosstown Trail, California Colombia Manchester, United Kingdom Switzerland

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Here’s New Zealand’s most epic drive

Beautiful, welcoming, and vast: This end-to-end road trip reveals what we love about New Zealand.

I was expecting to cross paths with a T. rex at any moment.

The rugged west coast of New Zealand’ s South Island can seem prehistoric like that. Half-walking, half-sliding down a narrow trail overhung with trees dripping tangled moss, I was looking for Merv.

I had started my search in Jackson Bay, a quiet fishing village with only a handful of year-round residents and about 30 houses. As I got out of my car, a slender woman with short blonde hair called out to me from a sunny porch, where she was drinking a cup of coffee. She took one look at me and asked if I was lost.

“I’m looking for Merv?” I said. It was actually a question.

A surfer gets ready to hit the waves at Piha Beach in Auckland.

“He’s up the river whitebaiting,” she replied. “I’m his wife. I’ll tell you how to find him.”

This was how I ended up bush-bashing on a muddy trail, looking for Merv’s whitebaiting stand. Whitebaiting stands are gangplank-looking, cobbled-together docks reaching out over rivers feeding into the ocean, the perfect vantage points from which to net juvenile Galaxiidae , a prized fish delicacy.

I was on an epic road trip, traveling from Lands End hotel , in Bluff, the southern tip of the South Island, to Cape Reinga, at the top of the North Island. Even after 15 years of living here, a New Zealand road trip is my favorite travel experience. There is a feeling throughout this land—a warmth, a welcoming, a sense of being looked after—that is difficult to put your finger on. The Māori word for it is manaakitanga. Loosely translated, the word means hospitality.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

This culture of looking after one another came to worldwide attention in the aftermath of the March 2019 terrorist attack on two Christchurch mosques. The way New Zealanders responded to the tragedy—rallying together with a national call of “this isn’t us,” the outpouring of messages of inclusion—was an example of manaakitanga in action.

My road trip was inspired by manaakitanga, its itinerary decided by people I met along the way—their recommendations, their generosity, their good graces—as I traveled from one connection to the next on a daisy-chain of friendly gestures. It was a pattern I knew well after years of living here. Some of my best moments in this country have been serendipitous, like the wrong turn that introduced me to a remote hamlet that netted me an impromptu invitation to a birthday party.

My search for Merv had begun at a birthday gathering in Bluff, exactly three days and 285 miles earlier. I was sitting in the lounge of Lands End, with its facade of windows facing the ocean.

I met the owner and birthday celebrant, Lynda Jackson, when I checked in, and now I was drinking a beer with her; her husband, Ross; and another guest, Gaye Bertacco from Christchurch. The mood in the tavern felt both lovely and lonely—fitting for a bar at the end of the world. “I’m here to pick up my husband, Mark,” Gaye said. “He’s a fisherman, and he’s been out at sea for a week. He’s tired, you see, and I worry about him driving all the way back to Christchurch.”

A solitary willow tree famously stands in the waters of Lake Wanaka.

As if on cue, Mark Muir chose that very moment to walk in the door. “I’m fine,” he said, and the mood shifted.

A few B.man beers later, Gaye and Mark invited me to join them for dinner at Oyster Cove , the restaurant next door. Over locally sourced spiny rock lobster and muttonbird (a Kiwi specialty and traditional Māori kai, or food), we watched the fishing boats returning, their red and green lights winking in the dark, as Mark told us stories of the sea.

According to Māori legend, the boulders on Moeraki Beach are the remains of eel baskets and gourds washed ashore from the sailing canoe that brought the ancestors of the Ngāi Tahu tribe to the South Island.

“I grew up fishing in Greymouth. There are some real characters on the west coast,” Mark said. “You should look up Merv Velenski in Jackson Bay if you go that way. Merv’s the biggest character of them all. He’s been fishing as long as I’ve been alive. He’d give the shirt off his back to anyone, and they want to give their shirts to him. He’ll be all right if you tell him I sent you.”

Muddy and Merv-less, I returned from my hike through what was seemingly the Cretaceous period to Jackson Bay. There wasn’t much to this place but beauty. The beech- and rimu-shaded road dead-ended in a settlement with a few houses, a bright-orange café with a blue roof ( the Cray Pot ), and a long, weathered wharf extending into the turquoise sea. It was a slice of unspoiled paradise, one of the many places in this country that visitors—even locals—rarely see, 32 miles off the beaten track south of Haast.

Back on the sun-soaked porch, as I was telling Liz Velenski (Merv’s wife) about my lack of success tracking him down, Merv pulled up in his truck. “There’s the old bugger now,” Liz said. “I’ll get some tea.”

Merv greeted me with a polite reserve, offering a handshake that could crush bricks. I told him Mark Muir sent me.

“My brother worked for Mark for a long time,” Merv said. “Mark’s got a well-built boat.”

Lake Pukaki sprawls at the foot of Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain, on the South Island.

We talked for an hour. Merv was one of those fascinating people who has done a little bit of everything: an army stint in Malaysia , Borneo , and Thailand ; deer antler velvet harvesting; sawmill work; a lifetime of fishing; and now stone carving.

“We’ve been in Jackson Bay for more than 40 years,” Merv told me. “There was nothing here when we came, and there’s no place I’d rather be. But people miss it. You gotta get down the side roads and have a look. That’s where you meet the workers. Go and talk to them and you’ll learn 10 times more than you would in any tourist town. That’s where you see New Zealand.”

Tangaroa, the Māori god of the sea, gazes fiercely in the form of a pouwhenua, a symbolic carved wooden post.

Merv and Liz sent me away with a friendly wave and two parting gifts: the phone number of an old army buddy of Merv’s living in Hokitika, and a cooked crayfish wrapped in a page of the Otago Daily Times for my lunch.

I was 733 miles north of Jackson Bay, just inland from the west coast of the North Island this time, at the Whangamomona Hotel . It’s perhaps the most remote country hotel in New Zealand, located on the Forgotten World Highway (State Highway 43) that runs between Stratford and Taumarunui. Whangamomona is New Zealand’s only republic, having declared its independence 30 years ago.

The Forgotten World Highway is one of those places you hear about but, well, forget. A Wellington -based friend reminded me about it on my way north, and I found myself there drinking beer from a borrowed glass.

“This is the only watering hole within an hour’s drive, so the locals gather here,” said Vicki Pratt. She and her husband, Richard, own the Whangamomona Hotel. Handles (New Zealand-speak for pint glasses) hung on the wall, each bearing a yellow cattle ear tag with an identifying number. I was drinking from number 13.

Skyline adventure park provides dizzying views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.

“That’s Pete’s glass. He lives in the woolshed down the road,” Vicki said. “I don’t think he’ll mind.”

If someone is trying to reach a Forgotten World Highway local who doesn’t have a phone, they call the hotel and leave a message with Vicki or Richard. They, in turn, leave a note in the person’s beer glass.

“Handle mail. It works well,” Vicki grinned.

As we were chatting, a baby pig streaked into the bar, gamboling about the forest-green carpet and racing around the large barrels that double as tables. It was followed by a more hesitant lamb (named Roast), and two tired-looking cyclists seeking a hot meal and a place to pitch a tent.

The pig and Roast were ushered back outside while I joined Jamie Lessard and Alanah Correia—twentysomething Nova Scotians who were 10 months into a planned 15-month trip—for a drink. “We’re riding our visa as long as we can,” Jamie said.

They had spent the winter in the Coromandel Peninsula and were now cycling south. “We never would have biked here if someone we met hadn’t told us about it. It’s totally rerouted us,” Alanah said.

Visitors to Whangamomona have traditionally been New Zealanders, but in the past two years it’s been attracting more overseas travelers, most of them on straight-through day trips to collect novelty republic stamps in their passports.

“We take in about $16,000 a year over the bar for the community selling Whangamomona passports and memorabilia,” Vicki said. “It would be nice if some of these international visitors would stay longer. The ones that do stay have a really good time. We look after them. This is a great place to meet locals.”

A pizza-shaped inflatable heads home after a day floating on the South Island’s Lake Wanaka.

Once a bustling frontier outpost of 300 residents at its 1895 settling, Whangamomona now has “10 or 11 town residents, with maybe 120 in the wider area,” Richard told me.

We were sitting in front of the fire, looking at old photographs. The Forgotten World Highway hadn’t changed much: parts of it just two lanes and unsealed, seeming to wind forever from here to there.

A boundary battle split the region in half, kindling the revolution that led to the republic. “You can’t just change the boundary and change where people are from,” Richard said. “And they didn’t consult us. Initially it was a gesture, but we’ve always taken a little pleasure in the rebellion. We’re a stubborn, amiable people.”

“I think that applies to all New Zealanders,” Vicki added. “We look after each other, especially in rural communities. Manaakitanga is what I grew up with, even if I didn’t know the name for it. I think it has to do with the fact that everyone knows each other in New Zealand. Guests come in, and within three sentences I’ll know someone they know. And I like that.”

My kayaking guide, Cait Disberry, and I realized we had both lived in the same tiny beach town (population 4,848) 30 miles northwest of Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. It’s rare to find someone who knows where Raumati Beach is, much less has lived there. It’s that “three sentences” connection Vicki talked about.

I was on a kayaking tour with Cathedral Cove Kayaks, in Hahei, on the Coromandel Peninsula. The cycling Nova Scotians had told me Cathedral Cove was a must-visit destination. With its lush landscape, secret coves, and hot-water beaches, only two and a half hours’ drive from Auckland, the country’s largest city, this siren-song town is a place that makes visitors seriously study property listings. It has about 400 permanent residents, but that number explodes with New Zealand holidaymakers during the summer.

Cathedral Cove, two secluded beaches joined by a soaring arch, can be reached by a one-hour walking track or by the water. I chose the water.

Loungers enjoy Karaka Café’s cushions on the Wellington waterfront.

Our three-hour kayak tour led us across the clear, green waters of the Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve . This productive reserve has seen a huge increase in marine life since its establishment 26 years ago. Signs were evident everywhere I looked, from the multitude of ocean birds on their rock perches drying their wings to bright flashes of fish to the dozen small stingrays that zoomed around in the aptly named Stingray Bay.

From here, Andy Mora, our lead kayak guide, pointed out to us the Mercury Islands in the distance. “This area is where Captain Cook pinpointed the transit of Mercury in New Zealand,” he said.

Lying in the southwest Pacific, New Zealand consists of two main islands, the North and South islands.

Which brought me to the arrival point of another great voyager: Kupe, the extraordinary navigator of Māori legend. I had traveled 370 miles north of the Coromandel Peninsula to Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand that’s accessible to visitors, and the end point of my own voyage. A short white lighthouse crowned a dragon’s-snout stretch of land marked only by an ancient pohutukawa tree, as two bodies of water—the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean—tussled and surged together, creating a white line in the waves. This place is significant as the landing spot of Kupe, who found his way here a thousand years ago from the eastern Pacific. But Cape Reinga is also important as the place from which a Māori person’s spirit departs on its way to the next world.

Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand that’s accessible to visitors, is also a site of spiritual significance for Māori.

When I look back on this road trip from one end of New Zealand to the other, I remember how the ocean beyond Cape Reinga whispered to me of the wide world beyond these islands, and also how that gnarled pohutukawa tree at the cape’s tip—enduring and beautiful—spoke even more loudly of all the reasons I’d made this land my home. Recently I heard that Merv passed away. I had met him only that one time but he was larger-than-life, a person I won’t forget, and the embodiment of manaakitanga.

What to know

Traveling during New Zealand’s spring and fall allows greater spontaneity. During the summer months (December though February), New Zealanders go on holiday and tourist numbers surge.

Check out Transfercar for rental car deals. Road trips are often one way, stranding rental cars at different branches. This service offers tourists great deals (free to minimal charges) for returning rental cars within a set time frame. You’ll have the most luck if you’re traveling from south to north.

The majority of New Zealand’s roads are two lanes and winding. Trying to do more than three hours of driving a day means you’ll zoom through all the smaller towns and you’ll miss exploring. Don’t be tempted to pack in too much.

Pulling over to let faster drivers pass will endear you to locals who have spent many hours stuck behind camper vans on those narrow roads.

Where to stay

Lands End At this five-room inn, located at the end of State Highway 1 in Bluff, one of New Zealand’s southernmost towns, location is everything. Ocean views fill guestroom windows, and a cozy fire welcomes travelers back after a short hike up Bluff Lookout or a step back in time at the Bluff Maritime Museum.

Whangamomona Hotel This circa 1912, boarding house-style hotel has character and serves as the community hub of the Republic of Whangamomona, on the North Island. Get your passport stamped before heading up to one of the 16 rooms with shared baths. A wide wooden balcony is the perfect spot to look out on the (lack of) town.

Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort This relaxed lodge on two subtropical acres is a five-minute walk to the white-sand beaches for which the Coromandel Peninsula, on the North Island, is famous.

Where to eat

Oyster Cove Restaurant

Diners at this Bluff restaurant enjoy bay vistas while feasting on oysters on the half shell, Cloudy Bay clams, and dishes such as lamb salad.

The Cray Pot Sit at shaded outdoor picnic tables while dining on crayfish, other seafood, and burgers at this waterside food shack in tiny Jackson Bay.

Related Topics

• HIDDEN TREASURES
• CULTURAL TOURISM

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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

Want a tailor-made trip instead, your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

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

Top National Geographic Expeditions Trip Categories

National geographic expeditions company ranking by category, similar companies.

Do I need Travel Insurance?

While trip insurance is optional for National Geographic Expeditions trips, it is highly recommended. On National Geographic Journey's, basic travel insurance is required. National Geographic can assist with travel insurance packages.

What is the age range?

How much do National Geographic Expeditions cost?

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