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CAU > Seminars and Study Tours > Ecology of Middle Earth: The Natural History of New Zealand

Ecology of Middle Earth: The Natural History of New Zealand

February 28-March 14, 2008

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Overview

The enigmatic beauty of New Zealand and the wonder of its creatures and habitats is every bit as amazing as a Tolkien fantasy. With CAU favorite J. B. Heiser, a biologist and former director of Cornell's Shoals Marine Laboratory and leader of CAU expeditions to every continent, we will explore and gain a keener appreciation of one of the world's most isolated continental fragments.

Itinerary

We'll begin by spending three days north of Auckland in the sub-tropical Bay of Islands region. We'll head out to several of Jacques Cousteau's favorite marine reserves in the Poor Knights Islands (with opportunities to snorkel and kayak), stop at virgin forests of giant, endemic kauri trees at Trounson Kauri Park, visit historic Russell, and enjoy a formal Maori welcome at Mangamuka Marae.

Stopping in Auckland, we'll take in views of the city's twin harbors from one of the many inactive volcanic cones dotting the cityscape and visit the New Zealand National Maritime Museum. We'll fly on to South Island and the very Scottish city of Dunedin from where we'll visit the only mainland albatross colony in the world and the nearby colony of breeding yellow-eyed penguins. Then we'll ferry across Lake Manapouri, drive over Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound, and cruise to the Tasman Sea. On our way through Fiordland National Park, we'll spend a night in Te Anau. A short boat ride from Te Anau will take us to the touristy but interesting Glowworm Caves and on to Milford Sound. We'll spend the night on the Milford Mariner, enjoying a sunset cruise and a visit to the underwater observatory on the Sound. From there, we go inland to Queenstown, fly on to Christchurch, and spend the night in the coastal town of Kaikoura in order to take a half-day whale watch to catch a glimpse of sperm whales. At Seal Point in Kaikoura, we'll look for fur seals as well as inland and pelagic birds.

A lovely closing dinner in Kaikoura ends our stay. The next morning we're off to Christchurch and our flights home.

Program Cost and Travel Arrangements

The program fee of $6,295 (per-person, double-occupancy) includes all lodging and most meals in New Zealand, all internal flights, ground transportation, boat trips, site visits, admission fees, escort services, taxes, gratuities, emergency medical-evacuation insurance, and the full educational program. The supplement for single occupancy is $1,150.

Program Notes

This trip is moderately strenuous and involves riding in various conveyances, walking over hilly, uneven terrain, and standing on your feet for several hours at a time. Despite the chance of showers, the weather should be pleasant.