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Diverse natural beauty awaits you in New Zealand! Join fellow HBS alumni on a magical discovery tour of New Zealand that takes you through dense mountain rain forests, past sparkling lakes, under glaciated mountain peaks, and over remote mountain passes. Explore the North Island, famous for its hot thermal geysers, off-shore islands, fly-fishing, stunning bays and sandy beaches. Sail on an America’s Cup yacht out of Auckland and experience the rich cultural traditions of the indigenous Maori. Take in the natural splendors of the South Island, from the high peaks of the Southern Alps to the fiords of the southwest coast and the rugged wilderness areas of the west. Discover the Marlborough wine producing region, famous for its floral Sauvignon Blancs, Chardonnays and fruity Reislings. Go on nature walks and kayak along the “Enchanted Coast” of Abel Tasman National Park, celebrating New Year’s Eve beneath the stars! And, visit the “adventure playground” of alpine Queenstown and bungee jump, whitewater raft, go jet boating or just relax by the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
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No previous experience is required to participate in this trip.
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There are only thirty (30) spaces available and this trip is open exclusively to Harvard Business School alumni and guests.
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Sea kayaking with the whole family.
(Abel Tasman National Park,
New Zealand) |
Children of all ages are welcome on this trip and we have a deep commitment to meeting the special needs of families. Make this trip a family adventure with relaxation and entertainment for everyone. From grandparents to small children, all ages will come together to explore different cultures and wildlife on this educational wilderness experience. This is a safe and comfortable family oriented safari program with kid-friendly guides, special children’s activities and family-friendly accommodations. Children 11 years and younger will receive a $500 discount on the trip price when sharing with two other adults or children. Children 12 years and older will pay the adult rate.
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A non-refundable deposit of $500 will guarantee your reservation. Full payment is due on October 28, 2005. For an itinerary, more information or to register for this trip, please contact us:
Nancy Collins (MBA ’99) at Global Adrenaline, Inc.
1-866-884-5622 (toll free in USA) or 1-312-863-6300 (from overseas)
or
Cecily Nisbet at HBS Alumni Relations
1-617-496-4256
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There are more sheep than people in New Zealand.
(New Zealand) |
December 28, 2005 – January 8, 2006
double rooms – $5,500 per person
single rooms – $7,500 per person
- Global Adrenaline tour leader
- local New Zealand guides
- domestic Auckland – Nelson flights
- airport transfers
- accommodation: 11 nights in hotels
- meals as indicated (B=breakfast is included; L=lunch is included; D=dinner is included)
- activities as indicated
- transportation as indicated
- entrance fees to national parks, historical sites and museums
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New Zealand's beautiful Lake Matheson.
(Lake Matheson, New Zealand) |
- international flights (approximately $1,000 to $1,500 for USA – Aukland, New Zealand – USA flights)
- meals not included (approximately $195)
- beverages (discretionary)
- tips and gratuities (discretionary)
- travel insurance (discretionary)
- phone calls, laundry and other items of a purely personal nature (discretionary)
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New Zealanders like to call themselves Kiwis, named after
this flightless bird native to their country. (New Zealand) |
To get to New Zealand you fly via Los Angeles or San Francisco to Auckland, and arrive in Auckland early in the morning on the first day of this trip. You will lose a day as you cross the International Date Line, but you will gain that day again on the way back home. Our first day in New Zealand is relaxing so you can recover from the flight. After we arrive, we will check into our hotel and then have a free day to recover from jetlag or wander around the city. For everyone who is interested, we will gather for an optional group dinner at the Observatory Restaurant in the Auckland City Sky Tower. We will spend the night in our Auckland hotel.
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America's Cup yacht.
(Auckland, New Zealand) |
In the morning, we will drive up to Mount Eden for an all-encompassing view of the city and the surrounding volcanoes, and then take a tour of some of the highlights of the city including a visit to Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World. After lunch on our own at the Auckland City Viaduct Café Strip, we will head off in the afternoon to sail on one of the yachts used in the America’s Cup race. We will be encouraged to get involved in the sailing action, taking the helm, "grinding" (manually trimming the sails), or just hanging out on deck, enjoying the views. We will return to our hotel in the late afternoon. We are currently working to schedule a dinner this evening with the local HBS Club of New Zealand. We will spend the night at our Auckland hotel. (B)
We start the day by driving down to Rotorua, which is the center of New Zealand’s Maori culture and great geothermal action – the air is thick with the smell of sulfur, and mud pools, fumaroles and geysers are all around the area. En route, we will stop for a visit to the Waitomo Caves and its famous glowworms. We will journey by boat underground through limestone chambers and passages to view the galaxy of tiny living lights.
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Indigenous Maori cultural experience.
(Rotorua, New Zealand) |
Once in Rotorua, we will visit the Buried Village – an authentic Maori village that was inundated by volcanic lava after the catastrophic explosion of Mount Tarawera over 100 years ago. We will visit one of the local geothermal areas, where we’ll find out all about the forces and pressures that are (usually) contained by the Earth’s crust. We will also have time to visit the Rainbow Springs Nature Park and learn about New Zealand farming techniques at the New Zealand Farm Show.
In the evening, we will enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi dinner and Maori dance performance at the Tamaki Maori Village. We will travel to the village set deep in the forest as our guide takes us back to the pre-European times with stories, history and Maori protocols preparing us for the traditional ceremonies that we will partake in that evening. A traditional welcome ceremony will signal our entry into the pre-European village. Huge crackling open fires in front of traditional whare (houses), the sound of ancient Maori instruments and the activities of the people create a palpable and electric atmosphere. At the heart of this village, the Rangiatea culture group offers a glimpse of the tradition, performance, songs and history of the Maori people. We will see, learn and taste food that has been cooked the ancient way as the night unfolds to a relaxed, informal, friendly and fun atmosphere of feasting and entertainment. All meats and vegetables are cooked in the traditional fashion, beneath the ground on hot rocks. Dining is buffet style with a menu that includes: lamb, chicken, smoked fish in white sauce, kumara (sweet potatoes), potatoes, carrots, coleslaw, seasoning, raw mussels and fried bread. For dessert, we will enjoy steamed pudding, custard, fruit salad and cream. Vegetarian meals are catered for on request.
We will spend the night at our lakeside hotel in Rotorua. (B, D)
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A breathtaking aerial view of Abel Tasman National Park.
(Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand) |
After breakfast at our hotel, we will transfer to the Rotorua Airport and fly from Rotorua to Nelson, on the Northwestern tip of the South Island. We will transfer by shuttle and aqua taxi to the Awaroa Lodge, our comfortable home for the next two nights as we explore Abel Tasman National Park. We will spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the many lodge activities. Awaroa Bay has a safe swimming beach and a popular beachcombing area. Nearby is Awaroa Inlet which can be crossed and explored at low tide. Here we may see local bird life from herons to oyster-catchers. After a swim or a walk, take a relaxing sauna. Catch up on holiday reading with a riveting novel or take a stroll through the lodge’s gallery of emerging artists. Nelson has over 350 working artists and Awaroa Lodge is proud to feature the most inspiring works in changing exhibitions throughout the year. Or, relax on the deck overlooking the wetland. Tonight, we will enjoy a special New Year’s Eve celebration after dinner set under the stars. We will spend the night at an award-winning eco-lodge in Abel Tasman National Park. (B, D)
Today we will have the option to go on a relaxing nature walk, rugged hike or peaceful sea kayaking trip. Please note that the trip price includes a shorter 2 hour kayak or shorter nature walk. If you would like to go on a longer kayaking or hiking trip, this can be arranged directly with the lodge at additional cost.
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Beautiful secluded beach stop
on our kayaking tour.
(Abel Tasman National Park,
New Zealand) |
- Sea Kayaking: Abel Tasman National Park is known for its wonderful sea kayaking trips. The sea kayaking trip explores the many aspects of the natural environment as you paddle along the impressive and diverse coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park. Explore the many secluded bays and islands, look for the friendly seal colonies, or simply take in the beautiful environment and sun! Paddle the coastline, from the rugged, rocky headlands to the crystal clear waters of Awaroa Bay, to Tonga Marine Reserve to watch seals in their natural habitat. A shorter 2 hour trip will be offered which is ideal for those without any kayaking experience and a 6 hour guided kayak and walk trip will be offered for those who want a more vigorous experience.
- Nature Walking or Hiking: Our walking and hiking excursions enable us to explore the many golden sand beaches, crystal clear bays and lush forest interior of the Abel Tasman National Park, known for having one of New Zealand's Great Walks. There are many trails that highlight different aspects of the landscape such as local history or native forest. Along the way, take a refreshing swim. The Awaroa Lodge wetland enhancement project is an ongoing restoration of the wetland area to its pre-European state through re-establishment of native plant life. There are a number of walks that border on the wetland area. We will offer a guided group 2 hour nature walk for those looking for a more relaxing excursion and a more rugged 6 hour hike for those looking for a bit more adventure.
We will spend the night at an award-winning eco-lodge in Abel Tasman National Park. (B, D)
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| Wildflowers. (Lake Wanaka, New Zealand) |
Today, we depart Abel Tasman National Park and begin our drive down the rugged and scenic South Island of New Zealand. Our drive over the next few days will pass through mountains, forests and glaciers. Our first stop down the west coast is the seaside village of Punakaiki, which is a small village on the edge of Paparoa National Park. Created in 1988, Paparoa National Park covers 30,000 hectares and has natural attractions such as mountains, limestone cliffs, caves, rivers and wilderness areas. We will spend the afternoon hiking to Pancake Rocks which are 30 million year old limestone rocks which have formed into what look like immense layers of pancakes. The appearance of a natural geyser is created when the tide is high or the weather rough. Water surges into caverns below the rocks and squirts through its great blowholes. We will spend the night at our hotel in Punakaiki. (B, D)
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| Jade carvings. (New Zealand) |
Today we will continue down the west coast to the mighty Southern Alps and the Franz Josef Glacier. En route to the glacier, we will visit a jade factory in Hokitika where the carvers work exclusively with New Zealand jade, or Pounamu. Hokitika was originally known as the “capital of the goldfields”, but now is a major center for jade. The rugged west coast is the source of all New Zealand Pounamu jade, a limited resource managed and distributed exclusively by the Maori. The Maori used the jade for both decorative jewelry and also for weapons such as war clubs known as meres. The Pounamu comes in various colors, from the green kahurangi stone, pale and translucent inanaga, red-speckled totoweka and brown-speckled kokopu. The carvers and staff in Hokitika have been said to represent Kaitiaki (the local people who are deemed by Maoridom to be guardians of the stone).
As we near the Franz Josef Glacier, we will enjoy the dramatic Alpine environment of the Southern Alps in such close proximity to the west coast's tranquil wetlands and rugged coastline. This is one of the few glaciers that flow down into the nearby rainforest. Here we will fully experience the amazing transition from the mountains to the sea. We will have the opportunity to do a half-day of glacier hiking or relax and enjoy the pristine wetland environment of the Okarito Lagoon.
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Glacier walk.
(Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand) |
- Glacier Walk: After being fitted out with proper boots, a 10 minute bus ride takes us to within 3 kilometers of the glacier. After a short walk through regenerating rainforest, we will hike along the glacier valley. Our guide will stop regularly to explain the unique features of the Franz Josef Glacier and the surrounding environment. After strapping on a set of ice talons, we will walk up the terminal face of the glacier, where pre-formed access ways make exploring the lower reaches of the glacier achievable for most people. The terrain can look daunting, but our guides have created extensive trails and with the help of the ice talons on our feet, we can go quite far in comfort. Fitness Level Required: Average. Equipment Provided: boots, ice talons, Gore-Tex raincoat, waterproof pants, wool socks, thermal hat, gloves and trekking pole. Equipment Required: Two warm upper body layers, lightweight trousers, a light snack and a small drink bottle.
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Okarito Lagoon experience.
(Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand) |
Okarito Lagoon Experience: For those looking for a more relaxing afternoon, the Okarito Lagoon experience is a good choice. Okarito is a sleepy former Gold Rush town where the rainforest meets the sea. The Okarito Lagoon is New Zealand's largest unmodified wetland, untouched by pollution or urban development, and the main feeding ground for the elegant white heron or kotuku. Surrounded by magnificent kahikatea (white pine) and rimu forests, and home to nearly 70 species of bird, the Okarito Lagoon is the perfect classroom for nature enthusiasts and those just wanting to enjoy the spectacular views. Our knowledgeable guides will share with you a wealth of information on local flora and fauna, as well as Okarito's fascinating history, from ancient Maori to the early Europeans. Aboard the Explorer Douglas, a boat designed for quiet cruising, bird watching and photography, you can immerse yourself in one of Westland's superb natural highlights. Dress warmly.
For those who are interested, we can also offer an optional scenic helicopter flight over the Franz Josef Glacier at extra cost.
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Helicopter tour over the glacier.
(Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand) |
40 Minute Flight (Additional $350): This premier flight lets you experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks. Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier snowfields with a landing at high altitude. Step out of your helicopter and experience how it feels to stand in snow. The flight includes fantastic views of the Tasman Glacier and Mount Cook.
- 30 Minute Flight (Additional $250): Fly over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers and land at the head of either the Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier. View the incredible natural phenomenon of the glacier as it winds slowly down the carved valleys from its origin in the mountains high above you.
We will spend the night at our Franz Josef Glacier hotel. (B)
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Wilkin River jetboating.
(Wilkin River, New Zealand) |
Today we will continue down the west coast to Wanaka with stops at Lake Matheson, the Fox Glacier viewpoint, Knight’s Point and Ship Creek. Lake Matheson is a beautiful lake, famous for its reflections of New Zealand's highest peaks, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. We will definitely stop for photos here!
We will spend the afternoon jet boating on the Wilkin River within the World Heritage listed Mount Aspiring National Park. Experience the ultimate in shallow water jet boating, skimming along in just inches of water on the mighty Wilkin and Makarora Rivers while learning about the history and geology of the region. We will enjoy 50 kilometers of New Zealand wilderness river jet boating amidst native beech forest, pristine river valleys and rugged, ice capped mountains.
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| Sunset. (Lake Wanaka, New Zealand) |
We will then continue onto Lake Wanaka in Central Otago. With its wonderful climate and its proximity to all that the region has to offer, Lake Wanaka and the mountain scenery attract visitors from around the world. Wanaka has a population of about 4,000 people which swells to 20,000 people during the tourist season. Winter activities include skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, paragliding, and snow-mobiling, while in summer, swimming, boating, water-skiing, jet-boating, white water-rafting, 4WD safaris, fishing, horse-riding, paragliding, sailing, golfing and tennis are available. Walks around Wanaka and in Mount Aspiring National Park are popular all year round. Those looking for a more relaxed holiday can enjoy the arts and crafts; the many beauty spots and attractions such as Eely Point Reserve, Glendhu Bay and Mou Waho Lake; the Transport Museum; and Puzzling World with its amazing maze. Wanaka is also the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, the ski-fields of Treble Cone and Cardrona and the Snow Farm and Snow Park. Over 2,500 square kilometers of terrain is at our doorstep, offering Nordic skiing, heli-skiing and heli-boarding. Wanaka is also a great base for exploring further afield. Up to an hour's drive away is the bustling adventure playground of Queenstown, Alexandra with its Blossom Festival, historic and picturesque Arrowtown, and many award-winning Central Otago wineries where you can taste wine and dine out.
We will spend the night at our resort hotel in Wanaka. (B)
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Vineyard.
(Central Otago, New Zealand) |
Today we will have a free morning to do one of the many activities available in Wanaka, famous for its outdoor activities. The fishing is second to none. We may also choose to spend the morning mountain biking, rock climbing or relaxing at the lodge.
- Fishing (Additional $150): Cruise Lake Wanaka on our launch and enjoy the local fishing spots for Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Quinnat Salmon. Enjoy fabulous lake and mountain views as we explore the cool, clear mountain water. The cost of this 3 hour trip includes all equipment and fishing licences. Minimum number of participants = 2.
- Rockclimbing or Abseiling (Additional $100): Enjoy a morning rockclimbing amongst some of Wanaka’s premier rockclimbing spots. Whether you have climbed before, or are keen to “have a go” there are climbs to suit all ages and abilities. This half day trip is great fun and no previous experience is required. We will take you to a series of rock climbs and teach you the basic techniques to get you climbing. The views are spectacular, as are the thrills! The cost of this trip includes all equipment. Minimum number of participants = 3.
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Mountain biking the West Wanaka small.
(Lake Wanaka, New Zealand |
Mountain Biking (Additional $150): Enjoy some of Wanaka’s finest single track mountain biking. Enjoy spectacular lake and mountain views as we explore some of the trails hidden around Wanaka. Good fitness and some mountain biking experience is required. The cost of this tour includes bike rental and helmet. Minimum number of participants = 3.
After lunch at the Bannockburn Vineyard, we will enjoy an afternoon of wine touring throughout the local vineyards in the Central Otago wine region. Central Otago is a wine region of repute, known in particular for its high quality Pinot Noir. We will then head over the Crown Range and drive into Queenstown, a picturesque town set in a basin on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by mountains. We will check into our Queenstown hotel where we will spend the next three nights. (B, L)
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Fly fishing is a favorite past-time in New Zealand.
(South Island, New Zealand) |
Today we will have a free day in Queenstown to enjoy the beautiful alpine village set next to Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand – you’ll find all the comforts of civilization: massage therapists, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, window shopping, and… adrenaline activities! You’ll find some incredible optional activities here, such as hang gliding, bungee jumping, jet boating, whitewater rafting, skydiving, horse trekking, fishing, wine tours... it’s all here! There are also incredible hikes and bike rides. Queenstown is not a big place – the population is about 8,000 – but there’s plenty to do! Or you can do nothing, if you prefer to just soak up the atmosphere. It’s all up to you today – enjoy! The concierge at our hotel can book any of these extra excursions for us. We will spend the night at our Queenstown hotel. (B)
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| Mitre Peak. (Milford Sound, New Zealand) |
No trip to New Zealand is complete without visiting Milford Sound, the fiord referred to by Rudyard Kipling as the “8th Natural Wonder of the World”! We will head down to Te Anau, a pretty town situated at the edge of Lake Te Anau, New Zealand’s second largest lake. This town took its name (which means “cave rushing water”) from the caves discovered on its western shore. We will then travel through Fiordland National Park an hour or so to the Homer Tunnel, which is at the top of a spectacular alpine road that wends its way downhill to Milford Sound. The Milford Sound is a fiord carved by a huge glacier and here the lush rainforest which carpets the lower slopes gives way to the massively steep glacier-carved slopes and waterfalls of the Darren Range. We will take a stunning scenic cruise on the sound and check out for ourselves the breathtaking scenery which has made Milford Sound so famous. Sheer rock walls plunge thousands of feet to the sea, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. After our cruise, we will head back through Fiordland National Park to Queenstown. We will spend the night at our Queenstown hotel. (B, L)
After breakfast at our hotel, we will transfer to the Queenstown Airport and depart for our flights home. For most of us, we will take a short flight to Auckland and then an overnight flight back home. (B)
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Round-trip airfare from the U.S. to Auckland, New Zealand is your responsibility and is not included in the program cost. The approximate cost for international airfares to New Zealand is $1,000 to $1,500, with flights departing from Los Angeles or San Francisco. Please schedule your flights to arrive in Auckland, New Zealand (AKL) on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 and fly out of Queenstown, New Zealand (ZQN) on January 8, 2006, unless you are planning to spend time on your own in New Zealand before or after the trip. Remember, you will lose a day as you cross the International Date Line, but you will gain that day again on the way back home. You will most likely fly from Queenstown to Auckland to catch your flight home. Please note that the Queensland to Auckland flight is not included in the trip price. Please send us your international flight itinerary once you have booked it so we can make sure there is someone to meet you at the airport when you arrive.
If you would like assistance in making your air arrangements, we recommend you call Dee Dee McGowan at Big Sky Uniglobe Travel at 1-406-777-6934 or 1-800-284-9809 or by email at deedee@bigskytvl.com.
Check-in time at our Auckland hotel is 2:00pm on December 28, 2005. If you would like to arrive in Auckland before the group, or stay after the group departs, Global Adrenaline would be happy to help with those arrangements.
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