Discover New Horizons in new zealand

 Enjoy a tour of Christchurch city including the parts affected by the earthquake. Next we will visit the Antarctic Centre for an exciting experience of the Antarctic continent: survive an  Antarctic storm, learn about life in modern day Antarctica and Scott Base, hang out with Little Blue Penguins experience the exciting Hagglund ride and an awesome simulated 4D cruise 

The Southern Alps would be growing upwards at a rate of one centimetre a year if it wasn’t for the forces of erosion. We go back in time geologically, meeting the oldest rocks in New Zealand, remnants of the super-continent,  Gondwanaland.  We will explore  stunning limestone formations and meet kea, our mischievous alpine parrot species, at the summit of Arthur’s pass. In the evening we'll take a short walk into the rainforest after  dark to see glow worms. 

We take a half-day Bay of Islands cruise in search of dolphins and other marine life around The Bay of Islands. Then a guided kayak tour to the Haruru Falls taking in the mangrove forest and Motumaire Island, with a  commentary on the mangrove eco-system, history of the area and the bird and marine life. Instruction is given on basic  sea kayaking techniques and rescues.  

The New Zealand Dairy Industry is a world leader and a mainstay of  our economy. Dairy farming must be competitive but also sustainable (environmentally, socially and economically), in other  words to meet the needs of the present without compromising the  ability of future generations to meet theirs. One of the biggest  challenges is to maintain soil and water quality.We visit an organic dairy farm  to meet the  animals. Help the farmer with riparian planting to reduce  runoff into streams and protect fresh water ecosystems. Carry out a stream study: including macron fauna as  indicators of ecosystem health. 

The Taupo Volcanic Zone, running from the north-east coast to the  centre of the North Island, is where New Zealand’s most active  volcanoes are to be found, because it overlies the subduction zone  where the Pacific tectonic plate is being forced beneath the  Australian plate.  We take a guided tour of Waimangu Volcanic Valley, created following the eruption of Mt. Tarawera, to enjoy its  geothermal features and understand sustainable management of this area. Completing our visit with a boat trip on Lake Rotomahana (the warm lake and graveyard of the  Pink and White Terraces destroyed in the 1886 eruption)  We will carry out qualitative analysis of hot spring water samples to understand the nature of geothermal activity and its  benefits and dangers to the inhabitants of Rotorua.   Tamaki Maori Village: This evening experience a unique glimpse into the way of life of Maori people before the arrival  of the Europeans: the wero, or traditional challenge to visitors. Tour the village for an interactive experience of  traditional customs, from fitness training to poi and famous war dance or haka. Watch a cultural performance then  feast on a ground oven cooked dinner (hangi) 

Viewing the Karangahake Gorge a former Maori stronghold and later a gold-mining centre. Next we take the  short but spectacular Windows Walk over swing bridges and through old gold mining shafts and river gorges.  Visit Mount Eden volcano – views of city and volcanic field.  Explore Auckland city centre and newly redeveloped waterfront.