CAU recommends this exceptional program operated by one of our most trusted partners and featuring an outstanding lineup of expert speakers from peer institutions. CAU Select Tours are amazing opportunities featuring peer faculty and/or guest speakers. They do not feature Cornell faculty or staff.

Birders, curious travelers, and the intellectually adventurous will delight in this unique chance to explore New Zealand's fjords, observe some of the world's rarest wildlife, and engage with the nation's rich cultures, stunning geothermal landscapes, and awe-inspiring coastal scenery.

For rates, terms, and more, download the brochure.

For cabin info and rates, download the brochure. The Heritage Adventurer welcomes just 140 passengers, ensuring spacious and comfortable voyages. A full fleet of 14 Zodiacs allows for all passengers to maximize their time to explore. Public spaces and open decks abound, including two separate bar and lounge areas featuring 180-degree views and the open-topped Observation Deck for 360-degree views. Meals are served in the gourmet restaurant and in the indoor/outdoor bistro. Additional amenities include an open-air saltwater pool that can be heated or chilled, a hot tub encased in glass for all-weather use, a dry-heat Finnish sauna, a European steam room, a well-equipped gym, and a spa.

Are you interested in traveling with people who are as passionate about lifelong learning as you are? CAU Select Tours are inclusive experiences featuring lectures that deepen your experience of a destination. This customized journey will provide you the opportunity to experience New Zealand in the warm company of alumni and friends from peer institutions.

Depart the U.S. on overnight flights to Queenstown, located on New Zealand’s South Island. Lose a day crossing the international date line, arriving on February 27. Transfer to the Millenium Hotel Queenstown and take some time to unwind. In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome orientation and a relaxed reception.

(Meals included: Reception)

Travel by motorcoach to Bluff, stopping en route for lunch before embarking the Heritage Adventurer. Gather on deck for cocktails before sailing toward Fiordland National Park, followed by the captain’s welcome reception and dinner.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Reception, Dinner)

Begin your exploration of Fiordland National Park with a full day of Zodiac excursions and guided walks in the remote Doubtful and Dusky Sounds. Take in the dramatic scenery of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush native forests. Develop insights into the region’s natural and cultural history.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Continue your journey through Fiordland with a focus on the iconic Milford Sound. Cruise its glacial waters beneath the impressive Mitre Peak and enjoy opportunities for photography. Learn more about the area’s unique ecology and history.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Spend the day exploring seldom-visited Stewart and Ulva Islands by Zodiac, a paradise for birdwatchers. Enjoy guided walks through Ulva Island’s Te Wharawhara Sanctuary with local naturalists and explore the 400-person village of Oban on Stewart Island. The late afternoon is spent at sea.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Visit Taiaroa Head to observe Royal Albatrosses in their habitat. After lunch, visit the Otago Museum’s Southern Land/Southern People gallery.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Anchor in Lyttleton and travel by motorcoach to Christchurch. Experience the city’s revitalized central district including the innovative Cardboard Cathedral, before enjoying lunch on your own ashore. Choose to spend the afternoon exploring more of this culturally rich city at your own pace or choose to travel outside the city for a visit of Ohinetani Gardens, a six-star garden of international significance.

(Meals included: Breakfast,  Dinner)

Hop in a Zodiac for an excursion to Ship Cove. Choose from a variety of hike options along New Zealand’s renowned Queen Charlotte Track, keeping an eye out for rare native birds. Arrive in Wellington in the early evening. Guests may opt for a post-dinner Twilight Tour at Zealandia to observe nocturnal wildlife, or enjoy an evening exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Take part in a guided walking tour of Wellington, along with optional visits to the celebrated Te Papa Tongarewa National Museum or Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, New Zealand’s only public botanic garden dedicated solely to native plants.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Relax on board as your educational program continues, and take advantage of your ship’s many amenities.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Disembark in Tauranga and drive to Rotorua, the cultural heartland of the Māori people. Meet local tribal leaders, visit the geothermal mud pools, and enjoy a traditional hangi lunch. Return to the ship for the Captain’s Farewell reception and dinner.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Bid farewell to the Heritage Adventurer as you disembark in Auckland and transfer to the airport for flights home. You might also choose to extend your stay in Auckland.

(Meals included: Breakfast)

February 23 - 27, 2027
Fly into Queenstown two days early for the opportunity to explore the dramatic landscapes of Central Otago. Experience Queenstown’s Gardens and take in the views from atop Bob’s Peak on a guided tour of town, taste wines from the world’s southernmost winemaking region, and experience a jet boat ride through a national park before the main program commences.

To register for the pre-tour extension: email res@criteriontravel.com  |  Register Online

March 10 - 12, 2027
Embark on a scenic drive north from Auckland, with a stop at the Hundertwasser Art Centre. Arrive at the charming coastal town of Paihia, your base for two nights. Explore the enchanting Bay of Islands on a picturesque boat cruise and take a private tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a place of great historical and cultural significance.

To register for the post-tour extension: email res@criteriontravel.com  |  Register Online

February 25 - March 10, 2027

Produced by CAU in partnership with Criterion Travel 
To register: email res@criteriontravel.com  |  Register Online

Week One: July 5 - 11  |  Week Two: July 12 - 18
Take a riveting one-week CAU Summer course in your favorite subject taught by leading Cornell faculty on campus. Alumni, family, and friends are welcome.

We're so excited to travel with you! Make sure you read the travel and safety policy for important information about all Cornell Alumni Travel and CAU opportunities.

We are committed to ensuring that CAU and Cornell Alumni Travel tours provide a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone. You can find the expectations that are applicable to all attendees of Cornell University alumni events, both on and off campus, by visiting this link.