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 and engage with the nation's rich cultures, stunning geothermal landscapes, and awe-inspiring coastal scenery.

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

Amanda D. Rodewald is the Garvin Professor and Senior Director of the Center for Avian Population Studies at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at Cornell University. Dr. Rodewald is an interdisciplinary ecologist working on some of the world’s most pressing conservation and sustainability challenges.  Much of her work is viewed through the lens of migratory birds, which connect species and ecosystems around the world.  On the tour, Amanda will place our experiences within a broader international context and discuss how what we see in New Zealand can help us to understand the social and ecological challenges we face at home and around the world.  Throughout the voyage, Amanda also will share her perspectives on how we can bring science to action in ways that build capacity in others and support people, biodiversity, and the environment.

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 Study 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, family, and friends.

Take your overnight flight to Auckland, NZ crossing the International Date Line en route.

Arrive in Queenstown and transfer to Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Hotel ideally situated in the heart of the city. This evening, gather for a welcome orientation and reception to meet your Study Tour Leader and fellow travelers.

(Meals included: Reception)

Enjoy this morning on your own in Queenstown. This afternoon, depart by motorcoach for the 3.5-hour drive to Bluff to embark Heritage Adventurer.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner)

Enjoy this morning at sea with time partaking in an initial lecture by your Study Tour Leader. This afternoon arrive in Milford Sound, where you'll cruise the iconic fjord in the shadow of Mitre Peak. This evening, meet up for the Captain’s Welcome Reception and dinner with your newfound friends onboard.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today is your chance to explore New Zealand’s wildest, most remote region, Fiordland National Park, by Zodiac and on foot.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Zodiac ashore to the seldom-visited isalnds, Stewart and Ulva, an ornithologists’ delight. Set off on an optional bush walk led by local naturalist guides. Or, opt for an ocean-fishing excursion at extra cost.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Learn about and see nesting Northern Royal Albatross at the Royal Albatross Centre, the only mainland breeding colony of these incredible birds.Journey to OPERA (Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance) to encounter rare and endangered yellow-eyed penguins up close in their rehabilitation center, learn about the organization’s conservation efforts, and take a nature walk through the reserve. After lunch enjoy a guided tour and free time to explore the exhibits at TūhuraOtago Museum, showcasing the unique nature, culture, and history of Southern New Zealand.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Anchor in Lyttleton and travel by coach to Christchurch with a quick stop at the Cardboard Cathedral, followed by an Ōtautahi Culture Walk through the city’s revived central district, led by guides who will share traditional Māori and Settlers stories and ways of life. At the Kate Sheppard House, learn how the pioneering suffragist and her fellow campaigners organized their movement to secure the vote for women, resulting in New Zealand becoming the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote in 1893. Lunch will be off the ship at Riccarton House, a unique heritage site, and there will be some free time at the Arts Centre to shop and explore.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Hop in the Zodiacs and head out to visit Ship Cove. Hike on New Zealand’s famed Queen Charlotte Track, scouting for rare native birds. You'll arrive in Wellington by early evening. Take an optional post-dinner evening Twilight Tour at Zealandia in search of nocturnal species (added cost) or check out the nightlife in New Zealand’s capital city.

(Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today, set off on a guided walking tour of Wellington. You might want to visit the Botanic Gardens, St. Paul’s Church, and the renowned Te Papa Tongarewa National Museum. Either way, you can choose how long you want to be out and about and still have free time in town to explore on your own.

(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 rich heartland of Maori culture. Learn about Māori customs and traditions at Te Pā Tū, a village nestled within a native Tawa forest. Visit Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland to see some of Rotorua’s famed geothermal features, where boiling mud pools and colorful hot springs provide remarkable evidence of the still-hot magma just beneath the earth’s surface.Back on board this evening, savor your last evening with your group at 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)

November 9 - 13, 2025
Fly into Queenstown two days early for the opportunity to journey through the dramatic Lord of the Rings landscapes of Central Otago. Visit a winery for a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting from the world’s southernmost wine-making region, take a jet boat ride through a national park, and enjoy free time to explore in Queenstown. Learn more about arriving early

For more information:  call CAU partner Criterion Travel at 888-328-2089
To register for the pre-tour extension: email res@criteriontravel.com  |  Register Online

November 24 - 26, 2025
Embark on a scenic drive north from Auckland, with a stop at the Hundertwasser Art Centre, before arriving in the charming coastal town of Paihia, your base for two nights. Explore the enchanting Bay of Islands on a picturesque boat cruise and enjoy a private tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a place of great historical and cultural significance. Learn more about staying longer

For more information:  call CAU partner Criterion Travel at 888-328-2089
To register for the post-tour extension: email res@criteriontravel.com  |  Register Online

November 11 - 24, 2025

For more information: call CAU partner Criterion Travel at 888-328-2089
To register: email res@criteriontravel.com  |  Register Online

December 7 – 18, 2025
Aboard the National Geographic Resolution with Warren Allmon,
Director of the Paleontological Research Institution