New Zealand

Travel by jetboat up stream into the middle reaches of the remote Whanganui River where pristine native bush cloaks the banks - see deep gorges covered with ferns, caves and rapids. See the world famous Drop Scene, the Dress Circle and Sulphur Springs and stop at the Manganui-O-Te-Au River, home to the endangered Blue Duck. At Mangapurua Landing walk up the track - hear the tuis and the bellbirds - until you arrive at the historic "Bridge to Nowhere" Bring a picnic lunch, the organizers will provide tea, coffee & biscuits. A return walk to the boat and trip back down river to Pipiriki completes this unique experience. A 4 hour excursion.

From $104 USD per person

The day starts with a cruise across the mysterious and lovely Lake Manapouri often referred to as the 'loveliest' of all New Zealand's many lakes. After crossing the Wilmot Pass, reach Doubtful Sound, the deepest of all fiords where you board the Fiordland Navigator for your overnight stay and cruise. With its ancient rain forest and abundant wildlife Doubtful Sound is quite simply and unquestionably breathtaking. Practically untouched by man the physical grandeur of towering peaks, outstanding waterfalls (Browne Falls cascade over 2,000 feet into the fiord near Hall Arm) and lack of wind create a powerful atmosphere of solitude and serenity. See Fiordland crested penguins, bottlenose dolphins and New Zealand fur seals.

From $365 USD per person from Manapouri, incl. dinner, bed, breakfast

Ulva Island is situated in Paterson Inlet, an island of just 250 hectares and a short 15 minute boat ride from Stewart Island itself. It's a place where visitors can view and enjoy rare birds and native plants at close quarters. Your guide will tell you about the inquisitive weka which will readily approach visitors, the South Island Kaka (parrot), parakeets, woodpigeons, bellbirds, tomtits, fantails, and tui. Kiwi are also present but in low numbers. Recent releases on this predator free oasis of beauty are the South Island Saddlebacks, Stewart Island Robins, yellowheads, fernbirds and rifleman.

From $73 USD per person