Come explore some of New Zealand and Fiji’s most spectacular national parks and natural scenery.  Your time in New Zealand will include excursions in the World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park.  Recognized for both its cultural value and its magnificent sights, Tongariro National Park includes the volcanic cones of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauguhoe.  Covering nearly 80,000 hectares, the park is home to abundant lava flows, craters, hot springs, snowfields, and forests.  You’ll also spend five days exploring Abel Tasman National Park. You’ll enjoy long stretches of golden beaches fringed by native bush and forested interiors.  From New Zealand, you’ll travel to the beautiful Fiji Islands to explore the picturesque interior of Viti Levu and enjoy a few days of sun and sand at our remote island base.

Your month-long journey will commence in Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island.  After an initial orientation and the chance to meet the other members of your group, you will travel east and south towards Tongariro National Park.  Coastal vistas, exciting activities and stunning overnight locations will be the order of the day as you hop, skip and jump towards Tongariro – the dramatic center of New Zealand’s volcanic activity. The first national park in the world to be gifted by its indigenous landowners (and the oldest national park in New Zealand), Tongariro was given to the nation of New Zealand in 1887 by Maori chief Te Heuheu Tukino.  Just over a hundred years later, the park was awarded World Heritage status.  During your time here, you will enjoy one of the most celebrated activities for many visitors to the park – the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This day trek traverses the region between the active volcanoes of Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.  Steaming craters, old lava flows and thermal lakes make this walk an unforgettable experience.

From Tongariro, your group will continue south to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, to board the inter-island ferry to Picton on the South Island.  From Picton, your group will continue to Abel Tasman National Park.  Noted for beautiful secluded beaches and bays, copious amounts of sunshine, beautiful coastal treks, and crystal clear waters for ocean kayaking, Abel Tasman National Park packs a lot into a relatively small area.  Your group will camp at a different location each night and enjoy the solitude and serenity of this beautiful region by day.  Expect classic hiking trails, spectacular scenery and unique wildlife along the way.

From New Zealand, your group will continue on to The Fiji Islands.  During the next ten days, our local staff will show you a side of Fiji that is rarely seen by visitors.  You will be guided on hikes through the remote Nausori Highlands, staying overnight in rustic villages and gaining insight into how these people have lived for generations.  Visit towering waterfalls, swim in remote rivers, experience local cultural ceremonies, and learn about the wonderful Fijian way of life.  To conclude your trip, enjoy several days relaxing on a remote tropical island and take the chance to snorkel and scuba dive, island hop, and hang out on the beach!

For more information on this Gap Year module or any of our other extensive Gap Year offerings, please e-mail us at gap@rusticpathways.com. 

 

 
HIKE through some of the most beautiful national parks in New Zealand and see where The Lord of the Rings was filmed, then relax in hot water pools.
SUMMIT the active volcano of Mount Ruapehu.
TRY your hand at feeding stingrays near Tatapouri.
EXPLORE the wild and beautiful Tongariro National Park on New Zealand’s North Island and see sacred
Maori sights in the country’s oldest national park.
SWIM in the refreshing waters of tropical waterfalls and live in the remote highlands of The Fiji Islands.
SOAK up the sun on Fiji’s famous white sand beaches and spend your days snorkeling in clear blue waters.
   
 

$3,690* + Internal Air*
Departs
Returns
1 January
31 January