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Enriching firm friendships across our alumni and Buckeye communities

New Zealand

Delight in an unforgettable, 14-night New Zealand adventure packed with dazzling natural beauty!

Hills surrounding a narrow body of water
Date
Mar 6 - 22, 2026
From Price
$7,495.00
Contact

AHI Travel
800-323-7373

Type
Land
Region
Oceania
Tour Manager

Rileigh Hageman
hageman.97@osu.edu

Trip overview

From pristine fiords and magnificent mountains to sparkling bays and lush countryside, this exciting, 14-night adventure will leave you with indelible memories. Bask in awe-inspiring scenery as you cruise through Doubtful Sound, New Zealand’s deepest fiord and ferry through stunning Cook’s Strait between the North and South Islands. Glide past the majestic Southern Alps aboard the celebrated TranzAlpine train and take an invigorating hike to see the Franz Josef Glacier. Look for whales breaching the waters near Kaikoura and spot beautiful flora and fauna in a serene wildlife sanctuary. This well-rounded itinerary also introduces you to vibrant urban life in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, where you’ll enjoy cultural excursions led by local experts that illuminate Māori traditions, legends and history. Other wonderful highlights include a stay in the acclaimed Marlborough wine region to sample its fine wines and a free day in picturesque Queenstown. This active, small-group experience features first-class hotels; a Travel Director; a flight from Auckland to Wellington; and wine with dinner.

Tour highlights

  • Small group: Sized just right at 28 guests.
  • Two nights in Auckland, New Zealand, at the first-class Grand Millennium Auckland.
  • Two nights in Wellington at the first-class James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington.
  • Two nights in Blenheim at the first-class Carnmore Chateau Marlborough.
  • Two nights in Christchurch at the first-class Distinction Christchurch Hotel.
  • Two nights in Franz Josef at the first-class Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier.
  • Four nights in Queenstown at the first-class Millennium Hotel Queenstown.
  • AHI Connects: Local immersion.
  • AHI Sustainability Promise: We strive to make a positive, purposeful impact in the communities we visit.
  • Complimentary travel mementos.
  • 14 breakfasts, five lunches and seven dinners.
  • Welcome and Farewell Receptions and Dinners to mingle with fellow travelers.
  • Wine with dinner.
  • All transfers in the Land Program: flight, ferry, train and deluxe motor coaches.
  • Engaging excursions showcase the local culture, heritage and history.
  • Enrichment by expert speakers enhances your insight into the region.
  • Elective activities and free time to pursue your individual interests.
  • Tipping of guides and drivers.
  • A personal VOX headset to hear your guide clearly.

*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Dates, itineraries and prices are subject to change.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Depart gateway city

Day 2 – In transit

Day 3 – Auckland, New Zealand

Day 4 – Auckland     

Day 5 – Auckland | Wellington

Day 6 – Wellington

Day 7 – Wellington | Ferry to South Island | Picton | Blenheim

Day 8 – Blenheim

Day 9 – Kaikoura | Christchurch   

Day 10 – Christchurch

Day 11 – TranzAlpine Train | Arthur’s Pass | Hokitika | Franz Josef

Day 12 – Franz Josef Glacier

Day 13 – Queenstown 

Day 14 – Queenstown | Arrowtown | Queenstown

Day 15 – Doubtful Sound | Queenstown

Day 16 – Queenstown

Day 17 – Depart for gateway city 

Preferred Travel Insurance

USI Travel Insurance Services is the preferred provider of travel insurance for The Ohio State University. We highly recommend that you review this information and consider insurance to protect yourself and your investment. USI is a comprehensive plan that offers three options, allowing you to select the coverage that best suits your needs. You can find additional details, request a quote and purchase a plan online at https://my.travelinsure.com/ohiostate/ or by calling 1-800-937-1387.

Cancellations

All cancellations must be submitted in writing to AHI Travel.

  • Cancellation received up to 121 days prior to trip departure will incur a $500 per person administrative fee.
  • Cancellation received 120 to 91 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 25% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
  • Cancellation received 90-61 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 50% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
  • Cancellation received 60-31 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 75% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
  • Cancellation received 30 days prior to departure to the time of departure (or no show) will result in 100% forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip.

TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. AN INSURANCE APPLICATION WILL BE SENT TO YOU AFTER YOU RESERVE (U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY).

If a tour is canceled by AHI Travel before the date of departure for reasons other than Force Majeure and the cancellation is not caused by your fault or negligence, you will have the choice of accepting one of these options from AHI Travel:

i) transfer to another date of the same tour, if available; ii) book another tour of equal or greater value, if available (you will be responsible for paying any difference in price); or iii) book another tour of lesser value, if available (with a refund payable to you for the difference in price); or iv) receive a full refund for the land-only portion of the applicable tour

CANCELLATION GRACE PERIOD - Reservations made prior to 120 days before a tour_s scheduled departure date may be canceled within 7 days following the reservation date for a full refund. Reservations made within 120 days prior to a tour_s scheduled departure will not qualify for the grace period.

CANCELLATION OF TRIP OPTIONS - Purchases of optional excursions, pre- and/or post-tour extensions, additional hotel nights, private transfers or other trip options become fully non-refundable 44 days prior to departure. Air transportation purchases are subject only to penalties assessed by the airlines.