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Featuring special guest lecturer Peter Hillary Milford Sound by Sea to Auckland

Including nine nights aboard the 57-cabin Caledonian Sky January 27–February 9, 2020

Featuring special guest lecturer Peter Hillary Join us as we explore the spectacular islands of New Zealand aboard the intimate 100-passenger Soak up the dramatic setting of expedition ship, Caledonian Sky. Isolated from other land masses by the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean, it Queenstown during a two-night is a world unto itself. Sometimes called “God’s own country,” New Zealand offers refuge to some of the stay, then cruise for nine nights planet’s rarest animal and plant species, many found nowhere else on Earth. This island nation also boasts all the way from Milford Sound dramatic untamed wilderness, geological wonders as well as vibrant towns that combine Maori, European and Asian influences to create a cultural to Auckland, avoiding internal voice all their own. flights. Call at hidden gems

From the world-famous Milford Sound on the to the city of Auckland on the North Island, that larger ships miss, including our carefully crafted itinerary has been fine-tuned through decades of experience operating expedition Stewart Island and Rotorua. cruises to New Zealand:

• After the long trans-Pacific flights, we’re thinking the last thing you’ll want to do is hop onto a mid-tour flight within New Zealand; instead you’ll fly into Queenstown and home from Auckland, with all internal travel by ship for a much more comfortable and relaxed experience.

• We not only include highlights such as Doubtful, Dusky and Milford Sounds in Fiordland

National Park, and the vibrant cities of , AUCKLAND Wellington and Auckland, but also a two-night stay in Queenstown, set against the dramatic TAURANGA Southern Alps. ROTORUA

• During the cruise we call at several hidden gems North that others miss: Stewart Island, a national Island treasure with rare and endemic birdlife that few are lucky enough to visit; Akaroa, with New Zealand’s largest mainland colony of Little WELLINGTON MARLBOROUGH Penguins, Hector’s dolphins, and other marine life; Tasman Sea SOUNDS and Rotorua, the heartland of Maori culture and a geothermal wonderland.

• Our naturalists have unmatched experience in the CHRISTCHURCH LYTTELTON area, and know where to bring the Zodiacs to find South wildlife and the best views. MILFORD Island South Pacific SOUND Ocean The Caledonian Sky is a true small ship, with just QUEENSTOWN 57 cabins, instead of 90 or more on other ships— FIORDLAND NATIONAL DUNEDIN that’s at least 60 fewer guests, and makes a real PARK difference in your experience every day of the trip, as well as your opportunities to interact with our STEWART ISLAND world-class lecture team. Sign up now to secure AIR your spot on this unparalleled journey! CRUISE LAND Study Leaders

Peter Hillary is the son of Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to reach the summit of Mount Everest with his climbing partner Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Peter is also the first second-generation to climb Mt Everest, has climbed the Seven Summits (the highest mountain on each of the seven continents) and he has been on over 40 mountaineering expeditions around the world. Peter is a speaker, author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who is active with several Himalayan foundations that build and run schools, hospitals, forestry and environmental programs in the Himalayan region of Nepal. He actively supports outdoor youth leadership programs and New Zealand conservation efforts, including protecting the , the world’s only mountain parrot. Peter is excited to share his experiences regarding international conservation, philanthropy, leadership, and the future prospects of New Zealand during the program.

Neville Peat is an award winning New Zealand writer and adventurer who AUCKLAND has published nearly forty books on TAURANGA geography, biography, history, and the ROTORUA natural environment, the most recent being The Invading Sea. A Dunedin city councilor, North Neville has accompanied ship-based tours of mainland New Island Zealand and the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands for the past 15 years as a lecturer and guide. He also chairs the trust board for Dunedin’s Orokonui Ecosanctuary, an ecological WELLINGTON island wildlife reserve. A very popular lecturer, Neville infuses MARLBOROUGH Tasman Sea SOUNDS travelers with his passion for and encyclopedic knowledge of New Zealand’s natural wonders.

Mark Van Baalen, Associate in Earth CHRISTCHURCH LYTTELTON and Planetary Sciences at Harvard. Mark’s South research has included field-based projects in New England, California and the Swiss MILFORD Island South Pacific SOUND Ocean Alps, all focusing on details of the origin QUEENSTOWN of ancient ocean basins and their associated FIORDLAND mountain belts. On this journey, Mark plans to NATIONAL DUNEDIN PARK lecture on the natural history of the regions being visited, as well as painting a broader picture of human interaction with STEWART ISLAND its environment, now and in the past. AIR CRUISE Explore New Zealand’s magnificent natural beauty, epitomized by Milford Sound (cover), the Geothermal Pool LAND at Waimangu, in Rotorua (left), and Wakatipu Lake (above) Queenstown Itinerary Saturday, February 1 Doubtful & Monday–Wednesday, Dusky Sounds January 27–29, 2020 When the glaciers covering Home / Fiordland retreated 14,000 Queenstown years ago, they left behind Depart home on an overnight an extraordinarily serrated flight to Queenstown, New coastline, plunging fiords, and Zealand, gateway to the South deep branching lakes, further Island’s breathtaking alpine and enhanced by mist-shrouded glacial scenery. Lose one day mountains, cascading waterfalls, crossing the International Date and vast beech forests. This is Line. This evening meet fellow New Zealand at its wildest, most travelers at a welcome reception remote, and most beautiful. It’s also an area rich in history; Southern Royal Albatrosses with views of Lake Wakatipu. Novotel Queenstown Captain Cook landed here on Lakeside Hotel (R) HMS Resolution in 1773. Explore these unspoiled waterways, only accessible by sea, and well known Thursday, January 30 for abundant wildlife, including Queenstown fur seals and pods of bottlenose Following an introductory dolphins. Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) lecture, embark on a private cruise across scenic Lake Wakatipu to Mt Nicholas High Sunday, February 2 Country Farm for a private, Stewart Island behind-the-scenes visit of (Raikura) this 100,000 acre, family-run Anchor in Paterson Inlet to merino sheep farm, with the visit Stewart and Ulva islands. option of an easy cycle ride with Stewart Island (Raikura), the panoramic alpine views at every southernmost inhabited outpost turn. The afternoon is at leisure of New Zealand with a population to relax, explore the downtown under 500, is a quiet, seldom- Queenstown scene, or perhaps visited wilderness oasis and an Milford Sound ride the Skyline Queenstown ornithologist’s delight. Ulva Island Gondola to the top of Bob’s is a sanctuary for both birds and Peak for wonderful views over plants, including species that are the town. Novotel Queenstown rare or extinct on mainland New Lakeside Hotel (B,L) Zealand. Naturalist guides lead bush walks of varying lengths Friday, January 31 that may include sightings of Milford Sound / , kākā, the flightless Stewart Island , silvereyes, and Embark Caledonian fantails. Weather permitting, an Sky optional ocean fishing excursion Drive to spectacular Milford will be offered (for an additional Sound via the shores of Lake cost). Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) to . On arrival at Milford, board Monday, February 3 a small boat and cruise close to the towering cliffs and cascading Dunedin waterfalls before embarking Cruise this morning into the the Caledonian Sky. Celebrate beautiful harbor city of Dunedin, the first evening on board with regarded as New Zealand’s a Captain’s welcome reception architectural heritage capital. and dinner while crusing New Built on the gold rushes of the Zealand’s iconic Milford Sound. 1860s, today Victorian and Edwardian buildings can still be Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) seen at every turn. Embark on a guided tour of this beautifully preserved city including a visit to the spectacular Dunedin Botanic Garden, with over 6,800 plant species, and the Museum, for superb insight into the natural history of the South Island, as Thursday, February 6 Pre-Tour Extension well as its industries and its peoples. While in Dunedin, drive to Taiaroa Head on the tip Wellington Queenstown Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city, of the Otago Peninsula to see northern royal where colorful Victorian houses perch on January 26–29, 2020 albatrosses, in their natural habitat. This Fly into Queenstown steep hills overlooking one of the world’s is the only mainland location in the world. two days early loveliest harbors. Tour the city’s lush Special viewing areas have been constructed for the chance botanical garden and visit the spectacular for observing these birds without disturbing to journey waterfront museum TePapa Tongarewa (Maori their natural activities. Alternatively, ride the through the for “Repository of Things Precious”). Discover rails on a vintage train with open air viewing dramatic Lord how the Maori navigated the Pacific to arrive platforms through the beautiful Taieri Plains of the Rings on these islands and learn about their myths before climbing into the rugged Taieri Gorge, landscapes and traditions. Return to the ship for lunch a narrow and deep ravine carved out by of Central and an afternoon of cruising as we continue the ancient Taieri River. As the ship departs Otago and meet our lecture program. Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) Dunedin, come out on deck to birdwatch at wine makers sunset along the Otago Peninsula. from the world’s Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) Friday, February 7 southernmost At Sea winemaking region. Queenstown is the gateway to over Tuesday, February 4 Enjoy a day at sea, with onboard lectures and Akaroa time to relax, as the Caledonian Sky cruises 200 vineyards producing some of the along the east coast of the North Island. world’s best wines, which you’ll enjoy Akaroa meaning, ‘Long Harbor’, in Maori, during wine tastings and a lunch in this Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) is a historic French and British settlement, picturesque region. On the way, stop nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano on in historic Arrowtown for a guided tour the Banks Peninsula. In the morning, choose Saturday, February 8 of this community that sprang to life between a guided walk through the charming Tauranga/Rotorua in the 1860s following the discovery of colonial town and surrounding native bush of Dock this morning in Tauranga and disembark gold in the Arrow River and still retains the Garden of Tane or a guided 4x4 drive to for a drive to Rotorua, the heartland of New 60 of the original gold-rush buildings. a private farm to see the largest Australasian Zealand’s Maori culture. Enjoy a private The following day, travel to Glenorchy Little Penguin colony on mainland New gathering with Maori elders at a special to take a wilderness jet boat trip up the Zealand and an inspiring example of private powhiri (welcome) ceremony in a Maori glacier-fed, turquoise water Dart River individuals saving an endangered species. village nestled within a native Tawa forest. to witness the stunning scenery of the Or if you prefer you can simply wander Observe Maori weaving, carving, face World Heritage Area of Mount Aspiring in the town and enjoy the alluring French tattooing, and food preparation activities. National Park, the flora and fauna of atmosphere of this seaside retreat. Return to Also learn about warrior training and the which has become the world’s best the ship for a relaxing afternoon at sea and a fearsome haka posture dance as part of example of ancient Gondwana Land. continuation of our lecture series. an exhilarating cultural performance. After You’ll also have the chance to walk Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) a traditional hangi lunch, visit some of among old-growth beech trees, which Rotorua’s famed geothermal features, where form a natural wonderland. Wednesday, February 5 boiling mud pools and colorful hot springs Marlborough Sounds / provide remarkable evidence of the still-hot magma just beneath the earth’s surface. Post-Tour Extension Wellington Back on board, celebrate your New Zealand Sydney, Australia Sail across Cook Strait between the North adventure with fellow travelers during the and South Islands and enter a world of February 9-12, 2020 Captain’s Farewell reception and dinner. Extend your trip with three pristine natural beauty. This morning anchor Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) nights in cosmopolitan at Ship Cove, where Captain Cook arrived Sydney, Australia. aboard the Endeavour in 1770. Explore the Activities include islands and inlets by Zodiac and during short Sunday, February 9 a private tour walks on the famed Queen Charlotte Track. Auckland /Home of the iconic Keep an eye out for some of the wildlife Arrive in Auckland, the “City of Sails,” and Sydney Cook described in his reports, as well as rare disembark for an overview tour of the city’s Opera House; birds such as the South Island saddleback, highlights including a stop at Bastion Point a walking the bellbird, and the New Zealand robin. offering magnificent views back to Auckland. tour of the Arrive in Wellington for U.S. Embassy Enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant with free Rocks District, briefing (schedule permitting) followed by time for exploring independently before Sydney’s historic a free evening off the ship. Stroll along the transferring to the airport for flights home, center that has picturesque waterfront and enjoy the option regaining the day lost on the inbound journey. (B) been sensitively of dining off the ship at a restaurant of your revitalized; a viewing of choice in town. This evening, (available at the aboriginal art at the Art Gallery of extra cost), choose to travel to Zealandia for New South Wales; and a visit to the a private night tour through this protected Photos: Maori carving © Ruth Black • Milford Royal Botanic Gardens, plus time for predator-proof ecosanctuary that is home sound © Paop • Geothermal Pool at Waimangu independent exploration. to some of New Zealand’s rarest species, • Standing at Lake Wakatipu view point Photo including kiwis. Caledonian Sky (B,L,D) © Khunaspix • Queenstown © derekfsmith • Albatrosses © Andreanita • Rotorua © Cloudia Spinner • TSS Earnslaw in Queenstown NZ © Rafael Ben Ari • Sydney Opera House © Tyler Duston • Fiddlehead fern Fern © Alkalyne Caledonian Sky The Caledonian Sky, formerly the Hebridean Spirit, is a 57-cabin premier expedition ship. All cabins have an ocean view, en suite bathroom with walk-in shower and/or bathtub, spacious wardrobe or walk-in closet, safe, minibar, individually controlled heat/air conditioner, flat- screen television, and sitting area with sofa. Twenty-three of the suites feature private balconies. The ship’s amenities include an elegant indoor dining room, al fresco dining on the Lido Deck, two lounges with bar service, small library and gym, sun deck with comfortable lounge chairs, hairdresser, laundry service, and gift shop. An elevator services all passenger cabin decks. The Caledonian Sky’s chefs prepare quality international meals, predominantly Western-style, served in a single open seating. A friendly crew provides exceptional, personalized service, with more than a 1:2 crew-to-passenger ratio. The ship features advanced satellite navigation and communication equipment, roll stabilizers, and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft.

Our carefully crafted itinerary has been fine-tuned PANORAMA DECK through decades of experience and includes:

Lido No hidden fees for internal flights, crew gratuities, Deck or port taxes, which can add over $700 per person BRIDGE DECK to your actual costs on other programs.

Our private ship eliminates the need for any on-tour flying hassles, creating a much more comfortable and relaxed experience. PROMENADE DECK

Lounge

CALEDONIAN DECK

Dining Room

CASTLE DECK

Program Rates, Special Original per person, double occupancy Reduced Rates Rates A Ca stle Deck (standard forward) $6,990 $9,990 Program Rates Include 244 sq.ft. with two portholes, shower Full program of briefings, lectures, and presentations by study Ca stle Deck (Standard) B $8,490 $11,490 leaders and local guides • Two nights accommodations in 244 sq. ft. with two, three, or four portholes, shower

Queenstown. Nine nights aboard the Caledonian Sky. • All Cale donian Deck (superior) meals as specified in the itinerary. • All excursions, including C 232 sq. ft. with large window, bathtub, shower $9,990 $12,990 (except #329, #330, and #331, shower only) entrance fees, as specified in the itinerary • Scheduled transfers on group arrival and departure days • Baggage Promena de Deck (premium) handling • Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers, and ship’s D 217 sq.ft. with large window, shower $10,490 $13,490 (#431 and #432 with bathtub and shower) crew for all group activities • Port fees and embarkation taxes • House wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner on Bri dge Deck (deluxe balcony) $10,990 $13,990 board the Caledonian Sky and at group meals off the ship E 215 sq. ft. plus 45 sq. ft. private balcony, sliding glass door, walk-in wardrobe, bathtub, shower • Welcome and farewell wine receptions • Bottled water on excursions • Complete packet of pre-departure information • Promena de Deck (premium balcony) F 217 sq. ft. plus 60 sq. ft. private balcony, $11,990 $14,990 Professional tour manager throughout sliding glass door, walk-in wardrobe, shower

Air Arrangements Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc., can help Promena de Deck (owner’s balcony) G 243 sq. ft. plus 60 sq. ft. private balcony, sliding $12,990 $15,990 with airline arrangements for this trip and can be reached glass door, two portholes, walk-in wardrobe, shower at (877) 376-1754. You are also welcome to book your air transportation through your local travel agent, an online Program Rates, Special Original travel site, or the airline of your choice. Please note: per person, single occupancy Reduced Rates Rates U.S. domestic and international airfare is not included in Ca stle Deck (Standard) B $8,490 $16,790 the program rates. Round-trip economy-class airfare from 244 sq. ft. with two, three, or four portholes, shower

New York to Queenstown, with return from Auckland, is Cale donian Deck (superior) approximately $2,200 per person as of February 2019 C 232 sq. ft. with large window, bathtub, shower $9,990 $18,990 (except #329, #330, and #331, shower only) and is subject to change without notice. General Information Reservation Form What to Expect You will experience varying weather conditions during this trip, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to New ZealanD the mid-60s Fahrenheit. Rough seas are always a possibility, and intermittent rain showers are common year-round. The pace of Milford Sound to Auckland by Sea this program is moderately active, with up to two miles of walking often over uneven terrain, or where stairs are unavailable or do Nine nights aboard the Caledonian Sky not have handrails. Participants will need to climb into and out of January 27–February 9, 2020 Zodiacs for some shore excursions (staff and crew members will be To reserve a place, please complete and return this form with your on hand to assist). Participants must be in good health and able to deposit of $1,000 per person, payable to Criterion Travel, to: Criterion keep up with the group without assistance from tour staff. Travel, 165 Jessie Street, Suite 4, San Francisco, CA 94105. For more Program Rates Do Not Include U.S. domestic and information or to reserve by phone, please call (888) 328-2089 or international airfare • Passport and visa fees • Medical expenses (650) 328-2089; or email [email protected]. You may also fax and immunizations • Trip cancellation/interruption and baggage the completed reservation form to (650) 560-6400. insurance • Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled Payment tour • Excess-baggage charges • Meals not specified in the q Enclosed is my check for $ ($1,000 per person, payable to itinerary; dishes and beverages not part of the included meals • Criterion Travel), to reserve place(s) on New Zealand by Sea. OR Alcohol or soft drinks except where indicated as included • Private q Please charge the deposit to my: transfers or transfers not on program arrival and departure days q VISA q MasterCard q American Express q Discover • Personal items such as room service; email, telephone, and fax charges; and other items of a personal nature

Credit card number Exp. date Group Size This program is limited to 94 participants, including travelers from the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, National

Trust Tours, Harvard Alumni Travels, Smith Travel, and the Cardholder Signature Security Code Commonwealth Club. I/we understand that final payment is due September 20, 2019, Insurance We strongly recommend the purchase of trip 120 days prior to departure. After September 30, 2019: full payment cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses is due at registration. in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event that you must cancel Name #1 (as on passport) Date of Birth your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Name #2 (as on passport) Date of Birth

Terms & Conditions deadline of September 30, 2019: All Complete Terms & Conditions will be payments are 100% nonrefundable, Street Address sent to participants upon confirmation regardless of booking date. Refunds and are available to prospective cannot be made to passengers who travelers upon request. As a condition do not complete the tour for any City/State Zip/Postal Code of participant, each passenger will be reason at all. Criterion Travel reserves required to sign a Release of Liability, the right to withdraw a participant which will be sent along with the from a tour at any time at his/her Home Phone work Phone Terms & Conditions. own expense, when such action is determined by tour staff to be in the fax email address Reservations & Payments best interest of the health, safety, To reserve a place, please complete or general welfare of the tour group Single Travelers and return this form with your deposit or the individual participant, and If this is a reservation for one person, please indicate: of $1,000 per person, payable to subject only to the requirement that Criterion Travel, to: Criterion Travel, 165 the recoverable portion of the tour q I prefer to have single accommodations. Jessie Street, Suite 4, San Francisco, price that corresponds to the cost of q I plan to share accommodations with CA 94105. For more information or to unused services and accommodation reserve by phone, please call (888) be refunded, if any. 328-2089 or (650) 328-2089; or email [email protected]. You may also Itinerary Changes q I’d like to know about roommates. I am a q Non-smoker q Smoker. fax the completed reservation form The itinerary presented for this tour to (650) 560-6400. Final payment is subject to modification and change I understand that if a roommate cannot be found by the final payment deadline deadline is September 30, 2019. For by Smith Travel and Criterion Travel. of September 30, 2019, I will pay the single rate. those who register after September Every reasonable effort will be made 30, 2019, full payment is due upon to operate the program as planned; Accommodations registration. however, should unforeseen world Cabin Category Preference: 1st 2nd events and conditions require the Bed preference in hotels (not guaranteed) q Two beds q One bed Cancellations & Refunds itinerary to be altered, Smith Travel Cancellations shall not be effective and the tour operator reserve the I/we have read the tour information section of the brochure and agree to until they are received in writing right to do so for the safety and the Terms and Conditions stated therein. by Criterion Travel. Deposits are best interest of the group. Any extra refundable (less a $500 per person expenses incurred in this situation are administration fee) if written notice the responsibility of the participant. of cancellation is received within Signature Date 30 days of reservation; after that, California Seller of Travel Program deposits are 100% nonrefundable. CST #2088800-40 Cancellations after final payment Signature Date New ZealanD Featuring special guest lecturer by Sea Peter Hillary

Highlights Access seldom-visited Ulva Spend time with Maori Milford Island to observe some of elders in their village and be Spend two nights in the the world’s rarest birdlife in treated to a private welcome ever-dynamic town of their natural settings, and ceremony, tribal dances, and Sound to Queenstown based from visit with Stewart Islanders a traditional hangi lunch. the Novotel Queenstown who welcome you to their Auckland Lakeside hotel, on the Customize your New village in Oban. banks of Lake Wakatipu Zealand experience with a Including nine nights and centrally located to the beginning of menu of excursion options aboard the 57-cabin Walk allow for easy pedestrian the famed Queen Charlotte geared to different interests Caledonian Sky access to restaurants Track for unsurpassed views and levels of mobility in and local attractions. of Marlborough Sounds and multiple ports: Stewart Jan 27–Feb 9, 2020 cruise its sheltered inlets, Island, Dunedin, Akaroa, Explore the stunning and clear waters and sandy bays and Wellington. remote Doubtful Sound and by Zodiac. Featuring special guest lecturer Dusky Sound, the largest of Peter Hillary the fiords rich with history Engage in stimulating and and only accessible by sea. in-depth discussions with our educational leaders, whose lectures offer invaluable Special Offer context and insight. Save $3,000 Per Person no single supplement