EXPLORE the varied landscapes of New Zealand on 16-night trips from Auckland to Queenstown.
The tours, scheduled Nov. 19, Jan. 10 and Feb. 28, visit nature reserves and cities, glaciers and active volcanoes. They are led by "local guides who know the islands like the back of their hands," said Caren Rapp of Eldertreks, a company that specializes in adventure travel for seniors.
Activities include bird-watching and hiking in Abel Tasman and Kahurangi national parks.
The group joins the indigenous Maori people for a traditional barbecue in a village, and members tour Parliament in Wellington. The itinerary also includes hiking at the base of the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, cruises of Milford Sound and the Whanganui River, a chance to ride the rapids of the Tongariro River and a jet boat ride at Shotover Gorge.
Cost: $4,795 per person, double occupancy ($1,095 single surcharge), including meals, transportation, lodging and guides. International airfare is not included.
Contact: Eldertreks, Toronto, Canada; (800) 741-7956, www.eldertreks.com.
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MEXICO
Smooth sailing, smoother jazz
JAZZ it up on a cruise from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas that begins Nov 4.
The seven-day sailing, aboard the Holland America Oosterdam, features performances by contemporary jazz musicians, including radio host and saxophone player Dave Koz..
Ports of call include Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada.
Cost: $1,900 to $2,650 per person, double occupancy, including accommodations, meals and onboard entertainment. Transportation to San Diego, shore excursions, taxes, port fees and gratuities are not included.
Contact: Jazz Cruises, St. Louis; (877) 328-3569, www.jazzcruisesllc.com.
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YELLOWSTONE
Answering the call of the wild
LET it snow on a winter trip to Yellowstone National Park that begins Feb. 25.
The five-night tour features two nights in Jackson Hole, Wyo., and three at Old Faithful Snow Lodge in the park.
Participants tour the park in heated, track-driven snow buses in search of elk, moose, Canada geese and a variety of waterfowl that winter in the area.
Park rangers and naturalists lend their knowledge of the region's history and ecology.
A trip to the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole and a horse-drawn sleigh ride to the nearby National Elk Refuge are optional.
Travelers can join the tour in Salt Lake City or Jackson Hole.
