New Zealand

RTT Graphics (handdrawn enhanced) Yarn W

Wool and Wonders
of New Zealand
with Grandma's Spinning Wheel

April 4 - 20, 2024

On this very first expeditionary trip to New Zealand, we explore all things woolly and wonderful in Aotearoa! Aotearoa being the Maori name for the two islands that make up New Zealand. We begin our tour discovering Auckland on the North Island and then wend our way down to Queenstown at the tip of the South Island. Along the way, we visit local yarn shops, explore the volcanic landscape, participate in workshops that teach us the Maori craft of flax spinning, how to blend in possum fur (yes, possum fur!) for spinning and knitting, the traditional uses of pounamu (Maori jade), take High Tea surrounded by beautiful gardens, visit a Giant’s House, have two days at an 11,000 head Merino sheep station in the Kaikoura Mountain Range of the Southern Island, and spend a night in a “Scottish” Castle. We may encounter albatross, penguins and, with a little bit of “patupaiarehe” luck (magic folk of Maori-lore), even get to see the kiwi - that rarest of birds. Oh, and while we are about it, spend time among the Hobbiton hobbits!

We will be experiencing a wide gamut of accommodation styles on this trip from luxurious sheep stations to boutique hotels to beach-side cottages. Prepare to be wowed!

Tour Cost, per person:

Mostly Single: $9000
Flex: $8400
Mostly Shared: $7800
Standard Shared: $7600
Cozy Standard Shared: $7600

Tour Activity Level:

We would describe this trip as an Expedition. If you'd like to review our trip activity levels, take a look here.

Open Tour Brochure

Wool and Wonders
of New Zealand
with Kid Ewe Knot

April 23 - May 8, 2024

MORE Hobbits and Possums and Sheep!

Oh, my!

On this expeditionary trip to New Zealand, we explore all things woolly and wonderful in Aotearoa - Aotearoa being the Maori name for the two islands that make up New Zealand. You can unpack your sweaters straight away as we begin our tour in Queenstown on the South Island, with the definite nip of Autumn in the air, heading up to the relatively balmier climes of the North Island. Along the way, we visit local yarn shops, explore the volcanic landscape, participate in workshops that teach us the Maori craft of flax spinning, how to blend possum fur (yes, possum fur!) for spinning and knitting, take High Tea surrounded by beautiful gardens and visit a Giant’s House, have two days at an 11,000 head Merino sheep station in the Kaikoura Mountain Range of the Southern Island, and spend a night in a “Scottish” Castle. We encounter albatross, penguins and, with a little bit of “patupaiarehe” luck (magic folk of Maori-lore), even get to see the kiwi - that rarest of birds. Oh, and while we are about it, spend time among the Hobbiton hobbits!