Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of stratovolcano growth and collapse processes, and the spectrum of produced volcanic and sedimentary deposits and landscape features, visiting some of the best-exposed, most complete examples of volcaniclastic ring-plain successions in the world. Apart from outstanding geology and natural beauty, this trip also offers a taste of unique Kiwi outdoor, culinary and cultural experiences, including dinners at a vineyard, brewery and marae (Māori meeting grounds), swimming at Taranaki’s beautiful black-sand beaches, white water rafting down the Tongariro River and a ride in the Sky Waka gondola at Mt. Ruapehu with spectacular views across the world-heritage-listed mountain area.

Cost: NZD1,000 pp. Includes transport from New Plymouth to Rotorua in mini-vans, 4 nights’ shared motel accommodation (2-3 people per room, single occupancy can be arranged at additional cost) with breakfast, packed lunches for all 5 days, vineyard dinner, marae dinner and cultural experience, Tongariro River white water rafting, Sky Waka Gondola/Mt. Ruapehu, printed field guide. Not included: dinner drinks, dinner for 2 nights and additional snacks.