Wonder Voyage Pilgrimage To New Zealand

A Wonder Voyage pilgrimage to New Zealand is filled with possibilities. Enjoy otherworldly hiking, deep dive into the New Zealand Prayer Book, or roam the countryside among hobbits and elves. A Wonder Voyage to New Zealand offers new opportunities to connect with wonder around every bend in the trail.

Why Choose A Pilgrimage To New Zealand?

More than 5 million people call New Zealand home. The original inhabitants were the Māori, who arrived by canoe about 1,000 years ago. Then, in 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi established British law in New Zealand.

A pilgrimage to New Zealand is a deep dive into the country’s otherworldly history, culture, and beauty. With Wonder Voyage as your guide, we bring 25 years of travel expertise to elevate your team’s experience from feeling like tourists to being invited guests.

Sacred Sites And Experiences On A Pilgrimage To New Zealand

On your Wonder Voyage to New Zealand, your team may see:

• Putiki Church: The Maori carvings and “tukutuku” (wall coverings) set Putiki Church apart. Teams will learn about Maori culture from people who attend the church. This is the perfect backdrop for reflection and contemplation.
• Tai ki Tai: The long walk is a cornerstone of pilgrimage. The “tai ki tai” walk translates to coast to coast. Your team can meet locals, visit landmarks, climb Eden, and participate in a Eucharist at an Anglican Cathedral.
• New Zealand Book of Prayer: Discover the history and meaning of the sacred text. Since the first edition was published in 1989, reprints and new editions were released in 1997, 2002, 2005, and 2020 to better reflect the church’s three Tikanga relationships: Tikanga Māori, Tikanga Pākehā, and Tikanga Pasefika.

Exploration Opportunities On A New Zealand Pilgrimage

• Middle Earth Magic: The Lord of the Rings filming locations often top New Zealand travelers’ wish lists. Spend a day exploring the Weta Cave and Studios, where Orcs, Hobbits, and Elves came to life.
• Forgotten World Highway: This winding drive takes teams by mountains, waterfalls, fortified villages, and ancient mines. Altogether, the 155-kilometer highway is an adventurer’s delight.
• Waitomo Caves: Spalunk into the world of Dwarves. More than 300 caves have been carved out of limestone by underground streams for thousands of years.  The primary attraction is the countless glowworms that look like twinkling stars in the night sky. 

• Shire’s Hobbiton: The Hobbiton Movie Set is a significant location for both the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Situated on a family-run farm, it is a bucket-list attraction for Tolkien fans.
• Waitakere Ranges: Explore the mountain rainforest’s few remaining giant trees. The ranges boast 250 kilometers of walking tracks and are perfect for hiking.
• Tasman Sea: Explore the black sands of the Tasman Sea before ending at the Te Henga Walkway. 

When Is The Best Time To Take A New Zealand Pilgrimage?

Wonder Voyage offers trips year-round. Whether you book for a youth team, J2A, Adult Journey, or an Educational Expedition, consider the following seasonal information for your New Zealand pilgrimage.

• December through February offers the best weather for outdoor activities, including beaches and hiking. However, because this is the most popular travel season for the region, it is also the most expensive.
• March through May offers fewer crowds, Fall foliage, and pleasant weather.
• June through August brings the threat of snow in mountainous areas. 
• September through November offers milder weather for outdoor activities.

The Wonder Voyage Booking Process

Wonder Voyage has over 25 years of experience leading pilgrimages and mission trips around the globe. Our staff can help take the planning out of travel so the leaders can enjoy the experience.

To get started, follow these steps:

• Complete the online Registration form.
• A staff member will contact you for details like the trip’s timing, budget, and theme options.
• A Voyage Coordinator will be assigned to you to personalize the pilgrimage to meet your needs.
• You will be assigned a Voyage Guide to travel with you and be your on-the-ground expert.

Other Wonder Voyage Destinations To Consider

To learn about alternatives to New Zealand, see:

• Reconnecting Youth With Wonder Through A Hiking Pilgrimage: A Guide For Youth Pastors
• 7 Exotic Destinations To Reconnect You With Wonder
• Destination: Rwanda
• Destination: Switzerland
• Destination: Zambia