The Best of New Zealand

Your itinerary begins in Queenstown, New Zealand, where after arriving independently you will make your way to the hotel for your included overnight stay. There will the opportunity tonight to meet your fellow guests and some of your crew over an informal dinner.

After some free time this morning to explore Queenstown, you will return to the hotel for lunch and then join your transfer to the Port of Bluff in Invercargill for embarkation. As you settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship, we will set sail past Ruapuke Island, formerly a local Maori stronghold supporting a population of over 200 people.

Welcome to the incredible Fiordland area, home to New Zealand’s most iconic and most photographed natural wonders. We will have two days to explore here, learning all about the area’s history, searching for wildlife including Fiordland Crested penguins, Little penguins and Bottlenose dolphins, and soaking up the incredible scenery on offer. Located in the south-west corner of the South Island, the Fiordland is incredibly important to the history of New Zealand, and your expert crew will share information on the explorers of the past as we visit historic sites and unforgettable viewpoints.

As with all expedition cruising, our itinerary will be flexible and often dictated by weather conditions, with your captain and crew choosing the best course each day for adventure. As we sail around waterfalls, streams, rivers, mountains, valleys and fiords, we will hope to visit a number of renowned spots including Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound, Pickersgill Harbour, Astronomer’s Point and the Acheron Passage.

We now sail back along the bottom of South Island to reach Stewart Island, New Zealand’s third island, a tranquil and very beautiful place which has been largely untouched by tourism. We plan to enjoy a morning exploration of Ulva Island, which being predator-free is a haven for birdlife and wildlife and we will hope for sightings of birds such as the South Island Kaka, Stewart Island Robin, Stewart Island Weka, Red-crowned Parakeet, Kereru (Wood Pigeon), Fantail, Mohua (Yellowhead) and more. We also plan to head to Paterson Inlet to explore the sandy beaches of Boulder Bay and West End Beach or just enjoy some time around Post Office Bay and Sydney Cove.

Our first city stop will bring us to the famed, fashion-forward city of Dunedin where we will sail into the picturesque Otago Harbour and hop off for some exploration. We also plan to explore along the scenic Otago Peninsula where sea lions rest and Yelloweyed penguins can be spotted amongst the rolling hills and sandy beaches.

Today brings us to the busy port of Lyttelton, the maritime gateway to Canterbury, where we will disembark and take a trip along the shores of the harbour to the acclaimed gardens of Sir Miles Warren at Ohinetahi. Travel across the Port Hills with its commanding views across the city and plains to explore the Botanic Gardens and the bustling post-quake city on the rebuild with its distincly English setting around the Avon River, as well as visiting some of the region’s most acclaimed private gardens of the ‘Garden City’.

Alternatively, you may choose to join a trip north to the acclaimed wine region of Waipara. During our time here we will also visit one of the many long established sheep farming families and learn more about how the area was the setting for Sir Peter Jackson’s film “The Frighteners”, starring Michael J Fox.

Another memorable highlight of our trip, this morning you will sail into the beautiful labyrinth of waterways that make up the stunning Marlborough Sounds which lies between South Island and North Island. As well as some Zodiac exploration in the sheltered waters, you can join a coastal hike through the lush regenerating forest in search of native birds such as parakeets, saddleback and robins.

Today you will spend a full day discovering the city of Nelson and the incredibly beautiful coastal scenery of the Abel Tasman National Park. One of our favourite areas in New Zealand, the area is largely unaffected by tourism and its unspoiled landscapes are a delight to explore. There will also be time to discover some of the area’s culinary delights, artisan crafts and world-class wines.

We now make our way to the charming capital of New Zealand for a day of sightseeing. We will dock in the city’s famous harbour and there will be ample time for you to explore the city at your leisure. We recommend taking a trip on the cable car, and visiting Te Papa New Zealand’s national museum, the world renowned Zealandia nature reserve and the beautiful Botanic gardens.

At the heart of the thriving Hawkes Bay we will find the beautiful post-quake city of Napier, the Art Deco capital of New Zealand. Today you can choose to immerse yourself in this art deco culture as you explore the centre and its quaint shops and unrivalled architecture. You may also wish to visit some of Hawkes Bay’s world-renowned wineries to sample the famed Chardonnay and Syrah vintages. Alternatively, a guided excursion to the remarkable Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony will be offered.

Today we make our way to one of New Zealand’s most renowned fruit and vegetable growing regions, Gisborne. Despite being named “Poverty Bay” by Captain Cook, the region is endowed with an exceptional climate and rich soils and is worth a visit for its Eastwoodhill Arboretum alone. As we are in Ngati Porou country you will be traditionally welcomed by the iwi.

On day 13 we will discover one of New Zealand’s hidden gems as we make our way to Port Fitzroy and the beautiful Great Barrier Island. Here you can enjoy a guided Zodiac excursion through one of the north’s finest harbours, or take a guided walk along the harbour trails to see the majestic Kauri trees and soak up some wonderful views.

Our last day will be spent among the Bay of Islands which boast some of New Zealand’s most impressive coastal scenery and will offer the perfect conclusion to our voyage. You can spend some time along the golden sand beaches relaxing as the clear blue waters lap up along them. We also plan to visit the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi and discover the significance and stories surrounding the region.

Your voyage concludes in the northern city of Auckland where after breakfast it will be time to disembark and bid a fond farewell to your expedition team. A transfer to the airport for onward or homeward flights will be provided. Please enquire for advice and recommendations should you wish to extend your stay in New Zealand to see even more of this remarkable country.