New Zealand Coastal Odyssey

Your itinerary begins in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, 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.

Our adventure starts in earnest this morning as we leave the hotel after breakfast and set off overland, south through the rich horticultural region of the Bombay Hills and past the verdant farmland of the Waikato towards the geothermal heartland of Rotorua. The day will be spent marvelling at the natural wonders of one of the most geologically active regions on the planet. Accompanied by expert local guides, you will discover geysers, steam vents and bubbling mud pools whilst learning all about these geological marvels. Later that day we will make our way to Tauranga where we will board the Heritage Adventurer to begin our voyage.

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.

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.

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’s adventures will take us to the sheltered waters of Canterbury’s largest harbour where we will drop anchor and disembark for a day of exploration of beautiful Akaroa. The local nature walks will reward in some wonderful views and the chance to learn about the town’s historically French connection. In the afternoon you can enjoy a visit to a French farm vineyard as well as a trip to the Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory.

Our next 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.

We now sail to 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.

There will also be the opportunity to explore the quirky town centre of Oban in Halfmoon Bay where a drink with a view can be enjoyed at the iconic South Sea Hotel and there are some beautiful walks in the surrounding forests.

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.

Your voyage concludes in the Port of Bluff where after breakfast it will be time to disembark and bid a fond farewell to your expedition team. An overland transfer will take you to Queenstown through some beautiful scenery. From here you can transfer to the airport for onward or homeward flights. Please enquire for advice and recommendations should you wish to extend your stay in New Zealand to see even more of this remarkable country.