• Return flights from London Heathrow to Auckland and from Queenstown to London Heathrow with Air New Zealand,

• Cruise itinerary as detailed below, including all meals
• One night pre tour accommodation in the Hilton, Auckland
• 2 nights post tour accommodation in Queenstown
• All transfers

 

Day 1: Auckland - Hauraki Gulf
Boarding at 4:00pm, we depart the "City of Sails" and enjoy the view of the city and Hauraki Gulf as we begin our 12 night New Zealand discovery cruise. We spend the late afternoon cruising through the beautiful Hauraki Gulf and amongst its many islands before joining the Captain and his crew at the Captain's Welcome Cocktails. Then, enjoy the first of many delicious dinners aboard Oceanic Discoverer.

 

Day 2: White Island
Following breakfast embark on an excursion to explore this active volcano, identifiable by the plume of steam continually spouting from its crater. Following a landing with the "Xplorer"  spend approx three hours on a guided walkto the crater returning to Oceanic Discoverer for lunch before cruising southwards along the coast to Whangara, a small Maori settlement made famous following the filming of the movie Whale Rider.

 

Day 3: Gisborne
This morning, land and Whangara Beach for an exclusive Maori cultural experience including a traditional welcome, Kapa Haka cultural show and tour of the Marae by the elder of the Ngati Konohi people. Following our visit cruise to Gisborne, the first European landing place in New Zealand. Captain Cook first landed here in 1769 and a European settlement was established in 1831. Today we offer you the opportunity to explore the region. Whether your interest is the history, the renowned wines and vineyards, short or long walks or beautiful gardens, this region offers you a multitude of guided or self-discovery options.

 

Day 4: Napier
An earthquake in 1931 led to the unique rebuilding of this city. The rebuild followed the flourishing art deco trend in America and Europe at that time, and offers a wonderful heritage of art deco architecture. Spend the morning enjoying the sights of the city or embark on an optional adventure tour to Cape Kidnappers Gannet Sanctuary, the world's largest mainland gannet colony.

 

Days 5 & 6: Marlborough Sounds
Spend two days exploring an array of spectacular waterways including the fiord-like Queen Charlotte Sound. Retracing the history of Captain Cook we visit Ships Cove a regular stop for Captain Cook on his voyage of discovery and the place where he careened his vessel the Endeavour.

 

Day 7: Kaikoura
Today we dedicate to the ultimate marine experience of whale watching with the spectacular backdrop of the Kaikoura coastline. Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world to experience the giant sperm whale in its natural environment. Joined by dusky dolphins, seabirds, fur seals and other migratory whale species this promises to be an experience never forgotten.

 

Day 8: Akaroa
This morning we cruise in to the secluded Akaroa Harbour. This picturesque' bay hosts a myriad of wildlife including penguins and dolphins. For a special nature experience, you have the opportunity to swim with one of the smallest and rarest dolphins the Hector's or New Zealand Dolphin.

 

Day 9: Dunedin
The Otago Harbour welcomes us as we cruise past the world's largest mainland albatross colony at Tairoa Heads and home of the world rarest penguin, the Yellowed Eyed Penguin. Of Scottish heritage, Dunedin offers a great diversity of experiences from the abundant wildlife to the historic Edwardian and Victorian architecture.

 

Day 10: Stewart Island
We cruise to Stewart Island, a large island that is almost totally wilderness and home to a vast number of seals, birds and other wildlife. Here we spend a day of discovery and exploration through the Paterson Inlet and surrounding areas. Either encounter includes guided "Xplorer" and/or Zodiac excursions to maximise the experience to it fullest. Walks ashore under the guidance of our experienced naturalists encounter native birds such as the Weka, Tui, Bellbird, Kaka, Karikari and more.

 

Day 11: Dusky Fiord
Our first experience of the deep Fiordland waterways begins as we enter Dusky fiord. We spend the day in awe of the spectacular and dramatic natural wilderness as we cruise past the sheer cliffs and tumbling waterfalls of this beautiful landscape. Enjoy the view from the Oceanic Discoverer or choose to explore the inlets on the "Xplorer" or Zodiacs. Rejoin Oceanic Discoverer as we head north to Doubtful fiord to anchor for the evening.

 

Day 12: Doubtful Sound
Another day awakens to the magnificent scenery of Fiordland. Doubtful fiord the deepest of the fiords will not disappoint. Aboard the "Xplorer" or inflatable Zodiacs we join our informative Guest Lecturers on conduct guided excursions through the maze of spectacular waterways. This evening enjoy the Captains Farewell Cocktails whilst engulfed by the dramatic scenery.

 

Day 13: Milford Sound
Farewell and disembarkation at 8:00am. A complimentary coach transfer to Queenstown is available on the morning of arrival.