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This Orion adventure in the spirit of the explorer Abel Tasman sails between Brisbane and Auckland and will include a visit to Norfolk Island which historic attractions include museums, the penal settlement and the culture arising from the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives, who settled on Norfolk after the mutiny of the HMS Bounty. There will also be the opportunity to visit the historic township of Russell, a peaceful retreat with old world charm in New Zealand’s magnificent Bay of Islands. A coastline of bays and white sandy beaches and 150 islands on the edge of the Continental Shelf renowned for diving, yachting and deep sea fishing. This is where the European settlers first arrived and was a base for whalers, sealers and sailors. Without doubt, one of the most beautiful and peaceful seascapes in the world.

Day 1 - Brisbane, Australia – Embark

Situated midway up the east coast of Australia is Brisbane, capital city of Queensland. With the Gold Coast beaches to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north, Brisbane is well situated to commence your Orion journey and it is well worth arriving a few days prior to enjoy the city and surrounds. It is here where we get settled into your new home aboard Orion and embark on our fantastic journey.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: dinner

Days 2-3 - At Sea

Spend these two days at sea relaxing aboard, enjoying the sights and getting to know your fellow travelers. Orion's staff will take care of your every need as well as provide informative presentations on the regions we will soon be visiting.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Norfolk Island

Norfolk Island is rich in History and Culture from Captain Cook's discovery in 1774 to modern times. When the First Fleet arrived at Port Jackson in January 1788, Phillip ordered Lieutenant Philip Gidley King to lead a party of fifteen convicts and seven free men to take control of the island and prepare for its commercial development. They arrived on 6 March 1788.

Although much of the land has been cleared for cropping and pasture, the once-dominant Norfolk Island pines remain a notable feature of the landscape. The island has a wide variety of flora and fauna including geckos, bats, turtles, plentiful fish and many seabird species.

Before European colonization, most of Norfolk Island was covered with subtropical rain forest, the canopy of which was made of Norfolk Island Pine. Historic attractions include museums, the penal settlement and the culture arising from the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives, who settled on Norfolk after the mutiny of the HMS Bounty.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - At Sea

Another day spent at sea will provide for more relaxation and sight seeing as we make our way to New Zealand.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Russell, Bay of Islands

On the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand we enjoy a fine taste of Aotearoa. Here a coastline of bays and white sandy beaches embraces a sea dotted with 150 islands.

The Maoris believe that the Bay of Islands was originally discovered by their legendary navigator Kupe. This is where the Maoris first arrived, and not so long ago was a base for whalers, sealers and sailors, preparing the way for a fusing of Maori and European culture.

Today Orion guests can explore the picturesque Bay of Islands town of Russell at your leisure, or join a guided historic tour of the township. This tour offers an insight into New Zealand’s earliest European history all in one memorable hour. Russell was originally named Kororareka by a Maori chief, it was renamed in 1844 and the town is very conscious of its unique heritage.

Today Russell is a peaceful retreat with an old world charm - though it bristles in summer with vacationers, and crewmen from yachts and launches anchored off shore.

This area is also famously known as being the home of the Treaty of Waitangi, the first official agreement between Maori and the British. A Zodiac transfer will be available to Waitangi (on the opposite side of the bay to Russell) for those who would like to visit this historic site.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Roberton Island & Te Rawhiti Inlet, Bay of Islands

The legendary navigator of Maori oral traditional history, Kupe, first discovered the many islands that we now know as the Bay of Islands.

Orion plans to anchor in Te Rawhiti Inlet and make landing at Roberton Island or Motuarohia as it is known to the Maori people. Roberton’s white sandy beaches and native bird life embrace what the islands of this area have to offer.

Motuarohia Island features a number of Maori archaeological sites including pa (Maori fortified village), terraces, pits, and gardening evidence around the central lagoon area.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Auckland, New Zealand - Disembark

In the Maori language Auckland is known as Tamaki Makau Rau, the city of 100 lovers, having earned the name because it was a place desired by all and conquered by many. The setting is spectacular, the city being nestled upon three harbors - the Waitemata, the Manukau and the Kaipara. After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for flights home or spend some time visiting this wonderful city.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



Itinerary Notes: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of cruising unique.

Included: Included in your cruise fare are accommodations as booked, cruise transportation, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programs, use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities, port & handling charges, Zodiac excursions and tender transfers, access to the ship's library, Govt. Fees & Taxes. Fares also include the services of 75 experienced crew.

Exclusions: Fares do not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to: travel and medical insurance, laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hair dressing and massage treatments, optional shore experiences, medical treatment, telephone and internet charges.

Room Configurations: Single travelers may reserve sole occupancy of a twin occupancy stateroom for 25% less than the regular stateroom (twin occupancy) fare in categories JS, A and B. Subject to availability. Some staterooms accommodate a third or fourth person. Adults age 16 years and over pay 50% (children ages 2-15 years pay 25%) of the applicable stateroom category fare when sharing the room with two full-fare guests

Payment & Cancellation: To secure your reservation a deposit of 25% of the fare is required. The deposit must be accompanied by a completed and signed Guest Booking Form and is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment must be received no later than 90 days before sailing. Separate conditions apply to the Cancellation Protection Plan.

Cancellation Policy: The following cancellation fees will apply to all reservations. The day on which written notice is received will determine the applicable penalties. Day on Which Notice is received Penalty:
121 days and over - 50% of deposit
120 - 91 days prior 100% of deposit
90 days or less 100% of fare
No show - no written notice 100% of fare

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Activities: We include a number of complimentary shore experiences utilising our Zodiacs. In addition we offer an exciting and diverse selection of optional shore experiences which can be either booked for in advance or reserved onboard and charged to your onboard account. Due to limited numbers on some experiences we recommend you pre-register to avoid disappointment. Details will be provided with your ticket.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to AdventureSmith Explorations when a request for accommodation is made. On every Orion voyage extensive use of the ship�s Zodiacs will be made transporting guests between ship and shore. It is anticipated this travel may be physically demanding from time to time. In order for the crew to determine if safe passage can be offered, guests may be asked to provide additional information, such as a medical assessment of their fitness for expeditionary travel. All guests must sign a disclaimer onboard to participate in offship activities. Guests should be sure to bring onboard sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.


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