New Zealand Coastal Odyssey Cruise

Today, enjoy breakfast in the hotel restaurant and have free time to explore Auckland before lunch and embarking the ship. You will have time to settle into your accommodation and familiarize yourself with the ship. You are invited to join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge and up on the Observation Deck as they set the course to Tauranga and your adventure begins.

From the ship’s berth in Tauranga, drive inland, passing the rich horticultural region of the Bay of Plenty as you travel to the geothermal heartland of Rotorua. Marvel at the abundance of steam vents, geysers and bubbling mud pools as you explore one of the most geologically active regions on the planet and experience Māori arts, crafts and culture.

Sailing down the scenic North Island, enjoy a day at sea attending lectures, relaxing on board or looking for whales and dolphins from  the Observation Deck, Lounge and Bridge as you sail to Wellington.

New Zealand’s ‘coolest little capital,’ Wellington is an exceptional natural harbor, where the ship will be docked in the center of the action. From here you can easily explore this vibrant city. Visit the cable car, explore the world-renowned Zealandia nature reserve,  discover the Botanic Gardens and visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum.

The spiritual home of your ship operator, and one of the best yet seldom-visited ports of New Zealand, join your naturalists to discover the incredibly beautiful coastal scenery of Abel Tasman National Park, exploring the tranquil bays and observing incredible wildlife. Walk a section of the iconic Abel Tasman Track, stopping off at serene beaches and immersing yourself in luscious coastal native bush surrounded by wildlife.

This morning, the ship sails into the sheltered waters of Marlborough Sounds, a beautiful labyrinth of waterways intersecting the northern shores of the South Island. Famed for the breathtaking beauty of their winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife and remote coastlines, these regions are also rich in early New Zealand history and the location of some of the country’s most important conservation efforts. Take the opportunity to explore a coastal trail through the lush regenerating forest and watch for native birds including saddleback, parakeets and robins on one of the island’s nature reserves.

The ship will make her way through the Akaroa heads and anchor in the sheltered waters off Canterbury’s largest harbor. It was here, beneath the eroded volcanic hills of Banks Peninsula, that the French attempted to settle in 1840. The French connection remains to this day with a certain je ne sais quoi imbibing the township of Akaroa. Explore Akaroa, greater Banks Peninsula or one of the local nature walks.

This morning sail into the beautiful Otago Harbor and watch closely for northern royal albatross at the Tairoa Head Albatross Colony. Explore the famed fashion-forward city of Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the south, and its rich history as the gateway to Otago. Explore the scenic Otago Peninsula where New Zealand Sea Lions rest and former Bird of the Year yellow-eyed penguins/hoiho can be spotted  in one of their last mainland strongholds, and where the beautiful farmed hills roll down towards white-sand beaches.

New Zealand’s third island is well off the usual beaten tourist track. It is a wonderfully tranquil place; the scenery of untouched bushland is stunning. Enjoy a morning exploring Ulva Island which is rich in history and wildlife. Being a predator-free island since 1997, the bird song and wildlife is some of the best. In Paterson Inlet you will have time to explore the sandy beaches of Boulder Bay and West End Beach or just enjoy some time around Post Office Bay and Sydney Cove. Some of the wildlife you may get to see while walking the tracks on Ulva Island include Stewart Island robin, Stewart Island weka, South Island kaka, Kereru (wood pigeon), mohua (yellowhead), redcrowned parakeet, fantail, bellbird and tui. There are many more species that may also be seen, your knowledgeable expedition guides will be listening for bird calls and keeping a close watch in overhead canopies and the surrounding shrubs to identify further species. During your time in Paterson Inlet there will also be the opportunity to explore the quirky town  center Oban in Halfmoon Bay where a  drink with a view can be enjoyed at the iconic South Sea Hotel. There are also some beautiful walks in the surrounding forests.

You have 2 days to explore the incredible wilderness of Fiordland in the southwest corner of the South Island. This area is rich in history, majestic scenery and abundant in wildlife. Fiordland was well known to local Māori, with the demi-god Tu-teraki-whanoa said to have used his adze, Te Hamo, to carve out the region’s fiords. Captain Cook and his crew landed here on HMS Resolution in 1773 and were the first Europeans to visit Fiordland, subsequently spending five weeks in Dusky Sound. Cook’s records of his discovery and maps attracted sealers and whalers from around the world. Fiordland’s coast is only accessible by sea, making it the most remote region of New Zealand’s mainland.

Waterfalls, streams, rivers and fiords are enveloped with misty veils that come and go, revealing steep gradients of mountain peaks and sheltered valleys. A rugged terrain and thickly forested floors are covered with ferns, lichens and mosses. Bottlenose dolphins, Fiordland crested penguins and little blue penguins are all residents of the fiords, and you will look for them during your time here.

Your schedule gives you the flexibility to visit as much as possible. Hope to explore Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound and Acheron Passage, Astronomer’s Point and Pickersgill Harbor. During your time in Dusky Sound, there will be the optional opportunity to experience an unforgettable helicopter flight through the Sound swooping down alongside Cooper Island and Cook Channel with a landing on Mount Pender enjoying spectacular vistas across constellations of islands stretching into the horizon and dotting the winding fiords. The final plan will be determined by the weather. The captain and expedition leader will work hard to make the best use of your time in this incredible region of New Zealand, including areas that few New Zealanders have visited.

Early this morning, arrive in the Port of Bluff. After a final breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow voyagers and take a complimentary coach transfer to either Invercargill or Queenstown Airports.