Asia / Pacific New Zealand Cruise

Southern Odyssey: New Zealand & The Sub-Antarctic Islands

Navigate New Zealand and its rarely visited Sub-Antarctic Islands with National Geographic experts. Encounter verdant coastlines, pristine beaches, quiet coves, and waters filled with whales, dolphins, and seals. Explore Dusky and Milford Sound’s peaks, waterfalls and dazzling fjords (Fiordland National Park). Step into an ancient rainforest, stunning national parks and fragrant botanical gardens; learn about Maori history and culture and tour cosmopolitan cities.

An ornithologist’s dream, New Zealand boasts 300 species of birds including the magnificent royal albatross and a colony of 20,000 gannets. Below the South Island in the Southern Ocean lie the remote and wildly beautiful sub-Antarctic islands where few humans have tread. Teeming with major populations of pelagic seabirds and animals and plants found nowhere else in the world, they burst with thousands of seals and millions of penguins.

The highlights are many on this voyage. Immerse yourself in unparalleled beauty: scenic beaches and lush native forests in the North Island and deep fjords and dramatic landscapes in the South Island. Discover the history and dynamic culture of New Zealand and the Maori people. Explore the sub-Antarctic islands which remain almost completely protected from human activity and are home to a diverse collection of endemic plant and animal species. Delve into New Zealand’s cultural riches – from Napier’s Art Deco architecture, to historical Maori sites. And visit Abel Tasman National Park to discover its golden-sand beaches, abundant bird and sea life, and native forests.

The 102-guest Nat Geo Orion acts as floating basecamp during the cruise. This small expedition ship is technologically advanced and equipped with a full set of exploration tools, including an ROV and enough kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and Zodiacs to send all guests out exploring at the same time. Additionally, select cabins offer private balconies for special moments while taking in the awe-inspiring wilderness. The National Geographic Orion features a nearly 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio, ensuring attentive service.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s New Zealand cruises and New Zealand travel.