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Discover New Zealand on an 18-day journey from Auckland to Queenstown. Explore North Island icons—Auckland, Hobbiton™ and Rotorua—before cruising the South Island’s wild coast, from Kaikōura and Akaroa to pristine Stewart Island and the majestic fiords of Fiordland. Conclude amid the alpine beauty of Queenstown.
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Welcome to Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud. Upon arrival in Auckland, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your fellow travellers before settling in and enjoying the remainder of the night at your leisure.
This morning, explore Auckland’s highlights on a guided city tour before personalising your day with a Freedom of Choice experience. This evening, celebrate the New Year with a special dinner at Eight Restaurant and enjoy the unique excitement of welcoming the year ahead in the first country to do so.
Depart Auckland and travel to Rotorua, famed for its extraordinary geothermal landscapes and rich Māori heritage. En route, enjoy a memorable Signature Experience that brings a touch of movie magic to life.
Spend the day discovering the many wonders of Rotorua. Enjoy the lively Agrodome Farm Show and visit The National Kiwi Hatchery, then continue to the mineral-rich Te Puia Thermal Reserve, famed for its powerful geothermal activity and healing waters. This evening, a Signature Experience offers an enriching immersion into Māori culture.
Travel south today toward Wellington, pausing at Huka Falls to witness the powerful rush of water through its narrow gorge. Continue along the shores of Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake, framed by a striking volcanic landscape. Later, arrive in the vibrant capital city of Wellington.
This morning, discover the highlights of New Zealand’s capital on a guided sightseeing tour, including iconic landmarks such as Mount Victoria and the vibrant waterfront. Take a scenic ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car for sweeping city views. Later, board the Coral Adventurer, your home for the next 10 nights. Settle into your cabin before joining fellow travellers for a relaxed welcome dinner as your journey begins.
Visit the James Cook Memorial at Meretoto/Ship Cove, where HMS Endeavour anchored in 1770. Continue to Motuara Island for a walk through its thriving wildlife sanctuary, home to an array of native birdlife, and enjoy a gentle stroll along the shoreline with stunning views of Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound.
Kaikōura, a premier South Island destination, offers unforgettable whale-watching from the comfort of a catamaran. Spot sperm, humpback, and pilot whales, listen to their calls via onboard hydrophones, and encounter dolphins, seals, and wandering albatrosses. On land, enjoy a 3.5 km walk along the peninsula, taking in breathtaking scenery and local wildlife, or opt for leisure time in the township before returning to the ship by tender.
From Akaroa, enjoy a scenic drive to Christchurch, the South Island’s vibrant capital. Explore the city at your own pace, visiting highlights such as the world-class museum and the renowned Botanic Gardens. For a unique perspective, hop aboard the city tram (additional cost) with all-day tickets allowing you to explore at leisure, while knowledgeable drivers provide engaging live commentary along the route.
After a leisurely morning on board, disembark after lunch for a city tour of Dunedin. Begin with a special welcome presentation at Araiteuru from a Marae member, then explore the city’s highlights, including the historic Olveston House, the striking Flemish Renaissance-style Railway Station, Dunedin University, and Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest street. Alternatively, enjoy free time to explore Dunedin at your own pace.
Enjoy a perfect balance of guided discovery and leisure as you explore Stewart Island, a tranquil haven rich in wildlife. Wander through ancient forests or embark on hikes suited to your pace and interests. Immerse yourself in the island’s European heritage at Oban, a coastal town founded by Scottish settlers in the 1840s, and uncover the history of a former whaling station connected to Norwegian Antarctic expeditions during the Golden Age of Exploration.
Experience the majesty of Dusky Sound in Fiordland National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Te Wāhipounamu, with its glaciers, alpine peaks, and unique wildlife. As you depart Tamatea, enjoy a prime view from deck as the captain navigates the stunning Acheron Passage, revealing breathtaking fjord scenery at every turn.
Relax on deck or in the observation lounge as the captain guides the ship through ‘The Gut,’ a narrow passage from Thompson Sound into Doubtful Sound. Known as Patea, meaning “place of silence” in Māori, this 40-kilometre fjord is New Zealand’s deepest, with dramatic waterfalls, sheltered habitats for bottlenose dolphins and Fiordland crested penguins, and three striking arms to explore. Choose a gentle walk between Deas Cove and Neck Cove to discover native flora and fauna, or take a tender cruise along the coastline to hear the rich local history.
Discover Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park’s most iconic natural wonder, where towering peaks, dark waters, and forested cliffs create a breathtaking panorama. Embark on an exhilarating tender excursion to witness thundering waterfalls, explore the rugged coastline, and spot fur seals, dolphins, and possibly penguins.
Spend a day at sea sailing past Te Niho a Kewa (Solander Island), an Important Bird Area home to Buller’s albatrosses, diving petrels, and New Zealand’s southernmost gannet colony. If conditions allow, enjoy a scenic view from the ship or tender vessels for an up-close encounter with the island’s remarkable birdlife.
Conclude your cruise this morning with breakfast before disembarking in Bluff and transferring to your Queenstown accommodation. This evening, delight in a dinner of your choice from a range of Freedom of Choice Dining options.
Spend the day discovering Queenstown at your own pace, selecting from a range of curated sightseeing experiences. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a memorable farewell dinner at your hotel.
Your extraordinary journey concludes today. After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travellers and enjoy a private transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
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