New Zealand In Depth

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise gently through spectacular fiords in Fiordland National Park - Milford Sound, Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound
• Look out for sperm whales, encounter New Zealand fur seals, pods of dusky dolphins and the endangered wandering albatross.
• See one of the most complete collections of art deco architecture in the world in the town of Napier
• Delve deep into Maori culture in Gisborne where old traditions are evident in many parts of the city
• Raise a chilled glass of locally grown sauvignon blanc or chardonnay in Marlborough wine country

ITINERARY

DUNEDIN
DAY 1
Your luxury expedition cruise begins in Dunedin, on the South Island, the principal city of the Otago region. Set in a pretty bay that serves as a port and surrounded by bush-covered hills, the town has quirky historic appeal. One of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere, Dunedin is known as the Edinburgh of New Zealand, and it’s proud of its Celtic connections. Small and eminently walkable, see elaborate civic buildings, New Zealand’s only castles, funky alleyways filled with street art, and picturesque parks. The Toitu Otago Early Settlers Museum and Otago Museum come highly recommended, as well as a visit to the Dunedin Chinese Garden.


DUSKY SOUND & DOUBFUL SOUND
DAY 2
In 1770, Captain Cook sailed through this fiord as the sun began to set, earning Dusky Sound its name. These remote Fiordlands are home to truly rare species; chief among them is the endangered Fiordland penguin – squat little birds with bushy yellow eyebrows who breed in this region. At 40 km long, this is one of Fiordland’s largest inlets, with waterfalls, rainforest and more than 300 islands. Learn about flightless bird conservation as we sail past Resolution and Pigeon islands. Doubtful Sound is New Zealand’s deepest and second largest fiord at 421 m and 40 km respectively. Dubbed ‘Doubtful’ by Captain Cook, who refused to sail into the bay due to his concerns over its navigability, the inlet is famed for its scenic beauty, flora and fauna. Beautiful waterfalls tumble down dense natural rainforest-clad cliffs – the Browne Falls drops for 619 m, and Helena Falls cascades dramatically. A resident pod of bottlenose dolphins play in these waters.


MILFORD SOUND
DAY 3
Shaped during the ice ages, the 16-km-long Milford Sound is a visual spectacle. Rugged cliffs rise from inky waters; the ice-capped mountain of Mitre Peak glints golden in the sun; and 1,000-m-high waterfalls tumble down the rockface. The sound is most dramatic when it rains: the clouds hang low and the waterfalls roar like thunder. In this isolated wilderness, bottlenose dolphins and penguins find a safe home, and you might catch sight of fur seals sunbathing on the rocks.


OBAN
DAY 4
Sail south to Stewart Island – the pristine, southernmost inhabited island of the New Zealand archipelago. Located on charmingly-named Halfmoon Bay, the island’s only town is Oban. Come ashore today to explore the settlement as well as the island’s many hiking trails. National Parks cover 85 per cent of the island. Birders will be in their element: around the coast are various types of penguin, sooty shearwaters, mollymawks, and Cape pigeons. Venture into the island’s ferny interior and you might spot bellbirds, tui, fantails and kiwi birds (usually nocturnal, the subspecies on Stewart Island are known to venture forth during the day). If exploration works up your appetite, Oban is a fishing village, so it’s the perfect spot to sample the local catch.


AKAROA
DAY 5
Come ashore and say ‘salut’ to Akaroa. This small corner of the South Island will forever be just a little bit French. The site of the country’s first French settlement, today the town still retains a little je ne sais quoi in its character, street names and architecture. Located on Canterbury’s Banks Peninsula, in an area that was once actively volcanic, you’ll instantly understand why French settlers fell for this spot and why visitors love it here. Look out for dolphins in the harbour, swim at the beautiful beaches, visit the petit local museum that tells the story of the early residents, sample the local farmed salmon and olives from nearby groves, and taste the local wine. C’est la vie.


KAIKOURA
DAY 6
Caught between the Pacific Ocean and the Seaward Kaikoura Range,Kaikora is all about encounters: cultural and all as well thoseyou’ll have with the local wildlife. This area of the coastis well known for the whales, fur seals and dolphins, as well as thepetrels, penguins and several species of albatross. Wildlife loversmight like to walk the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway or visit the localseal colony, to observe these amusing animals. There might also be timeto enjoy the award-winning Kaikoura Museum, located in the landmark‘craypot’ building. Or if you fancy a gentle45-minute walk out of town, head to the pretty pink Fyffe House. Once abusy whaling station, the oldest surviving building in the area is nowa museum that tells the story of life for the early settlers throughartefacts and audio. There is also a striking carving that relates tothe area’s Maori history.


WELLINGTON
DAY 7
New Zealand’s capital is a small city big on creativity.Tucked between the harbour and the hills, windy Wellington is full ofcool little galleries, excellent coffee and laid-back spots for craftbeer. The highlight is the national museum Te Papa, showcasing thecountry’s history and Maori culture through interactiveexhibits. Movie tours in “Wellywood” offer aglimpse of Middle Earth and beyond. Walk the pine forest trail to thetop of Mount Victoria for panoramic city views.


PICTON
DAY 8
Best known as the doorway to the Marlborough Sounds, you will findplenty to do on a day ashore in this laid-back port town. Explore thevibrant waterfront’s cafes and galleries, and stop by at theaquarium to meet seahorses and the rare tuatara. Marlborough is NewZealand’s largest wine-growing region, and youcan’t leave Picton without sampling the famed SauvignonBlanc, ideally at one of the lush, sprawling vineyards that surroundthe town.


NAPIER
DAY 9
Mesmerising views, excellent wineries, fabulous eateries, cool streetart and, above all, the low-rise art deco architecture: just a few ofthe reasons that visitors find Napier on the North Island soirresistible. In 1931, this port on Hawke’s Bay was struck bya severe earthquake. From the ashes of this natural disaster arose anew charming city built in curvilinear, colourful art deco. Today thereare 147 remaining buildings in this style, and it’s one ofthe most complete collections of art deco architecture in the world.Look out for the Scinde Building, the Daily Telegraph offices and theASB bank. Also noteworthy are the city’s 50 murals– part of a global street art project, which gives the oceansa voice, one artwork at a time. New Zealand’s NationalAquarium stretches like a giant stingray on Napier’s MarineParade. Visit to see the extensive range of saltwater, freshwater andother animal exhibits. Wash it all down with a glass of the locallygrown pinot gris or syrah in a buzzing local bar or cafe.


GISBORNE
DAY 10
Famed as the place where James Cook first set foot in New Zealand soilin 1769 and changed the course of the country`s fate forever, Gisborneis also the first city to salute the sun every day. Today you`ll saygood morning to Gisborne and its sun, sand, culture and viticulture.The unofficial "Chardonnay Capital of the World", this area is one ofNew Zealand`s largest wine-making regions, so there are plenty ofvineyards to explore. There`s an established wine trial here if youwish to sample the products of the region`s vineyards. However, thereare plenty of other alluring attractions too: this is a hotspot forMaori culture. Oral history records Titirangi (Kaiti) Hill as the pointof arrival for the migratory waka (canoe), Horouta, which brought thefirst Maori to the area, and old traditions are evident in many partsof the city.


TAURANGA
DAY 11
The largest city in the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is described as NewZealand’s tourist office as “a metropolitan hubsurrounded by a beautiful coastline”. Along this stretch ofcoast, the sea may be the star with fishing, sailing, diving andkayaking all appealing to tourists, but other attractions –such as shopping, dining and the town’s galleries –are gaining ground too. Fans of children’s literature willenjoy The Hairy Maclary and Friends statues. Made by Brigitte West,these bronzes – which can be found on the waterfront– pay tribute to Tauranga’s resident Dame LynleyDodd and her beloved animal characters. Recommended local beauty spotsinclude McLaren Falls and the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park.


BAY OF ISLANDS
DAY 12
Modern-day New Zealand’s history has its beginnings in theBay of Islands – the first part of the country to be settledby Europeans and the place where the Treaty of Waitangi was signedbetween the British and the Maori in 1840. Beyond the landmark WaitangiTreaty Grounds, explore the charming waterfront towns of Paihia andRussell, dotted with colonial architecture and seafood restaurants. Gofurther into the 144 islands scattered along idyllic coves to spotwhales and see rugged natural formations like Hole in the Rock.


AUCKLAND
DAY 13
Sprawled over volcanic hills and across twin harbours, Auckland - orThe City of Sails - is a vibrant, multicultural place with SanFrancisco-esque steep streets and a myriad of things to see, do andexperience. A highlight is the 1,000-ft-high Sky Tower with views overthe harbour. Extend your stay after your expedition cruise and spendtime in the city absorbing its art, culture and natural heritage frombeaches and parks to offshore islands.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
• One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
• All meals onboard
• Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
• Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes