Arrive in Christchurch, New Zealand and embark the Orion for your upcoming New Zealand Golf cruise.

Wellington, the Capital of New Zealand, is located in the center of at the southern end of the North Island, dominated by Wellington harbour and hills. It is the world's most southern capital and the only capital in the "Roaring Forties" latitudes.

With a population of around 170,000 Wellington has a relaxed, cosmopolitan style about it and with a city center just 2 kilometres in diameter is a convenient twenty minutes walk from one side to the other.

The city is home to an astonishing number of art galleries, libraries, museums and schools of drama, music, dance and ballet yet with over 300 eateries has more restaurants, bars and cafes per head than New York! A vibrant city, there is always plenty to do for young and old.

Maori legend describes the entire South Island as Maui's Waka (canoe), wrecked on a reef during a fishing expedition, the shattered bow of the canoe became the Sounds. For centuries, Marlborough has offered safe harbour to travellers. First to Maori traders and war parties; then to European explorers, such as Captain James Cook and Dumont D'Urville; and now Orion guests seeking new landscapes and rejuvenating experiences.

This relaxed sojourn will provide opportunistic Zodiac exploration and landings, including historic Ship Cove (Endeavour Inlet) where Captain James Cook was based for a period during his 1770 voyage, and Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary. Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary is predator free making it a bird-lovers paradise with blue penguins, kereru, bellbirds, yellow-crowned parakeets (kakariki), South Island saddleback, bellbirds and South Island robins encountered along the trail during your guided walk to the top for the amazing view across Cook Strait to the North Island.

Guided walks with your Expedition Team today include a walk to the waterfall where Captain James Cook replenished his fresh water supplies in 1770 and also in the sanctuary on Motuara Island for bird watching.

Enjoy the numerous amenities onboard while your ship cruises to Napier.

Enjoying a sunny Mediterranean-style climate, Hawke’s Bay is famous for its wineries, orchards and artisan food producers. Lavender gardens, orchards and olive plantations thrive under the Hawke's Bay sun. The regional feature is the town of Napier, famous for its concentration of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco. Almost leveled by an earthquake in 1931, Napier rebuilt and today has one of the most outstanding collections of 1930's architecture to be seen anywhere in the world. This is a living film set where you can step back in time to an elegant era.

To take advantage of the intriguing Art Deco architecture that makes Napier so special, a guided Art Deco walk will be included for all Orion guests.

Optional Expeditions:
Napier Gannet Safari - Duration: 4 ½ hours. Cost: $125 per person
Napier Big Picture Wine Experience - Duration: Half day - morning. Cost: $60 per person

There are few better cruising areas in the world than this remarkable coastline with its stunning natural beauty. Through the headlands and into the open waters, there are many secluded bays and waters with a world famous reputation for big game fishing with plentiful tuna, marlin and sharks.

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 harbours - the Waitemata, the Manukau and the Kaipara. Don't miss the chance to dine out in Auckland as the city has perfected the style of cuisine called "Pacific Rim", blending Asian and Pacific flavours. Seafood features prominently on restaurant menus so be sure to try New Zealand green lipped mussels and succulent Clevedon Coast oysters - all matched with an excellent New Zealand wine. Disembark this morning for your continued journey home.