Adventure and memories await on this 15-day New Zealand cruise. Begin in Queenstown and board the ship in Milford Sound. Sail through the fjords and begin sailing up the eastern coast of this South Pacific island nation. As you sail, search for dolphins and sea-life, and disembark the ship for breathtaking hikes and cultural interaction with the native Maori. Beautiful New Zealand is sure to capture your heart as you sail from port to port.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand, and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at your leisure before gathering in the evening for a welcome reception and dinner.
Day 2: Queenstown
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Choose one of three excursion options for your day, each of which were designed to highlight Queenstown's natural and cultural attributes. Journey through the dramatic Lord of the Rings landscapes of Central Otago and meet the winemakers of the world’s southernmost wine-producing region. Or, ride the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, then take a thrilling jet boat ride on the famed Shotover Jet. Art lovers will enjoy visiting the private studios, gardens, and galleries of internationally renowned artists.
In the morning, take a scenic drive to Milford Sound and board the Oceanic Discoverer. Part of UNESCO World Heritage, the southwestern fjords are famed for their spectacular glacier-carved waterways and unique flora and fauna. Cruise the length of Milford Sound, past soaring cliff faces and beneath powerful cascades. At its southern shore stands New Zealand’s fabled icon—Mitre Peak.
New Zealand’s deepest fjord is a nearly uninhabited wilderness of breathtaking beauty. During a day of expedition cruising watch for New Zealand fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, and the rare Fjordland crested penguins. Set out by Zodiac to explore remote coves where Captain Cook anchored his ship, the Resolution, while he mapped, named, and described the fjords during his intrepid 1773 voyage.
Breaksea and Dusky Sound’s luxuriant rain forests, wooded islands, and waterways are home to many bird species, including bellbirds, tuis, and the kereru, a large native wood pigeon. Explore this pristine marine environment by Zodiac and visit historic Astronomer’s Point, the place where Captain Cook’s astronomer surveyed the stars of the southern hemisphere.
Peaceful Stewart Island is home to fewer than 500 inhabitants. Explore the coastline and seal-populated bays before anchoring near Oban, where the proud community extends a warm and entertaining welcome. Local guides lend insight into the island’s unique environment and Maori history. Nearby Ulva Island is the southernmost bird sanctuary in the world and the only place where you can observe the kiwi in its natural habitat. Exquisite seasonal orchids bloom at this time of year and the rata forest is home to the kaka, a threatened native parrot. Tonight, the ship follows the eastern coastline to Dunedin.
Arrive in port in the morning after cruising scenic Otago Harbor and choose one of two local discovery options. Take a drive to Taiaroa Head to visit the world-famous northern royal albatross colony; then, observe and photograph yellow-eyed penguins at close range. Or, join a local historian for a walk through the heart of enchanting Dunedin, viewing the distinct Edwardian and Victorian architectural styles of First Church, St. Paul Cathedral, and the Dunedin Railway Station.
Discover the highlights of 'The Garden City' and surrounding region on the excursion of your choice. Tour the neighborhoods of Christchurch followed by a private walking tour of the elegant Botanic Gardens and a visit to the renowned Canterbury Museum. Or, drive through the city center for a look at the remarkable ongoing earthquake recovery effort, then enjoy an exciting interactive experience at the International Antarctic Center. Or, explore the volcanic landscape of the nearby Bank Peninsula, and watch for the world’s rarest marine dolphin in the local waters.
Just off the coast of this historic Maori settlement, cold and warm currents create a rich upwelling of nutrients, and marine mammals congregate year-round to feed here. Experience the local world of the Maori and their deep connection to the land and sea through storytelling, a traditional craft workshop, and a bushwalk. Or, board local whale watching vessels to search for pilot, blue, and southern right whales, and perhaps the world’s largest toothed predator — the giant sperm whale. Also keep watch for Hector’s dolphin, found only in the waters surrounding South Island.
Situated on the northeast corner of the South Island, Picton is the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, a labyrinth of waterways dotted by hundreds of jewel-like emerald islands. Choose to explore this enchanted region by sea or on land. Cruise among the islets with their placid bays and pristine coves and learn about local mussel cultivation — more than 200 green-lipped mussel farms thrive in the Sounds. Or, enjoy an authentic Kiwi sheep farm experience followed by a visit to a nearby winery for a tasting.
When an earthquake and its subsequent fires destroyed much of Napier in 1931, the residents rebuilt it in the popular Art Deco style of the times, incorporating Maori motifs into the design. Surrounding the city are rolling hills covered in vineyards, which thrive in the Mediterranean-like climate. Excursion options include a tour of Napier’s Art Deco neighborhoods by vintage car, followed by a visit to a local winery; a daylong trip through the stunning wine country; or, a visit to a huge gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers with a stop at a local winery on the return.
Whakaari, or White Island, is New Zealand’s only active marine volcano, its cone rising 1,055 feet above the Bay of Plenty. Discover the lunar-like crater landscape on a guided, easy hike and witness bubbling fumaroles, hissing steam vents, and bright yellow chimneys of sulphur crystals.
Cruise to Waiheke Island for a guided walk through magical Connells Bay Sculpture Park. After lunch, visit Tiritiri Mantangi, which is among the most successful restoration projects in the world. Threatened and endangered bird and reptile species have been introduced to the island’s safe habitat, including the flightless takahe, one of the planet’s rarest avian species. On a guided walk, view and photograph an amazing array of birds, including saddleback, stitchbird, rifleman, and perhaps the beautiful kokako.
Day 15: Auckland / Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark in Auckland in the morning and discover the charms of the city and its bond to the ancient Maori culture on your choice of excursions. Enjoy the vibrant neighborhood of Ponsonby, bustling with cafés and “kiwiana,” local New Zealand craft shops. Or, visit the Auckland Museum, housing the world’s most extensive collection of Maori artifacts. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your independent onward travel.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$12,980
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Category 1
Staterooms are 195 sq. feet and feature two portholes, two twin beds or a double bed, a sitting area, a well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, desk, and individually controlled air-conditioning.
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Category 2
Staterooms are 195 sq. feet and feature two small windows, two twin beds or a double bed, a sitting area, a well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, desk, and individually controlled air-conditioning.
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Category 3
Staterooms are 160 sq. ft and feature a large window, two twin beds or a double bed, a sitting area, a well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, desk, and individually controlled air-conditioning.
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Category 4
Staterooms are 195 sq. feet and feature a large window, two twin beds or a double bed, a sitting area, a well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, desk, and individually controlled air-conditioning.
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Category 5
Staterooms are 195 sq. feet and feature a large window, two twin beds or a double bed, a sitting area, a well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, desk, and individually controlled air-conditioning.
Notes
- Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
- Singles may be available at 1.6 times the share rate.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
