Explore New Zealand on a 10-day cruise from the North Island to the South Island aboard Le Jacques-Cartier. Discover wild landscapes, charming cities, and ancient civilizations. Enjoy included excursions in each port, such as whale watching in Akaroa, Maori traditions in Napier, and volcanic wonders in Rotorua. Begin in Auckland, visit Waiheke Island's vineyards, explore the treasures of Tauranga and Gisborne, experience Napier's unique architecture, and learn about Māori culture in Wellington. Sail through the Malborough Sounds, stopping in Picton and Akaroa, experiencing a blend of cultures. Your journey culminates in Lyttleton, a historic British expedition departure point for the South Pole.
Highlights
Explore Auckland's forest of masts in the marina and enjoy splendid views from the Sky Tower
Experience Tauranga's seafront, town center, and geothermal phenomenon in Rotorua
Explore Gisborne's beaches, cliffs, and rich farming region known for its Chardonnay
Discover Waiheke Island's stunning beaches and landscapes
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest, most populated, and busiest city. Located on an isthmus linking the peninsula of Northland to the expansive North Island, it seems to float between land and sea. It is one of the few cities in the world to have two separate harbors: Manukau Harbor on the Tasman Sea and Waitemata Harbor on the Pacific Ocean. Understand why Auckland is known as "the City of Sails" when you see the forest of masts in the marina. The 328-meter-high Sky Tower offers splendid views of the city. Surrounded by dormant volcanoes such as Mt. Eden, Auckland is noted for its abundant nature and magnificent black-sand beaches. A blend of Maori, European, and Asian cultures gives the city a vibrant atmosphere.
In the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island is a pristine natural gem, just 35 minutes from the city of Auckland on the North Island of New Zealand. The stunning beaches of its languid bays and the undulating landscapes forming the heart of the island perfectly illustrate the easy way of life here. This land, surrounded by the sea and bathed in light, enjoys a mild climate that is conducive to thriving agriculture, composed mainly of olive groves and vineyards. Somewhat reminiscent of Tuscany, the island is renowned for its wines. Here, Bordeaux grape varieties have found the ideal conditions for developing a rich palette of aromas. A symbol of New Zealand’s easy lifestyle, Waiheke also boasts a rich arts scene.
Located north of Rotorua, Tauranga stretches the length of the Bay of Plenty, sheltered from the ocean by the island of Matakana. This coastal city boasts a flourishing economy thanks to its port and is a pleasant and pretty town with a peaceful, relaxed feel. The seafront area is contemporary and lively, dotted with cafés and restaurants. The town center reveals more picturesque charms, while the surrounding area is full of natural delights. Travel to the town of Rotorua to visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, a fantastic opportunity to experience an exceptional geothermal phenomenon.
Gisborne, called “Gizzy” by the locals and Teoneroa by the Maori, is located north of a large bay surrounded by fertile hills and long, wild beaches that attract walkers and surfers. At the southern end of the bay, the magnificent cliffs of Young Nick’s Head majestically watch over the ocean’s tides. In Ngatapa, a few kilometers north of the city, the Eastwoodhill Arboretum stretches out more than 130 hectares (320 acres) and is home to magnificent exotic and native plants. In the city, you can learn about Maori culture and the local history at the Tairawhiti Museum or enjoy some of the products of this rich farming region, renowned in particular for its Chardonnay.
On the east coast of the North Island, south of Hawke’s Bay, you can find Napier. Mostly destroyed by an earthquake in 1931, reviving from its ashes in less than two years, it grew into a magnificent Art Deco-style city, very in vogue at the time. With its pure lines mixed with traditional Maori designs, the singular New Zealand character of this city will intrigue you. Discover all this extraordinary architectural heritage as you take a stroll through the city. Famous for its vineyards, wine lovers will be able to taste some of the best wines from the region.
Crowned with gentle green hills, Wellington Harbor is located far south of the North Island. This city offers a charming mix of traditional and modern cultures, bestowing on the New Zealand capital a unique atmosphere that is both friendly and avant-garde. While some sites, like the large National Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, reflect the city’s Maori past, others, like the many cafés and restaurants, affirm the inhabitants’ incredible lust for life.
At the northern end of New Zealand’s South Island, the Marlborough Sounds are a vast network of submerged valleys. These 1,200 km (745 miles) of coastline form a maze of peninsulas and hilly islands, in the curves of which nestle small bays and inlets drowned by the sea at the end of the most recent ice age. During an unforgettable sail, explore this magical place of wild and untouched beauty. Here, the palette of blues and greens is almost infinite, and the silver reflections of the sun’s rays shimmer on the surface of the water.
A must-see entry point to the South Island, Picton is a little coastal town girded by gentle hills, located on the south side of the Queen Charlotte inlet. The cafés and restaurants that border the charming waterfront give a lovely view of the fjord. You can also get some height above sea level and walk in the surrounding areas. However, Picton is, above all, an opportunity to explore the unique Marlborough Sounds. This interweaving of submerged valleys in this area has created numerous navigable routes, which are among the most beautiful natural wonders of New Zealand.
Located at the tip of a peninsula on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, Akaroa is a popular resort destination, nestled in a cove formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. In the mid-19th century, French and British settlers competed for control of the area, and the architecture of the present-day town reflects these colonial influences in the galleries, craft shops, and cafés that line its streets. But what draws most people to this remote area is the abundant wildlife. Hector dolphins (the world's smallest), blue penguins, fur seals, and orcas populate the waters of the harbor, and the cliffs surrounding the bay are nesting sites for thousands of birds.
Day 10: Lyttelton | Disembark
1 Breakfast
On the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Lyttelton (or Te Whaka Raupo in the Maori language) served, thanks to its proximity to Ross Island, as the starting point for the British expeditions in the mythical age of the South Pole explorations. It takes its name from George Lyttelton (1709–1773), an aristocrat and colonial governor of South Carolina. In this colorful port town full of history, discover the Time Ball. Constructed in 1876, it rang at 1.00 pm every day for 58 consecutive years to give Greenwich meridian time, enabling ship captains to set their chronometer and precisely calculate their position.
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.
$6,9602-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Deluxe Stateroom
19 m² area featuring a 4m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
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Prestige Deck 4
19 m² area featuring a 4m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
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Prestige Deck 5
19 m² area featuring a 4m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
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Prestige Deck 6
19 m² area featuring a 4m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
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Deluxe Suite Deck 3
27 m² area featuring, 6m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, 1 sofa, shower
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Deluxe Suite Deck 4
27 m² area featuring, 6m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, 1 sofa, shower
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Deluxe Suite Deck 5
27 m² area featuring, 6m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, 1 sofa, shower
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Deluxe Suite Deck 6
27 m² area featuring, 6m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, 1 sofa, shower
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Prestige Deck 5 Suite
38 m² area featuring an 8m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
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Prestige Suite Deck 6
38 m² area featuring an 8m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
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Privilege Suite Deck 6
32 m² area featuring an 8m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
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Privilege Suite Deck 5
32 m² area featuring an 8m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
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Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
45 m² area featuring, 40m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Bathtub
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Owner's Suite
45 m² area featuring an 30m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
Notes
Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and are subject to change without notice.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Port Fees
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Gratuities to Onboard Crew
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Visa Fees
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Luggage Handling
Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
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
1 day 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
3 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
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
