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New Zealand Cruises in December 2024

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Join us on an expedition to New Zealand's captivating islands in December 2024. With 15 unique tours available, including Small Ship Cruises and Wildlife Viewing adventures, you'll have the chance to explore beyond Fiordland, visit the subantarctic islands, and uncover the cultural richness of the South Seas. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Campbell Island, venture through Fiordland National Park, and admire the diverse wildlife of the region. With activities ranging from whale watching to birding, each day promises new discoveries and unforgettable memories. Starting at $2,563, this is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of New Zealand's wildest islands. To start planning your seamless trip, contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists today.
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    • New Zealand
Queenstown South Island New Zealand
$13,030
EXPLORE

Active New Zealand Adventure

New Zealand Self-drive Tour - 18 Day Itinerary
  • Hike through Auckland's west coast
  • Take a cruise on Lake Taupo.
  • Hike in Tongariro National Park
  • Cross the stunning Banks Peninsula
  • Take part in a stargazing tour
  • Enjoy outdoor activities in Wanaka
  • Enjoy Dart River jet boat tour
  • Sail overnight in Doubtful Sound
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Queenstown
Activities:
Fishing, Helicopter Tours, Hiking, Kayaking, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Moderate
Discover the great outdoors on this 18-day self-drive active New Zealand adventure. Conquer the rugged beaches and rainforests west of Auckland. Explore the volcanic terrain of Tongariro National Park in Taupo. Travel through the Mackenzie High Country, home to turquoise lakes and starry skies, …
Tour Details
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Wellington Cable Car
$7,404
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Best of New Zealand: North to South

New Zealand Self-drive Tour - 18 Day Itinerary
  • Hike through Auckland's west coast
  • Enjoy the glowworm cave at Waitomo
  • Visit Te Puia Geothermal
  • See skillful Māori crafts
  • Learn Māori customs and traditions
  • Tour Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Take part in a stargazing tour
  • Enjoy a Dart River jet boat tour
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Queenstown
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Helicopter Tours, Hiking, Village Visits, Whale Watching, Whitewater Rafting, Wildlife Viewing, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Easy Active
Explore New Zealand’s diverse landscapes on an 18-day North-to-South self-drive tour. Explore pristine beaches, rich Maori history, and Rotorua’s geothermal wonders. Visit the glowworm-lit Waitomo Caves and discover the natural beauty of Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage …
Tour Details
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Mount Aspiring - Lake Wanaka
$5,774
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Complete South Island Explorer

New Zealand Self-drive Tour - 14 Day Itinerary
  • Discover Christchurch's history
  • Enjoy Hanmer Springs hot pools
  • See marine mammals in Kaikoura
  • Visit Abel Tasman National Park
  • Hike the Franz Josef Glacier
  • Enjoy Dart River jet boat tour
  • Explore Queenstown and Milford Soun
  • See glacier in Mt Cook National Par
Starts / Ends:
Christchurch / Christchurch
Activities:
Helicopter Tours, Hiking, Village Visits, Whale Watching, Whitewater Rafting, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Easy Active
Set out on an unforgettable 14-day adventure through New Zealand's South Island, where every stop reveals a new wonder. Start in Christchurch, the vibrant gateway to the South Island, before relaxing in the thermal pools of Hanmer Springs. Experience the wildlife in Kaikoura, followed by the …
Tour Details
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Te Puia Geothermal
$2,562
EXPLORE

New Zealand North Island Highlights

New Zealand Self-drive Tour - 7 Day Itinerary
  • Enjoy the glowworm cave at Waitomo
  • Visit Te Puia Geothermal
  • See skillful Māori crafts
  • Learn Māori customs and traditions
  • See native birds in wildlife
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Wellington
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Hiking, Urban Exploration, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Moderate
Discover the North Island of New Zealand on this 7-day self-drive tour. Explore iconic trails, cultural landmarks, and geothermal wonders in Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, and Wellington. Discover Auckland’s vibrant culture, visit the famous glowworm caves in Waitomo, …
Tour Details
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Lake and mountains in Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand
$7,150
EXPLORE

South Island & Fiords of New Zealand

13 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Adventurer
  • Spot Solander Island's Wildlife
  • Explore Fiordland National Park
  • Sight whales at Kaikoura
  • See Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls
Starts / Ends:
Port of Bluff / Wellington
Activities:
Hiking, Kayaking, Small Ship Sailing, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on a 13-day expedition cruise aboard Coral Adventurer to explore the stunning Fiordland of New Zealand and its surrounding islands. Set sail from Bluff and cruise past Solander Island, an Important Bird Area rich in wildlife, including penguins and albatrosses. Explore Fiordland's iconic …
Cruise Details
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Amazing aerial view of Fiordland National Park on scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown, NZ
$27,390
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Pure New Zealand: North & South Islands

Auckland - Queenstown - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
  • Explore Wellington
  • Experience Gisborne
  • Discover Tauranga
  • Explore Auckland
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Queenstown
Activities:
Helicopter Tours, Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on a 13-day cruise aboard the Scenic Eclipse II. Discover New Zealand's World Heritage-listed natural wonders, award-winning wineries, exceptional cuisine, and charming towns. Travel from the North to the South Island, immersing yourself in the diverse beauty of the Land of the Long …
Cruise Details
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Explore the stunning Milford Sound
$10,800
EXPLORE

New Zealand Mosaic

Dunedin - Auckland - 16 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Explore Dunedin
  • Discover Dusky Sound
  • Experience Doubtful Sound
  • Discover Oban
  • Explore Milford Sound
Starts / Ends:
Dunedin / Auckland
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on a 16-day cruise aboard Le Soléal to explore the stunning beauty of New Zealand, from the majestic mountains of the South Island to the lush forests and volcanoes of the North Island. Immerse yourself in the rich Maori culture and enjoy guided excursions such as whale watching in …
Cruise Details
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New Zealand's remotest island.
$9,500
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Beyond Fiordland - New Zealand's Wildest Islands

12 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore Campbell Island
  • Visit Carnley Harbor
  • Zodiac cruise along Adams Island
  • Admire Stewart Island's beauty
Starts / Ends:
Invercargill / Invercargill
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Visit Fiordland's lonely ice-carved mountains, beautiful forests, and flowing fiords; this incredible place inspires your desire to travel responsibly. Travel alone, away from the crowds, through the tranquil waters of Fiordland and Stewart Island, on the search for marine life, elusive birds, …
Cruise Details
0
$15,250
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Birding Down Under: Subantarctic and Chatham Islands

17 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Visit the best islands for birding
  • See the Albatross Latitudes
  • Marvel at diverse seabird colonies
  • Learn about nature and history
Starts / Ends:
Queenstown / Queenstown
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Snares, Bounty, Antipodes, Auckland, Campbell, Macquarie, and the Chatham Islands are only a few of the names. They are a delight to 'Birders.' Except for the Chathams, these islands are probably more isolated than they were when they were discovered in the late 1700s and early 1800s and …
Cruise Details
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Queen Charlotte Sound
$2,595
Savings
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Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound

Picton roundtrip - 5 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Explorer
  • Learn the history of Tory Channel
  • Experience Queen Charlotte Walkway
  • Discover Motuara and Blumine Island
  • Trek to Arapawa Island's lookout
Starts / Ends:
Blenheim / Blenheim
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on a 5-day expedition through Queen Charlotte Sound and its islands, starting with a warm welcome aboard the Heritage Explorer in Blenheim. Sail along the scenic waterways, exploring Tory Channel's whaling history and Ship Cove's rich heritage. Trek through native bush to Ship Cove …
Cruise Details
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Coastal beauty of Dunedin
$30,250
EXPLORE

Southern Odyssey

Auckland to Dunedin - 20 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion
  • See New Zealand’s cultural riches
  • Explore Fiordlands National Park
  • Watch vibrant wildlife
  • Spot unique species
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Dunedin
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Navigate New Zealand’s verdant coastlines to encounter pristine beaches, quiet coves, and waters filled with whales, dolphins, and seals. The soaring peaks and countless waterfalls of the country’s dazzling fjords are at their jaw-dropping best in Fiordlands National Park, where …
Cruise Details
0
Marlborough Sounds
$3,650
Savings
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Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds

7 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Explorer
  • Explore Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Visit Tory Channel
  • Sail through d’Urville
  • Discover Pelorus Sound
Starts / Ends:
Blenheim / Blenheim
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Spend a week exploring the 1,500-kilometer-long Marlborough Sounds, which were carved out by submerged valleys 10,000 years ago. These destinations are renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty, which includes beautiful cobalt streams, classic vistas, thick indigenous forests, wildlife, and …
Cruise Details
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Stewart Island
$4,475
EXPLORE

Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure

8 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Explorer
  • Discover Halfmoon Bay
  • Enjoy the historic views
  • Visit Norwegian whaling station
  • Explore Port Pegasus
Starts / Ends:
Invercargill / Invercargill
Activities:
Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Experience Unseen Stewart Island/Rakiura and Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara on this 8-day adventure with Heritage Explorer, New Zealand's pioneering small ship expedition cruise ship. With only 25 kilometers of road, Stewart Island is best explored by sea, especially Ulva Island, where there are no …
Cruise Details
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Clear Water and Tropical Island
$16,560
EXPLORE

Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia

Auckland - Brisbane - 16 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion
  • Experience culture of Maori
  • Venture to the Norfolk Island
  • Visit New Caledonia, Isle of Pines
  • Meet the people of Utupua
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Honiara
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling
Activity Level:
Variable
Uncover the tropical beauty and important cultural history of the South Seas. Following in the wake of Captain Cook, we will journey from New Zealand’s North Island to the Solomon Sea. Delve into a fascinating history of intrepid explorers, convicts, and traders, and learn about the rich …
Cruise Details
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Explore the stunning Milford Sound
$11,480
EXPLORE

Expedition to New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands

Dunedin - Dunedin - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Explore the Snares Islands
  • Enjoy a guided walk on Ulva Island
  • View fur seals, sea lions, & seals
  • See Fiordland Crested penguins
Starts / Ends:
Dunedin / Dunedin
Activities:
Hiking, Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Le Soleal hosts this 15-day New Zealand Subantarctic Islands cruise expedition that immerses you in an incredible world of wildlife and introduces you to the pristine grandeur of New Zealand's Fiordlands and Subantarctic Islands. This journey begins in Dunedin, New Zealand's Edinburgh, a …
Cruise Details
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