Itinerary
Day 1 Milford
Sound – Fiordland
We travel by coach from Queenstown to Milford – through the Fiordland
National (World Heritage) Park. Iconic New Zealand at its best, sheer
mountains drop directly into the sea with vegetation clinging tenaciously
to the slopes and waterfalls plummeting into the dark waters of the fiord.
We will board what will be our home off and on for the next 12 days and
sail down this spectacular fiord, taking in the sights.
Day 2 Doubtful & Thompson
Sounds - Fiordland
These two connected fiords are about halfway along the Fiordland coast,
and represent an excellent cross section of the ecosystems which are
present along this waterway. Today there are opportunites to explore
the rainforest on foot, and explore along the coastline in zodiacs.
Day
3 Dusky Sound - Fiordland
Dusky Sound is the centre of early European history. It was here that
Captain Cook rested and restocked after his search for Terra Incognita.
We visit Astronomers Point to see tree stumps that were cut to allow
observations con- firming the accuracy of the time pieces onboard. Other
sites include Luncheon Cove (where Cook had lunch) and the location of
the first European house and boat built in New Zealand, and Richard Henry´s
(one of the world’s first conservationists) home on Pigeon Island.
Day
4 Paterson Inlet – Stewart Island
Stewart Island, considered New Zealand’s third island, is also
the latest National Park. Within Paterson Inlet is Oban or Half Moon
Bay, the Southernmost community in the country and a lively fishing village.
Along with the town, it is possible to visit Ulva Island, an example
of the benefits of removing introduced predators from offshore islands.
While exploring the island it should be possible to see such rare New
Zealand birds as the South Island Saddleback, Kaka, Yellow-crowned Parakeets
and the ever inquisitive Weka.
Day 5 Dunedin & Otago
Harbour
Dunedin was founded as a Scottish settlement, of which there are ample
reminders. Gold was then discovered in Otago in the 1880’s, making
some of them rich! At Dunedin, we’ll disembark Enderby to set off
on our land based exploration of the island, while our ship continues
north where we will meet her later. Along with the culture in Dunedin
there is the Otago Peninsula where Northern Royal Albatross breed in
the world’s only ¨mainland¨ colony and Yellow-eyed Penguins
breed behind the beaches. Lanarch Castle, looking down on it all, is
built in traditional ¨genuine¨ Scottish style.
Day 6 Mt Cook & Christchurch
After an overnight stay at Mt. Cook village located inside the national
park of the same name, we spend the morning exploring the alpine landscape
around the base of New Zealand´s highest mountain.
Day 7 North Canterbury
In the mountains north of Christchurch towards Hamner Springs, we visit
one of the region’s noted wineries and gain insight into New Zealand’s
robust agricultural sector with a sheep farm visit.
Day 8 Rotorua
We take a flight from Christchurch to Rotorua, the epicenter of Maori
culture, in the volcanic district of the North Island. Spend the day
absorbing the Maori world and volcanic/thermal wonders of the region.
We spend the evening on a Maori Marae or meeting place, where we will
enjoy a Hangi (food cooked using heated rocks in a covered pit) with
our Maori hosts.
Day 9 Tauranga
Travel from Rotorua to Tauranga to rejoin the Spirit of Enderby. Tauranga
is New Zealand´s busiest port, principally due
to rich horticultural region surrounding it. This region is considered
the home of the Kiwifruit. Here we will have the opportunity to further
explore the Bay of Plenty, renowned for its diverse horticulture and
Mt. Maunganui, a classic New Zealand surf zone with a beach village and
beautiful mountain walk. From Tauranga we sail along the Coromandel Peninsula
on our way towards Great Barrier Island.
Day 10 Great Barrier Island
This remote Island at the entrance to the Hauraki Gulf, has beautiful
beaches, excellent examples of northern New Zealand forest and the
smallest human population in the entire country.
Day 11 Bay of Islands
The beautiful Bay of Islands in the winterless north is a wonderful
rural escape from the city for many urban dwellers. Over 140 islands
make up
the region around the historic pirate town of Russell and the historic
treaty grounds at Waitangi.
Day 12 Tiri tiri Matangi
This small island in the Hauraki Gulf is within sight of Auckland City
and yet one of the gems in the New Zealand conservation crown. The Island
was completely cleared and farmed for many years, but today it has been
reforested with local vegetation through the efforts of countless volunteers.
With the forest returning it has been possible to reintroduce many of
New Zealand´s rare bird species. Today these species roam the island
in complete freedom, creating perhaps the best opportunity to see many
of these birds in the wild.
Day 13 Auckland
We disembark after breakfast in Auckland the ¨City of Sails¨ and
New Zealand´s largest city. Almost completelysurrounded by water,
Auckland was recently designated one of the world’s most liveable
cities.
What
To Expect
For
most activities, a relatively low level of exertion is required.
Our program features activities such as walking, wildlife
viewing and Zodiac cruising. You will need to climb into and out of
Zodiacs (assistance is provided) for excursions onshore, and some of
our landings will be ‘wet’, requiring waterproof boots.
A reasonable level of mobility is required to fully enjoy this travel
program, and all participants must have a form completed by their physician
to join. We will also ask you to provide some personal information
well in advance of your departure. We have designed shore excursions
to accommodate both those who wish moderate strolls and those who prefer
more active hikes. A few of the excursions may have rough terrain,
with rocky beaches. In the seasons we travel, temperatures will vary
depending upon our altitude on land, or our ship’s position at
sea. Flexibility is a must, as itineraries are subject to change without
prior notice, and landings may be tidal or weather dependant.
We will
provide you with a complete list of recommended clothing, essentials
to bring, and a suggested reading list upon registration. One month
prior to departure, we supply you with our Pre-Departure Briefing:
a detailed booklet to help prepare you for your adventure. It includes
information on the wildlife, culture, landscape, ship, your guides
and a brief history of your destination.
Meals
are a great opportunity to meet new friends and recount the days’ adventures,
and special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.
Everyone travels for different reasons, however, one
common element is a thirst for knowledge and authentic experience.
It is this desire
that drives us to ensure the highest quality learning experience
on our trips, by taking the time to carefully design each trip we offer.
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