New Zealand Cruise

New Zealand, nestled in the South Pacific, hides the untold secrets of Aotearoa, land of the long white cloud. Spouting geysers, bubbling thermal pools, fiords, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, rivers and sweeping stretches of white sandy beaches enshrine the country's natural heritage; forever protected in 14 national parks. Diverse landforms, scenery, flora and fauna are found throughout the two islands, from the subtropical north to the temperate south.

The heart of New Zealand is its people, a blend of Maori and European united in the name "Kiwi", sharing their friendliness, warmth and hospitality. Due to its long isolation from the rest of the world and its island biogeography, the country has extraordinary flora and fauna that we will explore along the way.

From Christchurch at the edge of the flat, agriculturally rich Canterbury Plains, to the high meadows of Mt Cook, and the aquamarine glacial central South Island lakes of Queenstown, iconic for its scenery, we'll see some of New Zealand's highlights before boarding our vessel, the Oceanic Discoverer.

Setting sail from Milford Sound, we'll spend the next three days venturing through the majestic fjordland. This is a journey of discovery into New Zealand's heart and soul. Our itinerary follows the east coast of both the North and South Islands, affording many opportunities to explore the land, meet the people and interact with some of the unique native wildlife.

Highlights:

• The rural communities of the New Zealand Heartland
• Visit Mt John Observatory under the southern stars
• See the Central Otago dry block mountains scene of the 1860's goldfields rush
• Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, framed by the Remarkable Mountains-
• Experience the stunning Fiordland waterways dotted with sheer cliffs and tumbling waterfalls
• Cruise the world's largest mainland albatross colony at Tairoa Heads
• An interactive visit with the world's rarest penguin, the Yellow Eyed Penguin
• Swim with one of the smallest and rarest dolphins the Hector's or New Zealand Dolphin
• Whale watching in scenic Kaikoura
• Explore the unique art deco architecture of Napier and visit the “Pania of the Reef”
• A “Kiwi Tour” of the Hawke's Bay Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony
• Tour the National Arboretum of New Zealand at Eastwoodhill
• Explore the active volcano on White Island
 

Itinerary:

Day 1: Christchurch and Canterbury Plains
Our adventure begins on the South Island in the Garden City of Christchurch. Heartland New Zealand is rural, small communities, sheep and cattle. Today we explore across the alluvial Canterbury Plains meeting with heartland New Zealanders in South Canterbury before proceeding to glacially formed Lake Tekapo. 

Day 2: Mt. Cook
MacKenzie, a sheep rustler, left his name to the country of the Mackenzie Basin. Today farmers work the land in the shadow of Mt Cook, Aoraki, New Zealand's highest peak beside environmental issues of water, land use and conservation. Our day meets with farmers, explores the alpine meadows of Mt Cook, crosses the tussock cloaked hillsides of Lindis Pass and the historic goldfields of Central Otago to Queenstown resort on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. 

Day 3: Milford Sound
We depart Queenstown in the morning by coach enroute to Milford Sound via a very scenica and spectacular drive. We arrive and board the vessel in time for lunch. We spend the day in Milford Sound as we enjoy our first experience of the spectacular deep Fiordland waterways. This evening enjoy the Captains Welcome Cocktails whilst absorbing Milford Sound?s natural beauty before the first of many delicious dinners. (BLD)

Day 4: Doubtful Sound
Cruise the Fiordland coast aboard Oceanic Discoverer and enjoy the majestic scenery from the deck as we enter Thompson Sound and make our way to our anchorage. Join the expedition staff aboard the Xplorer as we cruise amongst the fiord?s Shelter Islands. Keep an eye out for penguins, seals and a myriad of marine and birdlife as we explore what is considered to be the most strikingly beautiful of the fiords in the national park. 

Day 5: Dusky Sound
Join the expedition crew on an exploratory cruise of rarely visited Dusky Sound, cruising through an array of islands enjoying the marine and bird life. We land at the historic Astronomer?s Point, the place where Captain Cook anchored his ship ?Resolution?, using a tree as a gangway which still exists today. Rejoin Oceanic Discoverer to cruise the spectacular passages through the fiord before a further expedition around the coastline of Pidgeon Island and Facile Harbour where we are sure to encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, Penguins, dolphins and other wildlife. 

Day 6: Stewart Island
We cruise to Stewart Island, a large island that is almost totally wilderness and home to a vast number of seals, birds and other wildlife. Here we spend a day of discovery and exploration through the Paterson Inlet and surrounding areas. Either encounter includes guided ?Xplorer? and/or Zodiac excursions to maximise the experience to it fullest. Walks ashore under the guidance of our experienced naturalists encounter native birds such as the Weka, Tui, Bellbird, Kaka, Karikari and more. In the afternoon we take a guided coach tour around New Zealand's southernmost community with highlights including Lee Bay, beautiful Horseshoe Bay and stunning views of Patterson Inlet from Observation Rock. There will be ample time to look at and purchase local arts, crafts and jewellery. 

Day 7: Dunedin
The Otago Harbour welcomes us as we cruise past the world?s largest mainland albatross colony at Tairoa Heads and home of the world rarest penguin, the Yellowed Eyed Penguin. Members of the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust will take us to their reserve to view the penguins followed by an interactive program. Of Scottish heritage, Dunedin offers a great diversity of experiences from the abundant wildlife to the historic Edwardian and Victorian architecture, the Otakou Maori Marae, the famous Speights brewery, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Settlers Museum and New Zealand?s oldest botanical gardens. 

Day 8: Akaroa
This morning we cruise in to the secluded Akaroa Harbour. This picturesque bay hosts a myriad of wildlife including penguins and dolphins. For a special nature experience, you have the opportunity to swim with one of the smallest and rarest dolphins ? the Hector?s or New Zealand Dolphin (additional expense). The town originally settled by the French in the early 19th century, retains its Gallic heritage and ambience. There is time in the afternoon to wander through the village and explore the Akora Museum and the local craft shops and galleries. 

Day 9: Kaikoura
Today we dedicate to the ultimate marine experience of whale watching with the spectacular backdrop of the Kaikoura coastline. Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world to experience the giant sperm whale in its natural environment. Joined by dusky dolphins, seabirds, fur seals and other migratory whale species this promises to be an experience never forgotten. 

Day 10: Marlborough Sounds
Our arrival to the dark green hills and blue-green waters of the Sounds is highlighted with a cruise through the scenic Tory Channel. We spend the day exploring an array of spectacular waterways including the fiord-like Queen Charlotte Sound. Retracing the history of Captain Cook we visit Ships Cove a regular stop for Captain Cook on his voyage of discovery and the place where he careened his vessel the Endeavour. The day offers a multitude of explorations aboard the Xplorer and inflatable Zodiacs under the guidance of our Expedition Leader and with interpretation from our experienced Guest Lecturers. We offer guided visits to Moturoa Island where we enjoy an abundance of birdlife.

Day 11: Coastal Cruise
A day of leisure at sea. Take in the scenic coast, read or join informative presentations from our qualified guest lecturers covering the early settlers and Maori culture in preparation of our visit to Whangara a small Maori Settlement and Gisborne the location of the first European landing. View the movie "Whale Rider" filmed at Whangara as an insight to our visit from Gisborne. 

Day 12: Napier
An earthquake in 1931 led to the unique rebuilding of this city. The rebuild followed the flourishing art deco trend in America and Europe at that time, and offers a wonderful heritage of art deco architecture. In the morning we tour the city's unique buildings and landmarks followed by wine tasting at either the Church Road or Mission Winery. In the afternoon we have arranged a kiwi tour of the Hawke's Bay Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony Colony as we ride along the beach by tractor and trailer! 

Day 13: Gisborne
Gisborne was the first European landing place in New Zealand. Captain Cook first landed here in 1769 and a European settlement was established in 1831. This morning we offer you the opportunity to explore the region. We visit Eastwoodhill Arboretum, the National Arboretum of New Zealand followed by local wine tasting. In the afternoon, subject to weather, we land and Whangara Beach for an evening of Maori culture including a traditional welcome, a Kapa Haka cultural show and tour of the Marae by the elder of the Ngati Konohi people.

Day 14: White Island
Following breakfast we, subject to weather, embark on an excursion to explore this active volcano, identifiable by the plume of steam continually spouting from its crater. Following a landing  we spend approx three hours on a guided walk to the crater returning to Oceanic Discoverer for lunch.

Day 15: Auckland
Farewell and disembarkation in Auckland "The City of Sails" this morning. 

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Whilst every effort will be made to follow this itinerary we do reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may effect the operation of the vessel.

Featured Birds and Mammals

• Weka
• Tui
• New Zealand Bellbird
• Kaka (a parrot)
• Australian Gannet
• Yellow-eyed Penguin
• Little Blue Penguin
• South Island Oystercatcher
• Hector’s Dolphin
• Dusky Dolphin
• New Zealand Fur Seal

Dates: February 14 - 28, 2012

Duration: 15 days

Price: $8,995 - $12,495 USD

Tour Starts: Christchurch

Tour Ends: Auckland

What to Expect

The weather will vary from warm to hot on North Island, to warm to cool on South Island; rain is likely, especially on the west and south coasts of South Island.

What's Included:
• All entry & park fees
• Your complete itinerary
• Team of resource specialists
• Educational program and predeparture materials
• All shipboard meals
• All Zodiac excursions
• Service charges and port fees

What's Not Included:
• Commercial flights
• Mandatory medical / evacuation insurance
• Personal expenses
• Additional expenses in the event of delays or Itinerary changes
• Discretionary gratuities to ship's crew (approximately $10 - 14 per passenger per day)
• Visas, or inoculations, if required
• Physician's fees confirming you are fit to travel
• Possible fuel surcharges

Built in 2005 the Oceanic Discoverer is a joy to travel on. Well designed she is comfortable and sophisticated. The dining and lecture rooms boast full floor to ceiling windows allowing you to enjoy the passing landscape while sailing. All 36 staterooms have an ocean view, en-suite facilities, settee, large wardrobe, desk, luggage storage, individual air-conditioning control, and are serviced daily.

Oceanic Discoverer is equipped with the latest technology active stabilizers and is fitted with state-of-the-art safety and navigational equipment and is the only Australian passenger ship registered with full SOLAS compliance allowing opportunities to explore a multitude of international voyages. She is equipped with zodiacs and the “Xplorer”, a specially designed aluminium excursion vessel used for the majority of our excursions. This vessel has high horsepower engines and will accommodate all passengers at one time. The “Xplorer” will be used for landings and for extensive exploration of rivers and tributaries. For your added convenience and comfort, the “Xplorer” is equipped with an awning and toilet.

Cabins: Onboard accommodation comprises 36 spacious modern staterooms. You can select from Bridge, Promenade or Main Deck staterooms offering a choice of twin through to junior king-size doubles. All staterooms have an ocean view, en-suite facilities, settee, large wardrobe, desk, luggage storage, individual air-conditioning control, and are serviced daily.

Onboard Facilities: Large sundeck, Spa Pool, Guest computer, Comprehensive reference library, Phone and fax facilities, Lecture lounge with large plasma screen, Limited laundry facilities, Two fully stocked cocktail bars, Boutique and dive shop, Air-conditioned public areas