12 Night Cruise sailing from Milford Sound to Auckland aboard Oceanic Discoverer.

New Zealand - Aotearoa - The Natural Elements
The pristine landscapes and stunning natural features of the Land of the Long White Cloud are timeless attractions. 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.

New Zealand's spectacular landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind.

New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural, and the honesty, friendliness, and openness of Kiwis will impress you. And the great advantage of New Zealand is that all of its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are so close to each other!

New Zealand is truly a country that will welcome you, and its Maori people are Pacific Islanders happy to share their living culture with like-minded visitors.

This is a 12 night 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 of this amazingly diverse and ultimately satisfying destination.

Comparable in size and/or shape to Great Britain, Colorado or Japan, New Zealand has a population of only 4 million - making it one of the world's least crowded countries. A temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation makes it an ideal year-round holiday destination.

The Maori were New Zealand's first settlers. They made an epic journey from the legendary Hawaiki, probably in Polynesia to the north of New Zealand, about 1000 years ago. The great explorer Kupe, who legend says first discovered New Zealand, named the new land Aotearoa - Land of the Long White Cloud.

The first documented European to discover New Zealand was Dutch navigator Abel Tasman, who came here in 1642 in search of the fabled great southern continent. Over a 125 years later, Captain James Cook claimed it for Britain in 1769 and produced a map of the country.

From Auckland, the aptly named City of Sails in the north, through to whale-watching off the Kaikoura coastline; photographing birdlife in exotic mainland colonies, to enjoying a traditional Maori welcome and cultural show; from experiencing the tranquility of the deep Fiordland waterways to embracing the remoteness of the rugged eastern coast line.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Milford Sound
After boarding Oceanic Discoverer we depart Milford Sound at 2:00pm and enjoy our first experience of the spectacular deep Fiordland waterways. This evening enjoy the Captain's Welcome Drinks whilst absorbing Milford Sound's natural beauty before the first of many delicious dinners.

Day 2: Doubtful Sound
Awaken this morning to the magnificent scenery of Doubtful Sound. The deepest of the sounds, Doubtful was named by Captain Cook in 1770 and is often described as Fiordland's most spectacular waterway. Aboard Xplorer and the Zodiacs we join our informative Guest Lecturers on guided excursions through the maze of cliffs and waterways. Keep an eye out for penguins, seals and a myriad of marine and bird life as we explore what is considered to be the most strikingly beautiful of the fiords in the national park.

Day 3: Dusky Sound
Join the expedition crew on an exploratory cruise through rarely visited Dusky Sound, amongst an array of islands, marine and bird life. We land at historic Astronomer's Point, where Captain Cook anchored his ship Resolution using a tree as a gangway, a tree 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 4: Stewart Island
Discover the natural delights and scenic beauty of Stewart Island, a large island that is almost totally wilderness and home to a vast number of seals, birds and other wildlife. Landing ashore at Paterson Inlet, join a guided walk to encounter native birds such as the Weka, Tui, Bellbird, Kaka and New Zealand's iconic national bird, the kiwi. Unlike other species of kiwis, the Stewart Island Kiwi is active both during the day and night and is often seen foraging on the beach for sandhoppers and other insects.

Day 5: Discover Dunedin
The Otago Harbour welcomes us as we cruise past the world's largest mainland albatross colony at Tairoa Heads, also home to the world rarest penguin, the Yellowed Eyed Penguin. Of Scottish heritage, Dunedin offers a great diversity of experiences from 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. We spend a full day in port providing you the option explore areas of interest at your leisure.

Day 6: Gallic Akaroa
This morning we cruise into secluded Akaroa Harbour, a very scenic village nestled in the heart of an active volcano. Stroll through the village, discovering its French history, cosy cafes and excellent craft stores. Enjoy optional shore excursions, perhaps swim with one of the smallest and rarest dolphins - the Hector's or New Zealand Dolphin.

Day 7: Kaikoura Whalewatching
The scenic coastal town of Kaikoura is renowned as possibly the world's best destination for whale watching and one of the few places in the world where it is possible to view the giant Sperm Whale in its natural environment. We join a special cruise to discover these majestic mammals along with Fur Seals, dolphins and other migratory whales, an experience never to be forgotten. Enjoy time for a stroll around the pretty coastal town before reboarding Oceanic Discoverer.

Day 8: 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 the Endeavour. The day offers a multitude of explorations aboard 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 it's possible to view a variety of New Zealand's iconic native birdlife.

Day 9: Coastal Cruise
A day of leisure at sea. Take in the scenic coast, read or join informative presentations from our qualified Guest Lecturers detailing the early settlers and Maori culture in preparation of our visit to a small Maori Marae and Gisborne the location of the first European landing.

Day 10: Art Deco Napier
In 1931 Napier was all but destroyed by an earthquake measuring some 7.9 on the Richter Scale. The city's rebuild followed the flourishing art deco trend in America and Europe of that time, and as such, Napier features a wonderful heritage of art deco architecture. Explore the sights of the city. Perhaps stroll Marine Parade, the city's delightful seaside boulevard which retains its air of an old-fashioned English seaside resort, complete with a pebble beach.

Day 11: Gisborne and Maori Culture
This morning we arrive in historic Gisborne, the first European landing place in New Zealand. Captain Cook first arrived here in 1769 and a European settlement was established in 1831. Our exploration begins with a visit to a small Marae for an exclusive Maori cultural experience including a traditional welcome, guided tour and Kapa Haka cultural show. This afternoon you have time to explore Gisborne at your own pace, with the opportunity to discover the historic city at your leisure or join an optional guided tour exploring the city's beautiful gardens and renowned vineyards.

Day 12: White Island Volcano
Following breakfast we embark on an excursion to explore the active White Island volcano, identifiable by the plume of steam continually spouting from its crater. Travelling ashore aboard Xplorer and our fleet of Zodiacs, join the Expedition Staff on a guided walk to the crater, which resembles a moonscape. Enjoy the rare opportunity to view the heart of an active volcano and see a build up of gas and steam escaping from the earth. This evening, enjoy the Captain's Farewell Cocktails as we make our way to Auckland whilst reminiscing about this wonderful one-in-a-lifetime journey.

Day 13: Auckland
Farewell your travelling companions, the Captain and his crew before and disembarkation in Auckland, 'The City of Sails', at 8:00am.