Exploring New Zealand's North & South Islands

Day-to-Day Itinerary

DAY 1-2 — Depart USA and En Route

DAY 3 — Auckland

We arrive Auckland and transfer to the Crowne Plaza, where rooms have been reserved for early arrival. In the afternoon we tour Auckland, taking in the views from the renowned Sky Tower and seeing the marvelous exhibits on Maori culture and natural history at the Auckland Museum. In the evening, we gather for welcome drinks and dinner at the hotel. (D)

DAY 4 — Embark Oceanic Discoverer

We embark Oceanic Discoverer this morning and sail into the Hauraki Gulf. If we’re able, we’ll look to make an expedition stop in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 — White Island

Today we visit White Island, an astonishingly active marine volcano with powerful steam vents, boiling mud pots and a highly acidic crater lake. At this unique site, clouds of steam and rivulets of hot water are everywhere, as is the roar from the vents. We’ll also see the remains of the sulfur mining operations that were abandoned in 1933. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 — Gisborne

A special treat awaits us as we visit the meeting houses of the small Maori community of Whangara, where we receive a very warm and personal welcome, learning of the residents’ history and traditions, with a chance to meet some of the people who live here. Much of the movie “Whale Rider” was filmed nearby. In the afternoon we explore the marvelous Eastwoodhill arboretum, with trees and plants from all over the world, planted over a period of decades by the eccentric New Zealander Douglas Cook. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 — Napier

After the devastating earthquake of 1931 leveled Napier, residents decided to rebuild it as a shining example of contemporary architecture. The result is many of the finest showpieces of Art Deco, Art Nouveau and related styles in the world. They fill the town. We’ll have a guided exploration of the town and its history, and also visit the world’s largest gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers outside Napier — where 5,000 pairs of birds raise their young. We’ll be able to get remarkably close. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 — At Sea

We spend an enjoyable day at sea, with talks by our expedition staff, preparing for the days ahead. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 — Wellington

Vibrant Wellington is New Zealand’s capital and second largest city, although the town center, with a lively waterfront, is compact and readily explored. We explore Wellington, including a visit to the superb Te Papa Museum, opened in 1998 as a showplace for New Zealand’s diverse cultures. In the afternoon, you may explore on your own or enjoy a visit to the Karori Sanctuary, where the elimination of predators has allowed native birds and plants to get reestablished. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 — Kaikoura

The continental shelf drops off rapidly just off Kaikoura, producing upwelling that creates ideal conditions for marine mammals, notably enormous sperm whales, along with dolphins. On our excursion by local boat, there’s also a chance of seeing blue whales, humpbacks and orcas. We’ll also visit a fur seal colony and walk along the clifftops of the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, with spectacular views of mountains, cliffs and the Pacific, and visit Fyffe House, a small museum that was originally the home of whalers. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 — Akaroa

We spend the day at Akaroa, near the head of the scenic Banks Peninsula. Its history is unique in New Zealand. Originally inhabited by Maori, it was settled by French immigrants in 1840, and many early houses still stand in the town. There will be a chance to explore Akaroa, and a highlight will be taking an excursion boat in the bay in search of Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest and rarest. You have a choice of swimming with the dolphins (wet suits supplied) or just observing from the boat. (B,L,D)

DAY 12 — Dunedin

Lively Dunedin combines outstanding natural history with a rich cultural heritage. We’ll explore the town, seeing the ornate Edwardian railway station and the Octagon plaza at the center of town. You can choose to visit the Otago Peninsula, looking for fur seals, yellow-eyed and little blue penguins and royal albatross; or else you can take the Taieri Gorge Railway through tunnels and across viaducts to splendid Taieri Gorge. (B,L,D)

DAY 13 — Stewart Island

Stewart, the southernmost of New Zealand’s major islands, has a population of just 380 and the feel of a frontier outpost. A highlight is a walk on the sanctuary of Ulva Island, with outstanding birdlife that includes the weka (a flightless rail), the kaka (a forest parrot), the confiding New Zealand robin and perhaps even a brown kiwi. In the afternoon, you can choose to explore Stewart Island by road or take a walk with our naturalists. Stewart Island’s only town, Oban, has a relaxed waterfront atmosphere. (B,L,D)

DAY 14 — Dusky & Doubtful Sounds

Dusky is among the most remote of New Zealand’s fjords, and can be reached only on foot or by sea. It has a special place in New Zealand history, as Captain Cook stayed here for five weeks in 1773. We sail on to Doubtful Sound, which got its name because Captain Cook was uncertain whether the winds would be sufficient to allow him to exit. It’s the largest of New Zealand’s fjords and a place where magnificent vistas extend in every direction. We plan to land on one of the beaches to explore, seeing the native plants up close and looking for unique birdlife including the Fiordland crested penguin, the world’s rarest penguin. A cruise in the Xplorer shows us some of the landscapes for which the fjords are famous. (B,L,D)

DAY 15 — Doubtful & Milford Sounds

We spend the early morning in Doubtful Sound, then sail into incomparable Milford Sound, the best known and perhaps the most spectacular of all New Zealand’s fjords. We are surrounded by sheer peaks, of which the tallest and best known is Mitre Peak. We’ll look for dolphins and New Zealand fur seals and see the cascades of Stirling Falls. (B,L,D)

DAY 16 — Milford Sound/Disembark/Queenstown

We disembark for the exceptional drive to Queenstown, stopping along the way at Lake Te Anau. We check into the Crowne Plaza, and in the afternoon walk through the town and take the gondola for a panoramic view over the city, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding peaks. (B, D)

DAY 17 — Queenstown/U.S.

Transfer to Queenstown Airport for connecting flights home. (B)

Dates & Rates

Oceanic Discoverer	Categories
2011	01	02	03	04	1S
December 27*	$12590	$12590	$14580	$15630	$15530
2012	01	02	03	04	1S
January 8, 20*	$12590	$12590	$14580	$15630	$15530

* Reverse itinerary

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Ships

Oceanic Discoverer

The Oceanic Discoverer was launched in 2005 and can indulgently accommodate our 65 passengers. Her small size is perfect for regional exploration. She carries Zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, and a powerful aluminum excursion boat that can carry all passengers— providing a selection of means by which we can go ashore.View ship details...