Naturally New Zealand

Naturally New Zealand

Luxury Grand Cruising, Melbourne, Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park , Queen Charlotte Sound, White Island, Auckland

Itinerary

Day 1. Sydney, Board ms Statendam.

This evening in Sydney board your luxury cruise ship for the next 15 days, the ms Statendam. Relax and settle in to your elegant accommodation tonight as we set sail along the east coast of Australia for Melbourne.
14 Night Stay: ms Statendam.
Dx1

Day 2. Cruising the Tasman Sea.

Today enjoy a leisurely day aboard ms Statendam as we cruise the waters of the Tasman Sea. Make the most of this opportunity to explore the on board facilities. Perhaps enjoy an espresso, shop at exclusive boutiques, meet friends for drinks, pamper yourself at the Ocean Spa or just sit back and enjoy spectacular views of the ocean and horizon.
Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 3. Melbourne, Optional Touring.

Arrive in Melbourne, the world’s ‘most livable’ city early this morning. Today is yours to explore this vibrant city. Stroll along the banks of the Yarra River or explore Melbourne’s museums, art galleries or gorgeous arcades and boutiques. Or join an optional excursion. It is possible to commence your cruise in Melbourne. Contact Us for details.
Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 4. Burnie, Tasmania.

Sailing overnight we cross Bass Strait to Tasmania and arrive in Burnie, an historic port town. Set on Tasmania’s northwest coast, Burnie boomed in the late 19th century. Explore the town with its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful parks for yourself or join an optional excursion.
Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 5. Depart Burnie and Set Sail for New Zealand.

Departing Burnie we set sail for New Zealand, making our way across the Tasman Sea. Today take the opportunity to relax and perhaps even catch a spectacular ocean sunset.
Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 6. Cruising the Tasman Sea.

As we head for New Zealand’s South Island, enjoy another luxurious day at sea. Relax, make the most of the on board facilities and enjoy the experience of the cruising lifestyle.
Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 7. Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dunedin.

Today we cruise in to the still waters of breathtaking Milford Sound where we’re surrounded by glittering waterfalls and steep mountainsides. Take in the spectacular scenery as we cruise this fiord, the most famous of the waterways that make up the beautiful World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. We then cruise to the more remote Doubtful Sound. Visitors feel humbled yet uplifted by the atmosphere of powerful solitude in the presence of the superb grandeur of Doubtful Sound. Also known as the Sound of Silence, it’s more than 28 kilometres long and rich in flora and fauna. New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland Crested penguins can be seen on many of the small islets in the entrance of the fiord. We cruise to Dunedin on the east side of the South Island.
Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 8. Dunedin.

Explore New Zealand’s oldest city today. Dunedin, the Gaelic translation of Edinburgh, is a charming city whose age-old ties with Scotland can still be felt today. See the city’s dark stonework and immaculate gardens. Choose from an optional excursion today or explore at your own leisure.
Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 9. Christchurch.

Cruising north overnight we arrive in Christchurch, a colourful city that’s home to world-class attractions. Grey stone 19th century buildings, tree-lined avenues and leafy parks give the city an elegant, English feel. Today is free for you to explore. See the city’s stunning neo-Gothic stone cathedral and climb up the spire for a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the city. Visit the Botanic Gardens which are among the finest in New Zealand or stroll and picnic along the River Avon. Or choose from a range of optional excursions.
Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 10. Picton, Queen Charlotte Sound.

Cruising the stunning north-east corner of the South Island we arrive in Picton. Located at the end of the Queen Charlotte Sound, the tiny township of Picton is breathtakingly beautiful. It’s also a hub of activity – the Cook Strait ferry run connects the North Island to the South Island here. Leaving Picton we cruise the scenic Queen Charlotte Sound. A jigsaw of natural landmarks it’s one of the most scenic of the sounds. From the ship look out for seals, otters and bald eagles.
Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 11. Wellington.

Reaching the North Island, we cruise in to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. Perhaps ride the cable car up to a magnificent view of the harbour or visit the must-see Te Papa Tongarewa National Museum and Art Gallery. Or choose an optional excursion – maybe the 4-wheel drive ‘Lord of the Rings’ tour or the Wellington City Sights tour.
Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 12. Hawke’s Bay, Napier.

Cruising north to Hawke’s Bay we dock in Napier for the day. Napier has a host of Art Deco-style buildings, that sprang up after a devastating earthquake. There is also a wide swathe of inviting ocean beach fronts. Today join an excursion or wander the streets, taking in the splendour of the 1930s Art Deco. Stroll Marine Parade, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 13. Mayor Island, White Island.

New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty is a volcanic wonderland. Enjoy spectacular views as we pass Mayor Island, a dormant volcano which last erupted in 4390 BC. Just a stone’s throw away is White Island, one of New Zealand’s most active volcanoes which has erupted more than 35 times in the last 100 years.
Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 14. Explore Tauranga.

Cruising the north coast of the North Island we arrive in Tauranga, famous for the beach along the shore of Mt Maunganui and the wines produced in the Bay of Plenty. Tauranga is also one of the first places at which Maori people came ashore. Tauranga means ‘resting place for canoes’ in Maori. Today explore this beautiful area for yourself or join an optional excursion.
Bx1 Lx1 Dx1

Day 15. Cruise Finishes, Auckland.

Our cruise finishes this morning when we arrive in Auckland.

What’s Included

APT Guaranteed Inclusions

• See Mayor Island and White Island
• Cruise to Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty
• Join a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett
• Visit Dunedin with its rich Scottish heritage
• Tour Waitomo Caves and see glow-worms
• Enjoy a Hangi and cultural performance at Rotorua
• Spend a day sightseeing in Wellington
• Spend a day exploring Burnie, Tasmania
• The perfect combination of homestyle meals and restaurant dining
• 20 breakfasts (B), 13 healthy lunches (L) and 19 delicious dinners (D)

Additional Information

• Some departures operate reverse direction, Auckland to Sydney
• Add Port Taxes/Fees per person
• Land Content: Inclusive of all sightseeing, entrance fees, meals as specified and accommodation
• Cruise Content: Inclusive of all accommodation charges on board, services of cruise staff, all meals on board and landing fees
• Contact Us for further details