World Heritage New Zealand

World Heritage New Zealand

Luxury Cruise aboard the Oceanic Princess, Fully Inclusive, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Marlborough Sounds, Glaciers

Itinerary

Day 1. Milford Sound.

arly this morning depart Queenstown for the scenic drive to Milford Sound, travelling through the memorable Homer Tunnel. We depart Milford Sound early this afternoon aboard the Oceanic Princess. Settle in and enjoy the scenery as we cruise the length of Milford Sound, a breathtaking glacier-carved fiord. Tonight enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Cocktails as we cruise to Doubtful Sound, the deepest of New Zealand’s fiords, where we anchor overnight.
12 Night Stay: Oceanic Princess.
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Day 2. Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound.

Today awake to the magnificent scenery of World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. A haven for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins, the 421-metre deep Doubtful Sound will not disappoint. Explore the wonders of this magnificent fiord up close on a guided excursion aboard our Explorer or Zodiacs. Cruise to Breaksea and Dusky sounds, past sheer cliffs and tumbling waterfalls.
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Day 3. Snares Island, Stewart Island.

Weather permitting, today we cruise to the remote Snares Island, home to one of the world’s largest bird colonies. Alternatively we cruise to Stewart Island, New Zealand’s southern most island and home to seals, birds and other wildlife. At Stewart Island spend the day discovering and exploring through the Paterson Inlet and surrounding areas. Both island encounters include guided Explorer or Zodiac excursions, giving you the opportunity to explore the wonders of the islands up close. There’s also walks ashore under the guidance of our experienced naturalists which will encounter native birds such as the Weka, Tui, Bellbird, Kaka, Karikari and more.
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Day 4. Dunedin.

The Otago Harbour welcomes us as we cruise past the world’s largest mainland albatross colony at Tairoa Heads. Of Scottish heritage, Dunedin offers a diversity of experiences from abundant wildlife to historic architecture, the Otakou Maori Marae, Speights brewery and New Zealand’s oldest botanical gardens. Docking in port, today is an optional touring day.
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Day 5. Akaroa.

This morning we cruise in to the secluded Akaroa Harbour. This picturesque bay is home to penguins and dolphins. Take the opportunity to swim with one of the smallest and rarest dolphins – the Hector’s or New Zealand dolphin. Originally settled by the French, Akaroa retains its Gallic heritage and ambience. Today is an optional touring day.
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Day 6. Kaikoura.

Today enjoy whale watching with the spectacular backdrop of the Kaikoura coastline. Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world where you can see the giant sperm whale in its natural environment. Joined by Dusky dolphins, seabirds, fur seals and other migratory whale species this is an unforgettable experience.
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Day 7. Marlborough Sounds.

Arriving at the dark green hills and blue-green waters of the sounds we cruise through the scenic Tory Channel. 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. Today there’s a multitude of guided explorations aboard the Explorer and inflatable Zodiacs to choose from. There’s also a guided visit to Moturoa Island where we enjoy an abundance of birdlife.
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Day 8. 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 for 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 upcoming visit to Gisborne.
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Day 9. Napier.

An earthquake led to the rebuilding of Napier. The rebuild followed the flourishing art deco trend in America and Europe at that time, and offers a wonderful heritage of art deco architecture. Today is an optional touring day to explore the sights of the city.
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Day 10. Gisborne.

The first European landing place in New Zealand, Gisborne is where Captain Cook first landed in 1769. Explore the region on this optional touring day – its history, renowned wines and vineyards and beautiful gardens. This afternoon, subject to weather, we land at Whangara Beach for an evening of Maori culture including a traditional welcome, a cultural show and tour by the elder of the Ngati Konohi people.
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Day 11. White Island.

Subject to weather today we embark on an excursion to explore this active volcano. Enjoy a guided walk to the crater.
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Day 12. Mercury Islands.

With guides explore the beaches and caves of these remote islands. Subject to tides and conditions bathe at a hot-water beach. This evening join the Captain’s Farewell Cocktails while cruising among the islands of the Hauraki Gulf.
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Day 13. Auckland.

This morning cruise in to Auckland, ‘The City of Sails’ where it’s time to disembark.
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What’s Included

APT Guaranteed Inclusions

• Cruise Fiordland National Park
• Cruise picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound
• Explore the Scottish heritage of historic Dunedin
• Explore Napier with its Art Deco architecture
• Visit famous Rotorua
• See picturesque Lake Wanaka
• Visit famous Rotorua
• See picturesque Lake Wanaka
• Visit Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city