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Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 12 Day New Zealand Expedition Cruise. Experience New Zealand’s coastal towns and remote wilderness on a small ship expedition cruise. Dock at Stuart Island, cruise Milford Sound and stay in Queenstown.
Itinerary
On arrival in Queenstown you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, and perhaps try one of the many great restaurants within walking distance of your accommodation. Stay: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Leave Queenstown for Milford Sound, travelling along the northern edge of Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables in the background. Pause in Te Anau before embarking your ship at Milford Sound. Witness the staggering beauty of the fiord as your ship winds between forests, mountains and towering cliffs. Tonight, gather on board for a welcome reception and dinner, surrounded by stunning scenery. Stay 10 nights: MS Caledonian Sky (B/D)
A full day dedicated to the incredible wilderness of Fiordland National Park. Only accessible by sea, it is one of the most remote and most beautiful regions of New Zealand. While our exact route is weather dependent, we hope to visit Astronomers Point, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound. We'll make use of Zodiacs to reach remote landing sites and to explore deeper into the fiords. (B/L/D)
Land at Oban on Stewart Island, where you'll get to wander through the shops and see the Rakiura Museum. Alternatively, drive to explore some of the island's most beautiful locations, including Observation Rock, with views over Iona and Ulva islands, as well as the beaches lining the east coast. After lunch, head for Ulva Island. A renowned wildlife sanctuary, here you can choose from a number of guided walks with our local guides. (B/L/D)
Be guided around the city of Dunedin and walk through the beautiful Botanical gardens. Perhaps join a drive to the Otago Peninsula including a to the visit Penguin Place, where you'll learn about the conservation efforts to protect rare yellow-eyed penguins. (B/L/D)
Spend a full day in Akaroa on your chosen experience. Head out on the water during a dolphin-watching trip or take a guided walk through the town and native bush. (B/L/D)
On a whale-watching cruise, look for sperm whales and orcas which frequent the waters of Kaikoura. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely wander through town or take on one of the many guided walks on offer. (B/L/D)
With your ship anchored close to the city centre, step ashore for a guided walk through Wellington. See St Paul's Cathedral and the parliament buildings, then stroll through the Botanical Gardens. Also pay a visit to the Te Papa National Museum of New Zealand. Enjoy some free time before your ship departs. (B/L/D)
Dock at Napier and enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful Art Deco town, rebuilt after the devastating Hawkes Bay earthquake in 1931. Since we are in New Zealand's second-largest wine producing region, today's touring includes a visit to a vineyard for a wine tasting. Spend a free afternoon exploring at leisure, or join a tour to Cape Kidnappers to see the world's largest nesting colony of gannets (own expense). (B/L/D)
Captain James Cook named Gisborne in honour of one of his crew who first sighted land in 1769. Today, we find a sunny coastal town rich in Maori heritage and culture. Gisborne is also known as the chardonnay capital of New Zealand, and you'll get to visit two of the local boutique vineyards. (B/L/D)
We arrive at Tauranga and drive to Rotorua. From explosive geysers to bubbling mud pools and steaming natural hot springs, Rotorua is a major highlight when visiting New Zealand. Enjoy a traditional Maori welcome ceremony and lunch before returning to Tauranga for some free time to explore. (B/L/D)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Cruise the entire length of Milford Sound, and explore Dusky and Doubtful sounds
- Immerse yourself in the remote landscapes of Ulva and Stewart islands
- Enjoy wine tastings and vineyard visits in Napier and Gisborne
- Experiences in 12 destinations
- The services of an APT expedition leader and team
- Airport transfers, porterage and cruise gratuities included
- Locally inspired dining – a total of 30 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
- 10 nights aboard the MS Caledonian Sky with excursions on Zodiac vessels
- Overnight stay in Queenstown
- Daily cruise Itinerary and timings subject to change
- Daily inclusions subject to change
- Zodiac activity – This cruise includes some use of Zodiacs for sightseeing or accessing ports
- Prices are for cruise only. Flights not included
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
