On this cruise, Ponant invites you to discover New Zealand, a unique destination with a multitude of natural treasures. Set sail aboard Le Lapérouse for a 10-day cruise from Lyttelton to Auckland. Le Lapérouse will first set sail to the South-West region of the South Island to discover magnificent Fiordland National Park, which is an integral part of Te Wahipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage area.
Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound or the better-known Milford Sound: you will discover these fiords shaped by successive glaciations, bordered by majestic cliffs. You will also sail to Wellington,...read more the capital of New Zealand. This ancient site of the Maori people, as demonstrated by the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, perfectly combines local traditions and bustling nightlife. On the east coast of North Island, Napier unfolds before you, revealing its treasures in a uniquearchitectural style where the sleek lines of Art Deco buildings mingle with traditional Maori patterns.
Further north, Whakatane is known as one of the jewels of North Island. Here, Maori culture is felt and appreciated, living on through its secular traditions and legendary ancestral sites. Among other sites, you will head for the city of Rotorua, famous for its emblematic Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. This is a captivating geothermic experience with impressive volcanic valleys and geysers. Surrounded by the blue waters of the Pacific, the twin islands of New Zealand are the promise of an incredible mosaic of contrasting panoramas.
Cruise Itinerary
Arrive
Depart
Day 1: Lyttelton
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17:00
Day 2:Dunedin
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Day 3:Dusky Sound
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Day 3:Doubtful Sound
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Day 4:Milford Sound
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Day 5: Cruising At Sea
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Day 6:Wellington
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Day 7:Napier
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Day 8: Whakatane
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Day 9:Auckland
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Day 10:Auckland
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Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Transfers to and/or from the ship port may be required.
Fantastic Kimberley 1Lee and David, QLD, Australia, Aug 2023
One of the best holidays we have ever done Expensive, yes but you get what you pay for in the end This was 6* cruising at its best. The daily and at times twice daily zodiac excursions were special and led by well informed guides all of whom had professional qualifications in a relevant field.
Food was of the highest standard an the open bar well ...read more stocked to meet all tastes. Don't worry too much about formal gear, a sports coat and a colourful dress are all that is required on the two gala nights. On the other nights, slacks and polo are fine.
We helicoptered to Mitchell Falls which again was expensive but well worth it. Forget about the Horizontal Falls boat ride. Those that went were very dissatisfied as the most exciting of the two Falls is now closed due to a boating accident. I've seen more challenging wave sets in Moreton Bay. Overall 11/10 from us and very highly recommended
Brochure
Ponant Luxury Cruises (2023-24)
Discover our range of incredible luxury expeditions and yacht-style voyages in 2023, exploring Antarctica, the Norwegian Fjords, Caribbean & Latin America, The Indian Ocean & Persian Gulf and Oceania & Polynesia. Includes a range of trailblazing polar explorations aboard Le Commandant Charcot. If you are a travel agent, please email brochures.aus@ponant.com...more with your details and number of copies to be ordered.
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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 Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Ponant. 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.