Depart on an overnight flight, crossing the International Dateline, and arrive in Auckland, where we check in to our hotel. Join us for a welcome briefing this evening to meet your fellow travelers.
Have breakfast at the hotel before joining a tour of this vibrant city center. We'll stop for lunch midday before embarking National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)
Saturday - Oct 26, 2024
Day 3
Waitangi, New Zealand
The Bay of Islands is an area encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands, boasting an abundance of wildlife and fascinating history. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a place of immeasurable cultural, spiritual, and historical significance, and learn of the historical events for which these grounds are remembered. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Sunday - Oct 27, 2024
Day 4
Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
Monday - Oct 28, 2024
Day 5
Coastal Navigation, United States
Stretch your legs today as we explore Great Barrier Island on exploratory walks and hikes. As we continue south along the North Island's verdant coast, we let nature guide us as your captain and expedition leader choose our next site for exploration. (B,L,D)
Tuesday - Oct 29, 2024
Day 6
Gisborne, New Zealand
Discover rural life at a 110-year-old New Zealand homestead and witness the daily process of sheep herding and sheering. Take in the greenery of a local arboretum, and cap the day off with a winery tour and tasting. (B,L,D)
Spend the morning getting to know Napier, the Art Deco capital of New Zealand. Choose to discover the city's unique architecture on an art tour or leave the city behind and join us on a Gannet Safari Tour where we'll have close encounters at a large Australasian gannet colony. (B,L,D)
Thursday - Oct 31, 2024
Day 8
Captain's Choice, United States
Today will be exploratory in nature as we discover the many hidden islands and treasures on the northern side of New Zealand's South Island. (B,L,D)
Friday - Nov 1, 2024
Day 9
Kaikoura, New Zealand
In Maori, Kaikoura translates to 'meal of crayfish'. The region's abundance of crayfish and nutrient-rich marine system draw impressive quantities of whales, dolphins, and fur seals to its waters. Today, we'll venture out on a whale watching boat in search of various resident and migratory marine mammals as well as the impressive albatross. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Known for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture and boasting the world's only mainland albatross colony, Dunedin sits on the verdant southeast coast of New Zealand's South Island. Discover the world's smallest penguin, the little blue penguin, and its endangered cousin, the yellow-eyed penguin, on an excursion to the beaches of the Otago Peninsula. Visit the fragrant Dunedin Botanic Gardens, and explore the Otago Museum's exhibits on nature, culture and science. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Sunday - Nov 3, 2024
Day 11
Stewart Island, New Zealand
Stewart Island, known in Maori as Te Punga o Te Waka a Maui, is positioned firmly at the heart of Maori mythology. Today, we'll explore the island's rare native birdlife as well as its well preserved podocarp forest. In the afternoon, discover Stewart Island's nearby neighbor, Ulva Island, where we'll hike with naturalists to discover its unspoiled rainforest. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Monday - Nov 4, 2024
Day 12
Dusky Sound, New Zealand
Tuesday - Nov 5, 2024
Day 13
Cruising Doubtful Sound
Over the course of two days we will explore Fiordland National Park, home to fourteen individual fiords. Here we'll discover hundreds-meter-high waterfalls and snowcapped peaks. (B,L,D)
Wednesday - Nov 6, 2024
Day 14
Milford Sound Marina, New Zealand, New Zealand
Cruise Ends
Land Segment of Itinerary
Day 14 - Wednesday - Nov 6, 2024
Day 14
Bus Travel
Queenstown, New Zealand
Have breakfast aboard the ship before disembarking and transferring to Queenstown for flights home. (B, L)
Cruise and Land Value Offers that combine with this sailing.
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