New Zealand Delights

Port Chalmers is the port for the city of Dunedin, the oldest European settlement in New Zealand, which was founded in 1848. Both sit at the end of a long, fiord-like inlet off the south-eastern tip of the South Island. Dunedin is New Zealand’s most Scottish town – in fact, Dunedin is the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh. Today, step aboard your 6-star, ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht and be warmly welcomed by the crew. Your personal butler will show you to your spacious suite and you can meet your fellow guests over a glass of chilled champagne in the Observation Lounge. Please book your flight to arrive into Dunedin prior to 01:00 PM.

You will be familiar with New Zealand’s two main islands, but did you know it is actually made up of around 600 islands in total? The third largest of these is Stewart Island, sitting just 30km off the southern tip of the South Island. It is one of the last inhabited outposts before you reach Antarctica, with its only settlement, the tiny village of Oban, clinging bravely to the northern shore. This is New Zealand off the grid, a remarkably remote place of spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. The island is a haven for many birds, including the cute and curious brown kiwi, who outnumber humans and are active day and night. The Maori name for Stewart Island is Rakiura, which means the land of glowing skies.

Wild and remote, the rugged West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island offers some of the country’s most stunning scenery. Home to a myriad of natural wonders, including Milford and Dusky sounds, the beauty of these sounds with their snow-capped peaks, lush green cliffs, and gushing waterfalls will inspire and be a standout of this region. You’ll be cruising through the Fiordland National Park, which covers more than 1.2 million hectares of granite peaks, shimmering lakes, deep black fiords and spectacular waterfalls. And the best part is, you can experience it all from the 6-star ultra-luxury comfort of Scenic Eclipse. There are few words that can capture this dramatic landscape. Rudyard Kipling described Milford Sound as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. It’s arguably New Zealand’s most famous tourist destination and you’ll soon see why.  The best way to experience the sound is from the water and today Scenic Eclipse II will cruise slowly through this spectacular place, coming close to land so you can admire the waterfalls tumbling from 1,000-metre cliffs and look out for seals sunning themselves on the rocks. You’ll feel an overwhelming sense of calm as you sail through the sound, soaking in its ancient stillness. You may like to join your fellow guests on the Observation Terrace to watch the magic unfold over a cocktail.

At the south-eastern tip of the island is Dusky Sound, one of the largest fjords in New Zealand. Stretching for 40 kilometres, the spectacular sound is dotted with more than 350 small islands and is a refuge for birds and wildlife. It’s accessible only by air or sea, meaning very few tourists ever get to experience its majesty. The name was given by Captain Cook, who sailed through in 1770 just as the sun was setting.

Today is yours to do as much or as little as you want. Perhaps you’d like to take things slowly, starting with breakfast brought to your suite by your butler, enjoyed on the verandah looking out over the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. Or you could start the day with an invigorating work out in the gym or a class in the Yoga & Pilates studio. Take some time to explore the ship, from the Sky Bar and outdoor Vitality Pool on Deck 10 to the tranquil Senses Spa on Deck 6 with its steam rooms, saunas, plunge pool and KLAFS Salt Therapy Lounge. Stop for a coffee or a cocktail at one of the nine bars and lounges on board or curl up with a good book in the library of the Observation Lounge. Check the daily program to see what lectures or discussions the Discovery Team are running and learn more about upcoming ports, wildlife or activities on offer.

Arrive this morning at the Banks Peninsula, the South Island’s most interesting geographical feature. Jutting out into the ocean, it was originally an island formed by two volcanoes and now has a unique circular shape with two deep harbours and many smaller bays. You’ll be docking at Akaroa, one of the large harbours and also the only French settlement in New Zealand. Founded by French whalers in the 1840s, it retains its French street names, charming Gallic cottages, excellent cuisine and plethora of cheese shops. It’s a small, easily walkable city that makes for a charming day of gentle exploration. Akaroa is also the cruise port for Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. As the name suggests, the city was founded as a planned settlement by the Church of England in 1850. It is New Zealand’s most English city and was built in picturesque Gothic Revival style. But a devastating earthquake in 2011 flattened most of the city centre and Christchurch today is a unique blend of graceful history and innovative urban renewal.

Sailing north along the east coast of the island, you’ll arrive in Kaikoura early this morning. This tiny town sits in a spectacular natural environment, flanked by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the snow-capped Seaward Kaikoura Range on the other. The town began life as a whaling station in the mid 1800s; visit the oldest surviving building, Fyffe House, or the Kaikoura Museum to learn more about its history. It’s an ideal place for wildlife encounters, from whales, fur seals and dolphins that live permanently in these waters, to the impressive array of seabirds that fill the air, including the mighty albatross. Scenic Eclipse II will depart in the afternoon, so after enjoying an early lunch on board make sure to go for a stroll to explore the city.

After crossing the Cook Strait overnight, Scenic Eclipse II will call at two ports today, both tucked into the Tasman Bay on the northern tip of the South Island. Kaiteriteri is arguably New Zealand’s most beautiful beach, a perfect arc of golden sand fronting startlingly blue water. This tiny town is home to less than 500 people but has been a favourite holiday destination for Kiwis for generations. It’s also the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, a gorgeous coastal park known for its sea kayaking, walks and wildlife. It’s just a short cruise into the furthest point of Tasman Bay and the city of Nelson. This is one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand and its residents love to spend as much time as they can outside. Join them at one of the many open-air cafes, bustling markets, cycling trails and the pretty Botanic Gardens. Enjoy a late departure tonight, giving you a chance to experience a little Kiwi hospitality after dark. Nelson has more breweries per capita than anywhere else in New Zealand, so you might like to taste your way through some excellent craft beers.

It’s worth waking up early this morning so you can experience the beauty of sailing into the Marlborough Sounds. Perhaps ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite so you can soak it in from your private balcony. Scenic Eclipse II will spend the morning in Picton, a small town of around 3,000 people set on the north-east corner of the South Island. Tucked into a sheltered harbour, this picturesque town looks almost tropical with its towering palm trees and clear turquoise water. Wander the pretty waterfront promenade, lined with shops, cafes and galleries, or visit the interesting museum inside the Edwin Fox convict ship that’s dry docked just offshore. Picton is a short drive from one of New Zealand’s most famous wine regions, Marlborough. Producing around two thirds of the nation’s wine, it’s best known for its Sauvignon Blanc though also pours excellent Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and aromatic varietals like Riesling and Pinot Gris.

Wake up in Napier this morning and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back almost 100 years into the past. In 1931, the centre of the town was razed by an earthquake and then rebuilt in the Art Deco style of the day. Today, it retains all the charm and style of its heyday with the largest collection of authentic Art Deco buildings on earth. Take a walk through the compact commercial centre and you’ll feel as though you’re strolling through a carefully curated film set. Set on the edge of Hawkes Bay, Nelson also has a sunny, Mediterranean-style climate that has given rise to a thriving café culture, excellent restaurants and a population that likes to live life outside. Nearby, discover the world’s largest colony of gannets at Cape Kidnappers. Up to 25,000 of these glossy white birds with their distinctive two-metre wingspan live here, swooping and diving for fish in the ocean.

Make the most of your last day at sea sea day indulging in the many exceptional dining experiences on board Scenic Eclipse. Start with breakfast al fresco at the Yacht Club (be sure to return later to visit the large gelato fridge). For lunch, Azure Bar & Café serves light meals, pizza and salads that are available for grazing throughout the day. Elements is the ship’s main restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, where the menu ranges from Italian to steak and seafood. The selection of specialty restaurants on board allows you to dine around the world each night. Channel the spirit of Asia at Koko’s Asian Fusion; choose one of the sunken Japanese-style tables for an authentic ambience. Grab a seat at the bar at Sushi @ Koko’s to watch the chefs at work or enjoy the spectacle of teppanyaki-style dining inspired by the markets of Asia at Night Market @ Koko’s, an exclusive experience for just eight guests at a time. Journey to France at Lumière, a contemporary fine dining French restaurant replete with a luxe Champagne bar.

You’ll finish your journey in the nation’s largest city, Auckland. Home to around a third of the entire New Zealand population, Auckland is a stylish, cosmopolitan city set around two grand harbours. It’s the country’s capital of culture, packed with fascinating museums and world-class, art galleries like the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, a French-Renaissance building that houses New Zealand’s most extensive art collection, including works by Maori and Pacific artists. Disembark after breakfast as you farewell the crew and take away memories of a truly unforgettable cruise. Please book your flight to depart out of Auckland after 12:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.