New Zealand Delights

Upon arrival in Christchurch, you will be transferred by coach to Timaru, where your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht awaits. Nestled along New Zealand’s stunning South Island coast, Timaru welcomes you with its blend of natural beauty and rich heritage. The Captain and crew will warmly greet you as you board Scenic Eclipse II. Settle into your spacious verandah suite, meet your butler and acquaint yourself with the world-class facilities of your Discovery Yacht. Then head to the Sky Bar to meet your fellow guests and toast the start of your voyage as you sail away from New Zealand. Please book your flight to arrive into Christchurch prior to 10:30 AM.

Stewart Island sits 30 kilometres off the southern tip of the South Island. It is one of the last inhabited outposts before you reach Antarctica. Its only settlement, the tiny village of Oban, clings bravely to the northern shore. This is New Zealand off the grid, a 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 Mãori name for Stewart Island is Rakiura, which means the land of glowing skies.  Freechoice: Southern Coastal Wildlife Cruise: Board a 75-foot high-speed catamaran to explore beautiful Paterson Inlet, admiring Big Glory Bay, Kaipipi Bay, native forest and rugged beaches. Ulva Island & Guided Walk: Explore Ulva Island wildlife sanctuary, known for its rare bird and plant species. You may even catch glimpses of the secretive kaka or wekas. Village and Bays Tour: Enjoy a guided mini-bus tour with photo stops and short walks, exploring Stewart Island’s natural beauty and key sights like Lee Bay and Observation Rock.

The rugged West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island offers some of the country’s most stunning scenery. You’ll cruise through Fiordland National Park, which covers more than 1.2 million hectares of granite peaks, shimmering lakes, deep black fjords and spectacular waterfalls. Rudyard Kipling described Milford Sound as the ‘’eighth wonder of the world’. 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 may like to join your fellow guests on the Observation Terrace to watch the magic unfold over a cocktail.

Captain Cook named Doubtful Sound in 1770, because the entrance looked too small and so he chose not to sail in it. Over the centuries, it has kept its stunning beauty well-hidden and even today remains a place of serenity. Cruise close to craggy cliffs rising from the water, looking out for bottlenose dolphins and the Fiordland Crested Penguin. Continue south to Dusky Sound, one of the largest fjords in New Zealand, stretching for 40 kilometres. It’s accessible only by air or sea, meaning very few tourists get to experience its majesty.

Today 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 ocean. Or you could start the day with an invigorating work out in the gym or a complimentary class in the PURE: 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 eight 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 are happening in the state-of-the-art on board theatre and learn more about upcoming ports, wildlife, or activities on offer.

Arrive this morning at Akaroa, 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. Akaroa is also home to a sparkling harbour frequented by rare Hector’s dolphins, an historic lighthouse and is surrounded by rippling green hillside. Back on board, tonight could be the night you enjoy Sushi @ Koko’s (available by reservation) with your new friends. Stay up late in the bar or retire to the library for a moment of blissful solitude before bed. Freechoice: Canterbury Sheep Farm Experience: Get an insight into New Zealand’s famous sheep industry. See shearing, sheep dogs and typical farm life. Punting on the Avon & Wine: Take a leisurely cruise in a flat-bottomed boat along Christchurch’s scenic Avon River. Then visit Melton Estate Winery for a tasting. Akaroa Harbour Wildlife Cruise: Discover the adorable and playful Hector’s dolphins, found only in NZ waters. (Wildlife sightings not guaranteed). Akaroa Walking Tour: Enjoy a delightful 45-minute walking tour of Akaroa, strolling through the centre of the town, up a local lookout and along the picturesque waterfront.

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 also an ideal place for wildlife encounters. Whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in these waters, and an impressive array of seabirds fill the air, including the mighty albatross. Freechoice: Kaikoura Whale Watch Cruise: Venture into the Pacifics depths for awe-inspiring encounters with magnificent sperm whales while expert guides share their insights. Albatross Encounter Cruise: Discover Kaikoura’s renowned birdlife on a 2.5-hour tour. Guides will throw chum into the water to attract albatross and more. Kaikoura Sightseeing Overview: Explore Kaikouras stunning seaside on a three-hour tour. Enjoy a bush walk, visit Ohau Stream and Ohau Point, and see a fur seal colony. Capture beautiful vistas at a dedicated photo stop. Kaikoura Coastal Panorama Walk: The half-day walking tour visits a main lookout with stunning mountain and ocean views, Fyffe House, and a seal colony.

Scenic Eclipse II will call at two ports in Tasman Bay today. Kaiteriteri is arguably New Zealand’s most beautiful beach, a perfect arc of golden sand fronting startlingly blue water. 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 to the city of Nelson, one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand. It’s bursting with open-air cafes, bustling markets, breweries, cycling trails and the pretty Botanic Gardens. Enjoy a late departure tonight, giving you a chance to experience a little Kiwi hospitality after dark. Freechoice: Kaiteriteri Cruise & 3hr Nature Walk: Cruise to Anchorage Beach in Abel Tasman National Park for a guided walk, learning about the park’s wildlife and admiring coastal views. Youll be transferred by coach to Nelson. Cruise & Beach Stop: Sail to Anchorage Beach in Abel Tasman National Park, meet your guide, enjoy bird songs, and trek to Pitt Head for coastal views. Youll be transferred by coach to Nelson. Nelson Walking Tour: Join a guided walk-through historic Nelson, New Zealand’s second oldest city and culture capital. Soak up the village atmosphere that makes it so popular. Nelson Panoramic and Gravity Winery: Explore Nelson with city views, a cathedral stop, and panoramic lookout, then enjoy a wine tasting at Gravity Cellars in the scenic Moutere Hills. Conclude with a relaxing drive through valleys and along the coast past Haulashore Island and Fifeshire Rock. Founders Heritage Village with Nelson sights: Explore Nelson’s heritage at Founders Heritage Park with its vintage buildings and artisan shops, then visit the cathedral and enjoy panoramic views from the city’s highest point. Return via scenic Rocks Road, passing Haulashore Island and Fifeshire Rock.

It’s worth waking up early this morning so you can experience Marlborough Sounds. Ask the butler to bring you coffee to your suite so you can soak it in from your private verandah. Spend the morning in Picton, a picturesque town that 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 museum inside the Edwin Fox convict ship dry docked offshore. Picton is a short drive from the famous Marlborough wine region, which produces around two-thirds of New Zealand’s wine. Freechoice: Queen Charlotte Sounds Explorer: Cruise through the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound, enjoying commentary from your friendly guide, and explore Arapawa Island, formerly a whaling base and now flourishing with aquaculture. Marlborough Sounds Link Pathway Walk: Follow the new Link Pathway on a guided walk. Admire views of Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Sound and look for native birds. Wines of Marlborough: Discover New Zealands wine country on a scenic tour from Picton. Enjoy stunning views and a wine tasting in the Marlborough region. Seafood Odyssea: Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound, enjoying local delicacies and scenic views. Learn about the regions history and wildlife. Knights of the Sky and Dangerous Skies: Start your scenic tour in Picton with a drive through wine country to the Omaka Heritage Centre, home to immersive aviation exhibitions. Then, enjoy a sweet stop at the Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory for locally made treats.

Later this morning youll arrive in Napier, and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back almost 100 years. In 1931, the centre of the town was razed by an earthquake and then rebuilt in the Art Deco style of the day. It retains all the charm and style of its heyday with the largest collection of authentic Art Deco buildings on Earth. Freechoice: Cape Kidnappers & Gannet Safari: Drive along Hawke’s Bay coast to the gannet colony. See them dive into the sea and keep an eye out for newly hatched chicks. Hawkes Bay Express: Explore Napier on a modern road train travelling along Main Street, admiring early settler’s homes, visiting the old port village and hearing stories of the past. A Tale of Two Hawkes Bay Wineries: Enjoy a panoramic drive through Hawke’s Bay coast, stopping at two award-winning wineries. Art Deco City Walking Tour: Discover Napiers Art Deco highlights, starting with a short film about the 1931 earthquake followed by a guided walking tour of the city centre. Pinot and Pecorino: Departing from Napier, youll journey to Craggy Range Sheep Dairy for a behind-the-scenes look at sheep milking, followed by a tasting of award-winning cheese paired with local wine. Enjoy breathtaking views and a scenic drive back.

Perhaps you’d like to visit the gym today for an invigorating workout or join a Pilates class, some guided stretching or aerial yoga. Alternatively, spend some time today relaxing in the Vitality thermal lounge, where you can explore Nordic bathing experiences, infra-red saunas, and chromo-therapy pressure showers. This afternoon, settle in at one of spacious bars and lounges across Scenic Eclipse II to enjoy your beverage of choice. There is an open-air bar on Deck 10 beside the Vitality Pool; it’s the ideal place to relax with a cocktail. The Observation Lounge and Terrace occupies a commanding position at the bow of the ship on Deck 5 and is the perfect place for a specialty tea or coffee while reading a book, playing a board game and watching the world float by through Swarovski telescopes.

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 packed with fascinating museums, world-class art galleries and stylish shops featuring local designers. Savour one last delightful breakfast on board, reminiscing on the unforgettable moments shared during your journey. Bid farewell to your fellow guests and the Scenic Eclipse II crew, then disembark to continue your travels or begin your journey home. Please book your flight to depart out of Auckland after 12:00 PM. #Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits.    The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.