New Zealand In Depth

Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand. You’ll begin your journey in Queenstown, with some time at leisure and an overnight stay before you meet your ship. Queenstown is renowned as New Zealand’s outdoor and adventure capital, offering everything from hiking and biking to watersports, horse riding, white water rafting and even bungee jumping. You might like to spend a few nights here before the start of your journey to experience the Kiwi’s taste for adventure.

This morning you will depart Queenstown for the drive to Milford Sound. 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, Doubtful and Dusky sounds, the beauty of these fiords with their snow-capped peaks, lush green cliffs, and gushing waterfalls will inspire. And one more wonder awaits you; the 6-star, ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht Scenic Eclipse II. Step aboard to be greeted with a glass of champagne, then your butler will show you to your suite. 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.

Today you will cruise south into Doubtful Sound. It was named by explorer Captain Cook in 1770; he chose not to sail in because the entrance looked too small and so dubbed it ‘doubtful’. Over the centuries, it has kept its stunning beauty well-hidden and even today remains a place of serenity. In fact, the Maori name for the sound is Patea, which means ‘place of silence’. You’ll get to sail 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 fiords 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. Cook named this one, too, when he sailed through in 1770 just as the sun was setting.

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.

Wake up this morning in Port Chalmers. This 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. Stroll the well-preserved streets to admire the grand Victorian and Edwardian architecture which harks back to a time when the city was flush with money from its own gold rush. Outside town, the surrounding Otago Peninsula is regarded as one of the country’s top wildlife and eco-tourism destinations. See the northern royal albatross in its natural habitat, be charmed by the tiny Little Blue and Yellow-eyed penguins, and watch fur seals and sea lions snooze on the beach.

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.

Step ashore today and you will soon see why they call this city Windy Wellington. The New Zealand capital is often named the windiest city in the world, thanks to its position on the edge of the Cook Strait, between New Zealand’s two islands, right in the middle of the Roaring Forties. On the plus side, wind turbines generate all the city’s electricity and there’s no pollution as it is immediately blown away. Wellington is a compact city with an attractive, easy-to-walk centre and its own distinctive sense of style. As well as the official buildings of state, like the distinctive Beehive Parliament Building, you’ll find plenty of designer boutiques, chic homewares stores, excellent restaurants, laneway cafes and buzzing craft breweries. Wellington is packed with museums and galleries, plus sculpture walks along the foreshore and an ever-changing crop of street art. It’s also New Zealand’s movie-making capital, thanks to ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ films created at the fascinating Weta Workshop, earning it a second nickname: Wellywood.

You’ll sail north overnight, along the west coast of the North Island, arriving at the port of New Plymouth this morning. Sitting in the shadow of the conical shape of Mount Taranaki, it’s a sunny city where the locals like to spend as much time as they can outside. New Plymouth is also home to some of New Zealand’s best cultural institutions. Puke Ariki is a combined museum, library and heritage centre that contains many fascinating local artifacts. The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre, inside a spectacular reflective steel building, is the country’s first and only museum of contemporary art. Car buffs will love the Hillsborough Holden Museum.

Today is yours to do as much or as little as you want as Scenic Eclipse II sails north towards Norfolk Island. 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.

Make the most of a second 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.

Stand on your verandah or on the Sky Deck early this morning and you’ll feel like one of the early seafaring explorers, arriving at a remote island after days at sea. This tiny dot in the middle of the South Pacific is Norfolk Island, more than 800km north-west of the New Zealand coast and almost 1,500km east of Australia. The first thing you’ll see will be the tall Norfolk pines dotted along the clifftops, looking out over windswept coastline, deserted beaches and surging seas. Though the island is technically part of Australia, it has its own distinct personality and a fascinating past. Settled just weeks after the First Fleet arrived in Sydney in 1788, the island was first used for agriculture before becoming a convict prison famed for its harsh treatment of prisoners. In the 1850s, the island was given to the Pitcairn Islanders, descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives. This turbulent history has created a unique culture and language that’s a blend of 18th century English and Polynesian.

Enjoy another luxurious day at sea as Scenic Eclipse II sails back to New Zealand. Today could be the perfect time to relax and recharge in the indulgent Senses Spa on Deck 6. Inside this luxurious retreat you can be pampered with a range of ESPA treatments^ including massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, as well as alternative therapies like Tibetan bowl sound healing. After your treatment, cool off in the Vitality plunge pool on the Senses Spa Pool Deck or warm up in the exclusive KLAFS Salt Therapy Lounge, where heated beds have special healing properties. You’ll also find saunas, steam rooms, therapeutic pressure showers, and a hair and beauty salon within the spa complex Once you’re ready to venture out, watch the world slip by as you relax in a cabana on Deck 10, before taking a dip in the Vitality Pool with a refreshing drink in hand. Read a book in the Observation Lounge library or take one with you and find the hanging egg chairs on Deck 7. Alternatively, ask your butler to bring afternoon tea or cocktails to your suite for you to enjoy on the private verandah while marvelling at the endless ocean.

The Bay of Islands is one of the world’s most spectacular sailing destinations, so make sure you’re on your verandah or standing on the terrace of the Observation Lounge as you arrive mid-morning. With its unique sub-tropical climate, around 150 islands and thousands of postcard-perfect coves, this is a little slice of paradise on the North Island. Scenic Eclipse will anchor off the coast of Russell, the first seaport in New Zealand, dating back to the early 1800s. The town retains much of its historic charm, with its orderly streets, whitewashed houses and the country’s oldest church, the 1835 Christ Church. You can even have a drink at New Zealand’s oldest licensed establishment, the Duke of Marlborough, that still occupies pride of place along the waterfront. Discover deserted beaches, charming villages, remote walking tracks and historic sites.

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.