Ultimate New Zealand & South Pacific Discovery

Port Chalmers is the port for the city of Dunedin, the oldest European settlement in New Zealand, which was founded in 1848. Sitting 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 on board your 6-star, ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht and be warmly welcomed by the crew. Meet your personal butler and settle into your spacious suite. Meet your fellow guests over a glass of chilled champagne in the Observation Lounge, toasting to the start of a wonderful journey. Please book your flight to arrive into Dunedin prior to 02:00 PM.

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.

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.

This small and charming town on the east coast of the South Island was settled by the French in 1840. While the French didn’t stay, they left a legacy in the way of cuisine. Two of the town’s main ‘Rues’ (streets) are dotted with bistros selling the likes of escargot, Normandy-style mussels and French pastries. 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 with your new friends. Stay up late in the bar or retire to the library for a moment of blissful solitude before bed.

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.

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.  

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.

Start your day with freshly squeezed juice or coffee delivered by your butler. Enjoy a quiet morning spent on your sumptuous verandah to soak up the sunshine. Later this morning you will 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. Tonight, settle in at the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar to enjoy your beverage of choice, whether it be aged whiskey—there are over 130 varieties—or a glass of wine, while reflecting on the days discoveries.

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 a 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.

As the gateway to New Zealands stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, Auckland welcomes you with open arms. New Zealand’s most populous city is an energetic mix of urban life and natural beauty. This eclectic city is made up of many distinctive neighbourhoods. Soak up the charm of Ponsonby, known for its mishmash of cuisines and heritage architecture. Wander the nine blocks of Britomart, a once-neglected industrial area turned hip and happening neighbourhood. Or head harbourside to shopping and dining precincts Commerical Bay and Viaduct Harbour.

The Bay of Islands is one of the world’s most spectacular sailing destinations, so make sure you’re on your verandah or the Observation Terrace as you arrive early this 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 II will anchor off the coast of Paihia, the first seaport in New Zealand, dating back to the early 1800s. Today it’s famous for watersports, offering kayaking, fishing, parasailing, scuba diving, sailing and more. Nearby is the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the foundation document of New Zealand was signed in 1840.

After a restorative night of rest in your ultra-luxury suite, take some time to explore the ship and familiarise yourself with all the areas on board. Visit the Sky Bar and outdoor Vitality pool on Deck 10.   Step into the tranquil Senses Spa# on Deck 6 with its steam rooms, saunas, plunge pool and KLAFS Salt Therapy Lounge. Take in the view through the Swarovski telescopes on the Observation Terrace, then stop for a coffee or a cocktail at one of the truly all-inclusive bars and lounges on board.

Roughly halfway between New Zealand and Australia, this tiny island is an outlying self-governing Australian territory with a tumultuous past. Claimed by Captain James Cook for the British in 1774, it was settled as a convict colony in 1788 and became known as Hell in the Pacific. In 1855, Queen Victoria gave the island to the descendants of the Bounty mutineers, who had outgrown their home on Pitcairn Island. Today, Norfolk remains a wild place, with dramatic landscapes, towering pines and pounding surf. Perfect for relaxation and exploration, youll discover a charming small town with rich history. Explore World Heritage-listed ruins and the gorgeous St Barnabas Chapel.

Today, enjoy some relaxation at sea. Join your new friends over a meal at the Azure Bar & Café with beautiful indoor and outdoor seating. Scenic Eclipse II’s all-inclusive premium beverages ensure you’ll find something that pairs perfectly with your food.   Tonights entertainment at the state-of-the-art theatre will give you another opportunity to appreciate the magical moments on board your Discovery Yacht before you retreat to your supremely comfortable Scenic Slumber Bed. Alternatively, choose to dine in the comfort of your suite and have your evening nightcap brought by the butler, choosing from a range of premium wines, beers and spirits.

The highest island in the New Caledonian archipelago, Maré lures guests with its unmatched scenery. The wildest of the Loyalty Islands, it is a place of dramatic cliffs, dense forests and impressive rocky headlands.   In between, the coast is ringed with white sand beaches fringed with coconut palms and turquoise waters. There is excellent snorkelling straight off the beach, with pristine corals and brilliantly coloured fish. For adventures onshore, there are glorious clifftop hikes offering spectacular views.

Look out for smoke in the air as you approach Tanna this morning. Mount Yasur is regarded as the world’s most accessible active volcano, regularly shooting sparks into the sky. Captain James Cook first observed ash eruptions in 1774, and the mountain is considered a sacred area by members of the island’s John Frum Cargo Cult, who believe their deity resides inside. Be welcomed ashore by the community as you listen to the women’s choir and watch local performances. Visit Mount Yasur, walk up a trail up to the rim and peer into the fiery depths of the volcano’s crater.

After a couple of days of exploration, the day is yours to spend exactly as you wish. Perhaps ask the butler for breakfast in bed, or enjoy a quiet morning spent on your sumptuous verandah to soak in the tropical sun. Stretch out in a gentle yoga or Pilates class or cool off in the Vitality pool. This afternoon, try the private cabanas on Deck 10 or the comfy chairs in the Observation Lounge in Deck 5, where you’ll be enchanted by the endless horizons of the ocean from the panoramic glass windows.

Discover the vibrant Port Denarau on Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. This is the gateway to Fijis most stylish resorts and the stunning Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. With its lively marina, upscale shopping and array of dining options, Port Denarau offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Explore nearby attractions like the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club or set off into the sparkling ocean for snorkelling, diving and water sports.  Scenic Eclipse II will be staying overnight at Port Denarau, so head to the Sky Bar this evening for a sunset cocktail as you look out over this tropical paradise.

This tiny island in the Mamanucas will give you a taste of authentic Fijian life. Home to around 500 people, it welcomes guests with its serene beauty and warm hospitality. Explore pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling.   Meet with the friendly locals and experience Fijian traditions, such as a kava ceremony. Embark on guided nature walks to discover lush tropical forests and native wildlife.

Your journey concludes this morning in Lautoka, the second largest city in Fiji. Set on the western side of the island of Viti Levu, just north of Nadi, it’s the gateway to Fiji’s Sun Coast a pleasant mix of sugar-cane fields, grass-covered peaks, rural villages and market towns. After a final sumptuous breakfast, farewell your new friends and Scenic Eclipse II crew, taking with you memories that will last a lifetime. Please book your flight to depart out of Nadi after 12:00 PM. #Spa treatments at additional cost.   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.