If you are going to travel half way around the world, you need a good reason, and what better reason could you have than the desire to visit one of the most beautiful places on earth? New Zealand is a land of stunning landscape and warm people, which is why it is always high on travellers’ wish lists. With vast open spaces filled with stunning rugged landscapes, gorgeous beaches, often spectacular geothermal and volcanic activity, a temperate climate and fascinating animal and plant life, New Zealand is a land of rare natural beauty and breathtaking contrasts.

We commence our exploration of this fascinating country in Queenstown where we have ample time to explore the city before setting sail from the spectacular Milford Sound where we see towering peaks and cascading waterfalls. We venture to the incredible wilderness of Fjordland where our nimble Zodiacs allow us to discover the inlets and bays of the most remote region of New Zealand. We visit Stewart Island to admire the abundant birdlife, explore the 19th century architecture of Dunedin and look out for penguins, dolphins and whales in the bay of Akaroa and Kaikoura.

A circumnavigation of the North Island, offers the unusual opportunity to visit the lesser known west coast of northern New Zealand. We call into the quaint city of New Plymouth, explore the Waipoua Kauri Forest, one of the largest remaining tracts of native forest in Northland, and discover the awe-inspiring scenery of the Bay of Islands. We visit the iconic cities of Auckland, Napier and Wellington and journey to the thermal springs at Rotorua, a myriad of gurgling mudpools, steaming ground and expansive vistas.

Although this cruise is not classified as expeditionary, on some days it will be necessary to use the Zodiac landing craft to access remote ports and land ashore.