With a stunning, meandering coastline and the vast majority of the ‘must see’ places being either on the coast or close by in the hinterland, New Zealand is uniquely suited to small ship cruising, and there isn’t a vessel more perfect for our exploration than the Coral Adventurer which we have exclusively chartered for this journey.
With vast open spaces filled with stunning rugged landscapes and a temperate climate, New Zealand is a land of rare natural beauty and contrasts. There are steep-sided fiords, geysers and boiling mud, coastal rainforests, snow-capped mountains, rolling green pasture lands, often spectacular geothermal activity, enchanting sandy bays and coves, fast flowing rivers and a variety of birdlife. By contrast, in the cities and towns you can experience that unique combination of New World and British heritage, see some splendid gardens, visit wonderful vineyards, encounter fascinating wildlife and meet the friendly people.
We have devised our itinerary which explores both North and South Islands, on the basis that most travellers from the UK will only tour New Zealand once and the trip should therefore be as comprehensive and as full of contrasts as possible. We will explore the beautiful city of Napier with its Art Deco buildings, discover historic Dunedin with its rich blend of both Māori and Scottish heritage and visit the nation’s capital of Wellington. For scenic splendour we spend time in the Bay of Islands, explore the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, visit the Abel Tasman National Park, cruise through the Marlborough Sounds which divide New Zealand’s islands, sail around the renowned World Heritage region of the Fiordland National Park, one of the world’s most spectacular natural landscapes and stroll through the serene forests of Ulva Island.
All this is best achieved travelling by a small ship and with the Coral Adventurer we can drop anchor in remote bays, navigate channels and fiords and call into harbours both large and small. With the unique Xplorer tender vessels and the Zodiac landing craft on board we will be able to land in otherwise inaccessible places, making the most of New Zealand’s extraordinary natural attractions. We will also learn of New Zealand’s colourful and dramatic history and at the end of each day, return to the Coral Adventurer and indulge in the delights of the celebrated cuisine and wine along with the convivial company of fellow passengers.
Coral Adventurer
For our small ship adventures in Australia and New Zealand, we have chosen to partner with Coral Expeditions and their vessel the Coral Adventurer which was purpose built to explore the remote and tropical regions of Australasia. An Australian-owned and operated company established over forty years ago, Coral Expeditions share our passion for small ships and our aim of bringing small groups of like-minded travellers to some of most beautiful and culturally fascinating places in the world accompanied by a team of experts and in a high degree of comfort.
We have exclusively chartered the Coral Adventurer which was launched in 2019 and is simply the perfect small ship for the region. Accommodating a maximum of 120 passengers (limited to just 100 for our exclusive charters) and featuring a shallow draft and high manoeuvrability, the vessel can navigate inaccessible reef systems, rivers and shores which are out of reach to larger vessels. In addition to a fleet of Zodiacs, the Coral Adventurer carries two unique Xplorer tenders which provide guests with unrivalled access to nature with ease. The atmosphere on board is relaxed and informal with the focus being on exploration and the excellent Australian crew are dedicated to providing attentive hospitality with a warm and relaxed Australian style.
Itinerary
Day 1 London or Manchester to Auckland, New Zealand.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 En-Route.
Day 3 Auckland.
Arrive into Auckland and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure.
Day 4 Auckland.
This morning you may choose to relax in the hotel or join a morning city tour including the Domain and the excellent Auckland Museum which overlooks Waitemata Harbour and houses the world’s largest collection of Polynesian artefacts. We will meet for a light lunch before transferring to the Coral Adventurer to embark.
Day 5 Bay of Islands.
Discovered by Captain Cook in 1769, this area is the cradle of European civilisation in New Zealand and has important historical significance for both Māori and Europeans. The Coral Adventurer will be at anchor and we will transfer ashore aboard the Xplorer. During our guided morning tour we will visit the Waitangi Treaty House where in 1840 the treaty was signed between the Māori and the British Crown. We then continue to Kerikeri, where the Māori first welcomed missionaries in 1819, and see the oldest buildings of New Zealand dating from the 1820s. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the charming, historic town of Russell.
Day 6 Whitianga, Coromandel Peninsula.
After a morning at sea we arrive at our anchorage off the small town of Whitianga, our base to explore the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. Named after the HMS Coromandel which called here in 1820 to take on timber supplies, the area built its trade on timber and gold mining. We will transfer ashore using the Xplorer launch vessel and drive the short distance to the ‘Driving Creek Railway’, a narrow gauge bush and mountain railway. Once on board the train, we will cross ten bridges and pass through three tunnels as it climbs to the Eyefull Tower viewing platform which offers wonderful views over the Harauki Gulf. On our return to Whitianga we will make a stop at the historically significant Wharekaho Beach. It was here local chiefs welcomed British explorer Captain James Cook and botanist Joseph Banks to their shores in 1769. Under the ancient sprawling Pohutukawa tree that still reaches along the beach today, Ngati Hei warmly acknowledged the crew of the Endeavour with the very first official ceremony (Powhiri) recorded in New Zealand.
Day 7 Tauranga for Rotorua.
From our berth in Tauranga we drive inland to the famous thermal springs at Rotorua. Discover Wai-O-Tapu, meaning Sacred Waters, an active geothermal area with colourful hot springs, steaming ground and boiling mud pools. Marvel at the incredible palette of vibrant hues displayed in the pools, lakes and craters, and enjoy the melodic sounds of birds singing in the native forest. From here we visit a Māori marae where we will enjoy a traditional Māori welcome and lunch before returning to the ship in the late afternoon.
Day 8 Gisborne.
Spend the morning cruising to Gisborne, where Captain James Cook first made landfall in New Zealand in 1769. This afternoon a scenic drive takes us along the seafront, past the Captain Cook monument, then out into the beautiful countryside through stunning scenery of hills, valleys, farmlands, orchards and vineyards to the Eastwoodhill Arboretum, the National Arboretum of New Zealand which encompasses over 131 hectares planted in exotic and native trees, shrubs and climbers. The collection was planted by Douglas Cook and is regarded as the largest and most comprehensive collection of Northern Hemisphere trees south of the equator. In 2017 the immense collection of trees at Eastwoodhill was recognised as a ‘Garden of National Significance’ with a five-star rating by the New Zealand Gardens Trust. After a short introduction there will be a choice of walks from flat, tree-lined paths to walks skirting the higher ridges around the arboretum with great views of Douglas Park and Glen Douglas.
Day 9 Napier.
Arrive this morning in Napier and join a tour of this beautiful town including its charming Art Deco buildings. Totally rebuilt after the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake, Napier’s Art Deco is unique, with Māori motifs and the buildings of Louis Hay, admirer of the great Frank Lloyd Wright. We also visit a local vineyard to sample the region’s wines. Alternatively join the excursion to the gannetry at Cape Kidnappers, a 13 hectare reserve which is home to the saddle and black reef gannet colonies.
Day 10 Resolution Bay & Ship Cove.
This morning we will sail through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds which divide the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Arrive in the early afternoon at Resolution Bay on the South Island where keen walkers can enjoy a longer hike over to Ship Cove along the Queen Charlotte Track enjoying fantastic views over the archipelago of islands. Alternatively you can choose to alight a little later at Ship Cove where Captain James Cook spent much of his time in New Zealand. View the monument dedicated to Cook or maybe walk the forest trail to the nearby waterfall.
Day 11 Abel Tasman National Park & Nelson.
There will be a choice of excursions today. Choose to disembark after breakfast to visit Abel Tasman, New Zealand’s smallest national park, protecting over 23,000 hectares of the most easily accessible coastline in the country. Enjoy a coastal walk and scenic cruise with excellent wildlife opportunities including seal colonies and numerous aquatic birds including penguins. Alternatively enjoy a morning exploring Nelson which has for many years attracted resident artists. There are more than 350 working artists and craftspeople living in Nelson and their work is often inspired by the region’s exceptionally beautiful geography incorporating coastal, forest and valley landscapes. Join a guided tour of the area’s highlights or maybe take a walk along the riverside to the Queens Garden.
Day 12 Wellington.
Returning to the North Island we spend the day in Wellington, the nation’s capital. From our central berth we will explore the city on a guided walk and see St Paul’s Cathedral, the parliament buildings, stroll through the Botanical Gardens and take a ride on the iconic cable car which offers panoramic views over the city. After the tour, you can choose to visit the impressive Te Papa National Museum of New Zealand and enjoy lunch ashore independently or return to the vessel for lunch followed by an afternoon at leisure to explore further at your own pace.
Day 13 Akaroa.
Akaroa meaning, ‘Long Harbour’, in Māori, was founded by French whaling Captain Jean Langlois on his ship Cachelot in 1838. He returned in 1840 with 60 settlers on the Comte de Paris to create a French colony. Arriving over lunch we will spend the afternoon here and there will be a choice of excursions including a dolphin watching trip using local boats to explore the scenic coastline and search for the rare Hector’s dolphin or a guided historic walk in Akaroa and through the native bush of the Garden of Tane.
Day 14 Dunedin.
Arrive this morning in Dunedin and enjoy a guided tour including the gracious 19th century buildings and the beautiful botanical gardens, the oldest in New Zealand containing over 6,800 plant species. Alternatively choose to drive to the Otago Peninsula where we board local boats to view Tairoa Head, the world’s only mainland albatross nesting place. We may also see fur seals on the rocks or be joined by dolphins around our boats. Continue to the Royal Albatross Centre where we can learn more about these fascinating birds. After lunch on board, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to discover more of Dunedin at your own pace.
Day 15 Stewart Island.
New Zealand’s third island is well off the usual beaten tourist track. It is a wonderfully tranquil place, the scenery of untouched bushland is stunning. We will enjoy a morning on the small Ulva Island where we will use Zodiacs to go ashore for a choice of walks with our local guides. We will explore the dense vegetation and keep an eye out for the amazing birdlife. This afternoon we land at Oban on Stewart Island and will have the chance to wander amongst the shops and see the museum or join a drive along some of the 15 miles of sealed road to some of the beauty spots including Observation Rock with views over Iona andUlva Island and the beaches lining the east coast.
Days 16 & 17 Fiordland.
We have two days to explore the incredible wilderness of the fiords in the southwest corner of the South Island. This is an area rich in history, Captain Cook landed here on HMS Resolution in 1773, majestic scenery and abundant wildlife. The area is only accessible by sea, making it the most remote region of New Zealand. Our schedule may include Astronomer’s Point, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound but final itinerary decisions will be made by the Captain and Expedition Leader based on weather conditions. The Xplorers and Zodiacs will be used to transfer from the ship to a landing site, or as our transport to explore the fiords beyond the ship’s anchorage position.
Day 18 Bluff to Christchurch.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Christchurch. On arrival we will check into a hotel before an afternoon city tour during which we will view the Southern Alps from the Port Hills and ride a restored tram. The remainder of the day will be free for independent exploration.
Day 19 Christchurch to London or Manchester.
Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London or Manchester.
Day 20 London.
Arrive this morning.
Ship to Shore: This voyage is a combination of both expedition style cruising and small ship destination cruising. Whilst we will be alongside in most ports, we will be at anchor in Paihia, Whitianga, Ship Cove, Akaroa, Stewart Island and Fiordland. The vessel’s Xplorers and Zodiacs will be utilised to transport passengers ashore and to explore the more remote regions we will be visiting. The use of the Xplorers and Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the itinerary as shown. If you have any queries pertaining to the use of Zodiacs or the level of fitness required for this voyage please do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 29 November to 18 December 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Promenade Stateroom with picture window | £13995 | £13495 |
| Explorer Stateroom with private balcony | £15495 | £14995 |
| Bridge Stateroom with private balcony | £16495 | £15995 |
| Bridge Suite with private balcony | £17995 | £17495 |
| Coral Stateroom with porthole for sole use | £14495 | £13995 |
Tour Reference Code: SCCA291126
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel accommodation in Auckland & Christchurch with breakfast • 14 nights aboard the Coral Adventurer on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Onboard Team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (eTA), dinner on days 3 & 18.
Ship to Shore: This voyage is a combination of both expedition style cruising and small ship destination cruising. Whilst we will be alongside in most ports, we will be at anchor in Paihia, Whitianga, Ship Cove, Akaroa, Stewart Island and Fiordland. The vessel’s Xplorers and Zodiacs will be utilised to transport passengers ashore and to explore the more remote regions we will be visiting. The use of the Xplorers and Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the itinerary as shown. If you have any queries pertaining to the use of Zodiacs or the level of fitness required for this voyage please do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
Coral Adventurer
For our small ship adventures in Australia and New Zealand, we have chosen to partner with Coral Expeditions and their vessel the Coral Adventurer which was purpose built to explore the remote and tropical regions of Australasia. An Australian-owned and operated company established over forty years ago, Coral Expeditions share our passion for small ships and our aim of bringing small groups of like-minded travellers to some of most beautiful and culturally fascinating places in the world accompanied by a team of experts and in a high degree of comfort.
We have exclusively chartered the Coral Adventurer which was launched in 2019 and is simply the perfect small ship for the region. Accommodating a maximum of 120 passengers (limited to just 100 for our exclusive charters) and featuring a shallow draft and high manoeuvrability, the vessel can navigate inaccessible reef systems, rivers and shores which are out of reach to larger vessels. In addition to a fleet of Zodiacs, the Coral Adventurer carries two unique Xplorer tenders which provide guests with unrivalled access to nature with ease. The atmosphere on board is relaxed and informal with the focus being on exploration and the excellent Australian crew are dedicated to providing attentive hospitality with a warm and relaxed Australian style.
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Information Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the ship or click on the adjacent Directory to download. SHIP TECHNICAL DETAILS
Passengers: 120 (limited to 100 for Noble Caledonia charters)
Length: 93.4 metres
Width: 17.2 metres
Registered: Australia
Crew: 48
Year Built: 2019
Language: English
Gross Tonnage: 5516AIR-CONDITIONING
The entire ship is air-conditioned. All cabins feature individual temperature controls. In order to keep the air-conditioning system working efficiently, please keep doors closed when in use.BRIDGE
There is an open bridge policy on board. Coral Adventurer features a navigator lounge to provide guests with a view of ship operations. All guests are welcome in the bridge at any time unless otherwise advised by one of the officers.CABINS
On board there are 60 spacious and well-designed staterooms and suites. All staterooms feature a junior king size bed, en-suite bathroom, wardrobe, desk and armchair. The two suites have a super king sized bed, separate bath and shower and a lounge area.• Staterooms on the Coral Deck are 17 square metres and feature a porthole window.
• Staterooms on the Promenade Deck are 17 square metres and feature a large picture window.
• Staterooms on the Explorer and Bridge Deck are 21.4 square metres and feature private balconies with chairs.
• Suites on the Bridge Deck are 55.8 square metres and feature a private balcony with sun loungers.All staterooms and suites feature the following amenities:
• Electrical outlet.
• Hairdryer.
• Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled).
• Toiletries: body wash, hand soap, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion.
• Telephone.
The beds in each stateroom can be configured as either a double or twin (suites feature a fixed super king bed). Please advise the Reservations Department at Noble Caledonia or the Reception on board what configuration you require.COMMUNICATIONS
Satellite Internet & Wi-Fi
While travelling through remote areas, you may not have access to Internet/mobile reception through your own provider for extended periods of time. The Coral Adventurer is equipped with advanced satellite and 4G broadband connectivity providing reliable and high-speed service when exploring remote areas. Complimentary access to standard Wi-Fi will be available to all guests and there is also the option to purchase a package upgrade enabling access to higher bandwidth.Internet access on the ship is contracted by Coral Expeditions to an external industry service provider and is a satellite connection. While every effort is made to ensure uninterrupted service, from time to time there may be disrupted service due to lack of satellite coverage or other technical issues that are beyond our control. Internet access is best in public areas but not guaranteed in staterooms due to the steel structure of the ship.DAILY PROGRAMME
A Daily Programme outlining excursion information, meal hours, and onboard activities for the following day will be delivered to your cabin each evening during turn down. The Expedition Leader will also provide information on the next day’s activities at pre-dinner drinks each evening.DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department. We regret that not all dietary requirements can be guaranteed although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board, please speak to the Chef or the Maitre D’ at dinner on your first night on board to reconfirm your needs.DINING & DRINKING
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the Restaurant. Complimentary tea and coffee are available 24 hours a day. House wine, beer and soft drinks are included at lunch
and dinner. The Coral Adventurer operates an open seating policy which greatly enhances the convivial atmosphere on board. Room service is not available on board and as the ship operates an open seating policy, reservations cannot be made. Please note that passengers are not permitted to consume their own supplies of alcohol on board. Fresh drinking water is available on board at water stations. There are fully stocked bars on board with an excellent selection of beers, wines, and spirits. Bar hours are 10:00 am to midnight.DOCTOR
There is no doctor on board. The ship has a number of First Aiders in the crew to deal with medical issues. Sea sickness tablets are available from Reception.DRESS CODE
The dress code on board is defined as casual. During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. The evenings are smart casual. Jackets and ties are not required. However, we kindly ask you to refrain from wearing shorts during evening meals in the Restaurant. It is recommended to wear footwear at all times whilst on board.ELECTRICITY
Voltage on board Coral Adventurer is 220/250v, 50Hz AC (standard Australian 3 pin plug). A slanted 2-pin adapter plug will work while on board, however, with the 3rd pin missing, the item will not be grounded. A limited number of adapters are available on board but we recommend you bring your own if required. Please check your equipment to be sure you bring what is necessary for your personal needs. Bathrooms on board Coral Adventurer are equipped with both 110V and 200/240V outlets for electric shavers only.GRATUITIES
All gratuities to the ship’s crew and whilst on excursions are included in your cruise price.GYM
Located on the Explorer Deck, the gym has aerobic and weight-lifting equipment as well as room for stretching and yoga.KEYS
Coral Adventurer operate a “no key” policy for safety reasons on board. If required, our Purser will care for any of your valuable items in the ship’s safe.LAUNDRY SERVICE
Limited laundering services are available on board. Laundry bags and forms are stored in your wardrobe for collection by Housekeeping. Charges for this service will be posted to your onboard account. As the service is for laundering only, ironing services are not provided. Mini ironing boards and irons are available from Reception.LIFT
Coral Adventurer is equipped with a lift on all accommodation levels, however all guests must be able to make their own way up and down stairs in case of an emergency.LOST PROPERTY
Before you disembark the ship, please check your cabin to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and to advise of any associated costs.ONBOARD ACCOUNT
All passengers will have their own “ship account” which allows you to sign a receipt for any expenses and then settle your bill at the Reception Desk at the end of the cruise. You will need to register your card at Reception shortly after sailing. If you are sharing a cabin with a friend and would like separate bills, please inform Reception. Prices on board are shown in Australian Dollars and your final account will be presented in Australian Dollars. Your ship’s account can be paid by cash (Australian Dollars) or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express).QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us therefore before your cruise ends, you will receive a questionnaire. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday experience and appreciate the time you take to complete the questionnaire. Kindly hand your completed questionnaire in to a Noble Caledonia staff member.SAFETY DRILL & SAFETY
International Maritime Law requires a lifeboat safety drill to take place prior to sailing. Upon boarding, you will be briefed about the emergency procedures and given tips for how to move about the vessel in rough conditions. Throughout the cruise, safety announcements will be made via the public address system and can be heard throughout the ship. Always listen to the advice of the Captain, Purser, and onboard team.SMOKING POLICY
Smoking is permitted only in the designated smoking area. There is a no smoking policy throughout the interior of the ship. There is a total smoking ban when travelling on tender vessels and refuelling.ZODIAC & XPLORER TENDERS
Coral Adventurer features two trademark Xplorer tenders, which seat all passengers and facilitate comfortable shore excursions, and six Zodiacs for more intrepid exploration.
Xplorer ONE and Xplorer TWO – Coral Adventurer’s lightweight dual Xplorer tenders, a trademark feature of all Coral Expeditions vessels, extend the capabilities of the ship by allowing deeper exploration on shore excursions. These ‘safari jeeps’ of the sea are fast, sturdy, comfortable and developed to allow easy disembarkation onto remote shores. Located on a hydraulic platform at the stern, passengers are able to walk straight onto the tender from the deck. Xplorers are equipped with shelter and toilet facilities.
Zodiacs - Coral Adventurer carries six inflatable landing craft (Zodiacs). Designed for expeditions, these large, heavy duty inflatables are extremely safe and manoeuvrable. The flat bottom design permits these crafts to land directly onto beaches.Please note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
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Deck Plan
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Coral Adventurer Ship Tour Video
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