The scenery, people of New Zealand and their lifestyle have enormous appeal which is why it is always high on travellers’ wish lists. The country’s 27 regions stretch more than 1600 kilometres across two main islands and offer the traveller a journey of breathtaking natural wonder. With vast open spaces filled with stunning rugged landscapes and a temperate climate, it is a land of rare natural beauty and contrasts. From the tranquil islands off the southen coast to the geothermal landscapes of the North Island, New Zealand offers a remarkable concentration of natural wonders and botanical riches. We have timed our exploration for spring in the Southern Hempishere and for those with an interest in botany have included opportunities to explore some remarkable botanical collections including the National Arboretum.
Our adventure begins with time to explore the elegant garden city of Christchurch before embarking the Coral Adventurer in Bluff and sailing along the spectacular coastline of the South Island. Along the way we will visit the tranquil wilderness of Stewart Island, explore the Scottish heritage of Dunedin and watch for marine wildlife off the shores of Kaikoura. Crossing to the North Island, our voyage continues as we discover the capital city of Wellington, the Art Deco elegance of Napier and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, before concluding in the dynamic harbour city of Auckland. Throughout our journey there will be opportunities to experience New Zealand’s remarkable wildlife, from albatross and dolphins to whales and native birdlife, as well as to discover its rich Māori heritage, world-renowned vineyards and spectacular coastal scenery.
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 Christchurch, New Zealand.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 En-Route.
Day 3 Christchurch.
Arrive and transfer to our hotel for a two-night stay. The remainder of the day and evening is free to acclimatise and recuperate after our flight.
Day 4 Christchurch.
After breakfast at the hotel, join a morning tour of this most English of cities where we will enjoy an overview of the city from a restored tram before taking a journey out to the Port Hills, a prominent range of volcanic hills offering panoramic views over Christchurch and the Southern Alps. Returning to Christchurch we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or for independent exploration.
Day 5 Christchurch to Bluff.
Check out of the hotel this morning and transfer to the airport for our flight to Invercargill. On arrival, transfer to the Coral Adventurer in Bluff and embark. Sail this evening.
Day 6 Ulva Island & 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 birdlife. Later we land at Oban on Stewart Island and 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 and Ulva Island and the beaches lining the East coast.
Day 7 Dunedin.
We will 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. Continue to Lanarch Castle, a Gothic-revival masterpiece built in 1871 that offers an insight into the Victorian culture of Dunedin in the late 19th century, and a chance to wander through the unique collection of specialised gardens. Alternatively choose to drive into the Otago Peninsula where we will 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. Return to Dunedin and after lunch on board, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore further at your own pace.
Day 8 Akaroa.
Akaroa meaning, ‘Long Harbour’, in Maori, 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 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. Alternatively take a guided historic walk in Akaroa and through the native bush of the Garden of Tane, or visit Giants House, a colourful garden of roses, citrus plants and mosaic sculptures.
Day 9 Kaikoura.
Spend the day in Kaikoura, a famous whale watching area due to its nutrient rich waters. The combination of very deep waters and the mixing of cold and warm waters brings the nutrients to the top. After breakfast, there will be opportunities to join a whale watching cruise looking out for sperm whales, pods of dusky dolphins and common seals. After lunch on board, the afternoon will be at leisure and you may wish to spend some time exploring the town independently. Alternatively you can join a nature walk with one of the onboard team to look out for some of the birdlife of the area.
Day 10 Picton.
Nestled at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, Picton is possibly New Zealand’s prettiest seaside town. Today you can join a tour to the nearby Marlborough wine producing region where we will see some of the 3000 hectares of vineyards and taste some of the Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon for which the area is justly famous. Alternatively there will be a visit to Barewood Garden, a traditional homestead with a four acre garden, a lush oasis with sweeping lawns, unusual herbaceous borders and a well established potager.
Day 11 Wellington.
Arriving in 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. Return to the Coral Adventurer for lunch and an afternoon at leisure to explore further at your own pace. Alternatively you can choose to dropped at the Te Papa National Museum of New Zealand with its impressive interactive displays and marvellous Maori collection, from here you can explore the museum at your own pace and take an independent lunch ashore.
Day 12 Napier.
After a morning at sea, arrive after lunch in Napier and join a tour of this beautiful town including its charming Art Deco buildings. Totally rebuilt after the 1931 Hawkes Bay earthquake, Napier’s Art Deco is unique, with Maori motifs and the buildings of Louis Hay, admirer of the great Frank Lloyd Wright. We will also visit a local vineyard to sample the regions wines. Alternatively join the excursion to the gannetry at Cape Kidnappers where the 13 hectare reserve includes the saddle and black reef gannet colonies and you are able to get amazingly close to the birds.
Day 13 Gisborne.
Arrive in Gisborne this morning, where Captain James Cook first made landfall in New Zealand in 1769. A scenic drive takes us along the seafront, past the Captain Cook monument, then out into the beautiful countryside travelling through hills, valleys, farmlands, orchards and vineyards to the Eastwoodhill Arboretum which is the National Arboretum of New Zealand and 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. Sail at lunch and spend a leisurely afternoon at sea.
Day 14 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 Maori Marae where we will enjoy a traditional Maori welcome and lunch before returning to the ship in the late afternoon. Alternatively join a morning tour to a kiwi fruit farm, where we will explore the scenic orchards, learn about the cultivation process and enjoy a tasting of this unique fruit before returning to the ship for an afternoon at leisure.
Day 15 Whitianga, Coromandal Peninsula.
Arrive this morning at our anchorage off the small town of Whitianga, our base to explore the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. Named after the HMS Coromandel who called here in 1820 to take on timber supplies, the area built its trade on timber and gold mining. A short drive brings us to the narrow guage ‘Driving Creek Railway’. Built on a mountain surrounded by native woodland the train will cross ten bridges and pass through three tunnels as it climbs to the Eyefull Tower viewing platform which offers wonderful views over the Hauraki Gulf. As we 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 16 Auckland.
Disembark this morning in Auckland for a morning city tour which will include the Domain and the excellent Auckland Museum, overlooking Waitemata Harbour and housing the world’s largest collection of Polynesian artefacts. After lunch, transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 17 Auckland to London or Manchester.
Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London or Manchester.
Day 18 London or Manchester.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 18 November to 5 December 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Promenade Stateroom with picture window | £13495 | £12995 |
| Explorer Stateroom with private balcony | £14495 | £13995 |
| Bridge Stateroom with private balcony | £15495 | £14995 |
| Bridge Suite with private balcony | £16995 | £16495 |
| Coral Stateroom with porthole for sole use | £13995 | £13495 |
Tour Reference Code: SCCA181127
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Two nights hotel accommodation in Christchurch and overnight hotel accommodation in Auckland with breakfast • Lunch on day 4 • 11 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), dinners on days 3, 4 and 16.
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, the vessel’s Xplorer tenders will be utilised to transport passengers ashore when we will be at anchor in Stewart Island, Akaroa, Kaikoura and Whitianga. At Ulva Island the Zodiacs will be used to get in close to the smaller bays and beaches. 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 ask one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with 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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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000