destination
australia
z-Discovering the Maori Coast - Auckland to Sydney
trip specifics
price
2010 Rates
|
Superior |
$14,395 |
|
Majestic |
$14,995 |
|
Premium |
$15,995 |
|
Classic |
$17,195 |
|
Explorer |
$19,695 |
|
Grand Titan |
$22,895 |
|
Owners Suite |
$33,295 |
Triple and Single rates available.
Call for details
duration
18 daystrip dates
Coming Soon!trip level
view explanation
highlights
Auckland, New ZealandKawau Island
Tauranga
Whakatane
Napier
Wellington
Kaikoura
Lyttleton (Christchurch)
Dunedin
Bluff Entrance
Oban, Steward Island
Milford Sound
Sydney Harbor, Australia
accomm types
Small Ship
This cruise is one segment of the year long Voyage of the Great Explorers world cruise and is part of Chapter 5: James Cook — Idylls of the South Pacific. Cruise the South Pacific from Easter Island to Darwin, in waters Captain Cook charted. These five world cruise voyages feature remote islands with pristine beaches, fabulous snorkeling, and fascinating local cultures. Your travels will take you to Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia.
Small Ship World Cruises aboard the Spirit of Oceanus
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Day 1 - Auckland, New Zealand
Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand and check into your included hotel.
Day 2 - Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand’s largest city of Auckland is one of the few places to have harbors on two separate major bodies of water; the central section of its urban area lies on the narrow isthmus between Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean and Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea. Home to many cultures from its Polynesian and European roots, the “City of Sails” is friendly, modern and truly cosmopolitan. Morning at leisure. Prior to embarkation, enjoy a highlight tour of Auckland en route to the ship.
Days 3 - Kawau Island
Visit the historic 19th-century Mansion House and stroll the formal gardens and natural forest, watching for wallabies. (Zodiac landing or touring)
Day 4 - Tauranga
The scenic coastal town of Tauranga is the gateway to the splendid geothermal region of Rotorua, where bubbling mud-pots and steamy fissures add a mysterious component to the landscape. This renowned Maori area is also known for its superb handicrafts. Explore the country’s most active volcanic landscape, with thermal springs, geysers and mud pots, then meet Maori craftsmen.
Day 5 - Whakatane
Fifty miles further southeast along the Bay of Plenty shores, Whakatane is an ancient Maori / Polynesia site, probably from around 1200 BC. Nearby Whale (Motuhora) Island provided shelter for Captain Cook’s HMS Endeavour in 1769. White (Whakaari) Island is a popular destination; it is New Zealand’s most active volcano, which provides stunning landscapes of geothermal activity for strolls or hiking. Take an exciting nature walk on White Island, an active volcanic area with a moon-like landscape and steam-spewing fumaroles.
Day 6 - Napier
Almost completely destroyed by the 1931 earthquake, Napier was rebuilt in the Art Deco style. Napier is the only New Zealand cultural site to be nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status. Along Hawke’s Bay on North New Zealand’s east coast, the port is known for its mild weather, and for its production of fine wines. Take a tour of outstanding Art Deco architecture, visit a gannet colony or go to a wine-tasting in the countryside.
Day 7 - Wellington
Built on rolling hills reminiscent of San Francisco, New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington lies at the south tip of North Island, making it the world’s southernmost capital city. The picturesque, compact city supports a thriving arts and museum scene, café culture and nightlife, and is the center of New Zealand’s film industry, most famously Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings.” The capital city sits high above the harbor on hillsides accessible by cable car. Enjoy an arts tour or wildlife safari.
Day 8 - Kaikoura
Known for its striking setting at the foot of the snow-capped Kaikoura Mountains (the “Southern Alps”), Kaikoura town is most famous for its abundance of marine life including crayfish, dolphins, seals and sperm whales. Whale watching aboard local boats is Kaikoura’s most popular attraction, claimed by some to be the world’s best. Board a local boat for a morning of spotting killer whales, Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, and wandering albatross.
Day 9 - Lyttleton
Connected to the “Garden City” on Christchurch via railway and road tunnels, the port town of Lyttleton is surrounded by dramatically steep volcanic hills. Home to Maoris since the 1200s, the port was discovered by Captain Cook on his HMS Endeavour in 1770. Christchurch’s Anglican ambience is unmistakable, with its classic central Cathedral Square, arts galleries and punting along the scenic Avon River in small boats. Christchurch’s English heritage comes alive in a morning town tour. Afterward, visit a merino sheep farm and enjoy a hearty lunch.
Day 10 - Dunedin
The South Island’s second-largest city (and by land area, the country’s largest), Dunedin stands at the southern tip of the long, narrow Otago Harbour, against hills and valleys of an extinct volcano. This major city is home to NZ’s oldest university; its cityscape is noted for fine Victorian and Edwardian architecture, the old railway station and its panoramic views. The Otago Peninsula also is home to a nesting colony of albatross, and other birdlife. Wildlife abounds in the Otago Harbor, where you may see fur seals, blue penguins, cormorants, and royal albatross.
Day 11 - Bluff Entrance / Oban, Stewart Islanda
The quaint port of Oban, situated on Half Moon Bay, is the main settlement on Stewart Island, New Zealand’s southernmost inhabited island. About 85% of Stewart Island is covered by the magnificent 600-square-mile Rakiura National Park, filled with scenic nature reserves, thick forests, and an abundance of native birds including kiwi in the wild. Christmas Day On Stewart Island take a walking tour of quaint Oban town, then continue on to view the teeming muttonbird colonies. (Zodiac landing or touring)
Day 12 - At Sea
Day 13 - Milford Sound
Rudyard Kipling called Milford Sound the eighth Wonder of the World. One of many scenic fjords along the craggy west coast of South Island, Milford offers indescribable views of towering mountains, lush rainforests and spectacular waterfalls, all doubled by their reflections in the mirror-like lake surfaces. Milford’s fjord scenery is breathtaking. You’ll also enjoy the Underwater Observation Station, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Zodiac landing or touring)
Day 14 - Milford Sound
Milford Sound adventure continues. (Zodiac landing or touring)
Day 15-16 - At Sea
Day 17 - Arrive Sydney Harbor, Australia
The “Harbour City” is appropriately named for its scenic sail-in landmarks including the iconic Sydney Opera House (a UNESCO site), Harbour (“Coathanger”) Bridge and the modern skyline. Acclaimed by many as the world’s most beautiful harbor, Sydney is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with great shopping, restaurants, parks, beaches and historic tourist attractions. Arrive at this fabulous city and its world-famous New Year’s Eve fireworks extravaganza.
Day 18 - Sydney, Australia
Disembark or continue your journey with the next voyage.
Small Ship World Cruises aboard the Spirit of Oceanus
Extend your trip
New Zealand, Land of the Maori 3-Night pre- or post-cruise, from Auckland
New Zealand, Land of the Maori 3-Night pre- or post-cruise, from Auckland See the world-famous thermal pools and bubbling mud at the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Learn more about village life at the Maori arts and crafts center. And relax at Rotorua’s luxurious Huka Lodge.
Ayers Rock 4-Night pre- or post-cruise, from Sydney
Your Outback adventure begins with a guided tour of Alice Springs, where you’ll join Aboriginal artists at a painting workshop. You’ll travel through Kings Canyon, a place of incredible biological diversity, before reaching famed Ayers Rock.
Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of cruising unique.
Single Travelers: Single and triple are available upon request where applicable. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, our Roommate Share Program guarantees double occupancy rates in Majestic, Premium and Classic category cabins.
Land Cost Includes: One night hotel accommodations is included. All taxes, port charges, fees and on board services. On board gratuities are neither required nor expected. Transportation and shore excursions as indicated on the itinerary and all meals aboard the ship or where indicated.
Not Included: Airfare from your home city or return; passport or visa fees; excess baggage charges; air departure taxes; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind. Fuel surcharges may apply.
Arrival/Departure: Embarkation and disembarkation locations depend on the chosen itinerary. Suggested times for inbound/outbound flights also depend on the itinerary and point of embarkation and disembarkation. Please contact us for further details.
Payment Policy: A deposit of 25% of cruise-tour fare for all Grant Titan and Owner's Suite cabins or 20% of cruise-tour fare for all other cabin categories per person is required to confirm a reservation. Final payment for all Voyages of the Great Explorers cruises my be received no later than 120 days prior to departure, or in full at time of reservation if less than 120 days advance payment period.
Cancellation Policy: Per person cancellation charges for all Grant Titan and Owners Suite cabins:
Anytime 180+ days prior to departure $1000pp*
179-120 days prior to departure full deposit (25%)
119-61 days prior to departure 50% of fare
60-31 days prior to departure 75% of fare
30-0 days prior to departure 100% of fare
Per person cancellation charges for all cabin categories:
Anytime 180+ days prior to departure $200pp*
179-120 days prior to departure full deposit (20%)
119-61 days prior to departure 50% of fare
60-31 days prior to departure 75% of fare
30-0 days prior to departure 100% of fare
*A future cruise credit will be made available, to be applied to future bookings.
Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.
Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.
Accommodations Aboard: Your comfortable home-base throughout the Voyage of the Great Explorers is aboard the Spirit of Oceanus. This all-suite vessel accommodates 114 guests. Each suites feature view windows, ample closet space, large marble vanity and sink, a lounge area, bathrobes, spa bath amenities, in-room safe, a chilled refreshment center, and satellite telephone access. Several suites also feature sliding glass doors and private teak balconies. The Oceanus has a dining room, two lounges, sun deck, sports deck, hot tub, library and game room. There is elevator access to all passenger decks. Open dining features continental and regional cuisine.
Qualifications: These trips will be enjoyed by anyone with a love for nature, culture, history and the outdoors.
Photo Credit: Cruise West
General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.
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