destination
new zealand
New Zealand - Aotearoa - The Natural Elements
trip specifics
price
2013|
Category |
Double |
Single |
|
Main Deck B |
$10712 |
$16068 |
|
Main Deck A |
$11426 |
$17139 |
|
Promenade B |
$12662 |
$18993 |
|
Promenade A |
$13376 |
$20064 |
|
Bridge Deck |
$14156 |
n/a |
Prices per person double occupancy
Prices in New Zealand Dollars (NZD)
For currency exchange see trip notes duration
13 daystrip dates
Feb 04 - Feb 16, 2013 *Feb 16 - Feb 28, 2013
* Reverse Itinerary
trip level
view explanation
highlights
AucklandWhite Island
Gisborne
Napier
Marlborough Sounds
Kaikoura
Akaroa
Dunedin
Stewart Island
Dusky Fiord
Doubtful Fiord
Milford Sound
accomm types
Small Ship
special offer
Save Up To 25% On New Zealand Aotearoa Cruises: Book a 2013 New Zealand Small ship cruise by July 31, 2012 and receive ... view details
New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. Its society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural. The honesty, friendliness, and openness of Kiwis will impress you, as the Maori people (Pacific Islanders) are happy to share their living culture with like-minded visitors. The great advantage of New Zealand is that all of its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are so close to each other. New Zealand is a country that will welcome you gladly!
Day 1 - Milford Sound
This morning join our chartered coach in Queenstown for the scenic drive along the shores of beautiful Lake Te Anau before entering World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. Enjoy breathtaking alpine scenery and pass through the remarkable 1,200 metre Homer Tunnel before emerging to unforgettable views of Milford Sound’s Mitre Peak. After boarding Oceanic Discoverer, depart Milford Sound at 2:00pm and enjoy our first experience of the spectacular deep Fiordland waterways. This evening enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks whilst absorbing Milford Sound’s natural beauty before the first of many delicious dinners.
Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: lunch and dinner
Day 2 - Doubtful Sound
Awaken this morning to the magnificent scenery of Doubtful Sound. The deepest of the sounds, Doubtful was named by Captain Cook in 1770 and is often described as Fiordland’s most spectacular waterway. Aboard Xplorer and the Zodiacs we join our informative Guest Lecturers on guided excursions through the maze of cliffs and waterways. Keep an eye out for penguins, seals and a myriad of marine and bird life as we explore what is considered to be the most strikingly beautiful of the fiords in the national park.
Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3 - Dusky Sound
Join the expedition crew on an exploratory cruise through rarely visited Dusky Sound, amongst an array of islands, marine and bird life. We land at historic Astronomer’s Point, where Captain Cook anchored his ship Resolution using a tree as a gangway, a tree which still exists today. Rejoin Oceanic Discoverer to cruise the spectacular passages through the fiord before a further expedition around the coastline of Pidgeon Island and Facile Harbor where we are sure to encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, penguins, dolphins and other wildlife.
Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4 - Stewart Island
Discover the natural delights and scenic beauty of Stewart Island, a large island that is almost totally wilderness and home to a vast number of seals, birds and other wildlife. Landing ashore at Paterson Inlet, join a guided walk to encounter native birds such as the Weka, Tui, Bellbird, Kaka and New Zealand’s iconic national bird, the kiwi. Unlike other species of kiwis, the Stewart Island Kiwi is active both during the day and night and is often seen foraging on the beach for sandhoppers and other insects.
Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5 - Discover Dunedin
The Otago Harbour welcomes us as we cruise past the world’s largest mainland albatross colony at Tairoa Heads, also home to the world rarest penguin, the Yellowed Eyed Penguin. Of Scottish heritage, Dunedin offers a great diversity of experiences from abundant wildlife to the historic Edwardian and Victorian architecture, the Otakou Maori Marae, the famous Speights Brewery, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Settlers Museum and New Zealand’s oldest botanical gardens. We spend a full day in port providing you the option explore areas of interest at your leisure.
Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6 - Gallic Akaroa
This morning we cruise into secluded Akaroa Harbor, a very scenic village nestled in the heart of an active volcano. Stroll through the village, discovering its French history, cosy cafes and excellent craft stores. Enjoy optional shore excursions, perhaps swim with one of the smallest and rarest dolphins – the Hector’s or New Zealand Dolphin.
Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7 - Kaikoura Whalewatching
The scenic coastal town of Kaikoura is renowned as possibly the world’s best destination for whale watching and one of the few places in the world where it is possible to view the giant Sperm Whale in its natural environment. Join a special cruise to discover these majestic mammals along with Fur Seals, dolphins and other migratory whales, an experience never to be forgotten. Enjoy time for a stroll around the pretty coastal town before reboarding Oceanic Discoverer.
Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8 - Marlborough Sounds
Our arrival to the dark green hills and blue-green waters of the Sounds is highlighted with a cruise through the scenic Tory Channel. Spend the day exploring an array of spectacular waterways including the fiord-like Queen Charlotte Sound. Retracing the history of Captain Cook, visit Ships Cove - a regular stop for Captain Cook on his voyage of discovery and the place where he careened the Endeavor. The day offers a multitude of explorations aboard Xplorer and inflatable Zodiacs under the guidance of our Expedition Leader and with interpretation from our experienced Guest Lecturers. We offer guided visits to Moturoa Island where it’s possible to view a variety of New Zealand’s iconic native birdlife.
Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 9 - Coastal Cruise
A day of leisure at sea. Take in the scenic coast, read or join informative presentations from our qualified Guest Lecturers detailing the early settlers and Maori culture in preparation of our visit to a small Maori Marae and Gisborne the location of the first European landing.
Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 10 - Art Deco Napier
In 1931 Napier was all but destroyed by an earthquake measuring some 7.9 on the Richter Scale. The city’s rebuild followed the flourishing art deco trend in America and Europe of that time, and as such, Napier features a wonderful heritage of art deco architecture. Explore the sights of the city. Perhaps stroll Marine Parade, the city’s delightful seaside boulevard which retains its air of an old-fashioned English seaside resort, complete with a pebble beach.
Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 11 - Gisborne and Maori Culture
This morning arrive in historic Gisborne, the first European landing place in New Zealand. Captain Cook first arrived here in 1769 and a European settlement was established in 1831. Our exploration begins with a visit to a small Marae for an exclusive Maori cultural experience including a traditional welcome, guided tour and Kapa Haka cultural show. This afternoon you have time to explore Gisborne at your own pace, with the opportunity to discover the historic city at your leisure or join an optional guided tour exploring the city’s beautiful gardens and renowned vineyards.
Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 12 - White Island Volcano
Following breakfast, embark on an excursion to explore the active White Island volcano, identifiable by the plume of steam continually spouting from its crater. Traveling ashore aboard Xplorer and our fleet of Zodiacs, join the Expedition Staff on a guided walk to the crater, which resembles a moonscape. Enjoy the rare opportunity to view the heart of an active volcano and see a build up of gas and steam escaping from the earth. This evening, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Cocktails as we make our way to Auckland whilst reminiscing about this wonderful one-in-a-lifetime journey.
Accommodations: Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 13 - Auckland, Disembark
Farewell your traveling companions, the Captain and his crew before and disembarkation in Auckland, ‘The City of Sails’, at 8:00am.
Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast
Reverse Itinerary:
Day 1 - Depart Auckland
Day 2 - White Island
Day 3 - Gisborne
Day 4 - Napier
Day 5&6 - Marlborough Sounds
Day 7 - Kaikoura
Day 8 - Akaroa
Day 9 - Dunedin
Day 10 - Stewart Island
Day 11 - Dusky Sound
Day 12 - Doubtful Sound
Day 13 - Arrive Milford Sound
Notes on Itinerary: This itinerary is an indication of the reef, islands and coastal areas we visit. While every effort will be made to follow this itinerary we do reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather and tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. All optional activities while on your cruise can be arranged on board for your convenience.
Currency Exchange: Prices for the New Zealand - Aotearoa Cruise aboard the Oceanic Discoverer are in New Zealand Dollars. For today's exchange rate visit USD to NZD. We will accept payment in U.S. Dollars based on the exchange rate the day you make your payment.
Cost Includes: Included in your cruise fare are accommodations as booked, cruise transportation, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programs, use of all of our onboard facilities, including our comprehensive range of library and video resources, use of snorkeling equipment such as masks, fins, flotation vests and wetsuits plus a free scuba skills lesson.
Not Included: Fares do not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to: travel and medical insurance, laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hair dressing and massage treatments, optional shore experiences, medical treatment, telephone and internet charges, plus a Government Environmental Management charge of $16.50 per person - payable on board.
Children Minimum age 8 years old; however we do not recommend children under 12 years of age participate given the nature of these programs.
Deposit and Final Payment: To secure your reservation a deposit of 10% of the fare is due within 7 days of placing your booking. Final Payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy:
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing. At the time we receive your cancellation the following penalties will apply:
Up to 60 days prior to departure - forfeit your deposit of 10% of the fare.
30 to 59 days prior to departure - forfeit 50% of the fare.
1 to 29 days prior to departure - forfeit 100% of the fare.
A $200.00 per person fee may be charged by Coral Princess Cruises for any amendments not requiring a date change after booking is confirmed.
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.
Arrival/Departure Information: The New Zealand - Aotearoa 13 day cruise begins in and ends in either Auckland or Milford Sound. Embarkation time is 2:00pm on day of departure. Plan to be at the dock no later than 1:00pm for boarding. Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day at 8:00am. Please schedule flights accordingly.
Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to AdventureSmith Explorations when a request for accommodation is made. Guests should be sure to bring onboard sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.
General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms & 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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