NEW ZEALAND IN DEPTH BOUTIQUE EXPEDITION CRUISE
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NEW ZEALAND IN DEPTH BOUTIQUE EXPEDITION CRUISE
Top of many a bucket list, The Land of the Long White Cloud is
a perfect place to enjoy truly unforgettable experiences that will
delight and enrich even the most seasoned traveller.
Crystal-clear waters; stunning beaches; fascinating fiords,
wildlife encounters; Kiwi hospitality; Maori culture; rolling, rich
vineyards – on this 13-day cruise around magical New Zealand
you’ll experience it all, and more. Visit both islands in style and
comfort, aboard a luxurious ship crewed by a passionate and
knowledgeable team. Enjoy unique onshore excursions in
special places that our guides know well.
ITINERARY
DAY 1, DUNEDIN
Your luxury expedition cruise begins in Dunedin, on the South Island, the
principal city of the Otago region. Set in a pretty bay that serves as a port and
surrounded by bush-covered hills, the town has quirky historic appeal. One of
the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern
Hemisphere, Dunedin is known as the Edinburgh of New Zealand, and it’s
proud of its Celtic connections. Small and eminently walkable, see elaborate
civic buildings, New Zealand’s only castles, funky alleyways filled with street
art, and picturesque parks. The Toitu Otago Early Settlers Museum and Otago
Museum come highly recommended, as well as a visit to the Dunedin Chinese
Garden.
DAY 2, OBAN, STEWART ISLAND
Sail south to Stewart Island – the pristine, southernmost inhabited island of
the New Zealand archipelago. Located on charmingly-named Halfmoon Bay,
the island’s only town is Oban. Come ashore today to explore the settlement
as well as the island’s many hiking trails. National Parks cover 85 per cent of
the island. Birders will be in their element: around the coast are various types
of penguin, sooty shearwaters, mollymawks, and Cape pigeons. Venture into
the island’s ferny interior and you might spot bellbirds, tui, fantails and kiwi
birds (usually nocturnal, the subspecies on Stewart Island are known to
venture forth during the day). If exploration works up your appetite, Oban is a
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fishing village, so it’s the perfect spot to sample the local catch. the harbour, swim at the beautiful beaches, visit the petit local museum that
tells the story of the early residents, sample the local farmed salmon and
DAY 3, BREAKSEA SOUND olives from nearby groves, and taste the local wine. C’est la vie.
Millennia of glacial activity have gifted the South Island’s untamed west coast
DAY 7, KAIKORA
with astonishing cuts into the coastline. You’ll see your first fiord today –
known as ‘sounds’ in this part of the world. Keep your camera at the ready in Caught between the Pacific Ocean and the Seaward Kaikoura Range, Kaikoura
Fiordland’s spectacular canyon-like Te Puaitaha/Breaksea Sound. It’s not just is all about encounters: cultural and all as well those you’ll have with the local
that the landscape is particularly photogenic, dolphins are plentiful in these wildlife. This area of the coast is well known for the whales, fur seals and
waters too. You might even see a New Zealand fur seal, a species that has dolphins, as well as the petrels, penguins and several species of albatross.
made an outstanding recovery since the 1940s. Take note of Breaksea Island, Wildlife lovers might like to walk the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway or visit the
which lies at the entrance to the Sound. It’s noteworthy in New Zealand’s story local seal colony, to observe these amusing animals. There might also be time
of conservation. In 1988, it became one of the first large islands to to enjoy the award-winning Kaikoura Museum, located in the landmark
successfully eradicate rats to the benefit of the island’s birds including South ‘craypot’ building. Or if you fancy a gentle 45-minute walk out of town, head
Island robins and three species of bellbirds. to the pretty pink Fyffe House. Once a busy whaling station, the oldest
surviving building in the area is now a museum that tells the story of life for
DAY 4, DOUBTFUL SOUND the early settlers through artefacts and audio. There is also a striking carving
that relates to the area’s Maori history.
Doubtful Sound is New Zealand’s deepest and second largest fiord at 421
metres and 40 kilometres respectively. Dubbed ‘Doubtful’ by Captain Cook,
DAY 8 - DAY 9, MARLBOROUGH SOUND
who refused to sail into the bay due to his concerns over its navigability, the
inlet – with its three distinct arms – is now famed for its scenic beauty, flora What would an expedition cruise around New Zealand be without some time in
and fauna. Look out for the beautiful waterfalls tumbling down dense natural the famed Marlborough Sounds? Spend two days leisurely exploring this area
rainforest-clad cliffs – the Browne Falls drops for 619 metres, and Helena Falls of some 1,500 kilometres of rugged coastline. Described as an extensive
cascades dramatically. There’s a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins who collection of Pacific Ocean-drowned valleys and located at the top of the
swim and play in these waters, and you might also spot fur seals and South Island, these sounds are divided into three distinct bodies of water:
penguins. Sightings of whales, including Southern rights, humpbacks, minke, Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus. Each offers sheltered inlets perfect
sperm and orcas, are also not uncommon. for kayaking; sandy bays; clear, marine life-filled waters; forest walks; and
jaw-dropping viewing spots. Discover the area’s fascinating Maori and
DAY 5, AT SEA European history. Captain Cook anchored here and hoisted a Union Jack on
Motuara Island in January 1770. From here, the North Island beckons.
As you cruise to your next port of call, spend the day at sea savouring the
ship’s facilities and learning about your destination’s many facets from the
DAY 10, NAPIER
knowledgeable onboard experts. Listen to an enriching talk, indulge in a
relaxing treatment at the spa, work out in the well-equipped gym, enjoy some Mesmerising views, excellent wineries, fabulous eateries, cool street art and,
down- time in your cabin, share travel reminiscences with newly found friends: above all, the low-rise art deco architecture: just a few of the reasons that
the options are numerous. visitors find Napier on the North Island so irresistible. In 1931, this port on
Hawke’s Bay was struck by a severe earthquake. From the ashes of this
DAY 6, AKAROA natural disaster arose a new charming city built in curvilinear, colourful art
deco. Today there are 147 remaining buildings in this style, and it’s one of the
Come ashore and say ‘salut’ to Akaroa. This small corner of the South Island most complete collections of art deco architecture in the world. Look out for
will forever be just a little bit French. The site of the country’s first French the Scinde Building, the Daily Telegraph offices and the ASB bank. Also
settlement, today the town still retains a little je ne sais quoi in its character, noteworthy are the city’s 50 murals – part of a global street art project, which
street names and architecture. Located on Canterbury’s Banks Peninsula, in gives the oceans a voice, one artwork at a time. New Zealand’s National
an area that was once actively volcanic, you’ll instantly understand why French Aquarium stretches like a giant stingray on Napier’s Marine Parade. Visit to
settlers fell for this spot and why visitors love it here. Look out for dolphins in see the extensive range of saltwater, freshwater and other animal exhibits.
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Wash it all down with a glass of the locally grown pinot gris or syrah in a Itineraries are subject to change.
buzzing local bar or cafe.
DAY 11, GISBORNE
Famed as the place where James Cook first set foot in New Zealand soil in
1769 and changed the course of the country’s fate forever, Gisborne is also
the first city to salute the sun every day. Today you’ll say good morning to
Gisborne and its sun, sand, culture and viticulture. The unofficial ‘Chardonnay
Capital of the World’, this area is one of New Zealand’s largest wine-making
regions, so there are plenty of vineyards to explore. There’s an established
wine trial here if you wish to sample the products of the region’s vineyards.
However, there are plenty of other alluring attractions too: this is a hotspot for
Maori culture. Oral history records Titirangi (Kaiti) Hill as the point of arrival for
the migratory waka (canoe), Horouta, which brought the first Māori to the area,
and old traditions are evident in many parts of the city.
DAY 12, TAURANGA
The largest city in the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is described as New Zealand’s
tourist office as “a metropolitan hub surrounded by a beautiful coastline”.
Along this stretch of coast, the sea may be the star with fishing, sailing, diving
and kayaking all appealing to tourists, but other attractions – such as
shopping, dining and the town’s galleries – are gaining ground too. Fans of
children’s literature will enjoy The Hairy Maclary and Friends statues. Made by
Brigitte West, these bronzes – which can be found on the waterfront – pay
tribute to Tauranga’s resident Dame Lynley Dodd and her beloved animal
characters. Recommended local beauty spots include McLaren Falls and the
Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park.
DAY 13, AUCKLAND
Spend your final day of this luxury expedition cruise around New Zealand in
Auckland. Sprawled over volcanic hills and across twin harbours, The City of
Sails is the country’s largest and most populous metropolis. A vibrant,
multicultural place that is both laid-back and sophisticated, Auckland has San
Francisco-esque steep streets, cool boutiques that champion all things local
from fashion to craft beer, wine and art. There’s myriad things to see and do,
but highlights include The Auckland Art Gallery with its permanent collection
by contemporary Kiwi artists. The Auckland War Memorial Museum is devoted
to telling the country’s tale from politics to geology, and it has a vast array of
Maori artefacts. The Brick Bay Sculpture Trails offers visitors the opportunity to
experience art in the wild bush. And there’s the 1,000-foot-high Sky Tower for
views that are out of this world – or out of Middle Earth at least.
Please Note:
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YOUR SHIP: MINERVA
YOUR SHIP: Minerva
VESSEL TYPE: Expedition Ship
LENGTH: 115 meters
PASSENGER CAPACITY: 152
BUILT/REFURBISHED: 2020-2021
Arriving in November 2021, our 5 star elegant Scandi-design
boutique ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will
be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage. >Your Wellbeing
Introducing SH Minerva The safety & happiness of our guests is paramount to our
Our brand new ship has been designed to journey to off the 120-strong crew on board as well as our passionate expedition
beaten path destinations and remote polar regions in style and team who'll be serving up thrilling shore excursions and lasting
comfort. The ship incorporates a PC5 ice-strengthened hull memories.
combined with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as Cabin Types
smooth as possible. Our 76 cabins including 6 suites have all the amenities you will
Sophisticated Elegance need to feel comfortable including dressing gowns, hairdryers,
We know how important outdoor space is, so our spacious, personal safes and minibars. Our stylish cabins all have desks,
relaxing public spaces provide wide open, unobstructed views a dressing area and comfy seating. En suite bathrooms all
throughout the ship. The destination will always be in view. feature glass-enclosed rain showers.
0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
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INSIDE YOUR SHIP
Balcony. From Oceanview
Premium Suite Suite
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PRICING
13-Mar-2022 to 25-Mar-2022
Oceanview 11686 AUD pp
Balcony. From 12895 AUD pp
Suite 16863 AUD pp
Premium Suite 19350 AUD pp
0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
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