New Zealand
Sydney Australia
I only a day here so many of the photos had to be shot from the top of of a tour bus. I know where I want to go back to now.
I only a day here so many of the photos had to be shot from the top of of a tour bus. I know where I want to go back to now.
Wellington NZL with Botanical Gardens
Named “the coolest little capital in the world” by Lonely Planet, Wellington is a creative and cultural hub at the Southern tip of the North Island. This compact city offers a blend of nature, history, and cuisine. Relax at Oriental Bay, check out the many museums, art galleries, and theater shows, including Te Papa, New Zealand’s top-notch interactive national museum.
Motuara Island
Akaroa
New Zealand’s only French settlement features French-named streets and colonial cottages in a sheltered inlet created by an ancient volcano. Enjoy included activity options such as wildlife watching in the harbor, hiking with the Expedition Team, or a 4WD adventure with a chance to see White Flippered Penguins. If you prefer to explore solo, stroll the charming streets and visit the museums, galleries, and French-inspired cafes.
Dunedin
The South Island’s second-largest city, its name comes from the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh. Sitting within a former volcanic crater, Dunedin is known for its Scottish and Māori heritage and Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Select one of two included tours: an Otago Peninsula Coach Tour for beaches and wildlife, or a railway journey through the Taieri River Gorge. In your free time, explore Dunedin and visit the Speights Brewery, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Settlers Museum, or New Zealand’s oldest botanical gardens.
Ulva and Stewart Islands
Steward Island, known as Te Punga o Te Waka a Maui in Maori, translates as “The Anchor Stone of Maui’s Canoe,” a reference to Polynesian mythology. It’s the southernmost Dark Sky Sanctuary globally, and over 85% of the island is a National Park. The island has just 28 km of road, but 280 km of walking tracks. It’s a haven for the brown kiwi (Tokoeka), which outnumber humans on the island, along with blue penguins and rare, Yellow-eyed penguins. Today’s options include a guided birdwatching tour at Ulva Island, an Xplorer cruise to Princes Point Whaling Station, hikes, or free time to explore the village of Oban.
FJORDLAND: DUSKY, DOUBTFUL, & THOMSON SOUNDS
Dusky, Doubtful, and Thomson Sound can only be reached by sea, and our ship the perfect vessel to explore the deep, glacial fjords of Fiordland National Park. Activities depend on the weather, but we may take Xplorer cruises to spot fur seals, admire the sheer granite walls, or even go ashore at Astronomer’s point. We’ll be in “Expedition Mode:” regardless of the plan, we’ll be captivated by this UNESCO World Heritage Site!
On our third day of exploring Fiordland National Park, we will learn why Milford Sound was described as the
Eighth Wonder of the World by Rudyard Kipling. Weather conditions will continue to determine our plans. We
will keep an eye out for wildlife and admire one of New Zealand’s greatest icons: Mitre Peak.
Eighth Wonder of the World by Rudyard Kipling. Weather conditions will continue to determine our plans. We
will keep an eye out for wildlife and admire one of New Zealand’s greatest icons: Mitre Peak.
Queenstown