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Circumnavigation of New Zealand

Circumnavigation of New Zealand

From £11,372 GBP

Description

New Zealand is a land of contrasts and deserves more than a fleeting visit. We believe our circumnavigation of the country offers the best of all worlds and has been devised on the basis that most travellers from the UK will only tour New Zealand once. Therefore the trip should be as comprehensive and as full of contrasts as possible. Certainly, this itinerary qualifies on all these important demands. We will drop anchor in the remote bays, navigate channels, fjords and rivers and call into harbours both large and small. With the added advantage of our Zodiac landing craft we will be able to land in otherwise inaccessible places making the most of New Zealand’s extraordinary natural attractions.

A journey by sea around New Zealand allows you to explore the dramatic southern fjords, visit White Island in the north, hop across to Stewart Island in the far south, enjoy whale watching off Kaikoura and cruise the picturesque waters of the Marlborough Sound. All of this is best achieved by travelling on a small ship such as the MS Caledonian Sky in preference to some of the larger resort style vessels which can only visit the larger places.

Ship to Shore
This voyage is a combination of both expedition style cruising and small ship destination cruising. Whilst we will be alongside in some ports, on many days we will be at anchor and the vessel’s Zodiacs will be utilised to transport passengers ashore and for Zodiac cruising to explore the more remote regions we will be visiting. The use of the Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the itinerary as shown. 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 contact us.

Trip Name
Circumnavigation of New Zealand
Days
20
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 114 (in 57 suites) Built: 1991 / refurbished 2012 The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views with ceiling to floor windows. If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on board whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expedition staff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providing the very best in all areas. Their crew of 74 not only offer an excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have been with us for many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere. Your Suite Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub. Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Your space The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request. Your dining With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board. For your comfort, safety and security The vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only. Gratuities Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all their guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the hassle of always having to remember to have some small change with you.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Auckland, New Zealand.
Meet at the group hotel and join the morning tour including the city’s highlights including the Domain and the excellent Auckland Museum, overlooking Waitemata Harbour and housing the world’s largest collection of Polynesian artefacts. We will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before being transferred to the MS Caledonian Sky.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Bay of Islands.
Discovered by Captain Cook in 1769, this area is the cradle of European civilisation in New Zealand and has important historical significance for both Maori and Europeans. On a morning tour we will visit the Waitangi Treaty house where in 1840 the treaty was signed between the Maori and the British crown. We then continue to Kerikeri where the Maori first welcomed missionaries in 1819 and see the oldest buildings of New Zealand dating from the 1820s. During the afternoon enjoy some free time to explore the charming historic town of Russell.
Day 3 - Day 3 - At sea.
We spend the day cruising off this remote area of New Zealand.
Day 4 - Day 4 - New Plymouth.
Today we explore the western port of New Plymouth. We have the whole day in this pretty city sandwiched between the sea and Mount Taranaki. A tour will visit the highlights of the town including the spectacular Te Rewa Rewa Bridge and Pukekura Park, one of the premier botanical gardens in New Zealand. We will have a chance to explore the diverse landscape of formal gardens, bushwalks and lakes. Alternatively drive to Mount Egmont and join one of the walking trails ranging in difficulty for all levels of fitness. You will be joined by our naturalists who will keep you informed on the flora seen en-route. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore further or enjoy a longer hike at Mount Egmont.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Ship Cove.
Sail through the Marlborough Sounds which divide the North and South Islands of New Zealand and arrive in the early morning at Resolution Bay on South Island where keen walkers can enjoy a longer hike over to Ship Cove along the Queen Charlotte Track enjoying fantastic views over the archipelago of islands. Alternatively alight a little later at Ship Cove where Captain James Cook spent much of his time in New Zealand. During the afternoon we cruise around to Tasman Bay and will moor overnight in Nelson.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Nelson.
There will be a choice of excursions today. Either choose to disembark after breakfast to visit Abel Tasman, New Zealand’s smallest national park, protecting over 23 000 hectares of the most easily accessible coastline in the country. This marine reserve offers some marvellously scenic coastal walks and cruises with excellent wildlife opportunities including seal colonies and numerous aquatic birds including penguins. The tour will end in Golden Bay where you will re-embark the ship which will have sailed during the day. Alternatively enjoy a morning exploring Nelson which has for many years attracted resident artists. There are more than 350 working artists and craftspeople living in Nelson and their work is often inspired by the region’s exceptionally beautiful geography – coastal, forest and valley landscapes. Join an excursion of the area’s highlights which includes the World of Wearable Art Museum with its acclaimed visual exhibits and also the Classic Car collection. We sail at lunch time and arrive later in the afternoon to a remote harbour in Golden Bay. Golden Bay is well off the usual cruise ship route nestled into the South Island’s north-west corner with golden beaches, alpine valleys and tranquil fishing rivers.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Christmas Day at sea.
Spend a relaxing Christmas Day afloat. As we cruise along the west coast of the South Island we will hopefully be treated to views of Mount Cook on land whilst this region is also a popular spot for dolphin sightings. Meanwhile our Chef and Galley team will prepare a delicious Christmas meal.
Day 8 - Days 8-10 - Fiordland.
We have three days to explore the incredible wilderness of fjords in the South West corner of the South Island. This is an area rich in history, Captain Cook landed here on HMS Resolution in 1773, majestic scenery and abundant wildlife. It is only accessible by sea, making it the most remote region of New Zealand. Our schedule may include Milford Sound, Astronomers Point, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound but final itinerary decisions will be made by the Captain and Expedition Leader based on weather conditions. Zodiacs will be used daily either to shuttle from the ship to a landing site or as our transport to explore the fjords beyond the ship’s anchorage position.
Day 9 - Day 11 - Ulva and Stewart Islands.
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 amazing birdlife. This afternoon 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 10 - Day 12 - Dunedin.
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. Alternatively choose to drive to the Otago Peninsula to visit Penguin Place where we learn about the breeding and conservation programme of the rare yellow eyed penguins as well as the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head. This afternoon is free for independent exploration or maybe choose to join the optional excursion on the Taieri Gorge Railway through the rugged and spectacular scenery of inland Otago.
Day 11 - Day 13 - 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. We spend a full day in Akaroa 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 Hectors dolphin or a guided historic walk in Akaroa and through the native bush of the Garden of Tane. We also hope to offer a chance to visit a working farm in the countryside outside the town. We will hear about the history of the farm, have demonstrations of sheep shearing and see the working dogs in action as well as enjoying tea in the farm grounds. Or if you prefer you can simply wander in the town and enjoy the local atmosphere. Ring in the New Year on board Caledonian Sky.
Day 12 - Day 14 - Lyttelton for Christchurch.
At breakfast we arrive in the port city of Lyttelton our base for our day in Christchurch. Choose either to spend time in this most English of cities where we enjoy a morning overview of the city showing how it is recovering from the devastating earthquake of February 2011. We will view the Southern Alps from the Port Hills, ride a restored tram and tour the Canterbury Museum with its acclaimed Antarctic collection. Perhaps enjoy morning tea at a private home and garden. The afternoon is free for independent exploration. Alternatively, join an optional full day tour on the Tranz Alpine Express Train to Arthur’s Pass in the heart of the Southern Alps, one of the world’s most famous train journeys. Wonderful views are revealed from the train’s huge windows as we pass snow-capped mountains and mountain beech forests. On the return journey by coach, we enjoy lunch at a farm before returning to the ship in the late afternoon.
Day 13 - Day 15 - Kaikoura.
Today we are 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. Spend the afternoon exploring the town independently, join one of the nature walks or maybe take a trip on one of the bird watching cruises. There is an abundance of birdlife in the area including Great Albatross, Banded Albatross, Shearwater, Petrels, Prions and Shag.
Day 14 - Day 16 - Wellington.
Enjoy a full day in the nation’s capital. From our central berth we will explore Wellington on a morning guided walk seeing St Paul’s Cathedral, the parliament buildings, stroll through the Botanical Gardens and spend time in the excellent Te Papa National Museum of New Zealand. Return to the vessel for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 15 - Day 17 - Napier.
After a morning at sea, arrive in Napier and join a tour of this beautiful city including a short walking tour of its charming Art Deco buildings as well as a visit to a local vineyard to sample the local wines. Alternatively drive to the gannetry at Cape Kidnappers where you can get amazingly close to the birds.
Day 16 - Day 18 - White Island.
Arrive later in the afternoon at White Island. Weather permitting there will be an excursion to explore the active volcano on White Island, identifiable by the plume of steam continually spouting from its crater. The sights are surreal: the main crater with towering walls, steaming vents, and hissing fumaroles, glittering yellow sulphur crystals, bubbling mud pots and a spectacular steaming lake. This call is well off the usual cruise routes and we will use the Zodiacs to reach the island and then take a guided walk to the crater.
Day 17 - Day 19 - Tauranga for Rotorua.
From our berth in Tauranga we will drive to the famous thermal springs at Rotorua. We will visit Wai-O-Tapu, which means Sacred Waters in Maori, 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 local Maori Marae where we will enjoy a traditional Maori welcome and lunch before returning to the ship in the late afternoon.
Day 18 - Day 20 - Auckland.
Disembark this morning for your homeward journey

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-12-201707-01-2018£12,872Promenade Premium Suite
19-12-201707-01-2018£12,272Caledonian Superior Suite
19-12-201707-01-2018£13,272Bridge Deluxe Balcony Suite
19-12-201707-01-2018£13,572Castle Standard Suite Sole
19-12-201707-01-2018£14,572Caledonian Superior Suite Sole
19-12-201707-01-2018£11,372Castle Standard Forward Suite
19-12-201707-01-2018£15,072Promenade Owner's Corner Suite
19-12-201707-01-2018£13,972Promenade Prem. Balcony Suite
19-12-201707-01-2018£11,672Castle Standard Suite

Inclusions

    • Explore the western port of New Plymouth. Have the whole day in this pretty city sandwiched between the sea and Mount Taranaki.
    • Have a chance to hike over to Ship Cove along the Queen Charlotte Track enjoying fantastic views over the archipelago of islands.
    • Spend a relaxing Christmas Day afloat. As we cruise along the west coast of the South Island we will hopefully be treated to views of Mount Cook on land whilst this region is also a popular spot for dolphin sightings.
    • Have three days to explore the incredible wilderness of fjords in the South West corner of the South Island.
    • Discover Kaikoura, a famous whale watching area due to its nutrient rich waters.
    • Enjoy a full day in the nation’s capital
    • Wellington.
    • Explore the famous thermal springs at Rotorua. Visit Wai-O-Tapu
    • an active geothermal area with colourful hot springs, steaming ground and boiling mud pools

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