Taste of New Zealand: Norfolk Island & Bay of Islands

Welcome to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, renowned for its vibrant culture, stunning natural scenery, and dynamic arts scene. Step on board Scenic Eclipse II and be warmly greeted with a glass of Champagne. Settle into your luxurious suite, meet your butler and fellow travellers and toast to the journey ahead. Please book your flight to arrive into Wellington prior to 12:00 PM.

You’ll sail north overnight to arrive at the port of New Plymouth this morning. Sitting in the shadow of the conical shape of Mount Taranaki, it’s a sunny city where the locals like to spend as much time as they can outside. New Plymouth is also home to some of New Zealand’s top cultural institutions. Puke Ariki is a combined museum, library and heritage centre with many fascinating local artifacts. The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre, inside a spectacular reflective steel building, is the country’s first and only museum of contemporary art. Car aficionados will love the Hillsborough Holden Museum. Freechoice: West Coast Boat Tour: Sail on an authentic 1953 English Life boat to the Sugar Loaf Islands, where you can see diverse bird species, spot playful fur seals, and be immersed in local lore. Len Lye Centre with New Plymouth City Tour: Explore the highlights including Port Taranaki, Te Rewa Rewa bridge, Bowls of Brooklands, Wind Wand and the Len Lye Centre. Wine Tasting & Pukeiti Gardens: Visit Pukeiti Garden, a 360-hectare rainforest in the foothills of Mount Taranaki, then enjoy a tasting at Okurukuru Winery with coastal views.

Today is yours to do as much or as little as you like. Start slowly with breakfast on your private verandah or begin with an invigorating workout in the state-of-the-art gym or a class in the Yoga & Pilates studio. Take some time to explore your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, from the Sky Bar and outdoor Vitality Pool on Deck 10 to the tranquil Senses Spa# on Deck 6 with its steam rooms, saunas, plunge pool and KLAFS Salt Therapy Lounge.

Make the most of a second sea day indulging in the many exceptional dining experiences on board Scenic Eclipse II. Start with breakfast al fresco at the Yacht Club (be sure to return later to visit the large gelato fridge). For lunch, Azure Bar & Café serves light meals, pizza and salads. At night, dine around the world with Asian fusion at Koko’s, Sushi @ Koko’s or fine French cuisine at Lumière.

A tiny dot in the middle of the South Pacific, Norfolk Island is more than 800 kilometres north-west of the New Zealand coast and almost 1,500 kilometres east of Australia. The first thing you’ll see will be the tall Norfolk pines dotted along the clifftops, looking out over windswept coastline, deserted beaches and surging seas. Though the island is technically part of Australia, it has its own distinct personality and a fascinating past. It’s been an agricultural settlement, harsh convict prison and the final home of the Pitcairn Islanders, descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives. Freechoice: Half-Day Extravaganza: Visit Norfolk Islands historic areas, such as Kingston, Cascade, and Longridge. Admire the spectacular scenery and learn about its unique history. Historic Kingston Experience: Embark on a half-day tour of the islands history, including the World Heritage-listed Kingston settlement. Behind the Scenes: Experience Norfolk Island life by visiting local businesses. Meet owners, sample their products, and pick up some local goods to take home. Bush Walk Adventure: Choose a gentle stroll through Palm Glen Reserve or a leisurely 3.5km walk up scenic Mt Bates, the islands highest point. Reach the Captain Cook Monument for panoramic coastal views.

Enjoy another luxurious day at sea as Scenic Eclipse II sails back to New Zealand. Today could be the perfect time for an indulgent treatment# in the Senses Spa. Be pampered with a range of signature ESPA treatments# as well as alternative therapies. Then watch the world slip by as you relax in a cabana on Deck 10, before taking a dip in the Vitality Pool with a refreshing drink in hand. Alternatively, ask the butler to bring afternoon tea to your suite for you to enjoy on the private verandah while marvelling at the endless ocean.

The Bay of Islands is one of the world’s most spectacular sailing destinations, so make sure you’re on your verandah or the Observation Terrace as you arrive mid-morning. With its unique sub-tropical climate, around 150 islands and thousands of postcard-perfect coves, this is a little slice of paradise on the North Island. Scenic Eclipse II will anchor off the coast of Paihia, famous for its watersports of kayaking, fishing, parasailing, scuba diving, and more. Nearby is the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the foundation document of New Zealand was signed in 1840. Freechoice: Northland Maori Waka Encounter: A thrilling Maori War Canoe tour. Explore historic sites, paddle over Waitangi River estuaries and visit Haruru Falls, while a guide shares legends and customs. Bay Of Islands Lunch Cruise: Sail through the waterways of Opua and Okiato and learn about the colourful people and events that shaped this country before a delicious lunch. Historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds: Join a local guide for an engaging tour of the Treaty Grounds, including a Maori Cultural Performance and time to explore the museums. Glowworms and Kauri Forest: Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Puketi Kauri Forest and journey through the Kawiti Caves, illuminated by shimmering glowworms.

You’ll finish your journey in the nation’s largest city, Auckland. Home to around a third of the entire New Zealand population, Auckland is a stylish, cosmopolitan city set around two grand harbours. It’s packed with fascinating museums, world-class art galleries and stylish shops featuring local designers. Disembark after breakfast as you say farewell to the crew and take away memories of a truly unforgettable cruise. Please book your flight to depart out of Auckland after 12:00 PM. ^Flights on board the two helicopters are at additional cost, subject to availability and regulatory approval, weight restrictions, medical approval, and weather conditions. #Spa treatments at additional cost.  The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.