Taste of New Zealand: Queenstown to Wellington

Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand. You’ll begin your journey in Queenstown, with some time at leisure and an overnight stay before you board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Queenstown is renowned as New Zealand’s outdoor and adventure capital, offering everything from hiking and biking to water sports, horse riding, rafting and even bungee jumping. You might like to spend a few nights here before the start of your journey to experience the Kiwi’s taste for adventure. 

This morning you will be transferred via coach from Queenstown to Bluff, where your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht awaits. Marvel at the awe-inspiring scenery of rugged mountains, serene lakes, and lush forests. 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.

Discover the unparalleled beauty of Milford Sound, nestled in New Zealands Fiordland National Park. Marvel at the sheer grandeur of this natural wonder as you cruise along its pristine waters, surrounded by towering cliffs that rise hundreds of metres high. Prepare to be enchanted by the mesmerising sight of cascading waterfalls and the captivating beauty of this majestic landscape carved by ancient glaciers. Weather and conditions permitting, you might have a chance to book an optional flightseeing helicopter tour^ and soar above Fiordland National Park, sighting Milford Sound, dubbed “the eighth wonder of the world”.

Stewart Island sits 30 kilometres off the southern tip of the South Island. It is one of the last inhabited outposts before you reach Antarctica, with its only settlement, the tiny village of Oban, clinging bravely to the northern shore. This is New Zealand off the grid, a remarkably remote place of spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. The island is a haven for many birds, including the cute and curious brown kiwi, who outnumber humans and are active day and night. The Mãori name for Stewart Island is Rakiura, which means the land of glowing skies. Freechoice: Southern Coastal Wildlife Cruise: Board a 75-foot high-speed catamaran to explore beautiful Paterson Inlet, admiring Big Glory Bay, Kaipipi Bay, native forest and rugged beaches. Ulva Island & Guided Walk: Explore Ulva Island wildlife sanctuary, known for its rare bird and plant species. You may even catch glimpses of the secretive kaka or wekas.

Wake up in Port Chalmers, the port for the city of Dunedin. The oldest European settlement in New Zealand, it was founded in 1848 and has a proud Scottish lineage – in fact, Dunedin is the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh. Stroll the well-preserved streets to admire the grand Victorian and Edwardian architecture built with funds from the area’s gold rush. Outside town, the surrounding Otago Peninsula is regarded as one of the country’s top wildlife and eco-tourism destinations. Look out for the abundant birds, penguins, seals and sea lions. Freechoice: Larnach Castle & Garden Tour with High Tea: Enjoy a guided tour of the 1871 Lanarch Castle followed by tea. Meet the current owner for a walk through the stunning gardens. Olveston Historic House & City Sights: An unforgettable tour for architecture enthusiasts. Marvel at magnificent stone structures and ornate facades from the city’s heydey. Penguin & Wildlife Experience: A scenic one-hour tour along the shores of Otago Harbour spotting wildlife like NZ fur seals. Visit a breeding colony of cormorants and penguins. Spirits of the No.8 Family Distillery: Discover the secret of artisan spirits on a tour of the distillery. See the process and taste different award-winning spirits.

Arrive this morning at Akaroa, the only French settlement in New Zealand. Founded by French whalers in the 1840s, it retains its French street names, charming Gallic cottages, excellent cuisine and plethora of cheese shops. Freechoice: Canterbury Sheep Farm Experience: Get an insight into New Zealand’s famous sheep industry. See shearing, sheep dogs and typical farm life. Punting on the Avon & Wine: Take a leisurely cruise in a flat-bottomed boat along Christchurch’s scenic Avon River. Then visit Melton Estate Winery for a tasting. Akaroa Harbour Wildlife Cruise: Discover the adorable and playful Hector’s dolphins, found only in NZ waters. (Wildlife sightings not guaranteed) Akaroa Walking Tour: Enjoy a delightful 45-minute walking tour of Akaroa, strolling through the centre of the town, up a local lookout and along the picturesque waterfront.

Sailing north along the east coast of the island, you’ll arrive in Kaikoura early this morning. This tiny town sits in a spectacular natural environment, flanked by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the snow-capped Seaward Kaikoura Range on the other. The town began life as a whaling station in the mid 1800s; visit the oldest surviving building, Fyffe House, or the Kaikoura Museum to learn more about its history. It’s an ideal place for wildlife encounters. Whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in these waters, and an impressive array of seabirds fill the air, including the mighty albatross. Freechoice: Kaikoura Whale Watch Cruise: Venture into the Pacifics depths for awe-inspiring encounters with magnificent sperm whales while expert guides share their insights. Albatross Encounter Cruise: Discover Kaikoura’s renowned birdlife on a 2.5-hour tour. Guides will throw chum into the water to attract albatross and more. Kaikoura Sightseeing Overview: Explore Kaikouras stunning seaside landscape features a three-hour tour with a bush walk, Ohau stream, Ohau Point, and a fur seal colony, offering beautiful coastal vistas and a photo stop. Kaikoura Coastal Panorama Walk: The half-day walking tour visits a main lookout with stunning mountain and ocean views, Fyffe House, and a seal colony.

Scenic Eclipse II will call at two ports in Tasman Bay today. Kaiteriteri is arguably New Zealand’s most beautiful beach, a perfect arc of golden sand fronting startlingly blue water. It’s also the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, a gorgeous coastal park known for its sea kayaking, walks and wildlife. It’s just a short cruise to the city of Nelson. One of the sunniest cities in New Zealand, it’s bursting with open-air cafes, bustling markets, breweries, cycling trails and the pretty Botanic Gardens. Enjoy a late departure tonight, giving you a chance to experience a little Kiwi hospitality after dark. Freechoice: Kaiteriteri Cruise & 3hr Nature Walk: Cruise to Anchorage Beach in Abel Tasman National Park for a guided walk, learning about the park’s wildlife and admiring coastal views. Youll be transferred by coach to Nelson. Cruise & Beach Stop: Sail to Anchorage Beach in Abel Tasman National Park, meet your guide, enjoy bird songs, and trek to Pitt Head for coastal views. Youll be transferred by coach to Nelson. Nelson Walking Tour: Join a guided walk through historic Nelson, New Zealand’s second oldest city and culture capital. Soak up the village atmosphere that makes it so popular.

Wake up early this morning so you can experience the beauty of sailing into the Marlborough Sounds. Ask the butler to bring you coffee to your suite so you can soak it in from your private verandah. Spend the morning in Picton, a picturesque small town that looks almost tropical with its towering palm trees and clear turquoise water. Wander the pretty waterfront promenade, lined with shops, cafes and galleries, or visit the museum inside the Edwin Fox convict ship dry docked offshore. Picton is a short drive from the famous Marlborough wine region, which produces around two thirds of New Zealand’s wine. Freechoice: Queen Charlotte Sounds Explorer: Cruise through the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound, enjoying commentary from your friendly guide, and explore Arapawa Island formerly a whaling base and now flourishing with aquaculture. Marlborough Sounds Link Pathway Walk: Follow the new Link Pathway on a guided walk. Admire views of Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Sound and look for native birds. Wine of Marlborough: Discover New Zealands wine country on a scenic tour from Picton. Enjoy stunning views and wine tasting in Marlborough wine region. Seafood Odyssea: Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound, enjoying local delicacies and scenic views. Learn about the regions history and wildlife from expert crew.

Wake up in Napier this morning and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back almost 100 years into the past. In 1931, the centre of the town was razed by an earthquake and then rebuilt in the Art Deco style of the day. Today, it retains all the charm and style of its heyday with the largest collection of authentic Art Deco buildings on earth. Freechoice: Cape Kidnappers & Gannet Safari: Drive along the Hawke’s Bay coast to the gannet colony. See them dive into the sea and observe their distinctive behaviors while also keeping an eye out for newly hatched chicks. Hawkes Bay Express: Explore Napier on a  modern road train, travelling along Main Street, admiring early settler’s homes, visiting the old port village and hearing stories of the past. A Tale of Two Hawkes Bay Wineries: Enjoy a panoramic drive through Hawke’s Bay coast, stopping at two award-winning wineries. Art Deco City Walking Tour: Discover Napiers Art Deco highlights, starting with a short film about the 1931 earthquake followed by a guided walking tour of the city centre. Pinot and Pecorino: Departing from Napier, youll journey to Craggy Range Sheep Dairy for a behind-the-scenes look at sheep milking, followed by a tasting of award-winning cheese paired with local wine. Enjoy breathtaking views and a scenic drive back.

You will conclude your journey in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, renowned for its vibrant culture, stunning natural scenery, and dynamic arts scene. 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 Wellington 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.