New Zealand Coastal Expedition with Cityscapes to Geothermal Gems

This morning, uncover the highlights of Auckland on a guided city sights tour. Later, tailor your day with one of our Freedom of Choice experiences. This evening, ring in the New Year with a celebratory dinner at Eight Restaurant, and relish the unique thrill of welcoming the New Year in the very first country in the world to do so.

Freedom of Choice – Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise

Sail under the Auckland Harbour Bridge, spot volcanic peaks and admire the iconic city skyline from the water aboard a 50-foot monohull sailboat.

Freedom of Choice – All Blacks Experience

Immerse yourself in a guided encounter that connects you to the history and culture of one of the world’s greatest sports teams. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the people who have made the All Blacks such an important part of New Zealand’s story.

Freedom of Choice – Wētā Workshop – Unleashed

Journey behind the cinema curtain with the Academy Award-winning team at Wētā Workshop and see how blockbuster films such as The Hobbit are created.

Freedom of Choice – Te Wao Nui – The Living Realm at Auckland Zoo

At Auckland Zoo, explore six stunning habitats showcasing the native flora and fauna of New Zealand. See the iconic kiwi, cheeky kea and more than 50 other native species.

Freedom of Choice – Bush and Beach Wilderness Adventure

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city on a half-day tour to Auckland’s wild, black sand beaches and lush rainforest. Join an experienced guide and learn about the forest’s unique plants and wildlife.

Depart Auckland and journey to Rotorua, renowned for its otherworldly geothermal landscapes and vibrant Māori culture. Along the way, enjoy a special Signature Experience that brings movie magic to life.

Signature Experience – Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour and Banquet Lunch

Step into the enchanting world of Middle-earth™ with a guided tour of the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set. Wander the 12-acre site with your expert guide, who will share behind-the-scenes stories and point out the most memorable filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Visit the charming hobbit holes, including the famed Bag End, before sitting down to a buffet lunch inside The Party Marquee — complete with roasted meats, fresh salads, and indulgent desserts, all served in true Shire style.

Spend the day exploring all Rotorua has to offer. Experience the lively Agrodome Farm Show and visit The National Kiwi Hatchery before heading to the incredible natural geothermal wonder that is renowned for its healing properties, the mineral-rich Te Puia Thermal Reserve. This evening, enjoy a Signature Experience that offers a deeper connection to Māori culture.

Signature Experience – Te Pā Tū

Step into the spirit of Aotearoa at Te Pā Tū, an immersive Māori village experience. Be welcomed with a powerful haka pōwhiri (ceremonial greeting), then enjoy an unforgettable evening of traditional performance, storytelling, and song. As the night unfolds, indulge in canapés, chef-curated aperitifs, and a seasonal three-course feast.

Journey south today towards Wellington, stopping first at Huka Falls to witness the dramatic cascade of water thundering through a narrow gorge. Continue to the shores of Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake, set against a stunning volcanic backdrop. Later, arrive in the vibrant capital of Wellington.

This morning, explore the highlights of New Zealand’s capital on a guided sightseeing tour, taking in iconic landmarks such as Mount Victoria and the vibrant waterfront. Enjoy a scenic ride aboard the historic Wellington Cable Car, offering sweeping views over the city. Later, transfer to the Coral Adventurer, your home for the next 10 nights. Settle into your comfortable cabin, then join your fellow travellers for a relaxed welcome dinner on board as your journey begins.

Visit the James Cook memorial at Meretoto/Ship Cove, where he anchored HMS Endeavour in 1770. Continue to nearby Motuara Island for a walk through a wildlife sanctuary rich in birdlife. A gentle stroll along the shoreline offers impressive views of Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound.

Kaikōura is a premier destination in New Zealand’s South Island for whale watching. From the stable comfort of your catamaran, you have the opportunity to see whales and other marine life in their natural habitat. It’s common to see various whale species like sperm, humpback, and pilot whales. Onboard hydrophones offer the extra benefit of hearing the whales communicate with each other. You’re also likely to see acrobatic dolphins, playful seals, and elegant wandering albatrosses during this thrilling excursion.

Back on land, embark on a 3.5 kilometre walk over the peninsular track with breath taking scenery throughout the entire route. Along the way, you’ll encounter cattle, sheep, spot sea lions and rich bird life. A shuttle bus will meet you at the end of the walk and transfer back to the marina, where your tender vessel will shuttle you back to the ship. Alternatively, enjoy some free time in the township and be transferred back to the ship by tender vessel afterwards.

From Akaroa port, take a scenic drive to Christchurch, capital of South Island, where you’ll explore the charming city at your own pace. Christchurch is New Zealand’s second largest city and the city centre is a vibrant spot offering a world-class museum and the renowned Botanic Gardens that are a delight to explore. An unbeatable way to explore the centre is by tram (additional expense). The all-day hop-on hop-off tickets allow you to visit the highlights of the city centre at your leisure, and the knowledgeable drivers provide informative live commentaries along the way.

After a leisurely morning on board, disembark the ship after lunch for a city tour of Dunedin. Visit the local Araiteuru (a community meeting space) to receive a special welcome presentation from a Marae member. The remainder of the tour will include highlights of Dunedin including famous Ovelston House, the marvellous Flemish Renaissance-style Railway Station, Dunedin University, and Baldwin Street – the world’s steepest street. Alternatively, enjoy free time to discover the delights of Dunedin at your own pace.

Experience a blend of guided discovery and free time to explore Stewart Island at leisure. This serene, remote island is rich in wildlife, where you can discover ancient forests, or choose from various hikes to suit your interests and level of fitness. The island’s European heritage comes to life at Oban, a coastal town established by Scottish settlers in the 1840s, while a former whaling station provides links to Norwegian expeditions to Antarctica during the Golden Age of Exploration.

Bask in the splendour of Dusky Sound in the Fiordland National Park, one of New Zealand’s treasured natural icons and recognised as part of the wider UNESCO World Heritage site of Te Wāhipounamu (Place of the Greenstone). It’s home to glaciers, alpine ranges, and unique flora and fauna.

As you leave Tamatea, secure a place on deck and watch the captain masterfully steer the ship through Acheron Passage, where you can marvel at the breathtaking fjord scenery and wildlife.

Find a comfortable place on deck or in the observation lounge, and watch as the captain navigates a narrow passage of the fiord known as ‘The Gut’ from Thompson Sound into Doubtful Sound.

‘Patea’ (Doubtful Sound) meaning ‘place of silence’ in Māori, spans a staggering 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the head of the fiord to the Tasman Sea. It is the deepest of New Zealand’s 14 fjords and its enormity leaves all who visit feeling humbled and in awe of its powerful presence. The fjord branches into three arms and offers impressive waterfalls that provide shelter to New Zealand’s southernmost population of bottlenose dolphins and tawaki, the Fiordland crested penguin.

An easy short walk between Deas Cove and Neck Cove offers the chance to see unique local flora and fauna. Alternatively, embark on a thrilling cruise aboard your tender vessel, exploring the coastline of the fjord and hearing tales of local history.

Deep within Fiordland National Park lies Milford Sound, arguably New Zealand’s most famous natural attraction. With its beguiling combination of towering mountain peaks, ink-dark waters and forest-covered cliffs, it mesmerises those who see it. Here, you can enjoy a thrilling excursion aboard your tender vessel to visit thundering waterfalls, or explore the rugged coastline and look for fur seals, dolphins and, perhaps, spot penguins.

Enjoy a day at sea, sailing past remote Te Niho a Kewa (Solander Island), recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International due to its significance as a breeding site for Buller’s albatrosses and common diving petrels. New Zealand’s southernmost gannet colony also thrives on Solander Island. If conditions and time permits, your skillful captain will endeavour to offer a scenic sailing alongside the island, or perhaps even from the ship’s tenders, to provide you with an up-close view of the island’s incredible birdlife.

Your cruise comes to an end this morning after breakfast, where you disembark in Bluff and be transferred to Queenstown airport or hotel.