Kimberley Cruise Center

Oceanic Discoverer

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12 NIGHT NEW ZEALAND JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY

AUCKLAND-MILFORD SOUND or reverse

Cabins

2007

Twin share

Sole use 

1. Main Deck B

$6,990 pp

NA

2. Main Deck A

$7,890 pp

$11,385

3. Promenade Deck B

$8,990 pp

$13,485

4. Promenade Deck A

$9,490 pp

$14,235

4. Bridge

$9,990 pp

NA

"Follow the east coast of both the North and South Islands or the Bay of Islands - explore the land, meet the people and interact with some of the unique native wildlife of this amazingly diverse and ultimately satisfying destination."


Cruise Inclusions

  • On board accommodation

  • Services of expedition staff including lectures, briefings, slide/film presentations, and other group activities

  • Shore excursions (excludes helicopter)

  • All meals

  • 24 hour tea/coffee station

  • Landing and port fees

DAY 1: Auckland - Mercury Islands

Boarding at 9:00am, we depart the "City of Sails" at 10:00am and enjoy the view of the city and Hauraki Gulf as we begin our 12 night New Zealand discovery cruise. We spend the afternoon cruising through the beautiful Hauraki Gulf to the Mercury Islands. On arrival we conduct our first exploratory expedition aboard the "Xplorer". Join our experienced Guest Lecturers and Expedition Leader as we search and explore the beaches and caves in this group of remote islands. Subject to tides and conditions we have the option of a quick bathe at a hot-water beach then head back to Oceanic Princess to enjoy the Captain's Welcome Aboard Cocktails. (LD)

DAY 2: White Island

Following breakfast we, subject to weather, embark on an excursion to explore this active volcano, identifiable by the plume of steam continually spouting from its crater. Following a landing with the "Xplorer" we spend approx three hours on a guided walk to the crater returning to Oceanic Princess for lunch before cruising southwards along the coast to Whangara, a small Maori settlement made famous following the filming of the movie Whale Rider. (BLD)

DAY 3: Gisborne

This morning, subject to weather, we land and Whangara Beach for our exclusive Maori cultural experience including a traditional welcome, Kapa Haka cultural show and tour of the Marae by the elder of the Ngati Konohi people. Following our visit we cruise to Gisborne, the first European landing place in New Zealand. Captain Cook first landed here in 1769 and a European settlement was established in 1831. Today we offer you the opportunity to explore the region. Whether your interest is the history, the renowned wines and vineyards, short or long walks or beautiful gardens, this region offers you a multitude of guided or self-discovery options. (BLD)

Optional Tours:

Vintage Steam Train Excursion
Wine Tour
Garden Tour

DAY 4: Napier

An earthquake in 1931 led to the unique rebuilding of this city. The rebuild followed the flourishing art deco trend in America and Europe at that time, and offers a wonderful heritage of art deco architecture. Spend the morning enjoying the sights of the city or embark on an optional adventure tour to Cape Kidnappers Gannet Sanctuary, the world's largest mainland gannet colony. (BLD)

Optional Tours:

Cape Kidnappers Gannet Sanctuary Tractor Tour
Wine Tour
Garden Tour

DAYS 5 & 6: Marlborough Sounds

We spend two days exploring an array of spectacular waterways including the fiord-like Queen Charlotte Sound. Retracing the history of Captain Cook we visit Ships Cove a regular stop for Captain Cook on his voyage of discovery and the place where he careened his vessel the Endeavour. The days offer a multitude of explorations aboard the Xplorer and inflatable Zodiacs under the guidance of our Expedition Leader and with interpretation from our experienced Guest Lecturers. Subject to timing you have the option to spend time ashore in Picton. We offer guided visits to Moturoa Island where we enjoy an abundance of birdlife. We farewell the dark green hills and blue-green waters of the Sounds with an evening cruise through the scenic Tory Channel as continue our journey southwards. (BLD)

DAY 7: Kaikoura

Today we dedicate to the ultimate marine experience of whale watching with the spectacular backdrop of the Kaikoura coastline. Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world to experience the giant sperm whale in its natural environment. Joined by dusky dolphins, seabirds, fur seals and other migratory whale species this promises to be an experience never forgotten. (BLD)

DAY 8: Akaroa

This morning we cruise in to the secluded Akaroa Harbour. This picturesque' bay hosts a myriad of wildlife including penguins and dolphins. For a special nature experience, you have the opportunity to swim with one of the smallest and rarest dolphins - the Hector's or New Zealand Dolphin. The town originally settled by the French in the early 19th century, retains its Gallic heritage and ambience. (BLD)

Optional Tours:

French Farm Tour
Christchurch City Tour

DAY 9: Dunedin

The Otago Harbour welcomes us as we cruise past the world's largest mainland albatross colony at Tairoa Heads and home of the world rarest penguin, the Yellowed Eyed Penguin. Of Scottish heritage, Dunedin offers a great diversity of experiences from the abundant wildlife to the historic Edwardian and Victorian architecture, the Otakou Maori marae, the famous Speights brewery, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Settlers Museum and New Zealand's oldest botanical gardens. We spend a full day in port providing you the option explore areas of interest at your leisure. (BLD)

Optional Tours:

City, Lanarch Castle and Peninsula Tour
Double Decker Bus Historical City Tour

DAY 10: Snares Island/Stewart Island

Weather permitting, we cruise to the remote Snares Island, a unique and limited opportunity to view one of the world's largest bird colonies and natural wilderness. Alternatively we cruise to Stewart Island, a large island that is almost totally wilderness and home to a vast number of seals, birds and other wildlife. Here we spend a day of discovery and exploration through the Paterson Inlet and surrounding areas. Either encounter includes guided "Xplorer" and/or Zodiac excursions to maximise the experience to it fullest. Walks ashore under the guidance of our experienced naturalists encounter native birds such as the Weka, Tui, Bellbird, Kaka, Karikari and more. (BLD)

DAY 11: Dusky Fiord

Our first experience of the deep Fiordland waterways begins as we enter Dusky fiord. We spend the day in awe of the spectacular and dramatic natural wilderness as we cruise past the sheer cliffs and tumbling waterfalls of this beautiful landscape. Enjoy the view from the Oceanic Princess or choose to explore the inlets on the "Xplorer" or Zodiacs. Rejoin Oceanic Princess as we head north to Doubtful fiord to anchor for the evening. (BLD)

DAY 12: Doubtful Fiord

Another day awakens to the magnificent scenery of Fiordland. Doubtful fiord the deepest of the fiords will not disappoint. Aboard the "Xplorer" or inflatable Zodiacs we join our informative Guest Lecturers on conduct guided excursions through the maze of spectacular waterways. This evening enjoy the Captains Farewell Cocktails whilst engulfed by the dramatic scenery. (BLD)

DAY 13: Milford Sound

Farewell and disembarkation at 8:00am. A complimentary coach transfer to Queenstown is available on the morning of arrival.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Whilst every effort will be made to follow this itinerary we do reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may effect the operation of the vessel.

12 NIGHT NEW ZEALAND JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY

MILFORD SOUND-AUCKLAND

Cabins

2006

2007 

Twin share

Sole use

Twin share

Sole use 

1. Main Deck B

$6,960 pp

NA

$6,990 pp

NA

2. Main Deck A

$7,560 pp

$11,340

$7,890 pp

$11,385

3. Promenade Deck B

$8,760 pp

$13,140

$8,990 pp

$13,485

4. Promenade Deck A

$9,360 pp

$14,140

$9,490 pp

$14,235

4. Bridge

$9,984 pp

NA

$9,990 pp

NA

"Follow the east coast of both the North and South Islands or the Bay of Islands - explore the land, meet the people and interact with some of the unique native wildlife of this amazingly diverse and ultimately satisfying destination."

Cruise Inclusions

  • On board accommodation

  • Services of expedition staff including lectures, briefings, slide/film presentations, and other group activities

  • Shore excursions (excludes helicopter)

  • All meals

  • 24 hour tea/coffee station

  • Landing and port fees

DAY 1: Milford Sound

Boarding at 1:00pm, we depart Milford Sound at 2:00pm as we enjoy our first experience of the spectacular deep Fiordland waterways. This evening enjoy the Captains Welcome Cocktails whilst absorbing the natural beauty on our cruise to Doubtful fiord, our overnight anchorage. A complimentary coach transfer from Queenstown to Milford Sound is available on departure day. (LD)

DAY 2: Doubtful & Dusky Fiords

Awake to the magnificent scenery of Fiordland. The scenery through Doubtful, the deepest of the fiords, will not disappoint. Today we embark on the first of our excursions aboard our especially designed "Xplorer" or inflatable Zodiacs. Under the guidance of our experienced and informative Guest Lecturers we explore this maze of spectacular waterways. Cruising down to Breaksea and Dusky fiords we spend the day in awe of the spectacular and dramatic natural wilderness as we cruise past the sheer cliffs and tumbling waterfalls of this beautiful landscape. (BLD)

DAY 3: Snares Island/Stewart Island

Weather permitting, we cruise to the remote Snares Island, a unique and limited opportunity to view one of the world's largest bird colonies and natural wilderness. Alternatively we cruise to Stewart Island, a large island that is almost totally wilderness and home to a vast number of seals, birds and other wildlife. Here we spend a day of discovery and exploration through the Paterson Inlet and surrounding areas. Either encounter includes guided "Xplorer" and/or Zodiac excursions to maximise the experience to it fullest. Walks ashore under the guidance of our experienced naturalists encounter native birds such as the Weka, Tui, Bellbird, Kaka, Karikari and more. (BLD)

DAY 4: Dunedin

The Otago Harbour welcomes us as we cruise past the world's largest mainland albatross colony at Tairoa Heads and home of the world rarest penguin, the Yellowed Eyed Penguin. Of Scottish heritage, Dunedin offers a great diversity of experiences from the abundant wildlife to the historic Edwardian and Victorian architecture, the Otakou Maori Marae, the famous Speights brewery, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Settlers Museum and New Zealand's oldest botanical gardens. We spend a full day in port providing you the option explore areas of interest at your leisure. (BLD)

Optional Tours:

City, Lanarch Castle and Peninsular Tour
Double Decker Bus Historical City Tour

DAY 5: Akaroa

This morning we cruise in to the secluded Akaroa Harbour. This picturesque' bay hosts a myriad of wildlife including penguins and dolphins. For a special nature experience, you have the opportunity to swim with one of the smallest and rarest dolphins - the Hector's or New Zealand Dolphin. The town originally settled by the French in the early 19th century, retains its Gallic heritage and ambience. (BLD)

Optional Tours:

French Farm Tour
Christchurch City Tour

DAY 6: Kaikoura

Today we dedicate to the ultimate marine experience of whale watching with the spectacular backdrop of the Kaikoura coastline. Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world to experience the giant sperm whale in its natural environment. Joined by dusky dolphins, seabirds, fur seals and other migratory whale species this promises to be an experience never forgotten. (BLD)

DAY 7: Marlborough Sounds

Our arrival to the dark green hills and blue-green waters of the Sounds is highlighted with a cruise through the scenic Tory Channel. We spend the day exploring an array of spectacular waterways including the fiord-like Queen Charlotte Sound. Retracing the history of Captain Cook we visit Ships Cove a regular stop for Captain Cook on his voyage of discovery and the place where he careened his vessel the Endeavour. The day offers a multitude of explorations aboard the Xplorer and inflatable Zodiacs under the guidance of our Expedition Leader and with interpretation from our experienced Guest Lecturers. We offer guided visits to Moturoa Island where we enjoy an abundance of birdlife. (BLD)

DAY 8: Coastal Cruise

A day of leisure at sea. Take in the scenic coast, read or join informative presentations from our qualified guest lecturers covering the early settlers and Maori culture in preparation of our visit to Whangara a small Maori Settlement and Gisborne the location of the first European landing. View the movie ‘Whale Rider" filmed at Whangara as an insight to our visit from Gisborne. (BLD)

DAY 9: Napier

An earthquake in 1931 led to the unique rebuilding of this city. The rebuild followed the flourishing art deco trend in America and Europe at that time, and offers a wonderful heritage of art deco architecture. We spend the day enjoying the sights of the city. (BLD)

Optional Tours:

Cape Kidnappers Gannet Sanctuary Tractor Tour
Wine Tour
City Highlights Bus Toar
Art Deco Guided Walk

DAY 10: Gisborne

Gisborne is the first European landing place in New Zealand. Captain Cook first landed here in 1769 and a European settlement was established in 1831. This morning we offer you the opportunity to explore the region. Whether your interest is the history, the renowned wines and vineyards, short or long walks or beautiful gardens, this region offers you a multitude of guided or self-discovery options. In the afternoon, subject to weather, we land and Whangara Beach for an evening of Maori culture including a traditional welcome, a Kapa Haka cultural show and tour of the Marae by the elder of the Ngati Konohi people. (BLD)

Optional Tours:

Vintage Steam Train Excursion
Wine Tour
Garden Tour

DAY 11: White Island

Following breakfast we, subject to weather, embark on an excursion to explore this active volcano, identifiable by the plume of steam continually spouting from its crater. Following a landing with the "Xplorer" we spend approx three hours on a guided walk to the crater returning to Oceanic Princess for lunch. (BLD)

Day 12: Mercury Islands

Join our experienced Guest Lecturers and Expedition Leader as we search and explore the beaches and caves in this group of remote islands. Subject to tides and conditions we have the option to bathe at a hot-water beach. This evening join the Captains Farewell Cocktails as we enjoy our last evening aboard amongst the beautiful islands of the Hauraki Gulf. (BLD)

Day 13: Auckland

Farewell and disembarkation in Auckland "The City of Sails" at 8:00am. (B)

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Whilst every effort will be made to follow this itinerary we do reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may effect the operation of the vessel.