Luxury Cruises

New Zealand Small Ship Vacation Packages

New Zealand is a spectacular country with striking contrasts: from the steep glacier-carved fjords with cascading waterfalls and beech forests in the south to the geysers, thermal hot springs and coastal rainforests in the north. There are cities and villages express old- on a voyage to this spectacular country and spend the holidays with family and new friends in a country renowned for its warmth and charm.

Depart home for Queenstown crossing the International dateline in-flight.

Day 2
Queenstown, South Island New Zealand

Upon arrival, your room is ready for immediate occupancy. The remainder of today is free to relax and see some of the sights of Queenstown.</ br> Novatel Gardens

Day 3
Queenstown/Milford Sound

This morning, following breakfast, we depart Queenstown for the scenic drive to Milford Sound stopping enroute for an al-fresco lunch in this stunning alpine setting. This afternoon, we board the 'Clipper Odyssey' in Milford Sound for our first night on board.</ br> 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 4
Milford Sound

Today, we explore Milford Sound by Zodiac and nature hikes. You will be in awe of the showering waterfalls that cascade from the soaring vertical cliffs surrounded by lush greenery. This afternoon, view the underwater community of Milford Sound the Underwater Observation Station. </ br>'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Days 5-6
Fiordland Expedition Cruising

We will spend two full days exploring Fiordland National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site was created some 14,000 years ago when retreating glaciers carved out an extraordinary coastline with plunging fjords, mist-shrouded mountains, cascading waterfalls and vast beech forests. Among our planned expedition stops are Dusky and Doubtful Sound, Seal Rocks and Bradshaw Sound. </ br>'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 7
Stewart Island

Rise early and be on deck with our naturalists as the 'Clipper Odyssey' passes the vast bird colonies at Muttonbird Island. Today, we will spend the full day at Stewart Island, New Zealand's southernmost inhabited outpost. Here we will visit the tiny village of Oban and have fascinating guided nature hikes at Ulva Island to view such birds as the red crowned oyster catchers and indigenous wekas, bellbird, kakariki and kereru. </ br>'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 8
Dunedin

Today, we have the opportunity to spend Christmas day in the charming village of Dunedin. This morning you will have the opportunity to attend Christmas morning services, followed by a leisurely stroll through this quaint village. Celebrate with your new 'Clipper Odyssey' "Family" during a special private Christmas day lunch at the exclusive Glenfalloch Restaurant. Later, we will explore the Otago Peninsula to view the abundance of wildlife found here including fur seals, yellow-eyed penguins, vast colonies of cormorants, northern royal albatross.</ br> 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 9
Akaroa

This morning, conditions permitting, you will have the opportunity to swim with Hector dolphins at Akaroa. This afternoon, take a guided walking tour of this quaint village highlighted by its local artist's shops and studios including mosaic masterpiece 'The Giuant's House'. 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 10
Lyttleton/Christchurch

Today, 'Clipper Odyssey' docks in Lyttleton where you will depart for a full day excursion to Christchurch and the surrounding areas. Join a local historian for a private tour of Christ College and an introduction to Christchurch. Visit the unique Canterbury Museum then explore the crafts and food stands at the Art Centre. Next, visit Flaxton Farm for a private farm tour and sheep shearing demonstration, followed by a country barbecue lunch. Finally, enjoy a guided tour of the famed Gardens in Christchurch before returning to the 'Clipper Odyssey'.</ br> 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 11
Kaikoura

This morning, enjoy a guided whale watching expedition where we will be on the lookout for orca and sperm whales in the nutrient-rich waters off the Kaikoura shore. This afternoon, enjoy a heritage tour of the Maori village of Kaikoura.</ br> 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 12
Queen Charlotte Sound

Today is an expedition day as we explore the scenic Queen Charlotte Sound. Visit Ships Cove and Motuara Island. Conditions permitting, you may enjoy a kayaking excursion in Ngakuta Bay. This afternoon, visit the spectacular Marlbourough wine region for a stop at Blenheim and Montana Brancott winery for a vineyard tour and wine-tasting.</ br> 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 12
Wellington

Today, visit the capital city of Wellington. See the city by cable car and visit the parliament buildings and Botanic Gardens. Visit Stansborough- setting for much of the "Lord of the Rings" sagas. This afternoon, we visit the Maori Te Papa Museum.</ br> 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 13 Napier

Today's visit in Napier will offer a contrast of culture with an Art deco walking tour with morning tea at the Hawkes Bay Club. This afternoon, our birder's can enjoy a birding tour to view the gannet colonies, or visit a local vineyard for a food and wine tour. </ br>'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 14
Whakatane/ White Island

Today, we visit by local excursion boats the volcanic White Island. White Island is an active volcano estimated to be between 150 and 200 thousand years old. It was first discovered in 1769 by Captain Cook. Venture to the main crater's edge to witness the awesome power of mother nature.</ br> 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 15
Tauranga

Today, enjoy a full day tour to Rotorua, highlighted by visits to Rainbow Springs Trout hatchery, an exclusive visit to Whakarewarewa Thermal village (a living Maori village) where you will enjoy a traditional hangi lunch. Learn how to weave flax and enjoy a Maori concert. As we return to the 'Clipper Odyssey', travel through the impressive Redwood Forest. 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 16
Auckland/ Return Home

Disembark this morning in Auckland. This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Auckland including lunch before transfer to airport for return flights. Cross International Dateline arriving on same day. B

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

10/09 

New Zealand Small Ship Cruise Vacations

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