Timaru

Upon arrival in Christchurch, you will be transferred by coach to Timaru, where your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht awaits.Nestled along New Zealand’s stunning South Island coast, Timaru welcomes you with its blend of natural beauty and rich heritage.The Captain and crew will warmly gr... Upon arrival in Christchurch, you will be transferred by coach to Timaru, where your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht awaits.Nestled along New Zealand’s stunning South Island coast, Timaru welcomes you with its blend of natural beauty and rich heritage.The Captain and crew will warmly greet you as you board Scenic Eclipse II. Settle into your spacious verandah suite, meet your butler, and acquaint yourself with the world-class facilities of your Discovery Yacht. Then head to the Scenic Lounge Bar to meet your fellow guests and toast the start of your voyage as you sail away from New Zealand.Please book your flight to arrive into Christchurch prior to 10:30 AM. Read More

At Sea

At Sea

At Sea

At Sea

At Sea

Cruise East, Antarctica, Ross Sea

Be sure to stay close to your verandah as you enter the Ross Sea. The pristine, iceberg-rich ocean is popular among orcas, seals, penguins and whales.This rugged and remarkable body of water is surrounded by sky-scraping mountains and carved by glacial ice tongues, vast ice shelves and dri... Be sure to stay close to your verandah as you enter the Ross Sea. The pristine, iceberg-rich ocean is popular among orcas, seals, penguins and whales.This rugged and remarkable body of water is surrounded by sky-scraping mountains and carved by glacial ice tongues, vast ice shelves and drifting sea ice.Your Captain and Discovery Leader will seek out the safest opportunities for you to explore the area.Over the next few days on Ross Island, at the base of Mount Erebus, you'll have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of legendary explorers like Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott.Discovery: Today you may have the opportunity to explore this fascinating landscape on the fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboarding~, guided and self-paced hikes. Alternatively, you may be able to add to your experience with a flight on one of the two on board helicopters^. Read More

Cruise East, Antarctica, Ross Sea

Weather and ice conditions permitting, we will arrive at Beaufort Island, a remote and rugged volcanic outpost rising dramatically from the icy waters of the Ross Sea. Located on the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf, this isolated sanctuary is home to a thriving Adélie penguin colony, as... Weather and ice conditions permitting, we will arrive at Beaufort Island, a remote and rugged volcanic outpost rising dramatically from the icy waters of the Ross Sea. Located on the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf, this isolated sanctuary is home to a thriving Adélie penguin colony, as well as skuas and other seabirds. Its towering cliffs and icy shores create a breathtaking landscape, offering a rare glimpse into Antarctica’s untouched wilderness.Discovery: You may have the opportunity to explore this fascinating landscape on the fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards~. Alternatively, conditions permitting, you may experience an exclusive flightseeing excursion on one of the two on board helicopters^, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Antarctic wilderness. Read More

Cruise East, Antarctica, Ross Sea

Few sights in Antarctica are as dramatic as Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on Earth. Sit down with your expert polar Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre to learn why Sir James Clark Ross and Sir Ernest Shackleton came here on their polar expeditions, and how they... Few sights in Antarctica are as dramatic as Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on Earth. Sit down with your expert polar Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre to learn why Sir James Clark Ross and Sir Ernest Shackleton came here on their polar expeditions, and how they built their huts.Throughout the day, keep an eye out for Adélie penguins. Cape Bird is home to one of the region’s largest colonies, where these charming birds nest along its rugged, rocky shores.Further south, Cape Royds blends history and wildlife. It’s home to Shackleton’s well-preserved 1908 Nimrod expedition hut.Discovery: Another exciting opportunity to soar over the breathtaking landscape with flightseeing on one of the two on board helicopters^.Alternatively, you may explore this fascinating landscape and spot Ross Sea wildlife on the fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboarding~, guided and self-paced hikes. Your expert Discovery Team may take you on enlightening excursions to the historic explorers’ huts. Read More

Cruise East, Antarctica, Ross Sea

Today, weather and conditions permitting step into the world of Antarctic exploration as we navigate toward Cape Evans. This is home to one of the most important historical sites on the continent, Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova Hut, the base for his legendary 1911–1913 expedi... Today, weather and conditions permitting step into the world of Antarctic exploration as we navigate toward Cape Evans. This is home to one of the most important historical sites on the continent, Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova Hut, the base for his legendary 1911–1913 expedition to the South Pole.You will land via Zodiac directly at Cape Evans, where you will have the rare opportunity to walk through Scott’s Hut, preserved much as it was over a century ago. This is one of Antarctica’s most moving and well-preserved monuments to human endurance and ambition.Back on board join your Discovery Team historians for a fascinating lecture on the rivalry between Scott, Amundsen, and Shackleton, deepening your appreciation for the sheer determination it took to survive in this formidable landscape.Discovery: Depending on weather and ice conditions, you may have the chance to explore this remarkable landscape in a variety of ways. Take to the water on a Zodiac cruise through icy waters in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard~, or, for a truly unique perspective, soar above the frozen expanse by adding an exclusive flightseeing excursion by helicopter^. Your expert Discovery Team may take you on enlightening excursions to the historic explorers’ huts. Read More

Cruise East, Antarctica, Ross Sea

Today, if conditions allow, prepare for one of the most exclusive experiences in the world—a helicopter flight^ over the McMurdo Dry Valleys.A stark, otherworldly landscape, the Dry Valleys are one of the driest places on Earth. The only way to glimpse this dramatic landscape is by a... Today, if conditions allow, prepare for one of the most exclusive experiences in the world—a helicopter flight^ over the McMurdo Dry Valleys.A stark, otherworldly landscape, the Dry Valleys are one of the driest places on Earth. The only way to glimpse this dramatic landscape is by adding an optional excursion on one of Scenic Eclipse II’s helicopters^ – weather permitting, your pilot may even land on this end-of-the-Earth landscape.For those staying on board, the day offers enriching experiences—from wildlife spotting in the Observation Lounge to deep-dive lectures on the region’s pioneering research stations.Discovery: Experience the breathtaking McMurdo Dry Valleys from above with an optional helicopter^ flight, offering a rare glimpse of this otherworldly, arid landscape, often compared to Mars.Alternatively, embark on a Zodiac cruise across pristine Antarctic waters on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard~. Keep an eye out for orcas and Emperor penguins, while your Discovery Team shares fascinating insights into the region’s history. Read More

Cruising the Ross Sea

Experience the edge of the world as you cruise along the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest floating ice mass on the planet. Towering up to 50 metres (160 feet) above sea level, this frozen fortress is one of the most spectacular sights in Antarctica.As the day unfolds, your Captain and Discovery... Experience the edge of the world as you cruise along the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest floating ice mass on the planet. Towering up to 50 metres (160 feet) above sea level, this frozen fortress is one of the most spectacular sights in Antarctica.As the day unfolds, your Captain and Discovery Leader will seek out the best opportunities for exploration - perhaps a Zodiac cruise alongside the towering ice cliffs or wildlife encounters with Weddell seals resting on the frozen landscape.Discovery: Depending on conditions, you may have the opportunity to fly on one of the two on board helicopters^ to the Ross Sea Ice Shelf. On this unforgettable optional flightseeing excursion, see the spectacular ice shelf from above and possibly land on it. Or explore this fascinating landscape on the fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards~, guided and self-paced hikes. Read More

Cruise East, Antarctica, Ross Sea

Today, we may visit one of Antarctica’s most poignant historical sites, Inexpressible Island, where six men from Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition (1910–1913) spent an unthinkable winter, stranded with almost no supplies.Your Discovery Team historians will bring... Today, we may visit one of Antarctica’s most poignant historical sites, Inexpressible Island, where six men from Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition (1910–1913) spent an unthinkable winter, stranded with almost no supplies.Your Discovery Team historians will bring their story to life, recounting tales of sheer resilience and determination that remain among the most incredible feats in polar history.Beyond its historical significance, Inexpressible Island is also a haven for wildlife. Adélie penguins thrive here, and the surrounding waters are often frequented by Weddell and crabeater seals. If conditions allow, we may explore the dramatic coastline by Zodiac.Back on board, consider unwinding at the Senses Spa#, indulging in a soothing treatment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past days.Discovery: Today, you may have the opportunity to explore this fascinating landscape on the fleet of Zodiacs, by Kayak or stand-up paddleboarding~. You might also have the opportunity to experience this incredible landscape from the air by taking an exclusive helicopter^ flight. Read More

Cruise East, Antarctica, Ross Sea

All jagged cliffs and ink-black escarpments backed by the towering Admiralty Mountains, the Adare Peninsula is a dramatic postcard. Much of the spectacle comes from the 250,000 breeding pairs of Adélie penguins – the largest colony in Antarctica – that call the region ho... All jagged cliffs and ink-black escarpments backed by the towering Admiralty Mountains, the Adare Peninsula is a dramatic postcard. Much of the spectacle comes from the 250,000 breeding pairs of Adélie penguins – the largest colony in Antarctica – that call the region home.This place has drawn avid expeditioners for centuries. It was the site of the first documented Antarctic landing on the continent in 1895. Norwegian explorer Carsten Borchgrevink’s two 1899 huts remain on land.Sip a hot beverage in the Observation Lounge, where you can read books and play board games in between wildlife watching. In the evening, up to 10 world-class dining experiences await.Discovery: Weather and conditions permitting, you may have the opportunity to explore the hut remains with your Discovery Team. Or explore this fascinating landscape on the fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards~, guided and self-paced hikes. Read More

Cruise East, Antarctica, Ross Sea

At the northernmost point of the Ross Sea, the Adare Peninsula is a striking landscape of sheer cliffs, black volcanic rock, and vast glaciers that spill into the frigid waters below. Shaped by powerful geological forces, this remote peninsula marks the site where Antarctica’s tecton... At the northernmost point of the Ross Sea, the Adare Peninsula is a striking landscape of sheer cliffs, black volcanic rock, and vast glaciers that spill into the frigid waters below. Shaped by powerful geological forces, this remote peninsula marks the site where Antarctica’s tectonic plates meet, creating a unique and rugged terrain.This region has long fascinated scientists and explorers alike. The peninsula is a key site for studying ancient lava flows, providing insight into Antarctica’s volcanic past. It is also a haven for wildlife, with vast colonies of Adélie penguins and nesting seabirds, while Weddell and crabeater seals haul out along the ice-lined shores.Discovery: If conditions allow, explore the peninsula’s dramatic coastline on a Zodiac cruise past towering ice formations on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard~, or embark on a guided or self-paced hike. For a truly breathtaking perspective, take to the skies on an optional flightseeing excursion^ on board one of Scenic Eclipse II’s two helicopters. Read More

At Sea

Balleny Islands

This 160-kilometre-long chain of volcanic islands, some of them still active, straddles the Antarctic Circle. Here, you will have a front-row seat to one of the greatest convergences of wildlife in the world.Humpbacks, fin and minke whales may put on a show while we are nearby, breaching,... This 160-kilometre-long chain of volcanic islands, some of them still active, straddles the Antarctic Circle. Here, you will have a front-row seat to one of the greatest convergences of wildlife in the world.Humpbacks, fin and minke whales may put on a show while we are nearby, breaching, blowing, and slapping their tails. Crabeater, Weddell Ross Sea Seals and leopard seals loll about, sunbaking between swims. Join a Discovery Excursion or just take in the view from the Observation Deck or your private verandah. Discovery: Daily experiences may include cruising on Zodiacs, stepping ashore to view vast penguin rookeries, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding~ around icebergs. Wherever your voyage takes you, you will have countless “pinch me" moments. Read More

At Sea

At Sea

At Sea

Snares Islands

Remote, rugged, and richly protected, The Snares are the closest Subantarctic Islands to New Zealand—so pristine they remain completely uninhabited. This remarkable wildlife sanctuary, consisting of two main islands and the five-island Western Chain, enjoys the highest level of conse... Remote, rugged, and richly protected, The Snares are the closest Subantarctic Islands to New Zealand—so pristine they remain completely uninhabited. This remarkable wildlife sanctuary, consisting of two main islands and the five-island Western Chain, enjoys the highest level of conservation protection.Discovery: While landings are not permitted, join the Discovery Team on a Zodiac cruise along the sheltered eastern coast, weather and sea conditions permitting. Keep your eyes peeled for the endemic Snares Crested Penguin, Snares Island Tomtit, and elusive Fernbirds. The islands also host a staggering number of nesting Sooty Shearwaters. Read More

At Sea

Timaru

Timaru welcomes you with stunning ocean views, golden beaches, and rich heritage.Step ashore and explore Timaru’s unique blend of heritage and modern charm. Stroll along the Bay Hill promenade, where stunning ocean views meet inviting cafés and boutique shops. Delve into the r... Timaru welcomes you with stunning ocean views, golden beaches, and rich heritage.Step ashore and explore Timaru’s unique blend of heritage and modern charm. Stroll along the Bay Hill promenade, where stunning ocean views meet inviting cafés and boutique shops. Delve into the region’s past at the South Canterbury Museum, showcasing Maori artifacts and early settler history. For art lovers, the Aigantighe Art Gallery offers an inspiring collection of local and international works.Join one of the Scenic Freechoice activities planned for this stop and experience the best of Kiwi charm.Freechoice: Mt. Cook and Lake Tekapo: Experience a breathtaking trip from Timaru through Mackenzie Country, stopping at the turquoise Lake Tekapo and iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, then Lake Pukaki and majestic Mount Cook, with a buffet lunch and insights at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.Erewhon Sheep Station and Clydesdales: Uncover Canterbury’s high country at Erewhon Station, a 35,000-acre treasure beneath the Southern Alps. From Timaru, traverse the Canterbury Plains, stopping at Lake Clearwater and Edoras for photos, then experience Merino sheep-shearing, Hereford cattle, deer, and a Clydesdales wagon ride, before enjoying a mountain picnic lunch.Oamaru and the Moeraki Boulders: Uncover Oamaru’s historic charm, the mysterious Moeraki Boulders, and Dot’s Castle (Riverstone Castle), with lunch at the renowned Riverstone Kitchen featuring local flavours amidst its picturesque, serene setting.Town and Coastal Discovery Walk: Stroll Timaru’s waterfront from the wharf to Caroline Bay, admire ocean and mountain views, visit Benvenue Cliffs, and explore Te Ana Maori Rock Art with morning tea on Bay Hill. Read More

Timaru

Your voyage ends in Timaru, a charming port town known for its stunning coastal landscapes and warm Kiwi hospitality.After one last luxurious breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your new friends and crew, taking memories to last a lifetime. You will join a standard transfer... Your voyage ends in Timaru, a charming port town known for its stunning coastal landscapes and warm Kiwi hospitality.After one last luxurious breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your new friends and crew, taking memories to last a lifetime. You will join a standard transfer from Timaru to Christchurch.Please book your flight to depart out of Christchurch after 02:00 PM.#Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.  ~Kayak and stand-up paddleboard not available in all locations.  ^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions.*The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Locations listed within East Antarctica are subject to weather and operational conditions. Sightings cannot be guaranteed. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. Read More