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Black Friday Message
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Want to add a hotel stay or change your flights?
Just call our team of cruise specialists to help build your dream cruise holiday today!
Port Chalmers is the port for the city of Dunedin, the oldest European settlement in New Zealand, which was founded in 1848. Sitting at the end of a long, fiord-like inlet off the south-eastern tip of the South Island, Dunedin is New Zealand’s most Scottish town – in fact, Dunedin is the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh.
Today, step on board your 6-star, ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht and be warmly welcomed by the crew. Meet your personal butler and settle into your spacious suite. Meet your fellow guests over a glass of chilled champagne in the Observation Lounge, toasting to the start of a wonderful journey.
Please book your flight to arrive into Dunedin prior to 01:00 PM.
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. Its only settlement, the tiny village of Oban, clings bravely to the northern shore.
This is New Zealand off the grid, a 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.
The rugged West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island offers some of the country’s most stunning scenery. You’ll cruise through Fiordland National Park, which covers more than 1.2 million hectares of granite peaks, shimmering lakes, deep black fjords and spectacular waterfalls.
Rudyard Kipling described Milford Sound as the ‘’eighth wonder of the world’. The best way to experience the sound is from the water and today Scenic Eclipse II will cruise slowly through this spectacular place, coming close to land so you can admire the waterfalls tumbling from 1,000-metre cliffs and look out for seals sunning themselves on the rocks. You may like to join your fellow guests on the Observation Terrace to watch the magic unfold over a cocktail.
Captain Cook named Doubtful Sound in 1770, because the entrance looked too small and so he chose not to sail in it. Over the centuries, it has kept its stunning beauty well-hidden and even today remains a place of serenity. Cruise close to craggy cliffs rising from the water, looking out for bottlenose dolphins and the Fiordland Crested Penguin.
Continue south to Dusky Sound, one of the largest fjords in New Zealand, stretching for 40 kilometres. It’s accessible only by air or sea, meaning very few tourists get to experience its majesty.
This small and charming town on the east coast of the South Island was settled by the French in 1840. While the French didn’t stay, they left a legacy in the way of cuisine. Two of the town’s main ‘Rues’ (streets) are dotted with bistros selling the likes of escargot, Normandy-style mussels and French pastries. Akaroa is also home to a sparkling harbour frequented by rare Hector’s dolphins, an historic lighthouse and is surrounded by rippling green hillside.
Back on board, tonight could be the night you enjoy Sushi @ Koko’s with your new friends. Stay up late in the bar or retire to the library for a moment of blissful solitude before bed.
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 also 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.
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.
It’s worth waking up early this morning so you can experience 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 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.
The maritime township of Picton (population 4,000) lies at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound and is the arrival point for ferries from the North Island, as well as a growing number of international cruise ships. It plays a major role in providing services and transport by water taxi to a multitude of remote communities in the vast area of islands, peninsulas, and waterways that make up the Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park. There's plenty to do in town, with crafts markets in summer, historical sights to see, and walking tracks to scenic lookouts over the sounds. The main foreshore is lined by London Quay, which looks up Queen Charlotte Sound to the bays beyond. High Street runs down to London Quay from the hills, and between them these two streets make up the center of town.
Start your day with freshly squeezed juice or coffee delivered by your butler. Enjoy a quiet morning spent on your sumptuous verandah to soak up the sunshine. Later this morning you will arrive in Napier and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back almost 100 years. In 1931, the centre of the town was razed by an earthquake and then rebuilt in the Art Deco style of the day. It retains all the charm and style of its heyday with the largest collection of authentic Art Deco buildings on Earth.
Tonight, settle in at the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar to enjoy your beverage of choice, whether it be aged whiskey—there are over 130 varieties—or a glass of wine, while reflecting on the day's discoveries.
Your journey concludes today in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most vibrant city. This dynamic metropolis seamlessly blends urban sophistication with stunning natural beauty, offering an eclectic mix of distinctive neighbourhoods, each with its own unique charm and character.
After one final delicious breakfast on board Scenic Eclipse II, it’s time to disembark your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, taking with you a lifetime of memories of this truly unique voyage exploring the wonders of New Zealand.
Please book your flight to depart out of Auckland after 12:00 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.
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. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.
*This holiday is generally suitable for persons with reduced mobility. For customers with reduced mobility or any medical condition that may require special assistance or arrangements to be made, please notify your Cruise Concierge at the time of your enquiry, so that we can provide specific information as to the suitability of the holiday, as well as make suitable arrangements with the Holiday Provider on your behalf.
Accommodation | |
Return flights included from a choice of UK airports (fly cruise bookings only) | |
Gratuities included on-board | |
Unlimited beverages |
Entertainment throughout the day and evening | |
WiFi included on-board | |
Self-service laundry | |
Butler service for every suite |