• Antarctica
• Arctic
• RMS Titanic Dive
• Latin America
• Contrasts of Chile
• Galápagos Islands
• National Geographic Cruises
• Mystical Bhutan & Sikkim
• Classic Indo-China
• India Collection
• Ancient Ethiopia
• Réunion & Madagascar
• Borneo
• Asia - River Cruising
• North America Cruising
• Australia & Oceania
  • The Kimberley
  • Across the Top End
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Milford Sound, New Zealand
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Melanesia

Auckland to Milford Sound

New Zealand

Aboard Oceanic Discoverer

• Auckland to Milford Sound - 12 Nights 9 - 21 Jan 2012
• Milford Sound to Auckland - 12 Nights 21 Jan - 2 Feb 2012
• Auckland to Milford Sound - 12 Nights 3 - 15 Feb 2012
• Milford Sound to Auckland - 12 Nights 15 - 27 Feb 2012

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 Discoverer 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 Discoverer 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. Optional Tours: Wine and Garden Tour. BLD

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. Optional Tours: Cape Kidnappers Overland Gannet Safari - City Highlights, Wine and Country Tour. BLD

Day 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. Optional Tours: French Farm Wine Tour - Akaroa Seal Colony Safari - Swimming with the Dolphins. BLD

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. Optional Tours: Stately Home Tour - Larnarch Castle Guided Tour - Albatross Centre and Natures Wonders Safari. BLD

Day 10

Stewart Island

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. Optional Tour: Village and Bays Coach Tour. 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 Discoverer or choose to explore the inlets on the 'Xplorer' or Zodiacs. Rejoin Oceanic Discoverer 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 the itinerary we do reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.