| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 5th05 | DecDec | 202424 | Auckland, New Zealand, embark on the Scenic Eclipse II | | |
| Auckland is called the City of Sails, and visitors flying in will see why. On the East Coast is the Waitemata Harbour—a Māori word meaning sparkling waters—which is bordered by the Hauraki Gulf, an aquatic playground peppered with small islands where many Aucklanders can be found "mucking around in boats."Not surprisingly, Auckland has some 70,000 boats. About one in four households in Auckland has a seacraft of some kind, and there are 102 beaches within an hour's drive; during the week many are quite empty. Even the airport is by the water; it borders the Manukau Harbour, which also takes its name from the Māori language and means solitary bird.According to Māori tradition, the Auckland isthmus was originally peopled by a race of giants and fairy folk. When Europeans arrived in the early 19th century, however, the Ngāti-Whātua tribe was firmly in control of the region. The British began negotiations with the Ngāti-Whātua in 1840 to purchase the isthmus and establish the colony's first capital. In September of that year the British flag was hoisted to mark the township's foundation, and Auckland remained the capital until 1865, when the seat of government was moved to Wellington. Aucklanders expected to suffer from the shift; it hurt their pride but not their pockets. As the terminal for the South Sea shipping routes, Auckland was already an established commercial center. Since then the urban sprawl has made this city of approximately 1.3 million people one of the world's largest geographically.A couple of days in the city will reveal just how developed and sophisticated Auckland is—the Mercer City Survey 2012 saw it ranked as the third-highest city for quality of life—though those seeking a New York in the South Pacific will be disappointed. Auckland is more get-up and go-outside than get-dressed-up and go-out. That said, most shops are open daily, central bars and a few nightclubs buzz well into the wee hours, especially Thursday through Saturday, and a mix of Māori, Pacific people, Asians, and Europeans contributes to the cultural milieu. Auckland has the world's largest single population of Pacific Islanders living outside their home countries, though many of them live outside the central parts of the city and in Manukau to the south. The Samoan language is the second most spoken in New Zealand. Most Pacific people came to New Zealand seeking a better life. When the plentiful, low-skilled work that attracted them dried up, the dream soured, and the population has suffered with poor health and education. Luckily, policies are now addressing that, and change is slowly coming. The Pacifica Festival in March is the region's biggest cultural event, attracting thousands to Western Springs. The annual Pacific Island Secondary Schools’ Competition, also in March, sees young Pacific Islander and Asian students compete in traditional dance, drumming, and singing. This event is open to the public.At the geographical center of Auckland city is the 1,082-foot Sky Tower, a convenient landmark for those exploring on foot and some say a visible sign of the city's naked aspiration. It has earned nicknames like the Needle and the Big Penis—a counterpoint to a poem by acclaimed New Zealand poet James K. Baxter, which refers to Rangitoto Island as a clitoris in the harbor.The Waitemata Harbour has become better known since New Zealand staged its first defense of the America's Cup in 2000 and the successful Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in early 2009. The first regatta saw major redevelopment of the waterfront. The area, where many of the city's most popular bars, cafés, and restaurants are located, is now known as Viaduct Basin or, more commonly, the Viaduct. A recent expansion has created another area, Wynyard Quarter, which is slowly adding restaurants.These days, Auckland is still considered too bold and brash for its own good by many Kiwis who live "south of the Bombay Hills," the geographical divide between Auckland and the rest of New Zealand (barring Northland). "Jafa," an acronym for "just another f—ing Aucklander," has entered the local lexicon; there's even a book out called Way of the Jafa: A Guide to Surviving Auckland and Aucklanders. A common complaint is that Auckland absorbs the wealth from the hard work of the rest of the country. Most Aucklanders, on the other hand, still try to shrug and see it as the parochial envy of those who live in small towns. But these internal identity squabbles aren't your problem. You can enjoy a well-made coffee in almost any café, or take a walk on a beach—knowing that within 30 minutes' driving time you could be cruising the spectacular harbor, playing a round at a public golf course, or even walking in subtropical forest while listening to the song of a native tûî bird. Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand. You’ll begin your journey in the nation’s largest city, Auckland. Home to around a third of the entire New Zealand population, Auckland is a stylish, cosmopolitan city set around two grand harbours. Step on board Scenic Eclipse II and be warmly greeted with a glass of Champagne. Settle into your luxurious suite, meet your butler and fellow travellers and toast to the journey ahead. Please book your flight to arrive into Auckland prior to 02:00 PM. |
| 6th06 | DecDec | 202424 | Tauranga, New Zealand | | |
| The population center of the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing cities. Along with its neighbor, Whakatane, this seaside city claims to be one of the country's sunniest towns. Unlike most local towns, Tauranga doesn't grind to a halt in the off-season, because it has one of the busiest ports in the country, and the excellent waves at the neighboring beach resort of Mount Maunganui—just across Tauranga's harbor bridge—always draw surfers and holiday folk. Looping around the Coromandel Peninsula, we'll arrive in Tauranga (pronounced 'toe-run-gah') this morning. Set along the edge of the beautiful Bay of Plenty, this is New Zealand’s busiest port, with its revamped waterfront packed with excellent cafes, restaurants and bars. Freechoice:
Kiwi Geysers & Maori Crafts at Te Puia: Explore Te Puia village and Whakarewarewa's geothermal valley, visit the Kiwi House, and enjoy a Maori lunch before returning via Bay of Plenty's agricultural heartland.
The Little Tribe That Could: Visit one of the local Maori Iwi at their marae. Be greeted by them, hear their history and legends, and join in a traditional Maori “hangi” style meal.
Truffle Farm Visit: Visit a boutique truffe farm, the owners will host you around their oak and hazel tree truffle orchard to learn about the art of truffle cultivation.
Tauranga Highlights & Kiwifruit: Discover The Elms, a historic colonial house. Explore the agricultural heartland and learn more about the kiwifruit. End your day sampling local fruits at a community hall.
As New Zealand as it Gets: Explore Kevin McCardle's gallery, taste organic milk, fruits, and local produce at nearby farms and orchards. Dive into history at New Zealand's largest archaeological complex. |
| 7th07 | DecDec | 202424 | Gisborne, New Zealand | | |
| With a population of around 35,000 and located on the north island, Gisborne exudes history at every turn. Maori for “Great standing place of Kiwa”, Kiwa was a leading figure aboard the Maori ancestral canoe, Takitimu, which ran aground in Gisborne around 1450 AD. After landing, Kiwa became a coastal guardian, eventually marrying Parawhenuamea, the keeper of the streams. The union point of three rivers and the first place to see the sun, the city is filled with light and laugher and gracefully squeezes surfer’s beaches with the district’s colonial past. Captain Cook made his first landfall here, John Harris set up his first trading station in the then village and today, Gisborn is the major centre of Maori cultural life.Suffice to say then that the city is a watery wonderland. With its picture perfect beaches, what savvy traveller does not want to add being among the first people in the world to say they have watched the sky change colour as the sun bursts from out of the sea. A place of nature, spectacular beach cliff views are all just part and parcel of everyday life here, and easy walks from the centre of town to the Titirangi Reserve will award you with yet more unbelievable 180˚ vistas from Poverty Bay to Gisborne City; stretch your eyes with the panorama, while stretching your legs on one of the many enjoyable walks.A perfect place to stroll, amble and wander, like much of New Zealand Gisborne keeps a healthy respect for history and nature and enjoys a very laid back feel. We'll arrive in Gisborne at lunchtime, so you have time for a leisurely breakfast on the Yacht Club Terrace, coffee on the verandah of your suite or even a swim in the Vitality Pool. Known affectionately as Gizzy, this is the first city in the world to see the sunrise. Gisborne has a reputation for exceptional food and wine, and the surrounding countryside makes up the third-largest wine producing region in the country. Freechoice:
Coastal Steam Train Sojourn: Board New Zealand's last WA Class Locomotive for a scenic steam train ride to Muriwai. Enjoy a welcome drink, commentary, and a Maori performance before returning to Gisborne.
East Cape Cycling Experience: Discover Gisborne, the "City of Rivers," on a historic tour. Cycle with your guide through landmarks, monuments, and historic sites, learning about its significance as the first place to greet Maori explorers and Captain James Cook.
A Taste of Gisborne: Join our fully guided 4.5 km tour around the port, rivers, and town beaches, connecting you to three great taste sites. Enjoy tasty morsels and history along the way. |
| 8th08 | DecDec | 202424 | Napier, New Zealand | | |
| The earthquake that struck Napier at 10:46 am on February 3, 1931, was—at 7.8 on the Richter scale—the largest quake ever recorded in New Zealand. The coastline was wrenched upward several feet. Almost all the town's brick buildings collapsed; many people were killed on the footpaths as they rushed outside. The quake triggered fires throughout town, and with water mains shattered, little could be done to stop the blazes that devoured the remaining wooden structures. Only a few buildings survived (the Public Service Building with its neoclassical pillars is one), and the death toll was well over 100.The surviving townspeople set up tents and cookhouses in Nelson Park, and then tackled the city's reconstruction at a remarkable pace. In the rush to rebuild, Napier went mad for art deco, the bold, geometric style that had burst on the global design scene in 1925. Now a walk through the art deco district, concentrated between Emerson, Herschell, Dalton, and Browning streets, is a stylistic immersion. The decorative elements are often above the ground floors, so keep your eyes up. Wake up in Napier this morning and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back almost 100 years into the past. In 1931, the centre of the town was razed by an earthquake and then rebuilt in the Art Deco style of the day. Today, it retains all the charm and style of its heyday with the largest collection of authentic Art Deco buildings on earth. Freechoice:
Cape Kidnappers & Gannet Safari: Drive along the Hawke’s Bay coast to the gannet colony. See them dive into the sea and perform ritual dances and look for newly hatched chicks.
Hawkes Bay Express: Explore Nelson on a vintage train, travelling along Main Street, admiring early settler’s homes, visiting the old port village and hearing stories of the past.
A Tale of Two Hawkes Bay Wineries: Enjoy a panoramic drive through Hawke’s Bay coast, stopping at two award-winning wineries.
Art Deco City Walking Tour: Discover Napier's Art Deco highlights, starting with a short film about the 1931 earthquake followed by a guided walking tour of the city centre.
Food & Fibre: Meet the farmers of the beautiful Maraekakaho Valley, producing honey, alpaca fibre and alpaca meat, before enjoying a tasting at Hawke Ridge Wines. |
| 9th09 | DecDec | 202424 | Wellington, New Zealand | | |
| New Zealand's capital is, arguably, the country's most cosmopolitan metropolis. It's world-class Te Papa Tongarewa-Museum of New Zealand is a don't-miss attraction, and the burgeoning film industry led, of course, by the Lord of the Rings extravaganzas has injected new life into the local arts scene. Attractive and compact enough to be explored easily on foot, Wellington is a booming destination. Modern high-rise buildings gaze over Port Nicholson, surely one of the finest natural anchorages in the world. Known to local Māori as The Great Harbor of Tara, its two massive arms form the jaws of the fish of Maui from Māori legend. Sometimes referred to as the windy city, Wellington has been the seat of New Zealand's government since 1865. Wellington, perched on the Cook Strait, is dubbed the windiest city. Stroll its walkable centre, visit the iconic Beehive Parliament Building, and explore designer boutiques, galleries, and museums. Known as "Wellywood," it's also New Zealand's film hub, home to Weta Workshop, famed for "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings" films. Freechoice:
Sights of Wellington & Gallipoli Exhibition: A groundbreaking exhibition from Te Papa museum and Weta Workshop, telling the story of New Zealanders in the Gallipoli campaign.
Sights of Wellington & Te Papa: This tour provides a colourful glimpse into the history and culture of Wellington. Visit New Zealand's Te Papa Tongarewa Museum with a guided tour.
E-bike Wellington City Tour: Experience the stunning Wellington Waterfront and surrounding bays on an electric bike tour while your guides share stories of Wellington's culture and history.
Wellington by Foot: This guided walk includes the historical district, Parliament Grounds and the National Library and Wellington’s iconic waterfront featuring stunning harbour views. Enrich
Maori Cultural Performance: Take a quick trip from the Port of Wellington to the Whare Tapere Building, where you'll receive a traditional Maori welcome. Enjoy a Powhiri and Kapa Haka performances and learn about local history and legends. |
| 10th10 | DecDec | 202424 | Kaiteriteri, South Island, New Zealand | | |
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. Freechoice:
Kaiteriteri Cruise & 3hr Nature Walk: Cruise to Anchorage Beach in Abel Tasman National Park for a guided walk, learning about the park’s wildlife and admiring coastal views.
Cruise & Beach Stop: Sail to Anchorage Beach in Abel Tasman National Park, meet your guide, enjoy bird songs, and trek to Pitt Head for coastal views. You'll be transferred by coach to Nelson.
Nelson Walking Tour: Join a guided walk through historic Nelson, New Zealand’s second oldest city and culture capital. Soak up the village atmosphere that makes it so popular. |
| 10th10 | DecDec | 202424 | Nelson, New Zealand | | |
| 11th11 | DecDec | 202424 | Picton, New Zealand | | |
| 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. Wake up early this morning so you can experience the beauty of sailing into the 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 small 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. Freechoice:
Queen Charlotte Sounds Explorer: Cruise through the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound, enjoying commentary from your friendly guide, and explore Whekenui Bay.
Marlborough Sounds Link Pathway Walk: Follow the new Link Pathway on a guided walk. Admire views of Mhelarlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Sound, and look for native birds.
Essence of Marlborough: Discover New Zealand's wine country on a scenic tour from Picton. Enjoy stunning views and wine tasting in Koromiko and Wairau Valley.
Seafood Odyssea: Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound, enjoying local delicacies and scenic views. Learn about the region's history and wildlife from expert crew. |
| 12th12 | DecDec | 202424 | Kaikoura, New Zealand | | |
Sailing north along the east coast of the island, 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 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. Freechoice:
Kaikoura Whale Watch Cruise: Venture into the Pacific's depths for awe-inspiring encounters with magnificent sperm whales while expert guides share their insights.
Albatross Encounter Cruise: Discover Kaikoura’s renowned birdlife on a 2.5-hour tour. Guides will throw chum into the water to attract albatross and more.
Kaikoura Sightseeing Overview: Explore dramatic coastal landscapes, visit a fragrant Lavendar Farm then see a large fur seal colony at Ohau Point on this 3.5-hour tour.
Kaikoura Coastal Panorama Walk: Join a half-day walk around the Kaikoura Peninsula, exploring the town streets, a beach, Fyffe House whalers cottage and the seal colony. |
| 13th13 | DecDec | 202424 | Port Chalmers, New Zealand | | |
| European whaling ships first called at Otago Province during the early decades of the 1800s, yielding a mixed response from the native Māori. In 1848 Dunedin was settled, and by the mid-1860s the city was the economic hub of the Otago gold rush. Dunedin's historical wealth endures in such institutions as the University of Otago, the oldest in the country. But if any region can bring out the bird-watcher in you, this is it; the area is home to the Royal Albatross and yellow-eyed penguins. Wake up in Port Chalmers, the port for the city of Dunedin. The oldest European settlement in New Zealand, it was founded in 1848 and has a proud Scottish lineage – in fact, Dunedin is the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh. Stroll the well-preserved streets to admire the grand Victorian and Edwardian architecture built with funds from the area’s gold rush. Outside town, the surrounding Otago Peninsula is regarded as one of the country’s top wildlife and eco-tourism destinations. Look out for the abundant birds, penguins, seals and sea lions. Freechoice:
Larnach Castle & Garden Tour with High Tea: Enjoy a guided tour of the 1871 Lanarch Castle followed by tea. Meet the current owner for a walk through the stunning gardens.
Olveston Historic House & City Sights: An unforgettable tour for architecture enthusiasts. Marvel at magnificent stone structures and ornate facades from the city’s heydey.
Penguin & Wildlife Experience: A scenic one-hour tour along the shores of Otago Harbour spotting wildlife like NZ fur seals. Visit a breeding colony of cormorants and penguins.
Spirits of the No.8 Family Distillery: Discover the secret of artisan spirits on a tour of the distillery. See the process and taste different award-winning spirits. |
| 14th14 | DecDec | 202424 | Oban, Stewart Island, New Zealand | | |
| Stewart Island is home to New Zealand's newest national park, Rakiura National Park. The third and most southerly of New Zealand's main islands, Stewart Island is separated from the South Island by the 24-km (15-miles) Foveaux Strait. Its original Māori name, Te Punga O Te Waka a Maui, means "the anchor stone of Maui's canoe." Māori mythology says the island's landmass held the god Maui's canoe secure while he and his crew raised the great fish—the North Island. Today the island is more commonly referred to by its other Māori name, Rakiura, which means "the land of the glowing skies." This refers to the spectacular sunrises and sunsets and to the southern lights, or aurora australis. The European name of Stewart Island dates back to 1809. It memorializes an officer William W. Stewart on an early sealing vessel, the Pegasus, who was the first to chart the island. The island covers some 1,700 square km (650 square miles). It measures about 75 km (46 miles) from north to south and about the same distance across at its widest point. On the coastline, sharp cliffs rise from a succession of sheltered bays and beaches. In the interior, forested hills rise gradually toward the west side of the island. Seals and penguins frequent the coast, and the island's prolific birdlife includes a number of species rarely seen in any other part of the country. In fact, this is the surest place to see a kiwi. The Stewart Island brown kiwi, or tokoeka, is the largest species of this kind of bird. Unlike their mainland cousins, these kiwis can be seen during the day as well as at night. It's a rare and amusing experience to watch these pear-shape birds scampering on a remote beach as they feed on sand hoppers and grubs. Māori have visited Stewart Island for centuries. Archaeologists' studies of 13th-century Māori middens (refuse heaps) indicate that the island was once a rich, seasonal resource for hunting, fishing, and gathering seafood. A commonly eaten delicacy at that time, the titi, also known as the muttonbird, still occasionally appears on menus. In the early 19th century, explorers, sealers, missionaries, and miners settled the island. They were followed by fishermen and sawmillers who established settlements around the edges of Paterson Inlet and Halfmoon and Horseshoe bays. In the 1920s Norwegians set up a whaling enterprise, and many descendants of these seafaring people remain. Fishing, aquaculture, and tourism are now the mainstays of the island's economy. Even by New Zealand standards, Stewart Island is remote, raw, and untouched. The appeal is its seclusion, its relaxed way of life, and its untouched quality. Stewart Island is not for everyone: if you must have shopping malls, casinos, or umbrella drinks on the beach, don't come here. Visitors should be prepared for the fact that Stewart Island can be chilly, windy, and rainy, even in the middle of summer. 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, with its only settlement, the tiny village of Oban, clinging bravely to the northern shore. Remarkably remote, Steward Island is also a 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 Maori name for Stewart Island is Rakiura, which means the land of glowing skies. Freechoice:
Southern Coastal Wildlife Cruise: Board a 75-foot high-speed catamaran to explore beautiful Paterson Inlet, admiring Big Glory Bay, Kaipipi Bay, native forest and rugged beaches.
Ulva Island & Guided Walk: Explore Ulva Island wildlife sanctuary, known for its rare bird and plant species. You may even catch glimpses of the secretive kaka or wekas. |
| 15th15 | DecDec | 202424 | At Sea | | |
| 16th16 | DecDec | 202424 | Queenstown, New Zealand | | |
| 17th17 | DecDec | 202424 | Queenstown, New Zealand, disembark the Scenic Eclipse II | | |
After spending your final night in Queenstown, it’s time to leave this wonderful island nation. Or perhaps choose to extend your journey to explore New Zealand’s outdoor and adventure capital. As you head home, take with you fond memories of your time in the Land of the Long White Cloud and the most indulgent moments on board Scenic Eclipse II. ^Flights on board the two helicopters are at additional cost, subject to availability and regulatory approval, weight restrictions, medical approval, and weather conditions. #Spa treatments at additional cost. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. |
