Antarctica's Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife

Situated almost equidistant between Christchurch and Dunedin, Timaru has oft been overlooked by those just needing to get from one city to another but more fool them! The town’s name comes from the Māori name Te Maru, meaning ‘place of shelter’ and the pretty town reveals not only stunning Middle Earth landscape and views to write home about, but an intact Victorian / Edwardian shopping precinct with many of the building being built in local volcanic bluestone. Understandably, beach life is very important here and the long ribbons of white sandy beaches and clean seas are perfect for a swimming, sunning and spoiling yourself! Voted one of New Zealand’s top 10 most loved beaches, Caroline Bay is simply a treasure. Built on the rolling hills created from the lava flows of the extinct Mt Horrible volcano, Timaru is a melting pot of culture, history, adventure and dramatic scenery. Art lovers too will not be left wanting as the city’s art gallery holds the third largest public art collection in the South Island. Walking enthusiasts will not want to miss one of the many walks along the coast or rivers that vary from short paved paths – ideal for pushchairs and wheelchairs to longer, more strenuous hikes. Well signposted and maintained, these tracks are especially beautiful in the autumn when the leaves are turning colour. And do not forget to be on the lookout for penguins, which will happily waddle alongside you some of the way!

Upon arrival in Christchurch, you will be transferred by coach to Timaru, where your ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yacht awaits. Your transfer coach from Christchurch to Timaru will operate at a set time of approximately 2:00 PM. 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 Scenic Discovery Yacht. Then head to the Scenic Lounge Bar to meet your fellow guests and raise a toast as you prepare to sail away from New Zealand and into the Southern Ocean. 

Set sail for Antarctica’s Ross Sea and prepare for a journey that may change the way you see the world.

Please book your flight to arrive into Christchurch prior to 10:30 AM.

Anticipation builds as you draw closer to Antarctic waters, where the first icebergs may appear on the horizon.

Your Scenic Discovery Yacht’s advanced cinemascope theatre comes to life with immersive presentations from the Discovery Team, revealing the secrets of Antarctica’s ever-changing landscapes, diverse wildlife, and climate systems. 

Look out for wandering albatross, giant petrels, and perhaps even pods of dolphins or whales from the Observation Lounge or your private verandah. 

Set your own pace today. Indulge in a rejuvenating ESPA facial# at Senses Spa, curl up with a book in the Observation Lounge, or simply gaze out over the endless horizon. This evening, whether you choose contemporary French cuisine at Lumière+ or the fresh Sushi & Saké Bar @ Koko’s, tonight is a celebration of the journey so far.

Scenic Discovery:
Learn from the Discovery Team through engaging lectures on Antarctic wildlife, seabirds, polar exploration, and the continent's striking ice architecture. Meanwhile, scan the horizon from the Observation Deck or your verandah for the sweep of albatross wings, darting petrels, and the sudden spout of a whale.

Remote and otherworldly, Antarctic is irresistible for its spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers, and for the possibility of up-close encounters with marine mammals and the iconic penguins. The Antarctic Peninsula – the main peninsula closest to South America – has a human history of almost 200 years, with explorers, sealers, whalers, and scientists who have come to work, and eventually intrepid visitors coming to enjoy this pristine and remote wilderness. It is a region of protected bays, unscaled snow-capped mountains, vast glaciers and a few places where whalers or scientists have worked. Just as irresistible are the many Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, the seals basking on ice floes, the whales and orcas.

Today, you cross the Antarctic Circle as you journey further south into the remote, seldom-visited East Antarctica. 

Prepare for potential Antarctic landings and Zodiac excursions with a final expedition briefing, ensuring you’re ready for Zodiac operations, wildlife etiquette, and safety protocols. 

The Discovery Team will host interactive discussions, helping you understand the unique wildlife and ecosystems of Antarctica. Along with tips to keep your camera ready as penguins, seals, or even whales may make an appearance. 

After enrichment experiences, recharge in the state-of-the-art POWER: Gym or join a complimentary class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio. This evening, choose from up to 10 all-inclusive culinary experiences on board.

Scenic Discovery:
The Discovery Team will share fascinating insights into this rarely explored region, preparing you for the wonders ahead. Keep watch from the deck or your private verandah, you may catch sight of soaring seabirds or even a whale marking your passage into these legendary waters.

Remote and otherworldly, Antarctic is irresistible for its spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers, and for the possibility of up-close encounters with marine mammals and the iconic penguins. The Antarctic Peninsula – the main peninsula closest to South America – has a human history of almost 200 years, with explorers, sealers, whalers, and scientists who have come to work, and eventually intrepid visitors coming to enjoy this pristine and remote wilderness. It is a region of protected bays, unscaled snow-capped mountains, vast glaciers and a few places where whalers or scientists have worked. Just as irresistible are the many Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, the seals basking on ice floes, the whales and orcas.

As you begin your journey northward, leaving the Ross Sea and East Antarctica behind, take time to reflect on the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife you have encountered. The Southern Ocean once again surrounds the yacht, and the horizon stretches in every direction, a reminder of just how remote this region is.

As you sail through one of the world’s most fragile and pristine environments, pause to consider the importance of conservation and the role marine protected areas like the Ross Sea play in safeguarding penguins, whales, seals and seabirds. Scenic Eclipse II is designed with advanced technology to minimise environmental impact, supporting a responsible, low-impact exploration of this remarkable region.

This evening, you might choose to enjoy contemporary French fine dining at Lumière+ with new friends, or share a relaxed final toast to Antarctica in one of the eight bars and lounges on board. Stay up late in the bar or retreat to the Observation Lounge library for a quiet moment of stargazing or reading before bed.

Situated almost equidistant between Christchurch and Dunedin, Timaru has oft been overlooked by those just needing to get from one city to another but more fool them! The town’s name comes from the Māori name Te Maru, meaning ‘place of shelter’ and the pretty town reveals not only stunning Middle Earth landscape and views to write home about, but an intact Victorian / Edwardian shopping precinct with many of the building being built in local volcanic bluestone. Understandably, beach life is very important here and the long ribbons of white sandy beaches and clean seas are perfect for a swimming, sunning and spoiling yourself! Voted one of New Zealand’s top 10 most loved beaches, Caroline Bay is simply a treasure. Built on the rolling hills created from the lava flows of the extinct Mt Horrible volcano, Timaru is a melting pot of culture, history, adventure and dramatic scenery. Art lovers too will not be left wanting as the city’s art gallery holds the third largest public art collection in the South Island. Walking enthusiasts will not want to miss one of the many walks along the coast or rivers that vary from short paved paths – ideal for pushchairs and wheelchairs to longer, more strenuous hikes. Well signposted and maintained, these tracks are especially beautiful in the autumn when the leaves are turning colour. And do not forget to be on the lookout for penguins, which will happily waddle alongside you some of the way!

Your Scenic Discovery Yacht returns to Timaru, a charming South Island port town framed by rolling hills and a picturesque coastline. With an overnight stay in port, you can ease gently back into everyday life, enjoying the comfort of your suite and the yacht’s facilities while continuing to savour your time on board.

Depending on your interests, you may choose to join an included shoreside experience or simply take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront to soak up Timaru’s relaxed Kiwi atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy one last dinner on board and a final night’s sleep in your ultra-luxury suite before disembarkation the next day.

Situated almost equidistant between Christchurch and Dunedin, Timaru has oft been overlooked by those just needing to get from one city to another but more fool them! The town’s name comes from the Māori name Te Maru, meaning ‘place of shelter’ and the pretty town reveals not only stunning Middle Earth landscape and views to write home about, but an intact Victorian / Edwardian shopping precinct with many of the building being built in local volcanic bluestone. Understandably, beach life is very important here and the long ribbons of white sandy beaches and clean seas are perfect for a swimming, sunning and spoiling yourself! Voted one of New Zealand’s top 10 most loved beaches, Caroline Bay is simply a treasure. Built on the rolling hills created from the lava flows of the extinct Mt Horrible volcano, Timaru is a melting pot of culture, history, adventure and dramatic scenery. Art lovers too will not be left wanting as the city’s art gallery holds the third largest public art collection in the South Island. Walking enthusiasts will not want to miss one of the many walks along the coast or rivers that vary from short paved paths – ideal for pushchairs and wheelchairs to longer, more strenuous hikes. Well signposted and maintained, these tracks are especially beautiful in the autumn when the leaves are turning colour. And do not forget to be on the lookout for penguins, which will happily waddle alongside you some of the way!

Your voyage ends in Timaru, a charming port town known for its coastal scenery and friendly New Zealand hospitality. After one last luxurious breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to new friends and the Scenic Eclipse II crew, taking home stories for life.

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 and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates. 
+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.  
^Experiences on board our two helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather and ice conditions.
~Kayak and stand-up paddleboard not available in all locations.

Submersible is not in operation in New Zealand. 

Given the unique conditions of the region, and with any of these remote expedition voyages, there are so many variables on final operations; from permitting, IAATO, and Antarctic Treaty regulations to the challenges of weather, ice and conditions that will ultimately determine the exact itinerary of your voyage. It is a privilege to visit these remote destinations, and one we know will provide our guests with exploration, wonder, and every day a new experience and unforgettable memory. No journey will be the same, your itinerary will only ever be a guide and subject to these external factors, true expedition.