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Arrive | Depart | ||||||
18th18 | NovNov | 202424 | Queenstown, New Zealand, embark on the Scenic Eclipse II | ||||
Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand. You’ll begin your journey in Queenstown, with some time at leisure and an overnight stay before you board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Queenstown is renowned as New Zealand’s outdoor and adventure capital, offering everything from hiking and biking to water sports, horse riding, rafting and even bungee jumping. You might like to spend a few nights here before the start of your journey to experience the Kiwi’s taste for adventure. | |||||||
19th19 | NovNov | 202424 | Queenstown, New Zealand | ||||
This morning you will be transferred via coach from Queenstown to Bluff, where your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht awaits. Marvel at the awe-inspiring scenery of rugged mountains, serene lakes, and lush forests. 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. | |||||||
19th19 | NovNov | 202424 | Bluff, New Zealand | ||||
The most southernmost town in New Zealand, Bluff (or The Bluff as it is locally known) is perhaps the most European of all the settlements in the country. Called Campbelltown until 1917, the city was officially renamed after the 265 meter conical hill that towers above it. One of the farthest corners of the British Empire, the inaugural Royal Tour of New Zealand by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, concluded at Bluff in January 1954. Nowadays however, it is the Bluff oysters that are the stars of the show. Reputed to be the best in the world, these local heroes are what have really put Bluff on the map and are celebrated every May with a lively festival honouring Ostrea chilensis (that’s Latin for Bluff oyster). But gastronomy aside (and it is mostly oyster related), Bluff offers the adventurous traveller much in the way activity. Gateway to Stewart Island, day trippers here might enjoy hopping on the ferry for the hour long trip to Stewart Island, or New Zealand’s third island. Unspoilt, tranquil and stunning, Stewart Island is a showcase for New Zealand’s undiscovered tourism spots due to its privileged (yet remote) position in the world. However, for those who wish to stay on the mainland, the Bluff Maritime Museum is a “must visit” for anyone travelling along the Southern Scenic Route, with fascinating historical information about the many early shipwrecks in these challenging southern waters and coastlines. The comprehensive network of walking tracks will delight the ornithologists amongst you – just don’t forget your binoculars! | |||||||
20th20 | NovNov | 202424 | Milford Sound, New Zealand | ||||
New Zealand fiord country along with Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand's premier attractions. Incredibly beautiful, wild and remote, the region is an intriguing combination of rugged mountain ranges, dense rainforest, solitary alpine lakes, sparkling rivers and splashing waterfalls. Much of Fiordland is virtually unexplored wilderness and still the habitat of rare birds. As the ship cruises the beautiful Doubtful, Dusky and Milford Sounds, experience the majestic fiordland of South Island's western coast. Captain James Cook sailed along this coast in 1770 and again in 1773, when he anchored at Dusky Sound for a rest and ship repair. Doubtful Sound is one of the region's most majestic fiords. It is ten times larger than Milford Sound. As the ship cruises into Hall Arm, gaze at vertical cliffs and mighty waterfalls plunging over sheer rock faces. In fine weather, mountains and greenery are reflected in the protected waters of the fiord. Farther north lies Milford Sound. Far from any populated area, Milford Sound is famous for its grandeur and spectacular beauty. It is perhaps the best example of New Zealand's renowned classic landscape of steep granite peaks framing glacier-carved inlets with mirrored reflections on dark waters. Dominating the scene is Milford's landmark, the triangular pinnacle of Mitre Peak. Along the sheer cliffs, several waterfalls tumble more than 500 feet (154 metres) into the sheltered Sound. Only a few moored boats and a scattering of buildings at the head of the Sound break the unity of mountains, forest and water. This spectacular beauty and unspoiled setting is yours to enjoy as the ship cruises Milford Sound. Discover the unparalleled beauty of Milford Sound, nestled in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park. Marvel at the sheer grandeur of this natural wonder as you cruise along its pristine waters, surrounded by towering cliffs that rise hundreds of metres high. Prepare to be enchanted by the mesmerising sight of cascading waterfalls and the captivating beauty of this majestic landscape carved by ancient glaciers. Weather and conditions permitting, you might have a chance to book an optional flightseeing helicopter tour^ and soar above Fiordland National Park, sighting Milford Sound, dubbed “the eighth wonder of the world”. | |||||||
21st21 | NovNov | 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. This is New Zealand off the grid, a remarkably 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. Freechoice: | |||||||
22nd22 | NovNov | 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: | |||||||
23rd23 | NovNov | 202424 | Akaroa, New Zealand | ||||
Arrive this morning at Akaroa, the only French settlement in New Zealand. Founded by French whalers in the 1840s, it retains its French street names, charming Gallic cottages, excellent cuisine and plethora of cheese shops. Freechoice: | |||||||
24th24 | NovNov | 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: | |||||||
25th25 | NovNov | 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: | |||||||
25th25 | NovNov | 202424 | Nelson, New Zealand | ||||
26th26 | NovNov | 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: | |||||||
27th27 | NovNov | 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: | |||||||
28th28 | NovNov | 202424 | Wellington, New Zealand, disembark the Scenic Eclipse II | ||||
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. You will conclude your journey in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, renowned for its vibrant culture, stunning natural scenery, and dynamic arts scene. Disembark after breakfast as you say farewell to the crew and take away memories of a truly unforgettable cruise. Please book your flight to depart out of Wellington after 12:00 PM. ^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. |
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.
Return flights including luggage allowance | |||
Overseas Transfers | |||
10 nights aboard the Scenic Eclipse II | |||
Return Flights (including regional) | |||
All Verandah Suites | |||
Butler service for every guest | |||
Nine Dining Venues | |||
Gratuities Included | |||
Complimentary drinks on-board | |||
Free use of electric bikes | |||
Comprehensive choice of shore excursions | |||
Complimentary Wi-Fi | |||
Explore under the sea in our submarine (additional charge) | |||
Soar above and beyond by helicopter (additional charge) | |||
Port Taxes and Fees | |||
ABTA and ATOL Protection* |
Fly/cruise package |
Date 18th Nov 2024 |
Nts 10 |
Interior |
Oceanview |
Balcony |
Suite £9,263pp |
Interior |
Oceanview |
Balcony |
Suite £18,526pp |
Date 18th Nov 2024 |
Nts 10 |
Interior |
Oceanview |
Balcony |
Suite £9,263pp |
Interior |
Oceanview |
Balcony |
Suite £18,526pp |
Fusion Cruises when selling travel arrangements is a trading name of The Midcounties Co-operative Ltd. Fusion Cruises is an Accredited Body Member of Midcounties Co-operative Travel Consortium. (ABTA:P6652, ATOL:6053).
Book with Confidence. We are a Member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct.
Some of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme but ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services offered on this website. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each holiday and travel service offered before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk