This cruise adventure, in the spirit of the explorer Abel Tasman, includes some of the most spectacular sights of the South Pacific. You'll visit the beautiful Norfolk Island, sighted and named by Captain James Cook on his second voyage through the South Pacific, later used by the British as a remote penal settlement to banish convicts. You'll sail to Balls Pyramid, a jagged basalt spire spearing 552 metres out of the sea. Formed about 7 million years ago, windswept and inhospitable, it is regarded as the world’s tallest sea stack. If conditions permit, you’ll take a Zodiac exploration for a close-up view of this pinnacle and the surrounding islets of this mythological seascape. Sailing from Brisbane to Auckland, there will be the opportunity to visit the historic township of Russell, a peaceful retreat with old world charm in New Zealand’s magnificent Bay of Islands, a coastline of bays, white sandy beaches and 150 islands, renowned for diving, yachting and deep sea fishing. Here the Maoris first arrived; later a base for whalers, sealers and sailors. Without doubt, one of the most beautiful and peaceful seascapes in the world.

Available Cruise Departure Dates:
Nov 21, 2012

Brisbane is the state capital of Queensland and the third largest city in Australia. It is situated on the Brisbane River on a low-lying floodplain between Moreton Bay and the Great Dividing Range. Brisbane has a growing live music scene, both popular and classical and was nominated as one of the Top 5 International Music Hotspots by Billboard in 2007. The Queensland Museum is located at South Bank. The Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), opened in December 2006, is one of the latest additions to the South Bank area.

Private vehicle and driver transfer from your Brisbane hotel to the Airport.

Mantra South Bank is located on the southern bank of the Brisbane River and is ideally suited to cater to the discerning needs of both business and leisure travellers. Boasting a central location, Mantra South Bank is within close proximity to Brisbane’s CBD, entertainment and arts districts, cosmopolitan dining, alfresco cafés and premium local attractions.

Overnight at Mantra Southbank (4*).

Tour the city center of Brisbane and enjoy the many pleasures of South Bank precinct from coffee on the boardwalk to a wander through the Art Gallery. See the charming architecture Brisbane is famous for, view the prestigious suburbs of Ascot and Hamilton and return to the city via Kangaroo Point lookout and Newstead House.

Overnight at Mantra Southbank (4*).

The open waters of the South Pacific surrounding Australia and New Zealand offer cruise guests a perfectly luxurious and relaxing avenue to visit major ports of call including Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland. In these vibrant waters you can find the world's most sizeable and well-known coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef, often included within a ship's cruising vicinity. Feel the southern sun as you walk the deck of your cruise vessel en route to the many dazzling shore excursions which await you.

Enjoy a port transfer with private vehicle and driver.

Welcome aboard your cruise vessel!
After embarkation, meet some of your fellow cruise passengers and get settled in.

Technically and aesthetically, Orion is arguably the most sophisticated vessel in its class. The Berlitz Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships guide describes her as "the latest in the quest to build the ideal expedition cruise ship". Constructed by the world-leading Cassens Shipyard in Emden, and launched in November 2003, she boasts a host of advanced design features including technology that sets new standards in sustainable marine environmental practices. Although custom-made for expedition cruising, Orion is the epitome of elegance. No expense has been spared when it comes to the quality of fittings and furnishings, and the range and calibre of onboard recreational facilities are nothing short of five-star. Orion's luxurious appointments means she is more mega-yacht than cruise ship and her guests are few; around just 50 couples, all cared for in 5-star comfort by a crew of 75. Chart your own path less travelled.

Overnight at M/V Orion (7N) Tasman Discoverer.

Days at sea aboard Orion are less structured than a typical cruise ship. Rise at your leisure and select from a variety of breakfast options. Late morning consider joining a presentation in the Lecture Theatre by one of the Expedition Staff or a Guest Speaker. Luncheon is served both indoors and out and the timeless tradition of afternoon tea is observed at 4:00pm.

Overnight at M/V Orion (7N) Tasman Discoverer.

Norfolk Island is rich in history and culture from Captain Cook's discovery in 1774 to modern times. When the First Fleet arrived at Port Jackson in January 1788, Phillip ordered Lieutenant Philip Gidley King to lead a party of fifteen convicts and seven free men to take control of the island and prepare for its commercial development. They arrived on 6 March 1788.

Although much of the land has been cleared for cropping and pasture, the once-dominant Norfolk Island pines remain a notable feature of the landscape. The island has a wide variety of flora and fauna including geckos, bats, turtles, plentiful fish and many seabird species.

Before European colonization, most of Norfolk Island was covered with subtropical rain forest, the canopy of which was made of Norfolk Island Pine. Historic attractions include museums, the penal settlement and the culture arising from the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives, who settled on Norfolk after the mutiny of the HMS Bounty.

Today you'll explore this beautiful island.

Overnight at M/V Orion (7N) Tasman Discoverer.

While no landings are permitted on Ball's Pyramid, if conditions permit, there will be a Zodiac launch from the cruise vessel to go for a much closer exploration of this geological phenomenon, and its surrounding islets- Observatory Rock, Wheatsheaf Islet and Southest Rock.

Overnight at M/V Orion (7N) Tasman Discoverer.

Today is a day spent at sea aboard your luxury cruise vessel. Relax at the jacuzzi on the sundeck, or join your fellow cruisemates at the social hub, the deck 3 lounge.

Overnight at M/V Orion (7N) Tasman Discoverer.

Today you continue sailing en route to your next destination, Russel in the Bay of Islands. Relax with a drink in hand, enjoy a book, or join one of the seminars on board from your expedition team.

Overnight at M/V Orion (7N) Tasman Discoverer.

On the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand you enjoy your first taste of Aotearoa. Here a coastline of bays and white sandy beaches embraces a sea dotted with 150 islands. The Maoris believe that the Bay of Islands was originally discovered by their legendary navigator Kupe. This is where the Maoris first arrived, and not so long ago was a base for whalers, sealers and sailors, preparing the way for a fusing of Maori and European culture. It is famously known as being the home of the Treaty of Waitangi, the first official agreement between Maori and the British. Today, you will make land in Russell, for a discovery of this charming township.

Overnight at M/V Orion (7N) Tasman Discoverer.

Today you'll arrive at the port of Auckland, where you will disembark from your ship, and say farewell to your fellow cruisemates.

A private vehicle with driver will provide a transfer between the Auckland Airport and Overseas Wharf (Port).

See first hand why Auckland is known as the City of Sails as you enjoy a trip over the Harbour Bridge. Visit the Famous Auckland landmark of Mount Eden, a dormant volcano whose summit offers excellent panoramic views of the city and harbours. From the fantastic vantage point you will see evidence of Auckland's volcanic history, the most significant being the youngest volcano of Rangitoto Island at the entrance to the Waitemata harbour. This tour also takes in the Auckland Domain, the city's oldest park which is situated on a 62,000 year old volcano. In addition to these natural features you will be taken to the trendy shopping are of Parnell Village with its historical buildings that have been transformed into boutiques, antique and craft specialty shops. Your tour will then take you along the scenic waterfront route of Tamaki Dr. before returning to Downtown.

The Langham Hotel Auckland embodies the enchanting hospitality and timeless elegance of the original Langham grand hotel. Distinguished among Auckland hotels, the five-star Langham Hotel Auckland is a haven of tranquillity in the heart of this vibrant city. The seasoned traveller will appreciate The Langham Auckland Hotel for both its classic charm and innovative amenities. When you visit New Zealand, a wonderland of refined indulgence awaits you at our luxury Auckland hotel.

Overnight at Langham (5*).

A private vehicle with driver will provide a transfer between the Auckland Airport and Hotel.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).