Experience New Zealand and its remotely places on this this cruise voyage that takes you to New Zealand’s North and South Islands. Explore Auckland with your private driver-guide before you embark the cruise. From the natural beauty of Milford Sound to the safe haven and rejuvenating landscape of Marlborough Sounds and the mystical aura of New Zealand’s only active marine volcano White Island. You’ll see majestic mountains and waterfalls that spill from the towering cliffs as well as abundant wildlife on New Zealand’s southern islands. World Heritage listed Fiordland is considered one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand. This voyage is renowned for seal and dolphin viewing and there will be the opportunity for both from either your cruise vessel or the Zodiac fleet. Whether trekking through the bird lover’s paradise of Motuara Island or donning a safety suit to clamber over fascinating White Island, with boiling pools, potholes of sulphuric acid and steam vents, this cruise around New Zealand is always surprising, always exciting – like stepping into a real life Lord of the Rings movie.

Departure Date: Nov 28, 2012.

Auckland is the largest city in the country, and has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world. It is one of the few cities in the world to have harbours on two separate major bodies of water. Auckland is popularly known as the "City of Sails" because the harbour is often dotted with hundreds of yachts, in fact over 135,000 are registered in the city. Many national treasures are displayed at the Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland War Memorial Museum, the National Maritime Museum, or the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT). Exotic creatures can be observed at the Auckland Zoo and Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World.

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

This Auckland property is located near Auckland High Court, Queen Street Shopping District, and Sky Tower. Additional nearby points of interest include Auckland City Hall. In addition to balconies and kitchenettes, guestrooms feature DVD players and refrigerators. Bathrooms come with designer toiletries and hair dryers. Recreational amenities at The Quadrant Hotel Auckland include a spa tub, a steam room, and a fitness facility. Other amenities include a restaurant, a concierge desk, and a bar/lounge.

Overnight at The Quadrant (4*).

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.

Overnight at The Quadrant (4*).

Unveil the beauty of New Zealand on a relaxing cruise journey. Set sail along rugged coastline, and through richly biodiverse waters, offsetting pleasant time spent at sea with planned landfalls to charming towns, modern megacities or areas of natural splendor- it's all here in New Zealand, awaiting your discovery.

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

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 (10N) Pure New Zealand.

In 1769, James Cook gave the island its name because of the dense clouds of steam hanging over it. Today the island still emits visible plumes of steam. You will be taken on a guided walk around the active crater which is over 100 metres deep. This is a fascinating place to visit as there is continuous thermal activity on the surface of the island. This massive volcanic structure is the largest in New Zealand. After a Zodiac transfer you will don your safety equipment and explore the slopes of White Island Volcano.

Overnight at M/V Orion (10N) Pure New Zealand.

Enjoying a sunny Mediterranean-style climate, Hawke’s Bay is famous for its wineries, orchards and artisan food producers. Lavender gardens, orchards and olive plantations thrive under the Hawke's Bay sun. The regional feature is the town of Napier, famous for its concentration of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco. Almost leveled by an earthquake in 1931, Napier rebuilt and today has one of the most outstanding collections of 1930's architecture to be seen anywhere in the world. This is a living film set where you can step back in time to an elegant era. To take advantage of the intriguing Art Deco architecture that makes Napier so special, a guided Art Deco walk has been set up for you to take part in today.

Optional:
Your optional experience begins at the pier where you will board your safari vehicle at the ship's side. Sit back and enjoy a scenic drive along the coast as you make your way to Te Awanga and Cape Kidnappers Station. Arriving at Cape Kidnappers Station, a privately owned hill country farm, you will be driven over the rich farmland to within a few feet of the gannet sanctuary at Cape Kidnappers. As you traverse river beds, broad rolling pastures, steep gullies and breath-taking inclines, your guide will provide you with a full commentary about the area and life on this 4,500 acre farm which stocks over 8,000 sheep and breeding cattle, as well as encompassing an 18-hole international golf course.

Cape Kidnappers itself is a dramatic promontory at the southern end of the sweep of Hawke’s Bay and is the largest and most accessible mainland nesting place of gannets in the world. The 15,000 gannets who make their home here are members of the Booby family, with distinctive black eye markings and a pale gold crown. This is an excellent opportunity to view the gannets in their natural habitat, swooping and diving as they bring back fish from the sea, or in pairs preening and performing the “dance of the gannets” recognition ritual. While you are here, enjoy a spectacular view of the rugged coastline from Hawke’s Bay all the way north to Mahia Peninsula, from the brink of a cliff that rises 328 feet above the beach. For your enjoyment, an afternoon tea will also be served.

To participate in an optional activity, please contact your travel consultant.

Optional:
This tour incorporates an hour of highlights of the picturesque town of Napier taking in the main sights of this art deco area before you travel across Hawke’s Bay. Then sweeping over Kidnappers, Te Mata and wide riverbeds to visit another vineyard, meet another winemaker and have another taste of Hawke’s Bay’s wine country - and do it all without leaving town.

On this Big Picture Wine Experience you can experience six different local wineries with the touring and tasting all in one building. Guests enter an aroma room where the wine host introduces you to the characteristics of wine bouquet. It’s not a sit down and yawn lecture, but an experience, as visitors sample and learn to identify some of the aromas that contribute to wine enjoyment.

From there it’s into the auditorium to watch a film that takes you on a fascinating tour around some of Hawke’s Bay’s leading wineries - tasting as you go while the winemaker explains the distinctive characteristics of each particular wine. There are two tasting rooms for red and white wines and the tasting session lasts 30 minutes running concurrently in separate auditoriums. You can choose either red or white whatever your preference!

To participate in an optional activity, please contact your travel consultant.

Overnight at M/V Orion (10N) Pure New Zealand.

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 (10N) Pure New Zealand.

Upon arrival to the Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park, guided walks for cruise guests with your Expedition Team today include a walk to the waterfall where Captain James Cook replenished his fresh water supplies in 1770 and also in the sanctuary on Motuara Island for bird watching.

Overnight at M/V Orion (10N) Pure New Zealand.

Today dawns with relaxed scenic cruising of the outer Banks Peninsula, followed by arrival and anchorage at the historic French settlement of Akaroa (population 680), an historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano.

A guided stroll around the village will reveal fascinating colonial architecture, interesting craft stores to explore and intimate cafés - perfect for reflection and contemplation. The beautiful harbour, home to the world's smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hectors Dolphin, dominates the landscape.

Overnight at M/V Orion (10N) Pure New Zealand.

Your cruise vessel's shallow draft will allow her to cruise all the way into Dunedin city wharf (whereas other vessels berth at Port Chalmers) to provide guests a full day ashore to enjoy this charming city, regarded as one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere.

Overnight at M/V Orion (10N) Pure New Zealand.

Zodiac transfers to Golden Bay Wharf today will allow you access to the Oban township. You will have the choice today of a guided walking tour of Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary or a guided coach tour of Oban township and surrounds on the “Village and Bay Tour”.

Overnight at M/V Orion (10N) Pure New Zealand.

Experience spectacular cruising through pristine wilderness in the very heart of Fiordland National Park, the largest in New Zealand and one of the largest in the world. The park is bordered to the east by glacial lakes and to the west by the 14 fiords that give Fiordland its name. Your ship enters via Thompson Sound enroute to Doubtful and Dusky Sounds.

At 421 metres depth, Doubtful is the deepest of these fiords. Exuding a peaceful serenity it is sometimes called “the Sound of Silence”. Abundant in both flora and fauna, these fiordlands are renowned for their excellent dolphin and seal viewing opportunities, either from your ship or onboard one of the Zodiacs. Fiordland Crested Penguins are often seen on many of the small islets at the entrance of the fiord and at Nee Islets there is a fur seal colony.

Overnight at M/V Orion (10N) Pure New Zealand.

Orion is the perfect viewing platform from which to see World Heritage listed Milford Sound; a memorable scenic cruise that includes glacial carved hanging valleys, the iconic 1600 metre high Mitre Peak and magnificent Stirling Falls. The Maori were the first to ascribe creation of the fiords to a “titanic mason”, Tute Rakiwhanoa – a concept you will find totally believable as Orion slips beneath sheer granite cliffs, not yet worn smooth by time.

Overnight at M/V Orion (10N) Pure New Zealand.

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

Meet your private vehicle and driver for a transfer between the Bluff port and the Invercargill Airport.

 End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart .