Itinerary
- Day 1
Christchurch to Timaru
You'll arrive in Christchurch before 10:30 AM and take a coach transfer down to Timaru. Once you board the Scenic Eclipse II, your butler will help you settle into your verandah suite. After you've got your bearings and checked out the ship's facilities, head up to the Sky Bar to toast the voyage as the yacht pulls away from New Zealand.
Included Activities
- Coach transfer from Christchurch to Timaru
- Board Scenic Eclipse II and meet crew
- Explore ship facilities including Sky Bar
Landmarks Scenic Eclipse II - Day 2
Stewart Island (Rakiura)
Today you're exploring Stewart Island, sitting about 30 kilometres off New Zealand's South Island. The island has brown kiwi birds, some great scenery, and the small village of Oban. You can choose from a few different guided activities like checking out Paterson Inlet, visiting the wildlife sanctuary at Ulva Island, or just walking around to see what the island has to offer.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice experience (choose one): Southern Coastal Wildlife Cruise, Ulva Island & Guided Walk, or Village and Bays Tour
Optional Activities
- Southern Coastal Wildlife Cruise - explore Paterson Inlet on 75-foot high-speed catamaran
- Ulva Island & Guided Walk - explore wildlife sanctuary with rare bird and plant species
- Village and Bays Tour - guided mini-bus tour of Stewart Island with visits to Lee Bay and Observation Rock
Landmarks Paterson Inlet Ulva Island Big Glory Bay Oban - Day 3
Milford Sound, Fiordland
You'll cruise through Fiordland National Park on the Scenic Eclipse II, heading into Milford Sound where granite peaks and deep fjords surround you. Waterfalls drop from 1,000-metre cliffs, and you might see seals lounging on rocks. Grab a cocktail on the Observation Terrace and soak in the views from there.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise through Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park
- View waterfalls and wildlife from the ship
Landmarks Milford Sound Fiordland National Park - Day 4
Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound
The ship navigates close to the craggy cliffs in Doubtful Sound while you watch for bottlenose dolphins and Fiordland Crested Penguins. Later you'll head south to Dusky Sound, one of New Zealand's biggest fjords at 40 kilometres long. This spot is so remote that only air or sea can reach it, and tourists rarely make it out here.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise through Doubtful Sound
- Cruise through Dusky Sound
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
Landmarks Doubtful Sound Dusky Sound - Day 5
Scenic Eclipse II (Relaxation Day at Sea)
Today is yours to spend however you like. Have breakfast in your suite on the verandah or join a yoga or Pilates class. Wander through the ship's bars, lounges, library, and the Senses Spa with its steam rooms and saunas. Check the daily program for lectures and other activities, or just relax in the Vitality Pool.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Access to gym and PURE Yoga & Pilates Studio
- Access to Senses Spa facilities
- Access to Sky Bar and Vitality Pool
- Access to eight bars and lounges
- On-board theatre lectures and discussions
- Library access
- Day 6
Akaroa
You arrive at Akaroa, New Zealand's only French settlement from the 1840s. Walk around and see the French street names, cottages with Gallic charm, and cheese shops overlooking the harbour. The rare Hector's dolphins show up here regularly. You can pick from optional activities like a sheep farm visit, wine tasting, a wildlife cruise, or a walking tour.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice experience (choose one): Canterbury Sheep Farm Experience, Punting on the Avon & Wine, Akaroa Harbour Wildlife Cruise, or Akaroa Walking Tour
Optional Activities
- Canterbury Sheep Farm Experience - see shearing, sheep dogs and farm life
- Punting on the Avon & Wine - leisurely cruise on Christchurch's Avon River and wine tasting at Melton Estate Winery
- Akaroa Harbour Wildlife Cruise - discover Hector's dolphins found only in NZ waters (wildlife sightings not guaranteed)
- Akaroa Walking Tour - 45-minute walk through town centre, local lookout and waterfront
- Sushi @ Koko's - fine dining experience available by reservation
Landmarks Akaroa Harbour Melton Estate Winery - Day 7
Kaikoura
Early arrival in Kaikoura puts you in a tiny town wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the snow-capped Seaward Kaikoura Range. This old whaling station gives you chances to spot whales, fur seals, dolphins, and seabirds like albatrosses. Check out historic spots such as Fyffe House or the Kaikoura Museum, or sign up for one of the wildlife tours.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice experience (choose one): Kaikoura Whale Watch Cruise, Albatross Encounter Cruise, Kaikoura Sightseeing Overview, or Kaikoura Coastal Panorama Walk
Optional Activities
- Kaikoura Whale Watch Cruise - encounter sperm whales with expert guides
- Albatross Encounter Cruise - 2.5-hour tour with chum thrown to attract albatross and other seabirds
- Kaikoura Sightseeing Overview - three-hour tour including bush walk, Ohau Stream and Ohau Point, fur seal colony viewing
- Kaikoura Coastal Panorama Walk - half-day walking tour with lookout views, Fyffe House visit, and seal colony
- Visit Fyffe House - oldest surviving building from whaling era
- Visit Kaikoura Museum - learn about local history
Landmarks Fyffe House Kaikoura Museum Seaward Kaikoura Range Ohau Stream Ohau Point - Day 8
Kaiteriteri and Nelson
You'll stop at two ports in Tasman Bay. First is Kaiteriteri, which has one of New Zealand's nicest beaches with golden sand and blue water, and it's the starting point for Abel Tasman National Park. Then you head to Nelson, one of the sunnier cities around here, with loads of cafes, markets, breweries, cycling trails, and the Botanic Gardens. The late departure gives you time to explore in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice experience (choose one): Kaiteriteri Cruise & 3hr Nature Walk, Cruise & Beach Stop, Nelson Walking Tour, Nelson Panoramic and Gravity Winery, or Founders Heritage Village with Nelson sights
Optional Activities
- Kaiteriteri Cruise & 3hr Nature Walk - cruise to Anchorage Beach in Abel Tasman National Park with guided walk
- Cruise & Beach Stop - sail to Anchorage Beach and trek to Pitt Head for coastal views
- Nelson Walking Tour - guided walk through historic Nelson, New Zealand's second oldest city
- Nelson Panoramic and Gravity Winery - city views, cathedral stop, panoramic lookout, and wine tasting at Gravity Cellars
- Founders Heritage Village with Nelson sights - explore Nelson's heritage at Founders Heritage Park, cathedral visit, and panoramic city views
Landmarks Kaiteriteri Beach Abel Tasman National Park Anchorage Beach Pitt Head Nelson Botanic Gardens Gravity Cellars Founders Heritage Park Haulashore Island Fifeshire Rock - Day 9
Picton and Marlborough Sounds
Early morning coffee on your private verandah while you're in the Marlborough Sounds. Spend the morning in Picton with its tropical palms, clear turquoise water, and waterfront shops and cafes. You could visit the Edwin Fox convict ship museum or head into the Marlborough wine region nearby, which makes about two-thirds of New Zealand's wine.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice experience (choose one): Queen Charlotte Sounds Explorer, Marlborough Sounds Link Pathway Walk, Wines of Marlborough, Seafood Odyssea, or Knights of the Sky and Dangerous Skies
Optional Activities
- Queen Charlotte Sounds Explorer - cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound with guide commentary
- Marlborough Sounds Link Pathway Walk - guided walk on new Link Pathway with views of Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Sound
- Wines of Marlborough - scenic tour from Picton with wine tasting in Marlborough region
- Seafood Odyssea - cruise Queen Charlotte Sound with local delicacies and scenic views
- Knights of the Sky and Dangerous Skies - drive through wine country to Omaka Heritage Centre with aviation exhibitions, plus Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory visit
Landmarks Queen Charlotte Sound Marlborough Sounds Edwin Fox Arapawa Island Omaka Heritage Centre Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory - Day 10
Napier
You'll arrive in Napier this morning and walk straight into a city that's basically a time capsule of 1930s Art Deco design. After an earthquake devastated the area back then, they rebuilt everything in that distinctive style, so now you're surrounded by some of the best preserved Art Deco architecture anywhere. From there, you can pick what suits you best: head out to Cape Kidnappers to watch gannets plunge into the ocean, take a road train tour through town if you want something more relaxed, check out some of the local wineries that have won recognition, join a guided walk focusing on the Art Deco buildings, or venture into the countryside to see a private home and vineyard. It's one of those days where you really shape how it goes depending on what interests you most.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Optional Activities
- Cape Kidnappers & Gannet Safari - Drive along Hawke's Bay coast to the gannet colony, see them dive into the sea and observe newly hatched chicks
- Hawkes Bay Express - Explore Napier on a modern road 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
- Countryside & Private Home Visit - Discover the beauty of Puketapu's rolling hills with local host Hamish Prins, indulge in boutique wine tasting, explore a charming historic church and unwind with light refreshments in his stunning garden before a picturesque drive back to Napier
Landmarks Cape Kidnappers Napier Art Deco District Hawke's Bay - Day 11
Scenic Eclipse II (Relaxation Day at Sea)
Join gym workouts, Pilates, or aerial yoga classes if that appeals to you. The Vitality thermal lounge has Nordic bathing, infra-red saunas, and chromo-therapy showers for a different kind of relaxation. Grab cocktails at one of the spacious bars and lounges, or use the Swarovski telescopes on the Observation Terrace to scan the ocean.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Access to gym and Pilates/yoga classes
- Access to Vitality thermal lounge with Nordic bathing experience
- Access to bars and lounges
- Observation Lounge with Swarovski telescopes
- Day 12
Auckland
You're arriving in Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city and a mix of urban energy and natural beauty. Walk through different neighbourhoods like Ponsonby with its diverse food and heritage architecture, or Britomart, a hip industrial district turned trendy. The harbourside has great dining and shopping at Commercial Bay and Viaduct Harbour.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore Ponsonby neighbourhood
- Explore Britomart neighbourhood
- Visit Commercial Bay and Viaduct Harbour
Landmarks Commercial Bay Viaduct Harbour - Day 13
Bay of Islands and Paihia
Early arrival at the Bay of Islands, which has about 150 islands and thousands of coves scattered throughout. The yacht anchors off Paihia, New Zealand's first seaport from the 1800s and now famous for water sports. Not far from here is the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand's foundation document was signed in 1840.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice experience (choose one): Northland Maori Waka Encounter, Glowworms and Kauri Forest, Bay Of Islands Lunch Cruise & Russell, or Bay of Islands Getaway Cruise
- Scenic Enrich: Maori Culture & Marae Experience - guided tour from Kerikeri Basin to traditional Maori marae
Optional Activities
- Northland Maori Waka Encounter - Maori War Canoe tour with historic sites, paddling over Waitangi River estuaries, Haruru Falls, legends and customs
- Glowworms and Kauri Forest - immersion in Puketi Kauri Forest and Kawiti Caves with glowworms
- Bay Of Islands Lunch Cruise & Russell - sail through Opua and Okiato waterways with lunch included
- Bay of Islands Getaway Cruise - 4-hour cruise featuring Roberton Island, Hole in the Rock, Cape Brett Lighthouse, swimming and snorkelling
Landmarks Bay of Islands Waitangi Treaty Grounds Roberton Island Hole in the Rock Cape Brett Lighthouse Haruru Falls Puketi Kauri Forest Kawiti Caves - Day 14
Scenic Eclipse II (Relaxation Day at Sea)
After a good night's sleep in your suite, take time to explore the ship and get to know all the different areas. Head up to the Sky Bar and the outdoor Vitality pool on Deck 10. Check out the tranquil Senses Spa on Deck 6 with steam rooms and saunas. Use the Swarovski telescopes on the Observation Terrace or relax with a drink at one of the bars.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Access to Sky Bar and Vitality Pool
- Access to Senses Spa facilities
- Observation Terrace with Swarovski telescopes
- Access to all-inclusive bars and lounges
- Day 15
Norfolk Island
Today you're visiting tiny Norfolk Island, roughly halfway between New Zealand and Australia. This self-governing Australian territory has a dramatic history, claimed by Captain Cook in 1774 and later settled as a convict colony. In 1855, descendants of the Bounty mutineers moved here. The landscapes have towering pines, World Heritage ruins, and St Barnabas Chapel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice experience (choose one): Half-Day Extravaganza, Historic Kingston Experience, Behind the Scenes, or Bush Walk Adventure
Optional Activities
- Half-Day Extravaganza - visit historic Kingston, Cascade, and Longridge with spectacular scenery
- Historic Kingston Experience - half-day tour of World Heritage-listed Kingston settlement
- Behind the Scenes - visit local businesses, meet owners, sample products
- Bush Walk Adventure - gentle walk through Palm Glen Reserve or leisurely 3.5km walk to Mt Bates with Captain Cook Monument and panoramic coastal views
Landmarks Kingston St Barnabas Chapel Mt Bates Captain Cook Monument Palm Glen Reserve - Day 16
Scenic Eclipse II (Relaxation Day at Sea)
Spend the day relaxing at sea. Meet up with other guests for a meal at the Azure Bar and Cafe, which has both indoor and outdoor seating. All your premium beverages and food pairings are included. In the evening, catch some state-of-the-art theatre entertainment or request dinner in your suite with premium wines, beers, and spirits brought by your butler.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Dine at Azure Bar & Cafe
- Attend state-of-the-art theatre entertainment
Optional Activities
- In-suite dining with butler service
- Day 17
Lifou (Loyalty Islands)
You're visiting Lifou, the largest and highest of the Loyalty Islands, which sits as a coral atoll on top of a collapsed volcano. The northern cliffs are dramatic, while the southern side has long beaches. The Kanak culture is alive here and proudly maintained by the local community.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice experience (choose one): The Cliffs of Jokin, Lifou's Vanilla House & Forest Animals, A Melanesian Encounter, or Tropical Forest & Secret Grotto
Optional Activities
- The Cliffs of Jokin - tropical forest visit in Mucaweng tribe territory with vanilla harvesting and towering fossilised coral cliffs
- Lifou's Vanilla House & Forest Animals - Oni Wael Animal Park nature trail and vanilla plantation tour with Bio Pasifiki products
- A Melanesian Encounter - history and culture tour visiting churches, ports and villages, prepare bougna with local 'mamas' in underground oven
- Tropical Forest & Secret Grotto - two-hour adventure with guided nature walks, hidden caverns, Melanesian hunting demonstrations, local refreshments
Landmarks Oni Wael Animal Park Puketi Kauri Forest - Day 18
Tanna (Mount Yasur)
Look for smoke as you approach Tanna. Mount Yasur is the world's most accessible active volcano, regularly shooting sparks into the sky. Captain Cook saw ash eruptions here back in 1774. The mountain is sacred to the John Frum Cargo Cult. You can choose between a warm island welcome or the Island Welcome with a Volcano Tour.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice experience (choose one): Island Welcome or Island Welcome & Volcano Tour
Optional Activities
- Island Welcome - warm welcome ashore with traditional women's choir and Napam Npam women's dance performances
- Island Welcome & Volcano Tour - community welcome plus Mount Yasur visit with rim walk and crater viewing
Landmarks Mount Yasur - Day 19
Scenic Eclipse II (Relaxation Day at Sea)
Spend the day doing exactly what you want. Request breakfast in bed from your butler or enjoy a quiet morning on your verandah. Join gentle yoga or Pilates if you feel like it, or cool off in the Vitality pool. Later in the day, relax in private cabanas on Deck 10 or settle into comfortable chairs in the Observation Lounge with panoramic ocean views.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Access to butler service for in-suite breakfast
- Yoga and Pilates classes
- Access to Vitality pool
- Private cabanas on Deck 10
- Observation Lounge with panoramic views
- Day 20
Port Denarau, Fiji
You're discovering Port Denarau on Fiji's main island Viti Levu, the gateway to upscale resorts and the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. The marina is lively with good shopping and lots of dining options. Check out nearby attractions like Denarau Golf Club or try snorkelling, diving, and water sports. The yacht stays overnight, so catch a sunset cocktail at the Sky Bar.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice experience (choose one): Fijian Homestead and History, Sigatoka Sand Dunes and Bula Coffee, Nausori Highland 4WD Tour, Golf at Denarau Golf Club, or Half Day Boat Fishing
Optional Activities
- Fijian Homestead and History - scenic drive to South Sea Orchid Garden with welcome tea, Nadi marketplace visit
- Sigatoka Sand Dunes and Bula Coffee - learn about Sigatoka Sand Dunes ancient pottery, Crop to Cup organic coffee tour
- Nausori Highland 4WD Tour - Namaka Market, panoramic Nausori Highlands views, kava ceremony in Yavuna village, Hindu temple visit, lunch in Nadi
- Golf at Denarau Golf Club - scenic 18-hole par-72 course with Pacific theme for all skill levels
- Half Day Boat Fishing - fishing vessel adventure trolling for tuna, mahi, wahoo and giant trevally
Landmarks South Sea Orchid Garden Sigatoka Sand Dunes Denarau Golf Club Nadi - Day 21
Monuriki, Fiji
You're visiting tiny Monuriki island in the Mamanucas, home to around 500 people. Experience authentic Fijian life with pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise water for swimming and snorkelling. This island was in the movie 'Castaway' with Tom Hanks. You'll meet locals, join kava ceremonies, watch traditional dances, visit schools, and browse local markets for handicrafts.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Monuriki island
- Swimming and snorkelling
- Kava ceremony with Fijian traditions
- Guided nature walk through village
- School visit
- Traditional dance performances
- Local market exploration
Optional Activities
- Scenic Discovery: Weather permitting, access to yacht marina with complimentary kayak and stand-up paddleboard equipment with expert guidance
Landmarks Monuriki Mamanuca Islands - Day 22
Lautoka
Your cruise wraps up in Lautoka, Fiji's second largest city located on the western side of Viti Levu. After having breakfast on board, you'll head ashore and say goodbye to the crew and fellow passengers you've gotten to know over the journey. Keep in mind you'll want to book a flight out of Nadi departing after 12:00 PM to give yourself enough time to get there from the port.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Final breakfast on board
Landmarks Lautoka
