Itinerary
- Day 1
Christchurch to Timaru
You'll arrive in Christchurch and transfer by coach to Timaru where the Scenic Eclipse II is waiting. After settling into your verandah suite, head to the Sky Bar to meet the captain and crew, then raise a glass as the ship sails away from New Zealand's coast.
Included Activities
- Coach transfer from Christchurch to Timaru
- Boarding of Scenic Eclipse II
- Meet butler and explore ship facilities
- Welcome reception at Sky Bar
Landmarks Scenic Eclipse II - Day 2
Stewart Island
You'll arrive at remote Stewart Island, one of the last inhabited places before Antarctica. Oban village and its brown kiwi population await, and you'll pick from three Scenic Freechoice activities: a high-speed catamaran through Paterson Inlet, a walk on Ulva Island wildlife sanctuary, or a mini-bus tour.
Included Activities
- Arrival at Stewart Island
Optional Activities
- Southern Coastal Wildlife Cruise - 75-foot high-speed catamaran exploring Paterson Inlet, Big Glory Bay, Kaipipi Bay, native forest and rugged beaches
- Ulva Island & Guided Walk - Explore Ulva Island wildlife sanctuary with rare bird and plant species, including possible sightings of kaka and wekas
- Village and Bays Tour - Guided mini-bus tour with photo stops and short walks exploring Lee Bay, Observation Rock and Stewart Island's natural beauty
Landmarks Stewart Island (Rakiura) Paterson Inlet Ulva Island Oban - Day 3
Milford Sound
You'll cruise through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, where granite peaks and 1,000-metre waterfalls line the slow passage through the fjord. Look for seals sunning on rocks and enjoy cocktails on the Observation Terrace while taking in the scenery.
Included Activities
- Cruise through Fiordland National Park
- Milford Sound scenic cruise with waterfall viewing
Landmarks Fiordland National Park Milford Sound 
- Day 4
Doubtful Sound to Dusky Sound
Craggy cliffs come closer as you search for bottlenose dolphins and Fiordland Crested Penguins. From there, you'll continue south to Dusky Sound, one of New Zealand's largest fjords at 40 kilometres long and only reachable by air or sea.
Included Activities
- Cruise through Doubtful Sound
- Cruise through Dusky Sound
Landmarks Doubtful Sound Dusky Sound - Day 5
At Sea
A day to relax at sea. Breakfast arrives in your suite from your butler, or you can hit the gym, join a yoga or Pilates class, and explore the Sky Bar, Vitality Pool, and Senses Spa. Later, check the daily program for lectures and theatre performances.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast brought to your suite by butler, enjoyed on the verandah)
Included Activities
- Complimentary yoga and Pilates classes
- Access to gym
- Access to Vitality Pool
- Access to Senses Spa facilities
- Library access
- Onboard theatre and lectures
- Day 6
Akaroa
Akaroa appears on the horizon, New Zealand's only French settlement with French street names and Gallic cottages still standing from the 1840s. The harbour holds rare Hector's dolphins, and you'll choose from four Scenic Freechoice options including a sheep farm visit or river punting with wine.
Included Activities
- Arrival and exploration of Akaroa
Optional Activities
- Canterbury Sheep Farm Experience - Learn about New Zealand's sheep industry with demonstrations of shearing, sheep dogs and farm life
- Punting on the Avon & Wine - Leisurely flat-bottomed boat cruise on Christchurch's scenic Avon River followed by wine tasting at Melton Estate Winery
- Akaroa Harbour Wildlife Cruise - Discover playful Hector's dolphins found only in New Zealand waters (wildlife sightings not guaranteed)
- Akaroa Walking Tour - 45-minute walking tour of town centre, local lookout and picturesque waterfront
- Sushi @ Koko's - Available by reservation onboard
Landmarks Akaroa Akaroa Harbour Melton Estate Winery - Day 7
Kaikoura
Early arrival at Kaikoura brings you to a seaside town between the Pacific Ocean and snow-capped peaks. The area's rich whaling history is on display at Fyffe House and the museum, and waters here contain sperm whales, fur seals, and albatrosses. You'll select from four Scenic Freechoice experiences.
Included Activities
- Arrival at Kaikoura
Optional Activities
- Kaikoura Whale Watch Cruise - Venture into Pacific depths for encounters with magnificent sperm whales with expert guide commentary
- Albatross Encounter Cruise - 2.5-hour tour discovering renowned birdlife with guides throwing chum to attract albatross and other birds
- Kaikoura Sightseeing Overview - Three-hour tour including bush walk, Ohau Stream and Ohau Point visit, fur seal colony viewing, and dedicated photo stop for ocean and mountain vistas
- Kaikoura Coastal Panorama Walk - Half-day walking tour visiting main lookout with mountain and ocean views, Fyffe House and seal colony
- Optional: Visit Fyffe House
- Optional: Visit Kaikoura Museum
Landmarks Kaikoura Fyffe House Kaikoura Museum Seaward Kaikoura Range 
- Day 8
Kaiteriteri and Nelson
Two ports await in Tasman Bay. Kaiteriteri features arguably New Zealand's most beautiful beach with golden sand and turquoise water near Abel Tasman National Park. Later, the ship cruises to Nelson, one of the country's sunniest cities with cafes, markets, breweries, and a late departure for evening exploration.
Included Activities
- Visit Kaiteriteri beach
- Visit Nelson
Optional Activities
- Kaiteriteri Cruise & 3hr Nature Walk - Cruise to Anchorage Beach in Abel Tasman National Park for guided walk learning about wildlife and coastal views, with coach transfer to Nelson
- Cruise & Beach Stop - Sail to Anchorage Beach in Abel Tasman National Park, meet guide, enjoy bird songs and trek to Pitt Head for coastal views, with coach transfer to Nelson
- Nelson Walking Tour - Guided walk through historic Nelson, New Zealand's second oldest city and culture capital
- Nelson Panoramic and Gravity Winery - Explore Nelson with city views, cathedral stop, panoramic lookout, then wine tasting at Gravity Cellars in Moutere Hills with scenic drive through valleys and coast
- Founders Heritage Village with Nelson sights - Explore Nelson's heritage at Founders Heritage Park with vintage buildings and artisan shops, visit cathedral, enjoy panoramic views from highest point, return via scenic Rocks Road
Landmarks Kaiteriteri Abel Tasman National Park Nelson Nelson Botanic Gardens Gravity Cellars Founders Heritage Park - Day 9
Picton and Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds come into view by morning. Time in Picton gives you options to walk the waterfront promenade with its shops and galleries, or visit the Edwin Fox convict ship. The famous Marlborough wine region is nearby, and you'll have five Scenic Freechoice activities to choose from.
Included Activities
- Arrival at Picton
Optional Activities
- Queen Charlotte Sounds Explorer - Cruise through beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound with guide commentary, explore Arapawa Island (formerly a whaling base, now with aquaculture)
- Marlborough Sounds Link Pathway Walk - Follow new Link Pathway on guided walk with views of Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Sound, look for native birds
- Wines of Marlborough - Scenic tour from Picton through wine country with stunning views and wine tasting in Marlborough region
- Seafood Odyssea - Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound enjoying local delicacies and scenic views, learn about region's history and wildlife
- Knights of the Sky and Dangerous Skies - Scenic tour from Picton through wine country to Omaka Heritage Centre with immersive aviation exhibitions, then sweet stop at Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory
- Optional: Visit Edwin Fox convict ship
Landmarks Picton Marlborough Sounds Queen Charlotte Sound Arapawa Island Marlborough wine region Edwin Fox convict ship Omaka Heritage Centre Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory - Day 10
Napier
You arrive in Napier this morning and find yourself in a town with remarkable Art Deco architecture. After the 1931 earthquake destroyed much of the area, the city was rebuilt with one of the world's largest collections of authentic Art Deco buildings. From there, you have options depending on what interests you. You could head to Cape Kidnappers to watch gannets, take the road train around the city, visit local wineries in the region, join a guided Art Deco walking tour through the downtown area, or drive out to a private countryside home. It's really up to what you want to focus on for the day.
- Meals
- Dinner
Optional Activities
- Cape Kidnappers & Gannet Safari - Drive along Hawke's Bay coast to the gannet colony and watch them dive into the sea
- Hawkes Bay Express - Explore Napier on a modern road train travelling along Main Street
- A Tale of Two Hawkes Bay Wineries - Panoramic drive through Hawke's Bay coast with stops at two award-winning wineries
- Art Deco City Walking Tour - Guided walking tour of Napier's Art Deco highlights with film about the 1931 earthquake
- Countryside & Private Home Visit - Boutique wine tasting, historic church visit, and light refreshments in a private garden
Landmarks Cape Kidnappers Napier 
- Day 11
At Sea
Another relaxing day at sea for you to explore wellness options. Join a Pilates class, guided stretching, or aerial yoga, or spend time in the Vitality thermal lounge with Nordic bathing and infrared saunas. Later, grab a cocktail at the open-air bar on Deck 10 or settle into the Observation Lounge.
Included Activities
- Complimentary gym access
- Complimentary Pilates and yoga classes
- Access to Vitality thermal lounge with Nordic bathing experiences, infrared saunas and chromo-therapy pressure showers
- Access to bars and lounges
- Day 12
Auckland
Your journey finishes in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city set between two harbours. Enjoy a final breakfast on board reminiscing about the voyage, say farewell to fellow guests and crew, then disembark to continue your travels or head home.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Final delightful breakfast on board)
Included Activities
- Final breakfast on board
- Disembarkation at Auckland
Landmarks Auckland
