Itinerary
- Day 1
Christchurch to Timaru
You'll arrive in Christchurch and take a coach transfer to Timaru where the Scenic Eclipse II waits. Once on board, you'll settle into your verandah suite, meet your personal butler, and get a tour of the ship's facilities. By evening, you'll toast to the start of your voyage as you sail away.
Included Activities
- Coach transfer from Christchurch to Timaru
- Board Scenic Eclipse II Discovery Yacht
- Suite orientation with personalised butler
- Welcome gathering at Scenic Lounge Bar
Landmarks Timaru 
- Day 2
Southern Ocean
As you sail into the Southern Ocean, you'll meet the specialist polar Discovery Team and join an introductory presentation in the theatre. Your Discovery Leader will outline the wonders of Antarctica that lie ahead. Keep in mind the itinerary adapts based on ice and weather conditions, so exploration opportunities shift as conditions change.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Meet specialist polar Discovery Team
- Introductory Antarctica presentation in theatre
Landmarks Southern Ocean - Day 3
Southern Ocean
This is your chance to relax and recharge. Start with yoga or Pilates, soak in the Vitality pool, or have a barista-made coffee brought to your suite. From the Observation Lounge or your verandah, you might spot sea birds, dolphins, and other marine life. In the afternoon, catch enrichment lectures covering Antarctica's marine biodiversity, glaciology, and history.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Yoga or Pilates class
- Vitality pool access
- Discovery Team enrichment lectures on Antarctica's ecosystems
- Wildlife spotting from Observation Lounge, Bridge, or private verandah
Landmarks Southern Ocean - Day 4
Southern Ocean
The Discovery Team hosts expert-led lectures on Antarctic wildlife, ice formations, and the early explorers' expeditions. You can visit the bridge to learn about the ship's state-of-the-art sustainable technology. For meals, you have up to 10 dining options, ranging from casual lunch at Azure Bar and Cafe to fine dining at Elements.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Casual lunch at Azure Bar & Café), Dinner (Elegant dinner at Elements)
Included Activities
- Discovery Team lectures on Antarctica's wildlife and ice formations
- Open bridge policy to meet Captain and learn about sustainable systems
- Dining at multiple on-board venues
Landmarks Southern Ocean - Day 5
Southern Ocean
Watch immersive presentations in the cinemascope theatre as the Discovery Team reveals Antarctica's changing landscapes, wildlife, and climate systems. Keep watch from the Observation Lounge for wandering albatross, giant petrels, dolphins, and whales. Set your own pace with spa treatments, reading, or simply gazing at the ocean. For dinner, choose between French cuisine at Lumiere or fresh sushi at Koko's.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Contemporary French cuisine at Lumière or fresh sushi at Sushi @ Koko's)
Included Activities
- Discovery Team presentations in cinemascope theatre
- Wildlife spotting from Observation Lounge or private verandah
- Dining at Lumière or Sushi @ Koko's
Optional Activities
- ESPA facial at Senses Spa
Landmarks Southern Ocean - Day 6
Southern Ocean to Antarctic Waters
As the first icebergs appear, you'll get a final expedition briefing covering Zodiac operations, wildlife etiquette, and safety protocols. The Discovery Team hosts interactive discussions about Antarctica's unique wildlife and ecosystems, plus photography tips for capturing penguins, seals, and whales.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Final Antarctic expedition briefing
- Discovery Team interactive discussions on wildlife and ecosystems
Landmarks Southern Ocean - Day 7
Ross Sea
You'll enter the Ross Sea with its pristine, iceberg-rich waters surrounded by towering mountains and vast ice shelves. Watch for orcas, seals, penguins, and whales. Over the coming days you'll explore Ross Island at the base of Mount Erebus, walking paths that legendary explorers like Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott once crossed.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Exploration of Ross Sea area
Optional Activities
- Zodiac cruises
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Guided and self-paced hikes
- Helicopter flightseeing
Landmarks Ross Sea Ross Island Mount Erebus - Day 8
Beaufort Island
Weather and ice conditions permitting, you'll visit Beaufort Island, a remote volcanic outpost in the Ross Sea. The island hosts a thriving Adelie penguin colony, and its towering cliffs and icy shores create a dramatic landscape offering glimpses into Antarctica's untouched wilderness.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Beaufort Island exploration
Optional Activities
- Zodiac cruises
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Helicopter flightseeing
Landmarks Beaufort Island - Day 9
Mount Erebus, Cape Bird & Cape Royds
You'll learn about Mount Erebus, Earth's southernmost active volcano, and why polar explorers Sir James Clark Ross and Ernest Shackleton came to these waters. Watch for Adelie penguins at Cape Bird, one of the region's largest colonies. Later, visit Cape Royds to see Shackleton's well-preserved 1908 Nimrod expedition hut.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Discovery Team presentation on Mount Erebus and polar explorers
- Cape Bird and Cape Royds exploration
Optional Activities
- Zodiac cruises
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Guided and self-paced hikes
- Helicopter flightseeing
- Excursions to historic explorers' huts
Landmarks Mount Erebus Cape Bird Cape Royds Shackleton's Nimrod Hut - Day 10
Cape Evans
Weather and conditions permitting, you'll navigate to Cape Evans, home to Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova Hut from his legendary 1911-1913 South Pole expedition. You'll land via Zodiac and walk through Scott's Hut, preserved much as it was over a century ago. Join Discovery Team historians for a lecture on the rivalry between Scott, Amundsen, and Shackleton.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cape Evans landing and visit to Scott's Terra Nova Hut
- Discovery Team historian presentation on Scott, Amundsen, and Shackleton
Optional Activities
- Zodiac cruises
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Helicopter flightseeing
Landmarks Cape Evans Scott's Terra Nova Hut - Day 11
McMurdo Dry Valleys
If conditions allow, you might get one of the world's most exclusive experiences, a helicopter flight over the McMurdo Dry Valleys, one of Earth's driest places. Your pilot may land on this otherworldly landscape. If you stay on board, enjoy wildlife spotting and deep-dive lectures on the region's pioneering research stations.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Wildlife spotting from Observation Lounge
- Discovery Team lectures on McMurdo Dry Valleys
Optional Activities
- Helicopter flight over McMurdo Dry Valleys
- Zodiac cruises
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
Landmarks McMurdo Dry Valleys - Day 12
Ross Ice Shelf
You'll cruise along the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest floating ice mass on the planet, towering up to 50 metres above sea level. This frozen fortress is one of Antarctica's most spectacular sights. Your Captain and Discovery Leader will seek out safe exploration opportunities, perhaps Zodiac cruises alongside towering ice cliffs or encounters with Weddell seals.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Ross Ice Shelf exploration
Optional Activities
- Helicopter flightseeing to the Ross Ice Shelf
- Zodiac cruises
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Guided and self-paced hikes
Landmarks Ross Ice Shelf - Day 13
Inexpressible Island
You'll visit Inexpressible Island, one of Antarctica's most poignant historical sites. Six men from Scott's Terra Nova Expedition spent an unimaginable winter here, stranded with minimal supplies. Discovery Team historians bring their story of resilience to life. The island is also home to Adelie penguins and Weddell and crabeater seals.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Inexpressible Island exploration
- Discovery Team historian presentations
Optional Activities
- Zodiac cruises
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Helicopter flightseeing
- Senses Spa treatments
Landmarks Inexpressible Island - Day 14
Adare Peninsula
Explore the dramatic Adare Peninsula with its jagged cliffs and ink-black escarpments backed by towering mountains. The region hosts 250,000 breeding pairs of Adelie penguins, the largest colony in Antarctica. Visit the 1899 huts of Norwegian explorer Carsten Borchgrevink. Between wildlife watching, warm up with hot beverages in the Observation Lounge.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Adare Peninsula exploration
- Viewing of Borchgrevink's historic huts
Optional Activities
- Zodiac cruises
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Guided and self-paced hikes
Landmarks Adare Peninsula Borchgrevink's Huts - Day 15
Adare Peninsula
At the northernmost point of the Ross Sea, the Adare Peninsula presents a striking landscape of sheer cliffs, black volcanic rock, and vast glaciers spilling into frigid waters. The peninsula sits where Antarctica's tectonic plates meet, making it key for studying ancient lava flows. It's also a haven for Adelie penguins and nesting seabirds.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Adare Peninsula coastal exploration
Optional Activities
- Zodiac cruises
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Guided and self-paced hikes
- Helicopter flightseeing
Landmarks Adare Peninsula - Day 16
At Sea
You'll have a sea day aboard your Discovery Yacht, perfect for unwinding and connecting with fellow guests. The Discovery Team delivers engaging talks on local wildlife and history. Alternatively, visit the Senses Spa with its steam rooms, saunas, and Vitality Thermal Lounge, or grab a coffee or cocktail at one of the eight bars and lounges.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Discovery Team talks and presentations
- Access to Senses Spa facilities
- Bar and lounge access
Optional Activities
- Spa treatments
- Day 17
South Shetland Islands
You'll spend the day cruising through a 160-kilometre chain of volcanic islands that straddle the Antarctic Circle. This region is known for its incredible concentration of wildlife, so keep your eyes on the water and ice floes. Humpback, fin, and minke whales show up regularly here, and you might catch them breaching or playing in the distance. Several seal species hang out on the ice between swims, including crabeater, Weddell, Ross Sea, and leopard seals. You can either join a discovery excursion to get closer to the action, or if you prefer a more relaxed pace, settle onto your verandah or head to the observation deck and let the wildlife come into view. Either way, this is the kind of day where you'll want your camera ready and binoculars handy.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Discovery Excursion guided Zodiac exploration
- Discovery Excursion kayak expedition
- Discovery Excursion stand-up paddleboard activity
- Observation Deck viewing
Landmarks South Shetland Islands Antarctic Circle - Day 18
Sailing to Snares Island
You'll sail away from East Antarctica's Ross Sea toward Snares Island, taking in the ever-changing seascape. Reflect on the incredible experiences of recent days while the Discovery Team continues enrichment lectures on Antarctica's ecosystems, climate, and pioneering explorers. Keep binoculars ready for wandering albatross, petrels, and whale pods.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Discovery Team enrichment lectures on Antarctica
Landmarks Southern Ocean - Day 19
At Sea
You'll sail through one of the world's most fragile and pristine environments. Take advantage of the open bridge policy to meet the Captain and crew and learn about the ship's innovative sustainable systems designed to minimise environmental impact. Later, enjoy French fine dining at Lumiere with new friends or retire to the Observation Lounge library for quiet time.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Contemporary French fine dining at Lumière)
Included Activities
- Open bridge policy access to meet Captain and crew
- Dining at Lumière
- Day 20
At Sea
With days of expeditionary experiences behind you, you'll expand your knowledge of Antarctica's wildlife, glaciology, and history. The state-of-the-art theatre hosts engaging talks from the Discovery Team. Experience immersive cinemascope technology with 270-degree viewing screens bringing the Antarctic wilderness to life.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Discovery Team talks in state-of-the-art theatre
- Cinemascope presentations on Antarctic wildlife and history
Optional Activities
- Theatre performances
- Day 21
Snares Islands
You'll visit The Snares, the closest Subantarctic Islands to New Zealand and completely uninhabited. This remarkable wildlife sanctuary has the highest conservation protection. While landings aren't permitted, join the Discovery Team on a Zodiac cruise along the sheltered eastern coast. Spot endemic Snares Crested Penguins, Snares Island Tomtits, elusive Fernbirds, and staggering numbers of nesting Sooty Shearwaters.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Zodiac cruise along The Snares, weather and sea conditions permitting
Landmarks Snares Islands - Day 22
At Sea
On your final day at sea, take time to reflect on unforgettable experiences of the past weeks. Organise your photos, add finishing touches to your travel journal, or indulge in a final spa moment with an ESPA facial, Ayurvedic massage, or Japanese Shiatsu. Raise a glass in the Scenic Lounge Bar toasting an extraordinary journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- ESPA facial at Senses Spa
- Ayurvedic massage at Senses Spa
- Japanese Shiatsu at Senses Spa
- Day 23
Timaru
You'll return to Timaru with its ocean views, golden beaches, and rich heritage. Step ashore and explore the Bay Hill promenade with its ocean vistas and inviting cafes. Visit the South Canterbury Museum showcasing Maori artifacts and early settler history, or the Aigantighe Art Gallery for local and international works. Join one of the included Scenic Freechoice activities.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Included in Freechoice activities)
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice activity: Mt. Cook and Lake Tekapo tour with buffet lunch and Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
- Scenic Freechoice activity: Erewhon Sheep Station with Clydesdale wagon ride and mountain picnic lunch
- Scenic Freechoice activity: Oamaru, Moeraki Boulders, and Riverstone Castle with lunch at Riverstone Kitchen
- Scenic Freechoice activity: Town and Coastal Discovery Walk with morning tea
Landmarks Timaru South Canterbury Museum Aigantighe Art Gallery Lake Tekapo Church of the Good Shepherd Mount Cook Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Lake Pukaki Erewhon Sheep Station Lake Clearwater Oamaru Moeraki Boulders Dot's Castle (Riverstone Castle) Riverstone Kitchen - Day 24
Timaru to Christchurch
Your voyage ends in Timaru. After one last luxurious breakfast, you'll bid farewell to new friends and crew, taking memories to last a lifetime. You'll then transfer from Timaru to Christchurch for your onward travel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Standard transfer from Timaru to Christchurch
Landmarks Timaru Christchurch
