New Zealand highlights & subantarctic islands expedition cruise

You have the day to settle in and either explore the city or relax at your accommodation. We suggest visiting the Auckland War Memorial Museum to learn about the history of New Zealand, or take the ferry to Waiheke Island for a change of scenery.

Today you'll dive into the stories behind the All Blacks rugby team as you are led through a state-of-the-art exhibit that uses sound, images, and interactive technology to educate you on rugby and New Zealand's culture. We recommend strolling along Queen Street’s eateries and shops after, or experiencing 360-degree views of the city from the Sky Tower.

You can take a taxi or walk to collect your hire car this morning from the central depot and head south out of the busy city. You’ll drive toward the lush green fields of the Waikato region, where you’re likely to see more sheep than people. You’ll see the old volcanic fields rise on the horizon as you approach Rotorua. This is the most active geothermal field in New Zealand and provides a smelly but colourful adventure into the Pacific Rim of Fire.

You'll learn about New Zealand's most treasured native bird, the kiwi, today in a behind-the-scenes encounter as you learn about the species and conservation efforts linked to it. We recommend finding somewhere to have lunch before relaxing at a spa this afternoon.

Leave the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua behind this morning as you travel south to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. Here you can spend time peeking into the eccentric art galleries, smelling the hydrangea gardens, or absorbing Māori culture and history at the National Museum of Te Papa.

After a leisurely breakfast, we recommend visiting the National Museum of Te Papa and the Botanic Gardens. As night descends on the city, head to the Zealandia eco-sanctuary to venture around to spot the elusive but adorable kiwi, New Zealand’s iconic national flightless bird.

Drive to the ferry terminal and spend the morning traveling between the North and South Island of New Zealand on a ferry that travels through the Marlborough Sounds, where you can see dusky dolphins playing off the bow of the ferry, and into the small sailing town of Picton. From here you'll drive south to Kaikōura, a coastal town known for its abundant marine life and seafood. We recommend frequent stops to take pictures of the beautiful drive and try to spot seals or even dolphins off the coast.

Today you'll board a boat to begin a whale-watching tour. The boat will go out on the ocean in search of sperm whales and other marine and bird life, with informative commentary on board. While not guaranteed, a range of wildlife could be spotted such as dusky dolphins, Hector's dolphins, fur seals or royal albatross.

Depart Kaikoura this morning and drive three hours through the Greta Valley to Christchurch. If you want to take a detour, you can stop at a winery for lunch near the Waipara wine region. Arrive at the ‘Garden City’ in the afternoon and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Gardens, or relaxing at your accommodation. This evening you'll dine on board the Tramway Restaurant, a vintage 1920s tramcar, and view the sights of the city. The menu is seasonal fine dining and showcases quality New Zealand food and drink.

Spend the day exploring Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Gardens, or check out the city’s vibrant restaurant scene. Alternatively, you might like to visit the villages of the Banks Peninsula for the day — around a 90-minute drive outside of Christchurch.

After breakfast you’ll travel toward Twizel, part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, where you’ll spend the next couple of nights. You’ll have the rest of the day to admire the snow-dusted mountains and turquoise-blue lakes of the area, and this evening you’ll navigate the southern night sky with the use of a laser and a high-powered telescope.

You'll take to the skies above the Southern Alps today, viewing long glaciers and tall peaks before landing beside a small, red hut in a remote area. There's an option to sample a drink here while you appreciate the snow-capped landscape surrounding you.

Spend the day exploring Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie region in your own time. We recommend visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd at sunrise if you don’t mind an early start, or driving to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and walking one of the short walks in the area to wonder at Australasia’s tallest peak.

You'll leave the Mackenzie region today and travel further south to Wānaka. Explore the variety of restaurants and shops for the rest of the day, or stroll along the shores of the lake.

This morning, head out on a half-day trip to explore the Mou Waho nature reserve, a small island that sits in the middle of Lake Wanaka. You’ll cruise across the lake and dock at Mou Waho Island, where you’ll hike up to the top of the island. Here, you can take in 360-degree views of Lake Wanaka, the Southern Alps and Mount Alta. You’ll stop for tea and coffee, and if you’re lucky, a resident endemic flightless bird called the weka will come to join you before you head back to Wanaka. Spend the rest of the day exploring Lake Wanaka or go to Puzzling World for some fun brainteaser challenges.

Make your way to Dunedin today on the east coast of the South Island — a vibrant, university city with Scottish heritage.

You visit the Otago Peninsula in a small group today. You have the chance to walk along the remote beach hugging the coastline and spot wading birds, and possibly sea lions. You'll view a breeding colony of royal albatross before ending your experience at the yellow-eyed penguin sanctuary, watching the penguins from the hides.

Leave the coast behind as you drive to Queenstown, the ‘Adventure Capital’ of the world, where you'll spend the next few nights. You'll return your rental car on arrival and we suggest taking a taxi to your accommodation.

Today you’ll meet your group and be driven to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Milford Sound by your guide who will share knowledge along the way. You’ll board a boat and begin the cruise down the Milford Sound, viewing cascading waterfalls, the breathtaking fjord, and temperate rainforest surrounding you. If you are lucky you will get to see seals, dolphins or Fiordland crested penguins. After the cruise, and if weather conditions permit, you’ll soar over the mountains in a light aircraft allowing you to witness a variety of glaciers and peaks from a different angle. Land back in Queenstown and rest this evening.

Experience the alpine scenery of Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu on board a 100-year-old heritage vessel. You'll see the steam engines at work in the Earnslaw's engine room, and view a collection of historical photos in the ship's mini-museum.

You can choose from a plethora of activities like jetboat rides, mountain hikes and wine tasting in Otago’s finest vineyards today, or you can relax and explore the food and drink scene of Queenstown. This evening you'll meet your fellow passengers embarking on the expedition cruise.

After breakfast, you'll have the morning to explore Queenstown before returning to the hotel for lunch and departing for the Port of Bluff to embark your ship. There will be time to settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship, along with a number of safety briefings. You'll join the expedition team in the observation lounge and observation deck as you begin the journey to The Snares.

The closest subantarctic islands to New Zealand, they were appropriately called The Snares as they were once considered a hazard for sailing ships. You'll arrive here in the morning, and as landings are not permitted, you'll Zodiac cruise along the sheltered eastern side of the main island if the weather and sea conditions are suitable. In the sheltered bays, you may see the endemic Snares crested penguin, Snares Island tomtit and fernbirds.

The Auckland Islands group was formed by two volcanoes which erupted some 10-25 million years ago. They have subsequently been eroded and dissected by glaciation creating the archipelago as we know it today. You'll have the chance to visit Enderby Island today and, depending on the time of year, you may view beachmaster bulls gathering on the beach. During your day ashore there will be several options, some longer walks, some shorter walks and time to spend enjoying the wildlife.

Today you’ll arrive mid-morning into the harbour through the eastern entrance, which is guarded on both sides by dramatic cliffs and rugged, tussock-covered hills. Depending on the weather, you’ll have the chance to climb the southwest cape or experience a cruise in a tender. Later this afternoon you'll depart for Macquarie Island.

Today is at sea. As you make your way through an area known as the Furious Fifties in the tumultuous Southern Ocean, you'll learn more about the flora and fauna as we prepare for your arrival at Macquarie Island. En route there are great birding opportunities which may include various albatross species.

Described by one Australian explorer as 'one of the wonder spots of the world' Macquarie Island is the only place in the world where the royal penguin breeds. Three other species of penguins, the king, gentoo and rockhopper also breed here. Experience a noisy ‘penguin city’, where the dapper inhabitants show no fear of their strange visitors and where you'll be immersed in a tumult of chattering, feeding chicks; territorial disputes; petty pilfering and courtship displays. This all happens among the hundreds of southern elephant seals lolling on the beaches and dunes. On arrival, you'll hopefully meet with scientists and park rangers based here who will accompany you on all landings.

You have another day to experience Macquarie Island. The weather is unpredictable in this remote area and therefore landings are not always possible.

Today you're at sea and there will be briefings and lectures on Campbell Island in preparation for your visit there and opportunities for pelagic birding and simply relaxing.

You have a full day to explore Campbell Island, New Zealand’s southernmost subantarctic territory. Its history is as rich and varied as the other islands you visit. The vegetation is flourishing and you'll be offered a number of options which will enable you to explore the island including an extended walk to Northwest Bay.

At sea en route to the Port of Bluff, take the opportunity to relax and reflect on an amazing experience. The highlights of your expedition will be recapped and you'll enjoy a farewell dinner tonight as you complete the last few miles of the journey.

Early this morning you'll arrive in the Port of Bluff. After a final breakfast, you bid farewell to your fellow voyagers and take a complimentary coach transfer to the airport.