Travel Advice
Duration
11 Nights
Journey Type
Sailing from New Zealand
Ports
12 Ports
21 February
Setting sail from Dunedin (Port Chalmers)
It's an odd concept - Edinburgh, but on New Zealand's South Island. Visitors are amazed by Dunedin's extraordinary Victorian and Edwardian buildings dating back to the gold rush, which bring to mind the city's Scottish roots - not least when the sound of the pipes echoes through the streets. Of course the region was inhabited by Māori long prior to the European arrival, so a rich history abounds. Meanwhile outside the city, the extraordinary natural beauty and wildlife of the Otago peninsula are on hand, home to New Zealand fur seals, Hooker's sea lions, yellow-eyed penguins, and the only mainland royal albatross colony in the world.
22 February
New Zealand: Stewart Island
Stewart Island is New Zealand’s rarely visited third island. A landscape of lush rainforest and beautiful beaches is home to abundant birdlife, and it’s one of the best places in the country to see kiwis in the wild. You can also have a drink at New Zealand’s southernmost pub in Oban, the only town on the island.
23 February
New Zealand: Milford Sound
Milford Sound is New Zealand’s most iconic sight, a breathtaking fjord crowned by the soaring Mitre Peak. Despite a remote location, on the western coast of the South Island, the fjord attracts thousands of visitors every year, such is the beauty of this raw and unspoilt landscape.
24 February
New Zealand: Doubtful Sound
25 February
At sea
26 February
New Zealand: Akaroa
The name Akaroa means ‘long harbour’ in Maori, and this sleepy town on the southern side of the Banks Peninsula is situated on a beautiful natural harbour created when a volcanic crater collapsed into the sea. The first Europeans to settle here were French, and the town still has a decidedly Gallic flavour.
27 February
New Zealand: Kaikoura
Kaikoura sits amongst spectacular South Island scenery, and is renowned as a marine wildlife hotspot. The meeting of subtropical and cold southern ocean currents sustains an abundance of species including sperm whales, orcas, pilot whales, humpbacks, dolphins and seals, as well as birds including albatross, shearwaters and penguins.
28 February
New Zealand: Kaiteriteri
The beach town of Kaiteriteri is a popular holiday destination for Kiwis, and acts as the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. The park is famous for its beautiful walking trail, the Abel Tasman Coast Track, and it's also a hugely popular region to explore by sea kayak.
28 February
New Zealand: Nelson
The sunny city of Nelson has a friendly, arty vibe, and is set amongst beautiful natural surroundings. Nearby attractions include the Abel Tasman Coast Track, Kahurangi National Park and Nelson Lakes National Park, and the city is also home to the unique World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum.
1 March
New Zealand: Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds is a network of sunken river valleys that have been flooded by the Pacific Ocean, fringed by sandy bays and forested hills. Look out for dolphins and maybe even orca, head inland to sample the Marlborough wine region, or follow in Captain Cook’s footsteps and drop anchor at Ship Cove.
1 March
New Zealand: Picton
The pleasant little town of Picton, situated on a sheltered bay at the north eastern tip of the South Island, is the arrival point for ferries arriving from Wellington, and serves as the gateway to the stunning flooded river valleys of the Marlborough Sounds.
2 March
New Zealand: Napier
When Napier was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 the city was rebuilt entirely in the Art Deco style, making this a fascinating architectural time capsule. It’s a lovely, sunny seaside city, and a visit to the surrounding Hawke’s Bay wine region makes for an enjoyable day trip.
3 March
At sea
4 March
Arriving in Auckland
Auckland offers a buzzing waterfront and a vibrant arts scene, and provides a fascinating introduction to New Zealand's proud cultural heritage. The centre is home to excellent shopping and a number of fantastic restaurants, while the north of the city has a distinctly more laid-back vibe, and to the west is the city's oldest wine region.
Don't miss
It’s not all about the city; there is stunning natural beauty within easy reach, including black sand beaches, islands and extinct volcanic cones.
Your home from home
Launched in 2023, Scenic Eclipse II is Scenic's second discovery yacht, set to be the most advanced expedition ship in the world.
What we love
Scenic's second ocean ship builds on the technological advances of the original Scenic Eclipse, and features a new sun deck pool and a larger submarine. We couldn't be more excited about the advances that this ship represents, and the way it will be able to enhance already thrilling itineraries.
| Capacity | 228 Guests (200 guests in polar waters) |
|---|---|
| Style |
Sleek, modern and designed to deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences, this ship really has it all! The state-of-the-art design provides the perfect combination of luxury and adventure. |
| Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Auckland
There are some great luxury lodges within easy reach of the city. In the city itself we like the Langham.
Around Auckland
About 3 hours north of the city is the Bay of Islands, an area of pristine islands and turquoise water as well as small towns of historic and cultural interest.
