Coastal New Zealand: A Voyage From Auckland to Milford Sound

16 DAYS FROM $19,700

• Explore three phenomenal fjords: Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Dusky Sound. • Delve into the rich culture of the Maori on a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. • See little blue penguins on the Otago Peninsula, and go whale watching off Kaikoura.

Expedition Cruise Light or Moderate

DAYS 1–9 I U.S./NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND Arrive in Auckland after an overnight flight and discover the city sights on a guided tour. Embark the ship and voyage to the Bay of Islands to learn about Maori culture and visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Go hiking on Great Barrier Island, spend a day exploring the wild North Island coast, and visit the marvelous arboretum in Gisborne before a wine tour and tasting. In the art deco capital of Napier, take an architecture tour or go on a birding safari. The Hotel Britomart (or similar); National Geographic Orion for the remainder of the trip Meals: 6B, 6L, 6D

DAYS 10–16 I SOUTH ISLAND/U.S. Cross the Cook Strait and explore the many islands and golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park. Cruise to the rich waters off Kaikoura, watching for sperm whales, dusky dolphins, humpbacks, and orcas. Continue to Dunedin, where we’ll seek out little blue penguins and yellow-eyed penguins on the beaches of the Otago Peninsula. Alternatively, browse the Otago Museum’s impressive exhibits on nature, culture, and science.

Venture into prehistoric podocarp forests on Stewart Island and watch for native birds like the weka and kaka in the rainforests of Ulva Island. Then enjoy two days to explore magnificent Fiordland National Park, home to 14 individual fjords. Discover remote Dusky Sound, and trace the shores of Doubtful Sound in a Zodiac, looking for wildlife. Cap off the trip on the incomparable Milford Sound, whose mirror-like waters are embraced by soaring peaks. Disembark and transfer to Queenstown for your flight home. Meals: 7B, 6L, 6D

An Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and a team of naturalists will accompany this trip.

Ralph Lee Hopkins Photographer Ralph Lee Hopkins is a photography instructor and geologist who served as a photographer on the Arctic Expedition for Climate Action in July 2008 and has traveled beyond the Antarctic and Arctic Circles many times. His images have appeared in National Geographic’s books, magazines, and websites. Find the departure(s) Ralph will join on our website.

INFORMATION

This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions. Dates: This expedition is offered in February. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Visit website for complete details and dates.