New Zealand Coastal Expedition with Queenstown Escape

Arrive in Wellington and transfer to the Coral Adventurer, your home for the next 10 nights. Settle into your cabin, and this evening get to know your fellow travellers at a relaxed dinner on board.

Visit the James Cook memorial at Meretoto/Ship Cove, where he anchored HMS Endeavour in 1770. Continue to nearby Motuara Island for a walk through a wildlife sanctuary rich in birdlife. A gentle stroll along the shoreline offers impressive views of Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound.

Kaikōura is a premier destination in New Zealand's South Island for whale watching. From the stable comfort of your catamaran, you have the opportunity to see whales and other marine life in their natural habitat. It's common to see various whale species like sperm, humpback, and pilot whales. Onboard hydrophones offer the extra benefit of hearing the whales communicate with each other. You're also likely to see acrobatic dolphins, playful seals, and elegant wandering albatrosses during this thrilling excursion.

Back on land, embark on a 3.5 kilometre walk over the peninsular track with breath taking scenery throughout the entire route. Along the way, you'll encounter cattle, sheep, spot sea lions and rich bird life. A shuttle bus will meet you at the end of the walk and transfer back to the marina, where your tender vessel will shuttle you back to the ship. Alternatively, enjoy some free time in the township and be transferred back to the ship by tender vessel afterwards.

From Akaroa port, take a scenic drive to Christchurch, capital of South Island, where you'll explore the charming city at your own pace. Christchurch is New Zealand's second largest city and the city centre is a vibrant spot offering a world-class museum and the renowned Botanic Gardens that are a delight to explore. An unbeatable way to explore the centre is by tram (additional expense). The all-day hop-on hop-off tickets allow you to visit the highlights of the city centre at your leisure, and the knowledgeable drivers provide informative live commentaries along the way.

After a leisurely morning on board, disembark the ship after lunch for a city tour of Dunedin. Visit the local Araiteuru (a community meeting space) to receive a special welcome presentation from a Marae member. The remainder of the tour will include highlights of Dunedin including famous Ovelston House, the marvellous Flemish Renaissance-style Railway Station, Dunedin University, and Baldwin Street – the world's steepest street. Alternatively, enjoy free time to discover the delights of Dunedin at your own pace.

Experience a blend of guided discovery and free time to explore Stewart Island at leisure. This serene, remote island is rich in wildlife, where you can discover ancient forests, or choose from various hikes to suit your interests and level of fitness. The island's European heritage comes to life at Oban, a coastal town established by Scottish settlers in the 1840s, while a former whaling station provides links to Norwegian expeditions to Antarctica during the Golden Age of Exploration.

Bask in the splendour of Dusky Sound in the Fiordland National Park, one of New Zealand's treasured natural icons and recognised as part of the wider UNESCO World Heritage site of Te Wāhipounamu (Place of the Greenstone). It's home to glaciers, alpine ranges, and unique flora and fauna.

As you leave Tamatea, secure a place on deck and watch the captain masterfully steer the ship through Acheron Passage, where you can marvel at the breathtaking fjord scenery and wildlife.

Find a comfortable place on deck or in the observation lounge, and watch as the captain navigates a narrow passage of the fiord known as 'The Gut' from Thompson Sound into Doubtful Sound.

'Patea' (Doubtful Sound) meaning ‘place of silence’ in Māori, spans a staggering 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the head of the fiord to the Tasman Sea. It is the deepest of New Zealand’s 14 fjords and its enormity leaves all who visit feeling humbled and in awe of its powerful presence. The fjord branches into three arms and offers impressive waterfalls that provide shelter to New Zealand’s southernmost population of bottlenose dolphins and tawaki, the Fiordland crested penguin.

An easy short walk between Deas Cove and Neck Cove offers the chance to see unique local flora and fauna. Alternatively, embark on a thrilling cruise aboard your tender vessel, exploring the coastline of the fjord and hearing tales of local history.

Deep within Fiordland National Park lies Milford Sound, arguably New Zealand’s most famous natural attraction. With its beguiling combination of towering mountain peaks, ink-dark waters and forest-covered cliffs, it mesmerises those who see it. Here, you can enjoy a thrilling excursion aboard your tender vessel to visit thundering waterfalls, or explore the rugged coastline and look for fur seals, dolphins and, perhaps, spot penguins.

Enjoy a day at sea, sailing past remote Te Niho a Kewa (Solander Island), recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International due to its significance as a breeding site for Buller's albatrosses and common diving petrels. New Zealand's southernmost gannet colony also thrives on Solander Island. If conditions and time permits, your skillful captain will endeavour to offer a scenic sailing alongside the island, or perhaps even from the ship's tenders, to provide you with an up-close view of the island's incredible birdlife.

Your cruise comes to an end this morning after breakfast, where you disembark in Bluff and be transferred to your accommodation in Queenstown. This evening, choose where to enjoy dinner with a range of Freedom of Choice Dining options available to you.

Freedom of Choice – Walter Peak

Cruise aboard a vintage steamer to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where a gourmet barbecue dinner awaits. Savour succulent rotisserie meats, fresh vegetables, artisan salads and breads – and be sure to leave room for the decadent dessert selection.

Freedom of Choice – Stratosfare Restaurant

Ascend by gondola to Bob’s Peak and dine at the iconic Stratosfare Restaurant. With sweeping views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, enjoy an extensive buffet featuring the best of New Zealand and international cuisine.

Freedom of Choice – Fergburger

This cult burger house achieved worldwide fame in 2015 when its burgers were crowned the world's best in a travel article on the website of news giant CNN. The best burgers in New Zealand, no doubt. The world? You be the judge.

Freedom of Choice – Finz Restaurant

Finz Seafood & Grill offers casual, relaxed waterfront dining right in the heart of Queenstown. Finz is a bustling bistro, where you can enjoy fresh seafood daily and other dishes in a fabulous location.

Freedom of Choice – Your Hotel Restaurant

Stay in and indulge in a relaxed meal at your hotel’s restaurant, where contemporary fusion cuisine showcases the finest local and international flavours.

Today is yours to explore Queenstown your way, with a range of curated sightseeing experiences to choose from. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a memorable farewell dinner at your hotel.

Freedom of Choice – The Lord of the Rings 4WD Safari

Venture into the heart of Middle-earth™ on an exhilarating 4WD safari. Visit dramatic locations featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies and see for yourself why this breathtaking landscape was chosen for the iconic films.

Freedom of Choice – Wine Tour

Embark on a personalised sightseeing tour of New Zealand’s southernmost wine region as you indulge in tastings from various wineries.

Freedom of Choice – Skippers Canyon

Enjoy an exciting 4WD adventure following the Shotover River valley. Admire rocky cliffs, sheer drops and breathtaking river gorges along the way.

Freedom of Choice – Million Dollar Cruise

Cruise the tranquil, glacial waters of Lake Wakatipu aboard a luxury vessel. Marvel at the surrounding peaks and keep an eye out for native birdlife and the famously large trout beneath the surface.

Freedom of Choice – Dart River Wilderness Jet

A wilderness jet boat journey on the glacier-fed Dart River takes you deep into Mount Aspiring National Park, which is part of the larger World Heritage Site of Te Wahipounamu. Here, your guide will share fascinating insights into the area’s rich history.

Freedom of Choice – Best of Queenstown

Gaze in wonder at the beauty of New Zealand’s adventure capital on this spectacular tour. Take in panoramic views of Queenstown, visit the charming township of Arrowtown and explore Gibbston, home to the world’s first commercial bungy jump location. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery and to top it all off, relax during a scenic boat cruise on Lake Wakatipu.

Today, your spectacular tour comes to an end. Following breakfast, say goodbye to your fellow travellers and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.