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9 Night New Zealands North and South Islands by Sea with Smithsonian Journeys

From Lyttelton to Auckland

Le Jacques Cartier

Ponant Cruises
4 Stars
  • Cruise #: 13981160
  • Departs: Tue, Jan 7, 2025
  • Returns: Thu, Jan 16, 2025
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    Oceanview $10,682
    Balcony
    Call to Book1-800-543-1915
    Suite $20,792
    *Prices are per person based on double occupancy
    Includes taxes & fees
    Tap the "Send Quote" button to get a quote include unadvertised prices including Senior, Military and Resident promotions.
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    Itinerary Summary

    Day by Day Details

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Tuesday - Jan 7, 2025
    Day
    1
    Lyttelton, New Zealand
    • Lyttelton, New Zealand
    • Depart: 17:00:00
    On the eastern coast of New Zealand's South Island, Lyttelton (or Te Whakaraupo in the Maori language) served, thanks to its proximity with Ross Island, as the starting point for the British expeditions in the mythical age of the South Pole explorations. It takes its name from George Lyttelton (1709-1773), aristocrat and colonial governor of South Carolina. In this colourful port town full of history, you'll be able to discover the Time Ball: constructed in 1876, it rang at 1 pm every day for 58 consecutive years to give Greenwich meridian time, enabling ship captains to set their chronometer and very precisely calculate their position. ...
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    Wednesday - Jan 8, 2025
    Day
    2
    Dunedin, New Zealand
    • Dunedin, New Zealand
    Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the South wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The city contains some of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The Silverpeaks hinterland to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and the Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city boundaries, has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross. ...
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    Thursday - Jan 9, 2025
    Day
    3
    Dusky Sound, New Zealand
    • Dusky Sound, New Zealand
    Dusky Sound is one of the most isolated fjords in Fiordland National Park. This huge protected natural zone situated in the south-west quarter of New Zealand's South Island is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sheer cliffs, waterfalls, shimmering lakes, and primitive forests here are each more beautiful than the next. These spectacular landscapes sculpted by successive glaciations are a source of endless wonder. In 1773, the British navigator James Cook spent a few weeks at Dusky Sound, as demonstrated by a plaque that can be seen at Astronomer's Point. During your sailing, observe the richness of the local wildlife: cormorants, seagulls, New Zealand fur seals, but also Fiordland crested penguins, a rare and endemic species. ...
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    • Cruising Doubtful Sound
    Referred to as the Sound of Silence, there is a secluded serenity that surrounds Doubtful Sound in contrast with the better-known Milford Sound. Lieutenant James Cook named 'Doubtful Harbour' in 1770 as he was uncertain if it was navigable under sail. Doubtful Sound is the deepest of the fiords with a maximum depth of 421 m. It contains three distinct 'arms' and several outstanding waterfalls in the area from Deep Cove to the open ocean. Your ship will spend time navigating around Secretary Island through both Thompson and Doubtful Sounds. You will enjoy the spectacular scenery from the outer decks. ...
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    Friday - Jan 10, 2025
    Day
    4
    Milford Sound, New Zealand
    • Milford Sound, New Zealand
    Milford Sound fjord is among one of the most beautiful natural sites in New Zealand. So much beauty will quite simply take your breath away. Located on the south-west coast of South Island in the Fiordland National Park, this sumptuous inlet carved out by glaciers advances over at least 15 kilometres inland in the Southern Alps. Majestic cliffs seem to surge out of the dark waters, rising several hundred metres high: an abrupt relief from where impressive waterfalls cascade. ...
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    Saturday - Jan 11, 2025
    Day
    5
    At Sea
    • At Sea
    During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship's upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment. ...
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    Sunday - Jan 12, 2025
    Day
    6
    Picton, New Zealand
    • Picton, New Zealand
    A must-see entry point to the South Island, Picton is a little coastal town surrounded by gentle hills, located on the south side of the Queen Charlotte Sound. The cafes and restaurants that border the charming waterfront give a very lovely view of the fjord. You can also decide to get some height above sea level, and walk in the surrounding areas. However, Picton is above all an opportunity to explore the unique Marlborough Sounds. This interweaving of submerged valleys in this area has creating numerous navigable routes, which are among the most beautiful natural wonders of New Zealand. ...
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    Monday - Jan 13, 2025
    Day
    7
    Napier, New Zealand
    • Napier, New Zealand
    On the east coast of the North Island, south of Hawke's Bay, you'll find Napier. Mostly destroyed by an earthquake in 1931, reviving from its ruins in less than two years, it grew into a magnificent Art Deco style city, very in-vogue at the time. With its pure lines mixed with traditional Maori designs, the singular New Zealand character of this city will intrigue you. You'll discover all this extraordinary architectural heritage as you take a stroll through the city. Famous for its vineyards, wine lovers will be able to taste some of the best wines from the region. ...
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    Tuesday - Jan 14, 2025
    Day
    8
    Tauranga, New Zealand
    • Tauranga, New Zealand
    • Bus Travel
    • Rotorua, New Zealand
    • Bus Travel
    • Tauranga, New Zealand
    Located to the north of Rotorua, Tauranga stretches the length of the Bay of Plenty, sheltered from the ocean by the island of Matakana. This coastal city boasts a flourishing economy thanks to its port, and is a pleasant and pretty town with a peaceful, relaxed feel. The seafront area is contemporary and lively, dotted with cafes and restaurants. The town centre reveals more picturesque charms, while the surrounding area is packed full of natural delights. Travel on to the town of Rotorua to visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: a fantastic opportunity to experience an absolutely exceptional geothermal phenomenon. ...
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    Wednesday - Jan 15, 2025
    Day
    9
    Auckland, New Zealand
    • Auckland, New Zealand
    Auckland is New Zealand's largest, most populated and busiest city. Located on an isthmus linking the peninsula of Northland to the expansive North Island, it seems to float between land and sea. It is one of the few cities in the world to have two separate harbours: Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea and Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean. You will understand why Auckland is known as "the City of Sails" when you see the forest of masts in the marina. The 1075-foot-high Sky Tower offers splendid views of the city. Surrounded by dormant volcanoes such as Mount Eden, Auckland is noted for its abundant nature and magnificent black-sand beaches. A blend of Maori, European, and Asian cultures give the city a vibrant atmosphere. ...
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    Thursday - Jan 16, 2025
    Day
    10
    Auckland, New Zealand
    • Auckland, New Zealand


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