FROM CHRISTCHURCH TO NOUMEA

Stunning expedition experiences await in the Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island. Here your small, manoeuvrable ship will cruise through one of the most impressive nature reserves in the world. Thundering waterfalls flow into the fjords and imposing peaks are reflected in the deep-blue bays. Your ship will spend plenty of time in Milford Sound in particular. Its steep slopes covered with rainforest tower more than 1,100 m (3,609 ft) above the water. The mist hanging between the mountain peaks envelops the scene in a mystical atmosphere. The British author Rudyard Kipling aptly described Milford Sound as the “eighth wonder of the world” – how will you describe it?

Stewart Island, 30 km (18.6 miles) south of the South Island, is New Zealand’s third largest island. A natural canvas featuring dense forests, countless bays and mountains, such as Mount Anglem, at a height of around 980 m (3,215 ft). There are signs that the Maori settled here in the 13th century, long before the first European, James Cook, discovered the island in 1770. Your experts on board will tell you about Cook’s search for the south continent and how he found a passage between the North and South Islands. These days, life on this tranquil island is mostly concentrated on the small town of Oban on Halfmoon Bay, which has around 600 inhabitants. Little touched by tourism, the island is ideal for hikes with your experts to enjoy the wonderful nature.

Dunedin is the second-largest city on New Zealand’s South Island. Its name comes from the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh and means “City on the hill”. Discover the harmonious blend of European colonial past and South Seas culture when you go in search of clues with your experts. The first Polynesians, who had their own culture and called themselves Maori, settled here around AD 1100, making Dunedin one of their cultural birthplaces. As you approach the city from the water, you might spot some of the surrounding seal and penguin colonies, including the rare yellow-eyed penguin, as well as royal albatrosses.

The small town of Akaroa is known for its beautiful bays, teeming sea life and green hills. The sea here is home to the Hector’s dolphin – the smallest and rarest sea dolphin in the world can only be found in the coastal waters of New Zealand. Akaroa welcomes you ashore with a warm “Bonjour”. The only French settlement in New Zealand and one of the first European settlements in the country, the town is enchanting with its beautiful harbour and colonial architecture. As you explore, you will find hints of the town’s origins and history everywhere you look: pretty streets with French names are lined by historical houses decorated with roses.

Welcome to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, on the tip of the North Island and framed by green hills. Immerse yourself in the lives of the relaxed New Zealanders. The country’s artistic hub is the centre of the local film industry. One of the city’s landmarks is definitely cinematic: the historic Wellington Cable Car. Whether you take a ride on the red cable car or visit the Botanic Garden, make the most of your independent time here. Your experts will be happy to accompany you with some interesting background knowledge, such as about the architecture of the Old Government Buildings and the Old St Paul’s Cathedral, one of the biggest cultural monuments in New Zealand and an exquisite example of neo-Gothic architecture. Sweeten up your stay here with culinary specialities, including the famous New Zealand pavlova.

The picturesque coastal town of Picton shows how relaxed the lifestyle in New Zealand is. Nestled between dramatic hills and the deep blue sea of the Marlborough Sounds, the town is the gateway to New Zealand’s wild south. Picton itself exudes serenity, with its cosy wine bars serving the world-famous Marlborough wine. A highlight for explorers is the Edwin Fox, a sailing ship built in 1853, which tells the tale of adventures in times gone by. The main attraction, however, is the wonderful nature in the surrounding area. The Marlborough Sounds are an extensive network of waterways and peninsulas. Though usually described as similar to fjords, the Sounds were not shaped by glaciers. They were formed when land movements gradually lowered the ground in the entire area, allowing water to penetrate into the low-lying valleys. Today, only the higher ground penetrates out of the sea.

Your small expedition ship will really be in its element when cruising in the Queen Charlotte Sound, a fjord landscape of unrivalled beauty. The labyrinth of water with peninsulas and turquoise bays is the home of dolphins and penguins. Captivating presentations and talks with your experts on board will shine a special light on this natural wonder. On the deck tour at the bow, you will have a front-row view to marvel at the scenery. Slowly glide past the many densely forested islands with their peaceful bays and deserted beaches. Cruising through the Queen Charlotte Sound is an unforgettable experience.

New Zealand was formed and continues to be reshaped by the forces of nature. There are numerous reminders of this along your route – including some idyllic ones like the small beach resort, Mount Maunganui. Referred to by the locals as The Mount, the peninsula is a massive sand bank. The conditions are ideal for surfing here and you will have plenty of time to relax on the white sandy beach, in one of the little cafes or on a hike. There are various routes up to the summit of the 230 m (755 ft) hill called Mauao, with impressive views over the harbour and beach, bay and skyline. Mount Maunganui combines wild nature and breathtaking panoramic views – the perfect place to discover and enjoy New Zealand’s coastal scenery.

Auckland, a city on the water. The approach on board your ship through the calm turquoise waters of the Hauraki Gulf and the outlying islands is a pleasure in itself. You will see why the metropolis is dubbed the “City of Sails” when you spot the high density of sailing boats and yachts: on windy days, countless sails can be seen on the bay. Enjoy the city’s maritime charm on an independent visit. Time and again, you will discover stunning contrasts on your explorations, with encounters between modern skyscrapers and ancient Maori culture. Immerse yourself in lively city neighbourhoods or find peace and quiet in the calm bays and nature parks. Auckland is waiting to be explored!

In the far north of New Zealand, the dramatic scenery creates an idyllic natural canvas. With more than 140 subtropical islands in its turquoise waters, the Bay of Islands is a fascinating blend of wild nature and historical depth. Find a wealth of picture-book scenes here, with cormorants in the mangrove forests, thundering waterfalls and the famous Hole in the Rock off Cape Brett. Sites steeped in history tell the story of encounters between the Maori and European explorers: the historic coastal town of Russell was one of the first European settlements. Waitangi is famous as the scene of the signing of the Waitangi Treaty in 1840 between representatives of the British Crown and Maori chiefs. The treaty formed the basis for the founding of modern-day New Zealand.

Become one of the few people to have travelled to Norfolk Island on a small expedition ship. If the weather allows a landing on the remote island, you will experience a slice of paradise off the coast of Australia. The legendary pioneer James Cook was the first European to discover the island, which later became a British penal colony. The history of settlers and convicts is still reflected in the historic ruins today. The only thing to hold you captive on the island these days is its stunning nature – with hibiscus, Kentia palms and Norfolk pines. The island’s picturesque bays, green meadows and steep cliffs are also impressive.

New Caledonia is the perfect destination for bringing dreams of Pacific discovery to life. Your expedition ship will linger extensively in this little paradise. Even those already familiar with the South Seas will be surprised by the unspoilt beauty of the islands.

You will land with the Zodiacs on Lifou, which is only seldom visited by tourists. Like the other Loyalty Islands, Lifou is an uplifted island or Makatea. Vanilla is grown here, as well as taro, yams and sweet potatoes. Alongside coconut plantations, you can still find extensive forests and many grottos and caves in the limestone.

You will feel like you are in a French kind of paradise on the other side of the world on Ile des Pins. White sandy beaches invite you to enjoy its peaceful idyll or snorkel in the crystal-clear lagoon. Which species of fish and coral will you see? On land, the vegetation is dominated by tall and slim araucaria trees. Captain James Cook was impressed by these back in 1774, when he visited the island in search of tree trunks for ship masts. He mistakenly called them pines and named the island after them. Thanks to your experts on board, you will be smarter than him – as well as enriched by the natural beauty of the idyllic scenery.