New Zealand in Depth Small Ship Cruise

Known as the Edinburgh of New Zealand, Dunedin, on the South Island, is set in a pretty bay that serves as a port. Surrounded by bush-covered hills, the town is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s proud of its Celtic connections with New Zealand’s only castles. Elaborate civic buildings, funky alleyways filled with street art, and picturesque parks add to the appeal.

In 1770, Captain Cook sailed through this fiord as the sun began to set, earning Dusky Sound its name. These remote Fiordlands are home to rare species. Among them is the endangered Fiordland penguin – squat little birds with bushy yellow eyebrows who breed in this region. At 40 km long, this is one of Fiordland’s largest inlets, with waterfalls, rainforest and more than 300 islands including Resolution and Pigeon islands.

New Zealand's deepest fiord, Doubtful Sound was named by Captain Cook due to navigation concerns. Today, a cruise through here reveals the sound's beauty, lush cliffs with waterfalls like Browne Falls (619 m) and Helena Falls, and a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins. The area also offers sightings of seals, penguins, and various whale species, including Southern rights, humpbacks, minke, sperm and orcas.

Shaped during the ice ages, the 16-km-long Milford Sound is a visual spectacle. Rugged cliffs rise from inky waters, the ice-capped mountain of Mitre Peak glints golden in the sun and 1,000-m-high waterfalls tumble down the rockface. The sound is most dramatic when it rains - the clouds hang low and waterfalls roar like thunder. In this isolated wilderness, bottlenose dolphins and penguins find a safe home, and fur seals sunbathe on the rocks.

Stewart Island, New Zealand's pristine, southernmost inhabited island, features the fishing village of Oban on Halfmoon Bay. The island's fern-filled forests provide a wilderness refuge, and national parks cover 85 percent of the island, a birding haven with penguins, shearwaters, mollymawks, pigeons, bellbirds, tui and fantails. Stewart Island's kiwi birds, usually nocturnal, are known to venture forth during the day.

Akaroa, New Zealand's first French settlement, retains its Gallic charm: a je ne sais quoi in street names, architecture and character. On the once-volcanic Banks Peninsula with two dominant craters, Akaroa Harbour hosts dolphins. The petit museum recounts early residents, while local salmon, olives and wine continue the French flavour of fine food.

Caught between ocean and mountains, Kaikoura thrives on encounters with native wildlife and culture. Once a whaling hub, Kaikoura remains focused on its rich natural heritage.The coast draws whales, seals, dolphins, petrels, penguins and albatross. The scenic Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway passes a seal colony. The award-winning Kaikoura Museum, in the landmark ‘craypot’ building, and historic pink Fyffe House recount early settler life.

The laid-back gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, Picton is a port town with a vibrant waterfront dotted with cafes and galleries. The Picton Sounds Aquarium showcases unique local marine life like seahorses and the tuatara, a rare living fossil over 200 million years old. Surrounding Picton are lush vineyards which offer cellar door tours and wine tastings of Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand's most celebrated wine.

New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, blends culture and natural beauty. Tucked between the harbour and the hills on the North Island, this small city boasts cool galleries, great coffee and relaxed craft beer spots. Te Papa, the national museum, immerses visitors in New Zealand's history and Maori culture. Movie tours in “Wellywood” offer glimpses of Middle Earth and beyond. The pine forest trail winds to the top of Mount Victoria for city views.

Surrounded by coastline, Tauranga on New Zealand's Bay of Plenty offers abundant fishing, sailing, diving and kayaking. Inland, natural attractions include the waterfall at McLaren Falls Park and Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park with native New Zealand flora and fauna like kauri trees, ferns and kiwi birds. Literary fans enjoy The Hairy Maclary and Friends statues celebrating Lynley Dodd's beloved animal characters in this scenic city.

New Zealand's modern history traces back to the Bay of Islands, the initial European settlement, and the location of the 1840 signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Beyond the landmark Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the charming waterfront towns of Paihia and Russell are dotted with colonial architecture and seafood restaurants. Idyllic coves, whales and rugged natural formations like Hole in the Rock feature further into the 144 islands.

New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, sprawls across volcanic hills and harbours. It's a vibrant, multicultural metropolis with steep streets and cultural attractions like the Auckland Art Gallery and Auckland War Memorial Museum with Maori treasures (taonga) and exhibits on New Zealand. The revitalised dockside area, Britomart, is home to chi-chi shops, restaurants and bars, and the 328 m (1,076 ft)-high Sky Tower offers breathtaking views.

Itineraries are subject to change.