• Get immersed in beauty: scenic beaches and lush native forests in the North Island and deep fjords and dramatic landscapes in the South Island

• Discover the history and dynamic culture of New Zealand and the Māori people

• Explore the sub-Antarctic islands which remain almost completely protected from human activity and are home to a diverse collection of endemic plant and animal species

• Delve into New Zealand’s cultural riches—from Napier’s Art Deco architecture to historical Māori sites

• Visit Abel Tasman National Park to discover its golden sand beaches, abundant birdlife, and native forests

• Learn about Alaskan huskies and dogsledding on a visit to the dog kennels of Iditarod racer Dallas Seave
  
  What’s Included:

• Excursions, hotels and airport transfers, as indicated in itinerary
• Kayaks, Zodiac cruises, stand-up paddleboards, full complement of snorkeling gear, glass-bottom boat rides, where relevant
• Guidance and expertise of expedition staff
• All meals as indicated in itinerary
• Beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks
• Cocktails and spirits on select ships
• Park and site entrance fees, special access permits and port taxees
• 24-hour access to shared spaces such as lounges and fitness centers
• Complimentary WiFi

DAY 1
Auckland, New Zealand
Arrive in Auckland and transfer to our hotel. Join
us for a welcome briefing this evening to meet your
fellow travelers.
Arrival Time: Arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Arrival City: Auckland, New Zealand
DAY 2
Auckland / Embark Ship
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before joining a tour of
this vibrant city center. We stop for lunch midday
before embarking National Geographic Orion in the
late afternoon.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAYS 3-4
Exploring Coastal New Zealand
As we continue south along the North Island’s
verdant coast, we let nature guide us as your
Captain and Expedition Leader choose our next site
for exploration.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 5
Gisborne
Today we delve into the cultural riches of
Gisborne—the site of the first European landing in
New Zealand in 1769. The city’s warm, sun-filled
climate reflects its disposition and complements its
rich soils, bountiful islands, miles of sandy beaches,
and resource-rich oceans. Visit a local marae —a
traditional meeting place—and gain insight into the
history and culture of the people of this region.
In the afternoon, discover the greenery of a local
arboretum, and cap the day off with a wine tour and
tasting.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 6
Napier
Spend the morning getting to know Napier, the Art
Deco capital of New Zealand. Choose to discover
the city’s unique architecture on an art tour, or
leave the city behind and join us on a Gannet Safari
Tour where we have close encounters at a large
Australasian gannet colony.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAYS 7-8
Abel Tasman National Park or
Marlborough Sounds / At Sea
Today we arrive at the South Island of New Zealand
where golden beaches and dense rainforests
border the snow-capped Southern Alps. By
special permission from the Department of
Conservation, visit either Abel Tasman National Park
or Marlborough Sounds. Abel Tasman National
Park, New Zealand’s smallest national park, is
renowned for its beaches and rugged granite cliffs
that kiss the shoreline. Alternatively, discover the
stunning, sea-drowned valleys of Marlborough
Sounds. Explore either on hikes and walks with
our naturalists or just by relaxing at the beach.
Spend the next day at sea as we sail south toward
Fiordland National Park.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAYS 9-10
Milford Sound and Dusky Sound
Over the course of two days we will explore
Fiordland National Park, home to fourteen individual
Call 1.800.397.3348 or call your Travel Advisor
In Australia, call 1300.361.012 | www.expeditions.com
fiords. Here we’ll discover hundreds-meter-high
waterfalls, the snowcapped peaks of Milford Sound,
and the thickly forested islets of Dusky Sound, which
host a myriad of bird species overhead, including
the kākā.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 11
Snares Islands
Located south of the New Zealand mainland in
the remote Southern Ocean, today we begin our
exploration of the wild and beautiful subantarctic
islands. These remote islands play host to abundant
and unique wildlife, with many species of birds,
plants, and invertebrates found nowhere else in
the world. Two small rocky islands, North East
and Broughton, comprise the Snares, the closest
subantarctic islands to New Zealand. The islands are
covered with heavy tussock grass and wind-beaten
forests of tree daisies. The Snares are home to huge
numbers of breeding birds: the 99 recorded species
include albatross, Antarctic terns, and Snares crested
penguins.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAYS 12-13
Auckland Islands / At Sea
Spend the next several incredible days discovering
New Zealand and Australia’s subantarctic islands
and their surrounding waters—the entire marine
landscape designated a UNESCO World Heritage
site. We have special permission to explore these
strictly regulated islands, which are protected at
the highest level of conservation status by the New
Zealand government, and considered “bird central”
among top ornithologists around the world. Keeping
a flexible weather-dependent schedule, we plan to
explore several intriguing islands.
The Auckland Islands are the largest of New
Zealand’s subantarctic islands, with the richest flora,
prolific birdlife, and an interesting human history.
If we are fortunate, we may see rare yellow-eyed
penguins as they move to and from their nests in
the forests beyond the beach.
Meals included: dinner, lunch, breakfast
DAYS 14-16
Macquarie Island, Australia / At Sea
We will spend two days at remote Macquarie Island,
a protectorate of Australia and a World Heritage
site. Macquarie is home to a large variety of
wildlife, including thousands of seals and millions of
penguins. Four species of penguin breed here. The
endemic royal penguin has a population estimated
at 850,000. Gentoo and southern rockhopper
penguins also breed here. And imagine landing on
a single beach with 100,000 pairs of king penguins,
the third largest such colony in the world!
Our time at sea between islands presents an
opportunity to head up to the bridge to watch the
calm business of navigation. Or spend these days
enjoying the ship’s spa, and fitness center. Take
some time to browse the library or play a board
game in the glass-enclosed observation lounge. And
listen to a variety of engaging talks from our staff,
including photo talks.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAYS 17-18
Campbell Island / At Sea
A large island, surrounded by 4 smaller islands and
innumerable rocks and islets, the Campbell Island
group is officially the southernmost territory of New
Zealand. Covered with endemic grasses and thick
vegetation and boasting steep terrain, Campbell is
dramatic and beautiful. Here we will find six species
of albatross, an endemic duck (the Campbell Island
teal), and an endemic snipe, as well as numerous
songbirds and sea birds who breed on the island.
Three species of penguin also make their home on
Call 1.800.397.3348 or call your Travel Advisor
In Australia, call 1300.361.012 | www.expeditions.com
here.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 19
Stewart Island
Stewart Island, known in Māori as Te Punga o Te
Waka a Māui, is positioned firmly at the heart of
Māori mythology. Today we’ll explore the island’s
rare native birdlife as well as its well-preserved
podocarp forest, alive with a cacophony of birdsong.
In the afternoon, discover Stewart Island’s nearby
neighbor, Ulva Island, where we’ll hike with
naturalists to discover its unspoiled rainforest.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 20
Dunedin / Disembark Ship
Today we disembark on New Zealand’s South Island
in Dunedin, known for its Victorian and Edwardian
architecture. Have breakfast aboard the ship before
disembarking and joining a tour of this vibrant city
center. We stop for lunch midday before transferring
to the airport for flights home.
Departure Time: Depart after 5:00 p.m.
Departure City: Dunedin, New Zealand
Meals included: breakfast, lunch

National Geographic Orion