Port Chalmers serves as the port for the city of Dunedin, the oldest European settlement in New Zealand, established in 1848. They are both located at the end of a long, fiord-like inlet off the southeastern tip of the South Island. Dunedin is New Zealand's most Scottish town, with the name "Dunedin" being the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh. Today, board your 6-star, ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht and receive a warm welcome from the crew. A personal butler will guide you to your spacious suite, where you can join other guests for a glass of chilled champagne in the Observation Lounge.

Please book your flight to arrive in Dunedin before 01:00 PM.

Stewart Island is the third largest island in New Zealand, located 30km off the southern tip of the South Island. It is known for its remote and spectacular scenery and is home to abundant wildlife, including the adorable brown kiwi. The island, also known as Rakiura in Maori, is a haven for many bird species and is sparsely populated, with the tiny village of Oban being the only settlement on the island.

Wild and remote, the rugged West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island offers some of the country’s most stunning scenery. Home to many natural wonders, including Milford and Dusky sounds, the beauty of these sounds, with their snow-capped peaks, lush green cliffs, and gushing waterfalls, will inspire and stand out in this region. Cruise through the Fiordland National Park, which covers over 1.2 million hectares of granite peaks, shimmering lakes, deep black fiords, and spectacular waterfalls. And the best part is you can experience it all from the 6-star ultra-luxury comfort of Scenic Eclipse.

Few words can capture this dramatic landscape. Rudyard Kipling described Milford Sound as the ‘eighth wonder of the world.’ It’s arguably New Zealand’s most famous tourist destination, and soon you can see why.

The best way to experience the sound is from the water, and today, Scenic Eclipse II will cruise slowly through this spectacular place, coming close to land so you can admire the waterfalls tumbling from 1,000-metre cliffs and look out for seals sunning themselves on the rocks. Feel an overwhelming calm as you sail through the sound, soaking in its ancient stillness. You may like to join your fellow guests on the Observation Terrace to watch the magic unfold over a cocktail.

At the southeastern tip of the island is Dusky Sound, one of the largest fjords in New Zealand. Stretching for 40 kilometers, the spectacular sound is dotted with over 350 small islands and a bird and wildlife refuge. It’s accessible only by air or sea, meaning very few tourists can experience its majesty. The name was given by Captain Cook, who sailed through in 1770 just as the sun was setting.

Today is yours to do as much or as little as you want. Perhaps you’d like to take things slowly, starting with breakfast brought to your suite by your butler, enjoying the verandah, and looking out over the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. You could also start the day with an invigorating gym workout or a yoga and Pilates studio class.

Take some time to explore the ship, from the Sky Bar and outdoor Vitality Pool on Deck 10 to the tranquil Senses Spa on Deck 6 with its steam rooms, saunas, plunge pool, and KLAFS Salt Therapy Lounge. Stop for a coffee or a cocktail at one of the nine bars and lounges on board, or curl up with a good book in the library of the Observation Lounge. Check the daily program to see what lectures or discussions the Discovery Team is running and learn more about upcoming ports, wildlife, or activities.

Arrive this morning at the Banks Peninsula, the South Island’s most interesting geographical feature. Jutting out into the ocean, it was originally an island formed by two volcanoes and now has a unique circular shape with two deep harbors and many smaller bays. Dock at Akaroa is one of the large harbors and the only French settlement in New Zealand. Founded by French whalers in the 1840s, it retains its French street names, charming Gallic cottages, excellent cuisine, and a plethora of cheese shops. It’s a small, easily walkable city for a charming day of gentle exploration.

Akaroa is also the cruise port for Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. As the name suggests, the city was founded as a planned settlement by the Church of England in 1850. It is New Zealand’s most English city and was built in picturesque Gothic Revival style. However, a devastating earthquake in 2011 flattened most of the city center, and Christchurch today is a unique blend of graceful history and innovative urban renewal.

Sailing north along the island's east coast, arrive in Kaikoura early this morning. This tiny town sits in a spectacular natural environment, flanked by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the snow-capped Seaward Kaikoura Range on the other. The town began life as a whaling station in the mid-1800s; visit the oldest surviving building, Fyffe House, or the Kaikoura Museum to learn more about its history. It's an ideal place for wildlife encounters, from whales, fur seals, and dolphins that live permanently in these waters to the impressive array of seabirds that fill the air, including the mighty albatross.

Scenic Eclipse II will depart in the afternoon, so after enjoying an early lunch on board, make sure to go for a stroll to explore the city.

After crossing the Cook Strait overnight, Scenic Eclipse II will call at two ports today, both tucked into the Tasman Bay on the northern tip of the South Island.

Kaiteriteri is arguably New Zealand’s most beautiful beach, a perfect arc of golden sand fronting startlingly blue water. This tiny town, home to less than 500 people, has been a favorite holiday destination for Kiwis for generations. It’s also the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, a gorgeous coastal park known for its sea kayaking, walks, and wildlife.

It’s just a short cruise into the furthest point of Tasman Bay and the city of Nelson. It is one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand, and its residents love to spend as much time outside as they can. Join them at one of the open-air cafes, bustling markets, cycling trails, and the pretty Botanic Gardens. Enjoy a late departure tonight, allowing you to experience Kiwi hospitality after dark. Nelson has more breweries per capita than anywhere else in New Zealand, so you might like to taste your way through some excellent craft beers.

It’s worth waking up early this morning to experience the beauty of sailing into the Marlborough Sounds. Perhaps ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite so you can soak it in from your private balcony.

Scenic Eclipse II will spend the morning in Picton, a small town of around 3,000 people on the northeast corner of the South Island. Tucked into a sheltered harbor, this picturesque town looks almost tropical with its towering palm trees and clear turquoise water. Wander the pretty waterfront promenade, lined with shops, cafes, and galleries, or visit the interesting museum inside the Edwin Fox convict ship that’s dry-docked just offshore.

Picton is a short drive from one of New Zealand’s most famous wine regions, Marlborough. Producing around two-thirds of the nation’s wine, Marlborough is best known for its Sauvignon Blanc. However, it also pours excellent Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and aromatic varietals like Riesling and Pinot Gris.

Wake up in Napier this morning and feel like you’ve stepped back almost 100 years into the past. In 1931, the center of the town was razed by an earthquake and then rebuilt in the Art Deco style of the day. Today, it retains all the charm and style of its heyday with the largest collection of authentic Art Deco buildings. Walk through the compact commercial center and feel like you’re strolling through a carefully curated film set. Set on the edge of Hawkes Bay, Nelson also has a sunny, Mediterranean-style climate that has given rise to a thriving café culture, excellent restaurants, and a population that likes to live outside.

Nearby, discover the world’s largest colony of gannets at Cape Kidnappers. Up to 25,000 of these glossy white birds with their distinctive two-meter wingspan live here, swooping and diving for fish in the ocean.

Make the most of your last day at sea, indulging in the many exceptional dining experiences on board Scenic Eclipse. Start with breakfast al fresco at the Yacht Club (be sure to return later to visit the large gelato fridge). For lunch, Azure Bar & Café serves light meals, pizza, and salads available for grazing throughout the day. Elements is the ship’s main restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu ranges from Italian to steak and seafood.

The selection of specialty restaurants on board allows you to dine worldwide each night. Channel the spirit of Asia at Koko’s Asian Fusion; choose one of the sunken Japanese-style tables for an authentic ambiance. Grab a seat at the bar at Sushi @ Koko’s to watch the chefs at work or enjoy the spectacle of teppanyaki-style dining inspired by the markets of Asia at Night Market @ Koko’s, an exclusive experience for just eight guests at a time—journey to France at Lumière, a contemporary fine dining French restaurant packed with a luxe Champagne bar.

Finish your journey in the nation's largest city, Auckland. Home to around a third of New Zealand's population, Auckland is a stylish, cosmopolitan city set around two grand harbors. It's the country's capital of culture, packed with fascinating museums and world-class art galleries like the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, a French-Renaissance building that houses New Zealand's most extensive art collection, including works by Maori and Pacific artists. Disembark after breakfast as you farewell the crew and take away memories of a truly unforgettable cruise.

Please book your flight to depart out of Auckland after 12:00 PM.