On this 14-day Coastal New Zealand: Scenic Fjords, Maori History, and Abundant Wildlife cruise from Auckland to Dunedin aboard National Geographic Orion, explore New Zealand’s natural beauty beckons with its soaring peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and expanses of white-sand beaches. Travel through scenic fjords, bays, and sounds to witness plunging waterfalls and sparkling waters teeming with marine life. Discover unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth, including the world’s smallest penguin, a colony of 20,000 gannets, and the magnificent royal albatross with its impressive 10-foot wingspan. This itinerary offers an unparalleled exploration of New Zealand's diverse and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights
Travel through scenic fjords, bays, and sounds, witnessing waterfalls
Explore waters teeming with diverse marine life
Discover unique flora and fauna found only in New Zealand
Spot the world’s smallest penguin and a colony of 20,000 gannets
Observe the royal albatross with its impressive 10-foot wingspan
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out for a tour of the vibrant city center. Pause for lunch midday and then embark on the National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon.
The Bay of Islands is an area encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands, boasting an abundance of wildlife and fascinating history. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a place of cultural, spiritual, and historical significance, and learn of the historical events for which these grounds are remembered.
Day 4-5: Great Barrier Island | Coastal New Zealand
Stretch your legs today as you get to know Great Barrier Island on exploratory walks and hikes. As you continue south along the North Island’s verdant coast, you let nature guide travelers as the captain and expedition leader choose the next site for exploration.
Delve into the cultural riches of Gisborne, where the first Europeans went ashore 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. You have a selection of activities to choose from today. Discover rural life at a 110-year-old New Zealand homestead and witness the daily process of sheep herding and sheering, take in the greenery of a local arboretum, or cap the day off with a winery tour and tasting.
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 a gannet safari tour where you have close encounters at a large Australasian gannet colony.
Explore this beautiful island where dense rainforests border the snow-capped Southern Alps. Visit Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand's smallest national park, renowned for its golden sand beaches and rugged granite cliffs that kiss the shoreline. Hike or kayak with our naturalists or just relax at the beach. Spend a day at sea getting to know your fellow travelers as travelers scout for local wildlife and attend briefings and lectures from our staff. Enjoy views of New Zealand’s southern island as you cruise to your next stop.
Over the course of two days, explore Dusky and Milford Sounds in Fiordland National Park, home to fourteen individual fiords. Here you discover towering waterfalls and snowcapped peaks.
Stewart Island, known in Māori as Te Punga o Te Waka a Maui, is positioned firmly at the heart of Māori mythology. Today, explore the island’s rare native birdlife as well as its well-preserved podocarp forest. In the afternoon, discover Stewart Island’s nearby neighbor, Ulva Island, where you hike with naturalists to discover its unspoiled rainforest.
Day 14: Dunedin | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark the National Geographic Orion. Enjoy a city tour and an included lunch on the way to the airport.
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Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 12 Dinners
13 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet)
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
We received an immediate response from Kassandra who reserved our cruise as soon as she got a confirmation from us. Maria and Jess also were in touch right away.
Lynda Wallach
9 months ago
The travel specialists we've worked with for 2 vacations have made the trip planning process easy! They ask good questions to ensure they understand our goals and likes and have done an excellent job matching adventures with our preferences - even suggesting things we would not have thought about on our own!
Amy
9 months ago
Attention to details. Flexible and always responsive. Great relationships and local partners.
