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Coral Princess Cruises
New Zealand Discovery Cruise

Between Auckland and Milford Sound

Milford Sound to Auckland
13 Days / 12 Nights from NZD 10,386*.

Day 1: Milford Sound
16 Feb 2012
Boarding Oceanic Discoverer at 1:00pm, we depart Milford Sound at 2:00pm as we enjoy our first experience of the spectacular deep Fiordland waterways. This evening enjoy the Captains Welcome Cocktails whilst absorbing the natural beauty on our cruise to Doubtful fiord, our overnight anchorage. A complimentary coach transfer from Queenstown to Milford Sound is available on departure day. (LD)

Day 2: Doubtful & Dusky Fiords
Awake to the magnificent scenery of Fiordland. The scenery through Doubtful, the deepest of the fiords, will not disappoint. Today we embark on the first of our excursions aboard our especially designed “Xplorer” or inflatable Zodiacs. Under the guidance of our experienced and informative Guest Lecturers we explore this maze of spectacular waterways. Cruising down to Breaksea and Dusky fiords we spend the day in awe of the spectacular and dramatic natural wilderness as we cruise past the sheer cliffs and tumbling waterfalls of this beautiful landscape. (BLD)

Day 3: Stewart Island
We cruise to Stewart Island, a large island that is almost totally wilderness and home to a vast number of seals, birds and other wildlife. Here we spend a day of discovery and exploration through the Paterson Inlet and surrounding areas. Either encounter includes guided “Xplorer” and/or Zodiac excursions to maximize the experience to it fullest. Walks ashore under the guidance of our experienced naturalists encounter native birds such as the Weka, Tui, Bellbird, Kaka, Karikari and more. (BLD)

Optional Tour:

• Village and Bays Coach Tour

Day 4: Dunedin
The Otago Harbour welcomes us as we cruise past the world’s largest mainland albatross colony at Tairoa Heads and home of the world rarest penguin, the Yellowed Eyed Penguin. Of Scottish heritage, Dunedin offers a great diversity of experiences from the abundant wildlife to the historic Edwardian and Victorian architecture, the Otakou Maori Marae, the famous Speights brewery, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Settlers Museum and New Zealand's oldest botanical gardens. We spend a full day in port providing you the option explore areas of interest at your leisure. (BLD)

Optional Tours:

• Stately Home Tour
• Larnarch Castle Guided Tour
• Albatross Centre and Natures Wonders Safari

Day 5: Akaroa
This morning we cruise in to the secluded Akaroa Harbour. This picturesque bay hosts a myriad of wildlife including penguins and dolphins. For a special nature experience, you have the opportunity to swim with one of the smallest and rarest dolphins - the Hector's or New Zealand Dolphin. The town originally settled by the French in the early 19th century, retains its Gallic heritage and ambience. (BLD)

Optional Tours:

• French Farm Wine Tour
• Akaroa Seal Colony Safari
• Swimming with the Dolphins

Day 6: Kaikoura
Today we dedicate to the ultimate marine experience of whale watching with the spectacular backdrop of the Kaikoura coastline. Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world to experience the giant sperm whale in its natural environment. Joined by dusky dolphins, seabirds, fur seals and other migratory whale species this promises to be an experience never forgotten. (BLD)

Day 7: Marlborough Sounds
Our arrival to the dark green hills and blue-green waters of the Sounds is highlighted with a cruise through the scenic Tory Channel. We spend the day exploring an array of spectacular waterways including the fiord-like Queen Charlotte Sound. Retracing the history of Captain Cook we visit Ships Cove a regular stop for Captain Cook on his voyage of discovery and the place where he careened his vessel the Endeavour. The day offers a multitude of explorations aboard the Xplorer and inflatable Zodiacs under the guidance of our Expedition Leader and with interpretation from our experienced Guest Lecturers. We offer guided visits to Moturoa Island where we enjoy an abundance of birdlife. (BLD)

Day 8: Coastal Cruise
A day of leisure at sea. Take in the scenic coast, read or join informative presentations from our qualified guest lecturers covering the early settlers and Maori culture in preparation of our visit to Whangara a small Maori Settlement and Gisborne the location of the first European landing. View the movie ‘Whale Rider” filmed at Whangara as an insight to our visit from Gisborne. (BLD)

Day 9: Napier
An earthquake in 1931 led to the unique rebuilding of this city. The rebuild followed the flourishing art deco trend in America and Europe at that time, and offers a wonderful heritage of art deco architecture. We spend the day enjoying the sights of the city. (BLD)

Optional Tours:

• Cape Kidnappers Gannet Sanctuary Tractor Tour
• City Highlights, Wine and Country Tour

Day 10: Gisborne
Gisborne is the first European landing place in New Zealand. Captain Cook first landed here in 1769 and a European settlement was established in 1831. This morning we offer you the opportunity to explore the region. Whether your interest is the history, the renowned wines and vineyards, short or long walks or beautiful gardens, this region offers you a multitude of guided or self-discovery options. In the afternoon, subject to weather, we land and Whangara Beach for an evening of Maori culture including a traditional welcome, a Kapa Haka cultural show and tour of the Marae by the elder of the Ngati Konohi people. (BLD)

Optional Tours:

• Wine and Garden Tour

Day 11: White Island
Following breakfast we, subject to weather, embark on an excursion to explore this active volcano, identifiable by the plume of steam continually spouting from its crater. Following a landing with the “Xplorer” we spend approx three hours on a guided walk to the crater returning to Oceanic Discoverer for lunch. (BLD)

Day 12: Mercury Islands
Join our experienced Guest Lecturers and Expedition Leader as we search and explore the beaches and caves in this group of remote islands. Subject to tides and conditions we have the option to bathe at a hot-water beach. This evening join the Captains Farewell Cocktails as we enjoy our last evening aboard amongst the beautiful islands of the Hauraki Gulf. (BLD)

Day 13: Auckland
Farewell and disembarkation in Auckland The City of Sails at 8:00am. (B)

Please Note: This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Whilst every effort will be made to follow this itinerary we do reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may effect the operation of the vessel.

* Main Deck B Stateroom fare in AUD, based on double occupancy.

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Last modified: 17 Feb 2011 17:51