Wilderness & Wildlife 

After a short drive board your purpose-built river launch for a cruise along the lower reaches of the Murray River, the fifth largest river system in the world, to the river mouth and Coorong National Park. From the Mundoo Channel in the pristine salt water estuary and cruise to the Murray Mouth and Coorong National Park. Join guided walks when the vessel stops at Godfrey’s Landing and keep your eyes peeled for some of the 200 species of birds which have made this special environment their home. Lunch and afternoon tea will be served en route. Cruise through this large wetland area of international significance which is separated from the Southern Ocean by a narrow sand dune peninsula

There is only one place on the planet where you can swim with hector’s dolphins and that is the sheltered Akaroa Harbour. Make a date with the world’s smallest, rarest, and friendliest dolphin. Akaroa’s harbour- a sea-invaded crater- boasts stunning coastal scenery and is home to a plethora of marine species, including the very rare hector’s dolphins. Enjoy a two hour cruise onboard a jet-powered boat where you’ll have the opportunity to swim with these friendly mammals. All crew onboard are highly trained and will provide a great briefing on how best to interact with the dolphins while in the water. If you are new to snorkelling and the use of a wetsuit, the crew will be on hand to help you out. In the case that you are unable to swim with the dolphins, a small partial refund will be given by the operator, not onboard your cruise ship. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Make a date with the world’s smallest, rarest, and friendliest dolphins at the beautiful and sheltered Akaroa Harbour. Akaroa lies inside the eroded craters of an old volcano, now flooded by the Pacific Ocean. Akaroa Harbour boasts stunning coastal scenery and is home to hector dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and white Flippered penguins. Enjoy a two hour cruise onboard a large, comfortable catamaran where you’ll have the opportunity to view the local wildlife. Your skipper will provide fascinating commentary about the wildlife as well as stories of local legends and history.

Sail with dolphins, see wildlife and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery of the Banks Peninsula. This is your chance for an up-close and personal encounter with wildlife on New Zealand’s oldest ketch Fox II. Learn about local history and even help crew if you wish; with six sails, there is always a halyard to hoist or a sheet to be pulled. Enjoy a day with Roy and his friendly crew on this Akaroa adventure that you won’t forget!

Meet farmers Murray, Sue, and William Johns as they welcome you to Paua Bay Farm. The farm is 367 hectares and farms up to 4500 sheep, 100 cattle, and 200 deer. Upon arrival, visitors will be greeted and given an overview of the family history and the development of the farm. The sheepdogs will then give a comprehensive show of working sheep on the steep hills of Paua Bay. During this time, visitors will take an active part in separating sheep. A sheep shearing demonstration is followed by an explanation of wool handling and different types of wool are shown. Visitors can stroll through the beautiful garden with its native trees and bushes. Enjoy a morning or afternoon tea before returning to your ship.

This is your chance to visit two distinctive gardens of New Zealand. Travel by coach to the far side of Akaroa harbour and to the French Farm garden of Nancy Tichborne, a famous watercolour artist. Take a guided visit of the gardens featuring over 100 different native plants on the 11 acre property including many splendid native trees and a wealth of wildlife. Return to Akaroa to “The Happiest Garden on Earth,” the Giants House. Meet Josie, the artist behind this mosaic garden and have a look around this incredible property. Surprises are everywhere in this glorious garden- mosaic walls and steps, welded steel sculptures, and other creations. Colourful gardens of roses, vegetables, citrus and flowers tumble from the terraces of this beautiful place.

This tour, via three different modes of transport (coach, tussock buggy, and jet boat), offers an in-depth look at the rugged Canterbury High country at the base of the majestic Southern Alps, into areas that even New Zealanders seldom see. Journey by coach from Akaroa and watch the landscape change as you travel across the Canterbury Plains, the Waimakariri River, to enter the foothills of the majestic Southern Alps. Continue on through a 10,000 acre station to a secluded lodge right next to the Waimakariri Gorge. Here board a large all-weather Hamilton jet boat for a six mile scenic river cruise through the spectacular Waimakariri Gorge. Experience the thrill of skimming over the water- a time only inches deep while feeling safe and secure. Next, join a specially designed 4WD tussock buggy and set off on an 12 mile adventure safari through the vast 35,000 acre Flock Hill Station. Learn about the colourful history of this remote and isolated area as your journey takes you along the original stagecoach road, hand-built by the early pioneers to gain access to the gold fields on the west coast. Enjoy a buffet lunch at Flock Hill Lodge before returning on a chartered coach to your ship. The tour may operate in reverse order.

This is your chance to see the iconic Kiwi! Enjoy a scenic drive from Akaroa through Canterbury Plains. Travel to Willowbank Native Bird Reserve to see the iconic Kiwi. This unique New Zealand experience includes a visit to a special observatory where you see endangered kiwis, and other birds and animals in their natural environments. A special nocturnal house has been designed to view the flightless kiwis. After your tour, enjoy free time at Willowbank and view Tuataras, Keas, miniature horses, monkeys, and so much more. Flash photography is not permitted at Willowbank Native Bird Reserve. You will have time to purchase lunch or a snack on your own at Willowbank. Then board your coach and travel to Christchurch Botanic Gardens to view beautiful flowers and fauna before heading back to Akaroa.

Tour Auckland on a narrated drive and take in the sights from Auckland Sky Tower then take part in an Antarctic Encounter all in one day! Auckland Sky Tower is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere offering unparalleled views coast to coast. Glass fronted lifts will whisk you to the main observation deck where you will see Auckland right under your feet and great views of your ship. At Kelly Tarleton’s Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter, travel through clear acrylic tunnels for a first-hand experience of the underwater world. Visit a re-creation of Captain Scott’s expedition hut of 1911 as well as penguins, the native inhabitants of this polar region. Please note both of these venues are self-guided and tour order may vary.

This is your opportunity to see how New Zealand used to be with a visit to ancient rainforest and black sand beach as well as seeing one of the world’s largest seabirds in their natural environment. A short drive from your ship through the wine growing areas of west Auckland takes you to the cliff-tops overlooking the spectacular coastline of the Tasman Sea. Here is your chance to see ocean-dwelling gannets in one of the few mainland nesting sites in the world. At maturity these birds have a wingspan of up to 2 metres and can reach speeds of around 140km/h when diving for food. You then visit Muriwai, one of Auckland’s famous black sand beaches, where you have the opportunity to feel the soft sand beneath your feet. From here, travel to Cascades Kauri Park to view 1,000 year-old Kauri trees. Your entertaining and knowledge guide will relate stories about the native species as you stroll amongst these ancient trees and giant ferns.