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 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.

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 Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, 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 Be amazed at the King and Gentoo Penguins as they swoop and swoon through icy cold sea water. Delight in seeing these beautiful and remarkable creatures closer than ever before in the Antarctic Ice encounter. 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 knowledgeable guide will relate stories about the native species as you stroll amongst these ancient trees and giant ferns.

Experience the sights and sounds of Albany on a narrated drive that visits the city’s scenic and historic highlights. Drink in views of dramatic coastal rock formations at Torndirrup National Park and walk to the lookout to view The Gap and Natural Bridge. The Gap drops 78 feet to the raging sea while the Natural Bridge resembles a huge granite suspension bridge spanning the torrent. Explore the historic Princess Royal Fortress, Australia’s first federal fortress built in 1893 to protect the harbor. Be captivated by Mt. Clarence Lookout, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of Albany, King George Sound, and the Wind Farm and inspect the gun emplacements, the old granite military rooms, and the weatherboard barracks. With many places of interest pointed out on the journey, this is a complete tour of Albany’s Highlights and her beauty.

Take a tour that allows you to see one of nature’s landscape wonders before learning about her marvel of the sea. Travel to Torndirrup National Park and walk to view The Gap and Natural Bridge, carved from granite by the relentless waves. The Gap drops 78 feet to the raging sea while the Natural Bridge resembles a huge granite suspension bridge spanning the torrent. We will then continue to Whale World Museum, for over a century, whaling was Albany’s major industry and this award-winning interactive museum is housed at the former Cheynes Beach Whaling Company, Albany’s last whaling station. In its heyday, the Station’s chasers took up to 850 whales a year. The museum features over 20 exhibits, three state-of-the-art multimedia theatres, and a restored Cheynes IV whale chaser.