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11 Night Expedition to the Heart of New Zealand

From Auckland to Dunedin
  • Le Soleal
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Le Soleal

Ponant Cruises
4 Stars
  • Cruise #: 13932916
  • Departs: Wed, Jan 15, 2025
  • Returns: Sun, Jan 26, 2025
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    Rates

    Includes

    Other Dates

    Oceanview $9,270
    Balcony $10,020
    Suite $22,880
    *Prices are per person based on double occupancy
    Includes taxes & fees
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    Itinerary Summary

    Day by Day Details

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Wednesday - Jan 15, 2025
    Day
    1
    Auckland, New Zealand
    • Auckland, New Zealand
    • Depart: 19:00:00
    Auckland is New Zealand's largest, most populated and busiest city. Located on an isthmus linking the peninsula of Northland to the expansive North Island, it seems to float between land and sea. It is one of the few cities in the world to have two separate harbours: Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea and Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean. You will understand why Auckland is known as "the City of Sails" when you see the forest of masts in the marina. The 1075-foot-high Sky Tower offers splendid views of the city. Surrounded by dormant volcanoes such as Mount Eden, Auckland is noted for its abundant nature and magnificent black-sand beaches. A blend of Maori, European, and Asian cultures give the city a vibrant atmosphere. ...
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    Thursday - Jan 16, 2025
    Day
    2
    Tauranga, New Zealand
    • Tauranga, New Zealand
    • Bus Travel
    • Rotorua, New Zealand
    • Bus Travel
    • Tauranga, New Zealand
    Located to the north of Rotorua, Tauranga stretches the length of the Bay of Plenty, sheltered from the ocean by the island of Matakana. This coastal city boasts a flourishing economy thanks to its port, and is a pleasant and pretty town with a peaceful, relaxed feel. The seafront area is contemporary and lively, dotted with cafes and restaurants. The town centre reveals more picturesque charms, while the surrounding area is packed full of natural delights. Travel on to the town of Rotorua to visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: a fantastic opportunity to experience an absolutely exceptional geothermal phenomenon. ...
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    Friday - Jan 17, 2025
    Day
    3
    • Gisborne, New Zealand
    Gisborne, called "Gizzy" by the locals and Te Oneroa by the Maori, is located to the north of a large bay surrounded by fertile hills and long wild beaches that attract walkers and surfers. At the southern end of the bay, the magnificent cliffs of Young Nick's Head majestically keep watch over the ocean's tides. In Ngatapa, a few kilometres north of the city, the Eastwoodhill Arboretum stretches out over more than 130 hectares (320 acres) and is home to magnificent exotic and native plants. In the city, you can learn about Maori culture and the local history at the Tairawhiti Museum or enjoy some of the products of this rich farming region, renowned in particular for its Chardonnay. ...
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    Saturday - Jan 18, 2025
    Day
    4
    Napier, New Zealand
    • Napier, New Zealand
    On the east coast of the North Island, south of Hawke's Bay, you'll find Napier. Mostly destroyed by an earthquake in 1931, reviving from its ruins in less than two years, it grew into a magnificent Art Deco style city, very in-vogue at the time. With its pure lines mixed with traditional Maori designs, the singular New Zealand character of this city will intrigue you. You'll discover all this extraordinary architectural heritage as you take a stroll through the city. Famous for its vineyards, wine lovers will be able to taste some of the best wines from the region. ...
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    Sunday - Jan 19, 2025
    Day
    5
    Cruising Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
    • Cruising Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
    At the northern end of New Zealand's South Island, the Marlborough Sounds are a vast network of submerged valleys. These 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) of coastline form a maze of peninsulas and hilly islands, in the curves of which nestle small bays and inlets drowned by the sea at the end of the most recent ice age. This great wine-growing region of New Zealand, highly renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc, boasts a temperate climate and very sunny weather. You will discover the untouched and wild beauty of the landscapes in this maritime park. They display an infinite palette of greens and blues set off by the glints of silver that appear as the sun's rays dance along the surface of the water. ...
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    Monday - Jan 20, 2025
    Day
    6
    At Sea
    • At Sea
    During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship's upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment. ...
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    Tuesday - Jan 21, 2025
    Day
    7
    Akaroa, New Zealand
    • Akaroa, New Zealand
    Located at the tip of a peninsula on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, Akaroa is a popular resort destination, nestled in a cove formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. In the mid-19th century, French and British settlers competed for control of the area, and the architecture of the present-day town reflects these colonial influences in the galleries, craft shops, and cafes that line its streets. But what draws most people to this remote area is the abundant wildlife. Hector dolphins (the world's smallest), blue penguins, fur seals, and orcas populate the waters of the harbor, and the cliffs that surround the bay are nesting sites for thousands of birds. ...
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    Wednesday - Jan 22, 2025
    Day
    8
    At Sea
    • At Sea
    During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship's upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment. ...
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    Thursday - Jan 23, 2025
    Day
    9
    Dusky Sound, New Zealand
    • Dusky Sound, New Zealand
    Dusky Sound is one of the most isolated fjords in Fiordland National Park. This huge, protected natural zone situated in the south-west quarter of New Zealand's South Island is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. The sheer cliffs, waterfalls, shimmering lakes, and primitive forests here are each more beautiful than the next. These spectacular landscapes sculpted by successive glaciations are a source of endless wonder. In 1773, the British navigator James Cook spent a few weeks at Dusky Sound, as demonstrated by a plaque that can be seen at Astronomer's Point. During your sailing, observe the richness of the local wildlife: cormorants, seagulls, New Zealand fur seals, but also Fiordland crested penguins, a rare and endemic species. Weather and time permitting we may explore the sound from our fleet of zodiac. ...
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    • Cruising Doubtful Sound
    Referred to as the "Sound of Silence", there is a secluded serenity that surrounds Doubtful Sound in contrast with the better-known Milford Sound. Both are part of the Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lieutenant James Cook named 'Doubtful Harbour' in 1770 as he was uncertain if it was navigable under sail. Doubtful Sound is the deepest of the fiords with a maximum depth of 421 meters. It contains three distinct 'arms' and several outstanding waterfalls in the area from Deep Cove to the open ocean. Your ship will spend time navigating around Secretary Island through both Thompson and Doubtful Sounds. You will enjoy the spectacular scenery from the outer decks. ...
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    Friday - Jan 24, 2025
    Day
    10
    Milford Sound, New Zealand
    • Milford Sound, New Zealand
    Milford Sound is among one of the most beautiful natural sites in New Zealand. So much beauty will quite simply take your breath away. Located on the south-west coast of South Island, in the Fiordland National Park, this sumptuous inlet carved out by glaciers advances over at least 15 kilometers inland in the Southern Alps. Majestic cliffs seem to surge out of the dark waters, rising several hundred meters high: an abrupt relief from where impressive waterfalls cascade. ...
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    Saturday - Jan 25, 2025
    Day
    11
    At Sea
    • At Sea
    During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship's upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment. ...
    Read More
    Sunday - Jan 26, 2025
    Day
    12
    Dunedin, New Zealand
    • Dunedin, New Zealand
    Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the South wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The city contains some of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The Silverpeaks hinterland to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and the Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city boundaries, has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross. ...
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