Oceania between majestic drama and idyllic grace – and you on a small expedition ship right in the middle of it. There are regions that you will tell stories about and be inspired by for a lifetime. New Zealand is one of them. On a spectacular route, the HANSEATIC inspiration combines classic highlights with lesser-known insider tips, enriched by island gems of New Caledonia. Fiordland National Park on the South Island is the prelude to your adventure. As you cruise, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the many open deck areas, such as in Doubtful and Thompson Sound with thundering waterfalls. You will then continue with a visit to Milford Sound, where steep slopes covered with rainforest tower more than 1,100 m (3,609 ft) above the water and mist floats almost magically between the mountain peaks.

The mountainous national park on Stewart Island is just as outstanding. A hike to Ackers Point* takes you through dense, towering forests with impressive views. If you’re lucky, you might spot sooty shearwaters, little penguins and seals on a boat trip through Paterson Inlet*, a bay spanning around 100 km² (39 mi.²).

From the poetry of nature to the poetry of Dunedin. Open up the pages of the UNESCO City of Literature individually or come along to the Otago Peninsula*, which is home to royal albatrosses and yellow-eyed penguins. Alternatively, look at the amazing diversity of the landscape passing you by on a train ride with the Taieri Gorge Railway* as you cross magnificent stone and cast-iron viaducts and bridges.

The historic town of Akaroa in the heart of a flooded volcano is full of French flair. Soak up the savoir vivre as you visit one of the small cafes and take a stroll with a view of sailing boats and green hills.

When cruising in Queen Charlotte Sound, the inspiration Walk and the glass balconies become your front-row seats for the natural spectacle of broad mountain ranges and dense coastal vegetation. Heading out from Picton, you can get active – whether on a hike along a stretch of the Queen Charlotte Track* or on a kayak tour*. You will discover the home of one of the most famous Sauvignon Blancs in the world on a visit to the Cloudy Bay vineyard*.

On the North Island, New Zealand’s capital Wellington welcomes you, surrounded by green hills. Make the most of your time individually or on a culinary tour* – with delicious specialities such as pavlova. Gain insights into the native bird life of the kakas and takahe in the Kapiti Island Nature Reserve*.

From the small coastal suburb of Mount Maunganui, Rotorua, New Zealand’s thermal region* demonstrates the power of the earth’s core. Bubbling pools, steaming fissures and colourful lakes – a truly cinematic backdrop. Talking of cinema, an alternative scenic tour to The Shire* takes you to the home of the Hobbits.

Auckland, the “City of Sails”, presents New Zealand’s urban lifestyle. Whether you opt for “pure nature” around Auckland* or climb the Harbour Bridge*, remarkable outdoor activities are guaranteed here as well.

The Bay of Islands will help you to understand New Zealanders’ close connection with the sea. Small subtropical islands with white beaches in the turquoise water create an amazing labyrinth. There are few more thrilling ways to explore this island realm than a helicopter flight* or a kayak tour through the mangroves*.

Bays, green meadows and steep cliffs: if the weather permits a landing on remote Norfolk Island, you can take in the impressions of nature in the former convict colony.

The Zodiacs will also be in action on the coasts of New Caledonia. On Lifou, for example, where the original life of the islanders is fascinating. With its crystal-clear water and dreamy bays, Ile des Pins is a paradisiacal end to your explorers’ adventure.