Lyttelton (Christchurch) - Auckland New Zealand: great contrasts at the end of the world

Dunedin is the second-largest city on New Zealand’s South Island. Its name comes from the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh and means “City on the hill”. Discover the harmonious blend of European colonial past and South Seas culture when you go in search of clues with your experts. Around AD 1100, the first Polynesians, who had their own culture and called themselves Maori, settled here. Dunedin is one of their cultural birthplaces. As you approach the city from the water, you might spot some of the surrounding seal and penguin colonies, including the rare yellow-eyed penguin, as well as royal albatrosses.

Stewart Island, 30 km (18.6 mi.) south of the South Island, is New Zealand’s third-largest island. A natural canvas featuring dense forests, countless bays and mountains, such as Mount Anglem, at a height of around 980 m (3,215 ft). There are signs that the Maori settled here in the 13th century, long before the first European, James Cook, discovered the island in 1770. Your experts on board will tell you about Cook’s search for the south continent and how he found a passage between the North and South Islands. These days, life on this tranquil island is mostly concentrated on the small town of Oban on Halfmoon Bay, which has around 600 inhabitants. Little touched by tourism, the island is ideal for hikes with your experts to enjoy the wonderful nature.

Stunning expedition experiences await in the Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island. Here your small, manoeuvrable ship will cruise through one of the most impressive nature reserves in the world. Thundering waterfalls flow into the fjords and imposing peaks are reflected in the deep-blue bays. Your ship will spend plenty of time in Milford Sound in particular. Its steep slopes covered with rainforest tower more than 1,100 m (3,609 ft) above the water. The mist hanging between the mountain peaks envelops the scene in a mystical atmosphere. The British author Rudyard Kipling aptly described Milford Sound as the “eighth wonder of the world” – how will you describe it?

On the west coast of the picturesque North Island of New Zealand, New Plymouth welcomes visitors with its unique blend of nature and culture. The snow-topped Mount Taranaki looms imposingly on the horizon, offering breathtaking panoramas that are simply perfect for nature lovers and adventurers. The city itself is appealing thanks to its lively art scene. The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and the adjoining Len Lye Centre are particularly impressive, with stainless-steel facades reflecting the urban environment in a play of light and mirrors.

A little piece of paradise awaits visitors to Kaiteriteri, the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. The park covers over 230 km² (89 mi.²) of picture-book scenery, with granite cliffs, golden sandy bays and turquoise waters. The bay is fringed by lush green rainforests, where the air is filled with birdsong from a variety of species and the native flora blooms in all its glory. Kaiteriteri is a popular starting point for adventurers who want to explore the coastline, either by kayak, hiking on the famous Abel Tasman Coastal Track or simply relaxing on the beach.

Your small expedition ship will really be in its element when cruising in Queen Charlotte Sound, a fjord landscape of unrivalled beauty. The labyrinth of water with peninsulas and turquoise bays is the home of dolphins and penguins. Captivating presentations and talks with your experts on board will shine a special light on this natural wonder. On the deck tour at the bow, you will have a front-row view to marvel at the scenery. Slowly glide past the many densely forested islands with their peaceful bays and deserted beaches. Cruising through the Queen Charlotte Sound is an unforgettable experience.

The picturesque coastal town of Picton shows how relaxed the lifestyle in New Zealand is. Nestled between dramatic hills and the deep blue sea of the Marlborough Sounds, the town is the gateway to New Zealand’s wild south. Picton itself exudes serenity, with its cosy wine bars serving the world-famous Marlborough wine. A highlight for explorers is the Edwin Fox, a sailing ship built in 1853, which tells the tale of adventures in times gone by. The main attraction, however, is the wonderful nature in the surrounding area. The Marlborough Sounds are an extensive network of waterways and peninsulas. Though usually described as similar to fjords, the Sounds were not shaped by glaciers. They were formed when land movements gradually lowered the ground in the entire area, allowing water to penetrate into the low-lying valleys. Today, only the higher ground penetrates out of the sea.

Surrounded by the snow-topped summits of the Kaikoura Range, Kaikoura Bay in the north-east of New Zealand’s South Island offers a fascinating and impressive mix of sea and mountains. The Kaikoura Peninsula is a great place for hiking with breathtaking views, while the sea invites you to enjoy unique encounters with sperm whales and other species of whale all year round. The nutrient-rich sea currents attract not only whales, but also dolphins, seals and many different species of seabird, making the bay a paradise for wildlife lovers. The name Kaikoura means “meal of crayfish”, referring to the long tradition of fishing in the region. Fresh seafood and lobster are just some of the culinary highlights that every visitor will not want to miss.

Welcome to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, on the tip of the North Island and framed by green hills. Immerse yourself in the lives of the relaxed New Zealanders. The country’s artistic hub is the centre of the local film industry. One of the city’s landmarks is definitely cinematic: the historic Wellington Cable Car. Whether you take a ride on the red cable car or visit the Botanic Garden, make the most of your independent time here. Your experts will be happy to accompany you with some interesting background knowledge, such as about the architecture of the Old Government Buildings and the Old St Paul’s Cathedral, one of the biggest cultural monuments in New Zealand and an exquisite example of neo-Gothic architecture. Sweeten up your stay here with culinary specialities, including the famous New Zealand pavlova.

Napier on the east coast of New Zealand welcomes visits with its unique charm. The city’s appealing art deco architecture gives it a very special kind of flair. Every February, the Art Deco Festival Napier turns the city into a lively backdrop for vintage cars, costumes and music to bring the spirit of the 1930s to life. Nestled in the Hawke’s Bay wine region, Napier is also a popular destination for wine lovers – wine tastings and top-class wineries make the region a place to indulge. Lined by gardens, Marine Parade runs along the ocean front to the National Aquarium of New Zealand. Its mild climate and many hours of sunshine make Napier the perfect spot for outdoor activities.

White Island, known as Whakaari in Maori, is one of New Zealand’s most active volcanoes – a natural phenomenon of fascinating elemental power: rugged, sulphur-yellow and criss-crossed by steaming fumaroles. Once the site of a sulphur mine, the island is now a protected nature reserve. A severe eruption in 2019 changed White Island forever; since then, for safety reasons, it can only be viewed from a distance. Your small expedition ship cruises off the island, allowing you to feel the raw power of the earth in all its intensity from the deck. Seabirds such as gannets nest on the rugged cliffs, while a species-rich marine world thrives beneath the water. Perhaps a minke or Bryde’s whale will grant you a glimpse of its majestic fluke as it slowly emerges from the sea. Keep an eye out – it’s worth it.

New Zealand was formed and continues to be reshaped by the forces of nature. There are numerous reminders of this along your route – including some idyllic ones like the small beach resort, Mount Maunganui. Referred to by the locals as The Mount, the peninsula is a massive sandbank. The conditions are ideal for surfing here, and you will have plenty of time to relax on the white sandy beach – in one of the little cafes or on a hike. There are various routes up to the summit of the 230 m (755 ft) hill called Mauao, with impressive views over the harbour and beach, bay and skyline. Mount Maunganui combines wild nature and breathtaking panoramic views – the perfect place to discover and enjoy New Zealand’s coastal scenery.

Great Barrier Island owes its English name to Captain Cook. The famous navigator gave the island this name because it lies like a protective wall between the Hauraki Gulf and the open Pacific Ocean. Around 1900, lumberjacks and gold prospectors were drawn here. Today, its biggest treasure is the unspoilt nature itself. See for yourself on a hike with your experts through dense forests to Kaitoke Hot Springs, natural hot springs and perfect for a dip in warm water surrounded by lush-green endemic plants. With a bit of luck, you may spot the rare kakariki, a parrot with a bright-red patch on its head. While strolling along one of the long sandy beaches, you may also spot black oystercatchers searching for food in the tidal flats. Here, nature writes its own unforgettable stories – and you will be part of them.

Whangarei, the vibrant heart of Northland, welcomes you with a perfect blend of city life and unspoilt nature. Picturesquely situated on Whangarei Harbour, its surroundings delight visitors with rolling hills, rushing waterfalls and extensive forests. Stroll through subtropical gardens or discover charming cafes and inspiring art galleries in the city centre. With a bit of luck, you may spot the shy kiwi or colourful coastal birds while hiking in the surrounding forest. The impressive Whangarei Falls are also worth a visit, and you are sure to be amazed by their splendour. Whangarei is the ideal base from which to explore the wild beauty of Northland. A place where urban flair and nature magically merge.

Become one of the few people to have travelled to Norfolk Island on a small expedition ship. If the weather allows a landing on the remote island, you will experience a slice of paradise off the coast of Australia. The legendary pioneer James Cook was the first European to discover the island, which later became a British penal colony. The history of settlers and convicts is still reflected in the historic ruins today. The only thing to hold you captive on the island these days is its stunning nature – with hibiscus, Kentia palms and Norfolk pines. The island’s picturesque bays, green meadows and steep cliffs are also impressive.

In the far north of New Zealand, the dramatic scenery creates an idyllic natural canvas. With more than 140 subtropical islands in its turquoise waters, the Bay of Islands is a fascinating blend of wild nature and historical depth. Find a wealth of Oceania’s picture-book scenes here, with cormorants in the mangrove forests, thundering waterfalls and the famous Hole in the Rock off Cape Brett. Sites steeped in history tell the story of encounters between the Maori and European explorers: the historic coastal town of Russell was one of the first European settlements. Waitangi is famous as the scene of the signing of the Waitangi Treaty in 1840 between representatives of the British Crown and Maori chiefs. The treaty formed the basis for the founding of modern-day New Zealand.