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Design by Charmer
All pictures and videos of wildlife were taken with a professional zoom lens from a distance required under environmental laws, ensuring the safety of both the wildlife and the environment. The website (www.swanhellenic.com) is owned and operated by Swan Hellenic Travel Limited (20, Themistokli Dervi, Flat/Office 301, 1066, Nicosia, Cyprus)
© 2025 Swan Hellenic. All Rights Reserved
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ACTA 2
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Swan Hellenic
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Design by Charmer
All pictures and videos of wildlife were taken with a professional zoom lens from a distance required under environmental laws, ensuring the safety of both the wildlife and the environment. The website (www.swanhellenic.com) is owned and operated by Swan Hellenic Travel Limited (20, Themistokli Dervi, Flat/Office 301, 1066, Nicosia, Cyprus)
© 2025 Swan Hellenic. All Rights Reserved
AECO
USTOA
CLI
ACTA
ACTA 2
IAATO
Cousteau
Virtuoso

Sign up for our newsletter

FOLLOW US
InstagramYouTubeFacebookTikTokLinkedIn

Swan Hellenic
Design by Charmer
AECO
USTOA
CLI
ACTA
ACTA 2
IAATO
Virtuoso
Cousteau
All pictures and videos of wildlife were taken with a professional zoom lens from a distance required under environmental laws, ensuring the safety of both the wildlife and the environment. The website (www.swanhellenic.com) is owned and operated by Swan Hellenic Travel Limited (20, Themistokli Dervi, Flat/Office 301, 1066, Nicosia, Cyprus)
© 2025 Swan Hellenic. All Rights Reserved

New Zealand in Depth

Dunedin→Auckland
08.03.27 - 21.03.27

New Zealand in Depth

Dunedin→Auckland
08.03.27 - 21.03.27
Book now
M0427030813SH MINERVA
Ports13
Countries1
Nights13

Set sail on a luxury voyage through New Zealand’s most breathtaking coastal scenery, journeying from the lively southern hub of Dunedin to the cosmopolitan harbor of Auckland. This unforgettable expedition reveals legendary landscapes: sail into the mystical fjords of Dusky, Doubtful, and Milford Sounds, where dramatic peaks rise from deep blue waters, and pause at historic Stewart Island and colourful ports like Akaroa, Kaikoura and Picton

Cruise Only

Perfect for travellers who like peace of mind that everything is taken care of

Price on request
Cruise

Set sail on a luxury voyage through New Zealand’s most breathtaking coastal scenery, journeying from the lively southern hub of Dunedin to the cosmopolitan harbor of Auckland. This unforgettable expedition reveals legendary landscapes: sail into the mystical fjords of Dusky, Doubtful, and Milford Sounds, where dramatic peaks rise from deep blue waters, and pause at historic Stewart Island and colourful ports like Akaroa, Kaikoura and Picton

M0427030813SH MINERVA
Ports13
Countries1
Nights13

Cruise Only

Perfect for travellers who like peace of mind that everything is taken care of

Price on request
Cruise
Your selected stateroom
All meals onboard
Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
24-hour room service
Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers
One selected shore excursion per port of call
All expedition landings
Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available)
Gym, sauna, pool
24/7 self service laundry
Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep
In polar regions: branded parka, yours to keep and use of rubber boot
Memory Package
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Charter flights
Group transfers
One night pre-cruise accommodation

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Discover the untouched beaches and ancient forests of Abel Tasman National Park, soak up Wellington’s dynamic city life, sample renowned Hawke’s Bay wines in Napier, and experience the subtropical beauty of the Bay of Islands. Known as Aotearoa in Māori, New Zealand offers a magical blend of ancient environments, resilient people, and deep-rooted indigenous culture, all shaped by a dramatic volcanic landscape. Each port offers something unique: serene sand beaches, lush rainforests, vibrant wildlife, storied colonial towns and rich Māori traditions. Between inspiring shore excursions and tranquil days at sea - with onboard lectures and enriching activities - this journey immerses travellers in the astonishing diversity and warm hospitality of New Zealand’s people, cultures and most renowned natural wonders

Itinerary route map

NOTE: This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

Overview

Days 1-2. Dunedin

Day image 1
Known as the Edinburgh of New Zealand, Dunedin, on the South Island, is set in a pretty bay that serves as a port. Surrounded by bush-covered hills, the town is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s proud of its Celtic connections with New Zealand’s only castles. Elaborate civic buildings, funky alleyways filled with street art, and picturesque parks add to the appeal

Day 3. Dusky Sound

Day image 1
In 1770, Captain Cook sailed through this fiord as the sun began to set, earning Dusky Sound its name. These remote Fiordlands are home to rare species. Among them is the endangered Fiordland penguin – squat little birds with bushy yellow eyebrows who breed in this region. At 40 km long, this is one of Fiordland’s largest inlets, with waterfalls, rainforest and more than 300 islands including Resolution and Pigeon islands

Day 3. Doubtful Sound

Day image 1
New Zealand's deepest fiord, Doubtful Sound was named by Captain Cook due to navigation concerns. Today, a cruise through here reveals the sound's beauty, lush cliffs with waterfalls like Browne Falls (619 m) and Helena Falls, and a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins. The area also offers sightings of seals, penguins, and various whale species, including Southern rights, humpbacks, minke, sperm and orcas

Day 4. Milford Sound

Day image 1
Shaped during the ice ages, the 16-km-long Milford Sound is a visual spectacle. Rugged cliffs rise from inky waters, the ice-capped mountain of Mitre Peak glints golden in the sun and 1,000-m-high waterfalls tumble down the rockface. The sound is most dramatic when it rains - the clouds hang low and waterfalls roar like thunder. In this isolated wilderness, bottlenose dolphins and penguins find a safe home, and fur seals sunbathe on the rocks

Day 5. Oban, Stewart Island

Day image 1
Stewart Island, New Zealand's pristine, southernmost inhabited island, features the fishing village of Oban on Halfmoon Bay. The island's fern-filled forests provide a wilderness refuge, and national parks cover 85 percent of the island, a birding haven with penguins, shearwaters, mollymawks, pigeons, bellbirds, tui and fantails. Stewart Island's kiwi birds, usually nocturnal, are known to venture forth during the day

Day 6. Akaroa

Day image 1
Akaroa, New Zealand's first French settlement, retains its Gallic charm: a je ne sais quoi in street names, architecture and character. On the once-volcanic Banks Peninsula with two dominant craters, Akaroa Harbour hosts dolphins. The petit museum recounts early residents, while local salmon, olives and wine continue the French flavour of fine food

Day 7. Kaikoura

Day image 1
Caught between ocean and mountains, Kaikoura thrives on encounters with native wildlife and culture. Once a whaling hub, Kaikoura remains focused on its rich natural heritage.The coast draws whales, seals, dolphins, petrels, penguins and albatross. The scenic Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway passes a seal colony. The award-winning Kaikoura Museum, in the landmark ‘craypot’ building, and historic pink Fyffe House recount early settler life

Day 8. Picton

Day image 1
The laid-back gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, Picton is a port town with a vibrant waterfront dotted with cafes and galleries. The Picton Sounds Aquarium showcases unique local marine life like seahorses and the tuatara, a rare living fossil over 200 million years old. Surrounding Picton are lush vineyards which offer cellar door tours and wine tastings of Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand's most celebrated wine

Activities:

Iconic Wines

4.5 hours
Marlborough is renowned as the wine capital of New Zealand with over half of New Zealand’s wine grown in the region. See why the Sauvignon Blanc is world-famous, try the aromatic Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer or sample the complexities of the Merlot and Pinot Noir. Your excursion begins shipside where you will board your coach and travel to Blenheim, the largest town in the Marlborough region. Visit three vineyards for tastings and stop at Makana, the boutique chocolate producer where you will get to enjoy a tasting of the finished product!

Omaka Experience

4 hours

Day 9. Abel Tasman National Park

Day image 1
Step ashore into one of New Zealand's most beloved natural treasures — a sun-drenched coastline of golden beaches, sculptured granite headlands, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Explore sheltered coves, wander trails through native bush alive with birdsong, and take in sweeping coastal vistas that showcase the very best of New Zealand's extraordinary natural beauty

Day 10. Wellington

Day image 1
New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, blends culture and natural beauty. Tucked between the harbour and the hills on the North Island, this small city boasts cool galleries, great coffee and relaxed craft beer spots. Te Papa, the national museum, immerses visitors in New Zealand's history and Maori culture. Movie tours in “Wellywood” offer glimpses of Middle Earth and beyond. The pine forest trail winds to the top of Mount Victoria for city views

Activities:

Lord of the Rings & Weta Workshop Experience

3.5 hours
This tour covers Wellington like no other tour. From the heart of the city to the historic suburbs and through to Miramar (nicknamed ‘Wellywood’). This is the heart of the New Zealand film industry with major projects going on such as the Avatar sequels & Mortal Engines. Your enthusiastic guide will tell stories and answer any questions you may have. You will soon discover why Sir Peter Jackson chose Wellington and New Zealand as the home of Middle Earth. We start with a short picturesque drive through the heart of Wellington City - Along the Waterfront, past Te Papa National Museum and through Oriental & Evans Bay to 'Wellywood' the home of Weta Studios Weta Studios - The Weta Workshop Experience offers a peek into the magic of Weta and the many films they have worked on. Visitors are given an insight into the movies Weta is best known for, as well as given an insight to processes, creative and innovative thinking that goes on within the walls of our facilities, told by members of the talented crew from the workshop floor, using the props, models and weapons they helped make for the movies. Descriptive boards are displayed throughout the tour, describing the process used for different disciplines, such as Armour & Costumes, Weapons & Props, Creatures & Make-up FX, Miniatures & Models, Conceptual Art and Merchandise. The Exhibition space will also reveal the history of Weta Workshop and what we have been busy with over the past 20 years. Mt Victoria Film Locations - A short drive from Miramar is the site where filming of the Lord of the Rings first started. We take a stroll through the picturesque forest of the ‘Outer Shire’ where Frodo and the Hobbits began their journey. There were many scenes filmed here including the ‘Race to the Ferry’ and the famous ‘Get off the Road’ scene. Learn how the films were made while we visit scenes and locations right in the heart of Wellington City. Return to the wharf via the City. A drop-off in the city after the morning tour is available on request.

Day 11. Day at sea

Day image 1
Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts

Day 12. Tauranga

Day image 1
Surrounded by coastline, Tauranga on New Zealand's Bay of Plenty offers abundant fishing, sailing, diving and kayaking. Inland, natural attractions include the waterfall at McLaren Falls Park and Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park with native New Zealand flora and fauna like kauri trees, ferns and kiwi birds. Literary fans enjoy The Hairy Maclary and Friends statues celebrating Lynley Dodd's beloved animal characters in this scenic city

Day 13. Bay of Islands

Day image 1
New Zealand's modern history traces back to the Bay of Islands, the initial European settlement, and the location of the 1840 signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Beyond the landmark Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the charming waterfront towns of Paihia and Russell are dotted with colonial architecture and seafood restaurants. Idyllic coves, whales and rugged natural formations like Hole in the Rock feature further into the 144 islands

Activities:

Haruru Falls Kayaking

3 hours

Day 14. Auckland

Day image 1
New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, sprawls across volcanic hills and harbours. It's a vibrant, multicultural metropolis with steep streets and cultural attractions like the Auckland Art Gallery and Auckland War Memorial Museum with Maori treasures (taonga) and exhibits on New Zealand. The revitalised dockside area, Britomart, is home to chi-chi shops, restaurants and bars, and the 328 m (1,076 ft)-high Sky Tower offers breathtaking views

Endless ways to spend your day

There’s no such thing as a typical day with Swan Hellenic. We bring you endless possibilities to tailor every moment to your interests and mood, so you’ll always have your dream day on board.

Staterooms

Bright and spacious staterooms — your cozy home away from home.

Oceanview - 1
Oceanview - 2
Oceanview - 3
Oceanview - 4

Oceanview

20 m²
Price on request

Features

  • Two single beds or a double bed
  • Bedroom with living room area
  • Flame-effect fireplace
  • Luxurious bathroom
Book now
Balcony - 1
Balcony - 2
Balcony - 3
Balcony - 4
Balcony - 5

Balcony

25 m²
Price on request

Features

  • 5 m² private balcony
  • Two single beds or a double bed
  • Bedroom with living room area
  • Flame-effect fireplace
  • Luxurious bathroom
Book now
Junior Suite - 1
Junior Suite - 2
Junior Suite - 3

Junior Suite

32-36 m²
Price on request

Features

  • 6 m² private balcony
  • King size bed
  • Separate living room area
  • Luxurious en-suite bathroom
Book now
Suite - 1
Suite - 2
Suite - 3
Suite - 4
Suite - 5
Suite - 6
Suite - 7

Suite

41 m²
Price on request

Features

  • 5-10 m² private balcony
  • King size bed
  • Separate living room
  • Flame-effect fireplace
  • Luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and walk-in shower
Book now
Premium Suite - 1
Premium Suite - 2
Premium Suite - 3
Premium Suite - 4
Premium Suite - 5
Premium Suite - 6

Premium Suite

41 m²
Price on request

Features

  • 8-12 m² private balcony
  • King size bed
  • Separate living room
  • Flame-effect fireplace
  • Luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and shower
  • Walk-in wardrobe
Book now

Trip Highlights

Cruise gently through spectacular fiords in Fiordland National Park — Milford Sound, Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound 1

Cruise gently through spectacular fiords in Fiordland National Park — Milford Sound, Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound

Look out for sperm whales, encounter New Zealand fur seals, pods of dusky dolphins and the endangered wandering albatross 1

Look out for sperm whales, encounter New Zealand fur seals, pods of dusky dolphins and the endangered wandering albatross

Raise a chilled glass of locally grown sauvignon blanc or chardonnay in Marlborough wine country 1

Raise a chilled glass of locally grown sauvignon blanc or chardonnay in Marlborough wine country

SH Minerva at a Glance

Boutique Cruising 1

Boutique Cruising

SH Minerva’s bespoke interiors are spacious and tasteful, with plush furnishing, and floor-to-ceiling windows that give you unobstructed views of some of the world’s most incredible landscapes.

Culinary Excellence 1

Culinary Excellence

Every evening, the Swan Restaurant transforms into a gourmet venue serving the sublime creations of Michelin star award-winning consultant chefs.

Sauna & Spa 1

Sauna & Spa

The sauna is perfect for meditative moments after onshore activities or following the wide choice of wellness treatments. The many options here include Balinese spa, beauty and wellness treatments, ranging from hot stone and bamboo massages to pampering body care.

Gym 1

Gym

State of the art gym with cardio machines, stretch bands & free weights. We will also be offering a range of instructor-led classes, along with personal trainers for everything from resistance training and Pilates to yoga and meditation.

Pool & Jacuzzi 1

Pool & Jacuzzi

All is designed to make the most of the unparalleled views, from our outdoor hot tubs with stunning views to the extensive pool deck with stellar views of the glistening sea.

Onboard Discoveries 1

Onboard Discoveries

Immerse yourself in the nature, history and culture of every locale you visit on your cruise with special briefings, lectures and presentations. Our experienced expedition guides are sure to make your time on board both fascinating and informative.

Personal Service 1

Personal Service

Swan Hellenic is all about personal service and genuine hospitality. Our warm and welcoming crew aim to please, and nothing more than to give you the best experience possible.

Your Home Away from Home 1

Your Home Away from Home

Relax in the understated elegance of your stateroom or suite. A sophisticated blend of muted tones, natural textures and intuitive technology, the Scandi-inspired design seamlessly blends the natural world with exceptional comforts.

Swan’s Nest 1

Swan’s Nest

At the bow of the ship sits the Swan’s Nest the perfect place for a stunning views over the sea.