Name: New Zealand in Depth
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: M0427030813

New Zealand in Depth

M0427030813

Dunedin - Auckland

03.08.27-03.21.27

SH Minerva

YOUR TRIP

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.

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.

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Trip Highlights

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

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

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

Itinerary

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Low-rise art deco architecture is one reason Hawke's Bay port Napier is so charming, along with its views, wineries, restaurants, and street art. After a 1931 earthquake, Napier arose with colourful, curvilinear art deco buildings. Today, 147 such structures create one of the world's most complete art deco collections. The city's symbol, a Maori maiden statue known as the Pania of the Reef, sits on the waterfront.

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Gisborne, where James Cook first landed in 1769, which changed New Zealand's fate. It is also the first city in the world to see sunrise daily. Gisborne is a major wine region and New Zealand's unofficial Chardonnay Capital. A hotspot for Māori culture and myths, Titirangi Hill is believed to be the arrival point for the Horouta canoe, which brought the first Māori. Old traditions remain evident around the city.

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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.

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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.

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Sprawled over volcanic hills and across twin harbours, Auckland - or The City of Sails - is a vibrant, multicultural place with San Francisco-esque steep streets and a myriad of things to see, do and experience. A highlight is the 1,000-ft-high Sky Tower with views over the harbour. Extend your stay after your expedition cruise and spend time in the city absorbing its art, culture and natural heritage from beaches and parks to offshore islands.

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.

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YOUR SUITE TYPE

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Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m2 (215ft2) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

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Oceanview M4

20 m²

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Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m2 (269ft2) – including a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

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Balcony M5

25 m²

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Balcony D6

25 m²

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Suite

40 m²

Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and walk-in shower – and a 10m2 (108ft2) private balcony.

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Premium Suite

47 m²

Premium Suites have a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – walk-in wardrobe, and a 12m2 (129ft2) private balcony.

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