27b78efd465e07ac41e977e490ef9aaabfcd39fe
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New Zealand in Depth

M0427030813
Dunedin - Auckland
08.03.27-21.03.27
13
SH Minerva
Price From
Per Person
Lowest fare available

New Zealand in Depth

M0427030813
Dunedin - Auckland
08.03.27-21.03.27
13
SH Minerva
Price From
Cruise Only
Per Person
Lowest fare available
Cruise Only
What`s included

Perfect for travellers who are independent and happy doing their own thing before and after their cruise.

Solo travelers: book via enquiries@swanhellenic.com

Price From
€ 9,425
Per Person
Lowest fare available
book your cruise

What’s INCLUDED:

  • 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.

The following services are not included:

  • Charter flights to the port of embarkation/ disembarkation (Longyearbyen, Ushuaia, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk);
  • Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel (where included);
  • One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (exemptions apply).
FURTHER INFORMATION ON PRICING
Please read these travel conditions carefully before booking your package tour, because you accept them as binding with your booking.
Learn more here
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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Dunedin
Days 1-2
Your luxury expedition cruise sadly comes to an end in Dunedin, on the South Island, the principal city of the Otago region. Set in a pretty bay that serves as a port and surrounded by bush-covered hills, the town has quirky historic appeal. One of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere, Dunedin is known as the Edinburgh of New Zealand, and it’s proud of its Celtic connections. Small and eminently walkable, see elaborate civic buildings, New Zealand’s only castles, funky alleyways filled with street art, and picturesque parks. The Toitu Otago Early Settlers Museum and Otago Museum come highly recommended, as well as a visit to the Dunedin Chinese Garden.
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Dusky Sound
Day 3
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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Doubtful Sound
Day 3
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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Milford Sound
Day 4
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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Oban, Stewart Island
Day 5
New Zealand’s third-largest island, Stewart Island sits 30 kilometres south of the country’s South Island. Although the island is 172 square kilometres in size (similar in size to Singapore), its fewer than 400 inhabitants are concentrated around the island’s only settlement, Oban. Relics of the island’s former whaling, saw-milling, fishing and tin mining days can still be seen in the secluded bays around Halfmoon Bay. Stewart Island or Rakiura (Maori for ‘Glowing Skies’) is one of the best places in New Zealand to spot the elusive kiwi. Unusually, the kiwi here can occasionally be seen in the daylight hours. Whilst exploring you may also spot little blue penguins, sooty shearwaters, mollymawks and wekas. Ulva Island, only a few kilometres from Stewart Island, is one of the few pest-free open sanctuaries in New Zealand. Here you can observe rare birds and plants in an environment that has remained mostly unchanged by human activity.
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Akaroa
Day 6
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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Kaikoura
Day 7
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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Picton
Day 8
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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Wellington
Day 10
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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Day at sea
Day 11
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
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Tauranga
Day 12
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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Bay of Islands
Day 13
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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Auckland
Day 14
Spend your final day of this luxury expedition cruise around New Zealand in Auckland. Sprawled over volcanic hills and across twin harbours, The City of Sails is the country’s largest and most populous metropolis. A vibrant, multicultural place that is both laid-back and sophisticated, Auckland has San Francisco-esque steep streets, cool boutiques that champion all things local from fashion to craft beer, wine and art. There’s myriad things to see and do, but highlights include The Auckland Art Gallery with its permanent collection by contemporary Kiwi artists. The Auckland War Memorial Museum is devoted to telling the country’s tale from politics to geology, and it has a vast array of Maori artefacts. The Brick Bay Sculpture Trails offers visitors the opportunity to experience art in the wild bush. And there’s the 1,000-foot-high Sky Tower for views that are out of this world – or out of Middle Earth at least.
SHOW MORE
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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.

Choose

YOUR SUITE TYPE

View mode

Number of Guests:
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Oceanview D4

20 m2
2
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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6f97afdd59c9a3ea242c1130b93107ff0ff12efd

Oceanview M4

20 m2
2
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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0ae9fb2d079eb3e8346919addd40954c91e6412c

Balcony D5

25 m2
2
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
2
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 D6

25 m2
2
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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Suite

40 m2
2
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
2
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.

Deck  4

Oceanview D4

20 m2
2
Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m2 (215ft2) and can accommodate two guests. They ...
Cruise Only
3rd or 4th Guest
Single
€ 16,494
Double
€ 9,425

Cruise Only

Single

€ 16,494

Double

€ 9,425

Oceanview M4

20 m2
2
Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m2 (215ft2) and can accommodate two guests. They ...
Cruise Only
3rd or 4th Guest
Single
€ 17,325
Double
€ 9,900

Cruise Only

Single

€ 17,325

Double

€ 9,900

Deck  5

Balcony D5

25 m2
2
Balcony Staterooms measure 25m2 (269ft2) – including a 5m2 (54ft2) private balco...
Cruise Only
3rd or 4th Guest
Single
€ 18,157
Double
€ 10,375

Cruise Only

Single

€ 18,157

Double

€ 10,375

Balcony M5

25 m2
2
Balcony Staterooms measure 25m2 (269ft2) – including a 5m2 (54ft2) private balco...
Cruise Only
3rd or 4th Guest
Single
€ 18,988
Double
€ 10,850

Cruise Only

Single

€ 18,988

Double

€ 10,850

Suite

40 m2
2
Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-ef...
Cruise Only
3rd or 4th Guest
Single
€ 33,000
Double
€ 16,500

Cruise Only

Single

€ 33,000

Double

€ 16,500

Deck  6

Balcony D6

25 m2
2
Balcony Staterooms measure 25m2 (269ft2) – including a 5m2 (54ft2) private balco...
Cruise Only
3rd or 4th Guest
Single
€ 19,819
Double
€ 11,325

Cruise Only

Single

€ 19,819

Double

€ 11,325

Suite

40 m2
2
Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-ef...
Cruise Only
3rd or 4th Guest
Single
€ 33,000
Double
€ 16,500

Cruise Only

Single

€ 33,000

Double

€ 16,500

Premium Suite

47 m2
2
Premium Suites have a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fire...
Cruise Only
3rd or 4th Guest
Single
€ 37,750
Double
€ 18,875

Cruise Only

Single

€ 37,750

Double

€ 18,875

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Prices are quoted per person per cruise.