Search Trips
1-800-395-3288
Request More Information
Sign Up To Receive Email Updates
Oceania – New Zealand
New Zealand by Land and Sea
Aboard the Orion
Overview
Dates Nov 09 — Nov 21, 2008
DEPARTURE DATES FOR SIMILAR TRIPS:Jan 12 — Jan 27, 2009 Jan 24 — Feb 08, 2009
Activity Level Moderately active
See the beautiful islands of New Zealand during this spectacular 13-day journey, which includes six nights aboard the luxury expedition ship Orion. Learn about the indigenous Maori, and witness authentic cultural events. Enjoy an exhilarating cruise near soaring vertical cliffs and waterfalls while admiring the lush beauty of Stewart Island and Fiordland National Park's Dusky, Doubtful, and Milford Sounds--areas not accessible by land. The picturesque cities of Wellington, Queenstown, and Christchurch offer charming ports of call along the way. Throughout the journey, enjoy special guest lectures, naturalist-led walks, and festive dinners.
To download a full brochure for this program, click the PDF button at the top right side of this page.
Map
Itinerary
- Days 1, 2 and 3 — U.S. / Auckland (lose a day crossing the International Date Line)
- Day 4 — Rotorua
- Day 5 — Wellington / Embark
- Days 6 — Marlborough Sound
- Day 7 — Akaroa / Christchurch
- Day 8 — Dunedin / Otago Peninsula
- Day 9 — Stewart Island
- Day 10 — Fiordland National Park
- Day 11 — Milford Sound / Disembark / Queenstown
- Day 12— Queenstown
- Day 13 — Queenstown / U.S.
Highlights
- Experience breathtaking Fiordland National Park while gliding through Dusky Sound in the wake of legendary explorer, Captain Cook.
- Enjoy six nights aboard the elegant Orion, custom designed for expedition cruising and the ideal vessel for exploring New Zealand's islands, fiords, and craggy coastline.
- Visit Otago Peninsula's significant Royal albatross colony, and observe the rare Yellow-eyed penguin.
- At the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, meet with tribal elders and participate in the intricate traditional pohiri, or welcome ceremony.
- Marvel at the eerie spectacle of Rotorua's thermal wonderland at Whakarewarewa, where geysers spout and mud pots bubble.
- Gain expertise and insight from noted naturalist, author, and astronomer David Aguilar; and Neville Peat, naturalist and native New Zealander.
Post-Tour Extension
Optional Extension to Sydney, Australia
November 21-24, 2008
Extend your trip with three nights overlooking the Sydney Harbor at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel. Our program includes a tour of the Botanical Gardens; an introduction to aboriginal art during an exclusive tour of the Art Gallery of New South Wales; and a private tour of the renowned Sydney Opera House.
Program Leaders
David Aguilar
David Aguilar is director of public affairs and educational programs at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is the popular host of the Center's "Observatory Nights." A recognized naturalist, astronomer, author, and artist, he has been affiliated with the award-winning PBS NOVA series Evolution, ABC Nightly News, CNN, Time magazine, The New York Times, National Geographic, and Scientific American, . He has lectured on various Smithsonian Journeys including private jet tours around the world. Dr. Aguilar is also an avid telescope maker and astronomical and underwater photographer.
Neville Peat
Neville Peat is an award-winning New Zealand nature writer and interpreter. He has published more than 25 books and uses his considerable photography skills to illustrate his own work. In 1998 he authored a report on New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands that earned World Heritage Area status for the five groups of islands. An elected member of the Otago Regional Council, Neville chairs the council’s Biodiversity Committee. Neville, a fifth-generation descendent of Scottish pioneers, lives on the Otago Peninsula. A very popular lecturer, he infuses travelers with his passion for and encyclopedic knowledge of New Zealand’s natural wonders.
Sponsors
Harvard Alumni Association
Smithsonian Journeys
Yale Educational Travel
Accommodations
Cruise Ship
The Orion
Custom-designed for expedition cruising, the 106-passenger Orion is an elegant vessel well equipped to showcase the wonders of New Zealand. Launched in November 2003, the ship boasts technology that sets new standards in sustainable marine environmental practices, such as the use of diesel fuel in place of heavy fuel oil, economical engine performance, and onboard recycling programs. The Orion's 53 spacious staterooms, including 31 suites, feature an ocean view, seating area, en suite marble bathroom, storage space, safe, refrigerator, flat-screen TV, DVD/CD player, and choice of queen-size or twin beds. Public areas include two lounges with sweeping views, a lecture theater wtih armchair-style seating, and a library. A health spa with gymnasium, sauna, sun deck Jacuzzi, and a stern marina platform are among the ship's amenities. Delicious and locally inspired meals are served in a single seating, and feature exceptional Australian, New Zealand, and European wines.
Program Rates
Airfare
International and U.S. domestic airfare is not included in the program rates. Please call for assistance with your air travel arrangements.
Program Rates
From $7,995 per person, double occupancy; $13,595 single