Day 1
Arrive Wellington, Embark Ship
Arrive in Wellington and transfer to the Coral Adventurer, your home for the next 10 nights. Settle into your cabin, and this evening get to know your fellow travellers at a relaxed dinner on board
Day 2
Ship Cove/Meretoto
Visit the James Cook memorial at Meretoto/Ship Cove, where he anchored HMS Endeavour in 1770. Continue to nearby Motuara Island for a walk through a wildlife sanctuary rich in birdlife. A gentle stroll along the shoreline offers impressive views of Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Kaikōura
Kaikōura is a premier destination in New Zealand's South Island for whale watching. From the stable comfort of your catamaran, you have the opportunity to see whales and other marine life in their natural habitat. It's common to see various whale species like sperm, humpback, and pilot whales. Onboard hydrophones offer the extra benefit of hearing the whales communicate with each other. You're also likely to see acrobatic dolphins, playful seals, and elegant wandering albatrosses during this thrilling excursion. Back on land, embark on a 3.5 kilometre walk over the peninsular track with breath taking scenery throughout the entire route. Along the way, you'll encounter cattle, sheep, spot sea lions and rich bird life. A shuttle bus will meet you at the end of the walk and transfer back to the marina, where your tender vessel will shuttle you back to the ship. Alternatively, enjoy some free time in the township and be transferred back to the ship by tender vessel afterwards.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Akaroa, Christchurch
From Akaroa port, take a scenic drive to Christchurch, capital of South Island, where you'll explore the charming city at your own pace. Christchurch is New Zealand's second largest city and the city centre is a vibrant spot offering a world-class museum and the renowned Botanic Gardens that are a delight to explore. An unbeatable way to explore the centre is by tram (additional expense). The all-day hop-on hop-off tickets allow you to visit the highlights of the city centre at your leisure, and the knowledgeable drivers provide informative live commentaries along the way.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Dunedin
After a leisurely morning on board, disembark the ship after lunch for a city tour of Dunedin. Visit the local Araiteuru (a community meeting space) to receive a special welcome presentation from a Marae member. The remainder of the tour will include highlights of Dunedin including famous Ovelston House, the marvellous Flemish Renaissance style Railway Station, Dunedin University, and Baldwin Street – the world's steepest street. Alternatively, enjoy free time to discover the delights of Dunedin at your own pace.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Stewart Island/Rakiura
Experience a blend of guided discovery and free time to explore Stewart Island at leisure. This serene, remote island is rich in wildlife, where you can discover ancient forests, or choose from various hikes to suit your interests and level of fitness. The island's European heritage comes to life at Oban, a coastal town established by Scottish settlers in the 1840s, while a former whaling station provides links to Norwegian expeditions to Antarctica during the Golden Age of Exploration.
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 7
Dusky Sound/Tamatea
Bask in the splendour of Dusky Sound in the Fiordland National Park, one of New Zealand's treasured natural icons and recognised as part of the wider UNESCO World Heritage site of Te Wāhipounamu (Place of the Greenstone). It's home to glaciers, alpine ranges, and unique flora and fauna. As you leave Tamatea, secure a place on deck and watch the captain masterfully steer the ship through Acheron Passage, where you can marvel at the breathtaking fjord scenery and wildlife.
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 8
Doubtful Sound/Patea
Find a comfortable place on deck or in the observation lounge, and watch as the captain navigates a narrow passage of the fiord known as 'The Gut' from Thompson Sound into Doubtful Sound. 'Patea' (Doubtful Sound) meaning ‘place of silence’ in Māori, spans a staggering 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the head of the fiord to the Tasman Sea. It is the deepest of New Zealand’s 14 fjords and its enormity leaves all who visit feeling humbled and in awe of its powerful presence. The fjord branches into three arms and offers impressive waterfalls that provide shelter to New Zealand’s southernmost population of bottlenose dolphins and tawaki , the Fiordland crested penguin. An easy short walk between Deas Cove and Neck Cove offers the chance to see unique local flora and fauna. Alternatively, embark on a thrilling cruise aboard your tender vessel, exploring the coastline of the fjord and hearing tales of local history.
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 9
Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Deep within Fiordland National Park lies Milford Sound, arguably New Zealand’s most famous natural attraction. With its beguiling combination of towering mountain peaks, ink-dark waters and forest-covered cliffs, it mesmerises those who see it. Here, you can enjoy a thrilling excursion aboard your tender vessel to visit thundering waterfalls, or explore the rugged coastline and look for fur seals, dolphins and, perhaps, spot penguins.
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 10
Day At Sea
Day 11
Disembark Ship, Bluff, Queenstown
Freedom of Choice
Disembark Ship, Bluff, Queenstown Your cruise comes to an end this morning after breakfast, where you disembark in Bluff and be transferred to your accommodation in Queenstown. This evening, choose where to enjoy dinner with a range of Freedom of Choice Dining options available to you. Freedom of Choice – Walter Peak Cruise aboard a vintage steamer to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where a gourmet barbecue dinner awaits. Savour succulent rotisserie meats, fresh vegetables, artisan salads and breads – and be sure to leave room for the decadent dessert selection. Freedom of Choice – Stratosfare Restaurant Ascend by gondola to Bob’s Peak and dine at the iconic Stratosfare Restaurant. With sweeping views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, enjoy an extensive buffet featuring the best of New Zealand and international cuisine.
Freedom of Choice – Fergburger
This cult burger house achieved worldwide fame in 2015 when its burgers were crowned the world's best in a travel article on the website of news giant CNN. The best burgers in New Zealand, no doubt. The world? You be the judge. Freedom of Choice – Finz Restaurant Finz Seafood & Grill offers casual, relaxed waterfront dining right in the heart of Queenstown. Finz is a bustling bistro, where you can enjoy fresh seafood daily and other dishes in a fabulous location. Freedom of Choice – Your Hotel Restaurant Stay in and indulge in a relaxed meal at your hotel’s restaurant, where contemporary fusion cuisine showcases the f inest local and international flavours. Freedom of Choice: Give your holiday a personal touch with a choice of included sightseeing and dining options to suit your interests.
Stay: Two Nights: Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Daily: Breakfast Dinner
