MV 'Clipper Odyssey': New Zealand by Land & Sea
 A country of striking contrast. |
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18 days / 17 nights
| Location | Nights |
| Queenstown | 1 |
| MV 'Clipper Odyssey' | 13 |
| In-flight | 3 |
Day 01 Depart USA-Auckland, New Zealand-Queenstown
Board your overnight flight and cross the International Dateline, losing one day en route. Your room is ready for immediate occupancy when you arrive on Friday. The remainder of the day is free to relax and see some of the sights of Queenstown.
Novotel Gardens
Day 02 Queenstown/Milford Sound/Embark 'MV Clipper Odyssey'
Depart on the scenic drive to Milford Sound and stop en route for an al fresco lunch in this stunning alpine setting. Later, board 'Clipper Odyssey'.
MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 03 Milford Sound
Explore Milford Sound by Zodiac and on nature hikes. Gaze in awe at waterfalls that cascade from soaring vertical cliffs, shrouded in lush greenery. This afternoon, view life under the sea at the Underwater Observation Station.
MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 04 Fjordland National Park
Spend two full days exploring Fjordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site created 14,000 years ago when retreating glaciers carved out a coastline with plunging fjords, mist-shrouded mountains, cascading waterfalls and vast beech forests. Planned expedition stops include Dusky and Doubtful Sound, Seal Rocks and Bradshaw Sound.
MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 05 Muttonbird and Stewart Islands
Be on deck early as 'Clipper Odyssey' passes the vast bird colonies at Muttonbird Island. Spend the day at Stewart Island, New Zealandís southernmost inhabited outpost, and visit the tiny village of Oban. Hike Ulva Island with your guide and observe the red crowned oyster-catcher and indigenous weka, bellbird, kakariki and kereru.
MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 06 Dunedin
Spend Christmas Day in the charming village of Dunedin. You may attend morning church services, then stroll through this quaint village. Later, explore the Otago Peninsula to view the abundant wildlife: fur seal, yellow-eyed penguin, cormorant and northern royal albatross.
MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 07 Akaroa
If weather conditions permit, you have the opportunity to swim with Hector dolphin at Akaroa. Join your guide this afternoon for a walk through town, passing local artistsí shops and studios, with a stop to see the mosaic masterpiece The Giant's House.
MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 08 Lyttleton/Christchurch
Dock in Lyttleton and depart for Christchurch and the surrounding areas. Join a local historian for a private tour of Christ College and the city. Explore the unique Canterbury Museum and the Art Centerís crafts and food stands. Continue to Flaxton Farm for a private farm tour and sheep-shearing demonstration, followed by a country barbecue lunch. Later, tour Christchurchís famed gardens.
MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 09 Kaikoura
Join your guides to spot orca and sperm whale in the nutrient-rich waters. This afternoon, tour the Maori village of Kaikoura.
MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 10 Queen Charlotte Sound
Explore the scenic Queen Charlotte Sound: Ships Cove and Motuara Island. Then stop at Blenheim and Montana Brancott winery for a tour and tasting.
MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 11 Wellington
See the capital city by cable car, stopping at the parliament buildings and Botanic Gardens. Visit Stansborough, the setting for much of the Lord of the Rings saga, then explore the Maori Te Papa Museum.
MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 12 Napier
Join your guide for an art deco walking tour with morning tea at the Hawkes Bay Club. This afternoon, view the gannet colonies or visit a local vineyard for a food and wine tour.
MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 13 Whakatane/White Island
Board excursion boats to explore the volcanic White Island, first discovered in 1769 by Captain Cook.
MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 14 Tauranga
Travel to Rotorua to visit Rainbow Springs Trout Hatchery. Then stop at Whakarewarewa thermal village (a living Maori village) for a traditional hangi lunch, a flax weaving demonstration and a Maori concert. Drive through Redwood Forest on the way back to 'Clipper Odyssey'.
MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 15 Auckland/ Return Home
After a city tour Auckland and lunch, transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. Cross the International Dateline and arrive home on the same day. (B)
Note: Due to the nature of adventure cruising, the itinerary is subject to change based on weather, sea, wildlife and local conditions and is at the discretion of the captain and expedition leader. Family departure date: December 31, 2008. Departure operates in reverse of above itinerary with an additional night in Queenstown on January 17. Prices for Child supplement, available on request.
MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
The Clipper Odyssey has a reputation as one of the most comfortable and luxurious small ships in the world with 64 spacious staterooms, all outward facing, private well appointed bathrooms and a convivial, intimate atmosphere onboard. A passenger elevator services all decks and the ship promotes an open bridge policy. By day, travellers enjoy fascinating shore excursions, many by Zodiac, with distinguished onboard experts and by night award-winning cuisine and creature comforts. A&K's hand-picked lecturer/guides include avian ecologists, marine biologists, oceanographers and historians each skilled at illuminating the many treasures found en route. Also on the ship is a cosy well-stocked library, heated outdoor pool, small gym and on-board masseuse.
Clipper Odyssey operates 12 and 14 night expeditions to French Polynesia, the South Pacific, New Zealand, Melanesia and Micronesia as well as Japan, Russia and Alaska taking in the remote wilds of the islands and the small ports, coves and fjords along the coast.
