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12 Night Coastal New Zealand Scenic Fjords Maori History and Abundant Wildlife Cruise from Auckland

Ship: National Geographic Orion
Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions
Sailed:  Wednesday, Jan 10, 2024 from Auckland, New Zealand
Ended: Monday, Jan 22, 2024
The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Wednesday, Jan 10, 2024 departure of the National Geographic Orion. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.
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Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Wednesday - Jan 10, 2024
Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand      
Have breakfast at the hotel before joining a tour of this vibrant city center. We'll stop for lunch midday before embarking National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon.
Day 2 - Thursday - Jan 11, 2024
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Bay of Islands, New Zealand      
The Bay of Islands is an area encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands, boasting an abundance of wildlife and fascinating history. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a place of cultural, spiritual, and historical significance, and learn of the historical events for which these grounds are remembered.
Day 3 - Friday - Jan 12, 2024
Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
Great Barrier Island, New Zealand      
Day 4 - Saturday - Jan 13, 2024
Coastal Navigation, United States
Coastal Navigation, United States      
Stretch your legs today as we get to know Great Barrier Island on exploratory walks and hikes. As we continue south along the North Island's verdant coast, we let nature guide us as our captain and expedition leader choose our next site for exploration.
Day 5 - Sunday - Jan 14, 2024
Gisborne, New Zealand      
Today, we delve into the cultural riches of Gisborne, where the first Europeans went ashore in New Zealand in 1769. The city's warm, sun-filled climate reflects its disposition and complements its rich soils, bountiful islands, miles of sandy beaches, and resource-rich oceans. Discover rural life at a 110-year-old New Zealand homestead and witness the daily process of sheep herding and sheering. Take in the greenery of a local arboretum, and cap the day off with a winery tour and tasting.
Day 6 - Monday - Jan 15, 2024
Napier, New Zealand
Napier, New Zealand      
Day 7 - Tuesday - Jan 16, 2024
At Sea
At Sea      
Spend the morning getting to know Napier, the Art Deco capital of New Zealand. Choose to discover the city's unique architecture on an art tour, or leave the city behind and join a gannet safari tour where we have close encounters at a large Australasian gannet colony.
Day 8 - Wednesday - Jan 17, 2024
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand      
Day 9 - Thursday - Jan 18, 2024
At Sea
At Sea      
Explore this beautiful island where dense rainforests border the snow-capped Southern Alps. Visit Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand's smallest national park, renowned for its golden sand beaches and rugged granite cliffs that kiss the shoreline. Hike or kayak with the naturalist guides or just relax at the beach. Spend a day at sea getting to know your fellow travelers as we scout for local wildlife and attend briefings and lectures from our staff. Enjoy views of New Zealand's southern island as we cruise to our next stop.
Day 10 - Friday - Jan 19, 2024
Cruising Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Cruising Fiordland National Park, New Zealand      
Over the course of two days, we explore Dusky and Milford sounds in Fiordland National Park, home to fourteen individual fiords. Here we discover towering waterfalls and snowcapped peaks.
Day 11 - Saturday - Jan 20, 2024
Cruising Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Cruising Fiordland National Park, New Zealand      
Day 12 - Sunday - Jan 21, 2024
Stewart Island, New Zealand
Stewart Island, New Zealand      
Ulva Island, New Zealand      
Stewart Island, known in Maori as Te Punga o Te Waka a Maui, is positioned firmly at the heart of Maori mythology. Today, we explore the island's rare native birdlife as well as its well-preserved podocarp forest. In the afternoon, discover Stewart Island's nearby neighbor, Ulva Island, where we hike with naturalists to discover its unspoiled rainforest.
Day 13 - Monday - Jan 22, 2024
Dunedin, New Zealand
Dunedin, New Zealand      
After breakfast, disembark National Geographic Orion. Enjoy a city tour and an included lunch on the way to Queenstown Airport.