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12 Night Explore Our Coastal New Zealand Cruise from Milford Sound Marina, New Zealand

Ship: National Geographic Orion

Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions

Sailed: Tuesday, Nov 21, 2023 from Milford Sound Marina, New Zealand, New Zealand

Ended: Sunday, Dec 3, 2023

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Tuesday, Nov 21, 2023 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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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Tuesday - Nov 21, 2023

Milford Sound Marina, New Zealand, New Zealand

Have breakfast at the hotel before joining a tour and transfer to Milford Sound. We'll stop for lunch midday before embarking National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)

Day 2 - Wednesday - Nov 22, 2023

Dusky Sound, New Zealand

Day 3 - Thursday - Nov 23, 2023

Cruising Doubtful Sound

Over the course of two days we will explore Fiordland National Park, home to fourteen individual fiords. Here we'll discover hundreds-meter-high waterfalls and snowcapped peaks. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Friday - Nov 24, 2023

Stewart 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'll 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'll hike with naturalists to discover its unspoiled rainforest. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Saturday - Nov 25, 2023

Dunedin, New Zealand

Known for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture and boasting the world's only mainland albatross colony, Dunedin sits on the verdant southeast coast of New Zealand's South Island. Discover the world's smallest penguin, the little blue penguin, and its endangered cousin, the yellow-eyed penguin, on an excursion to the beaches of the Otago Peninsula. Visit the fragrant Dunedin Botanic Gardens, and explore the Otago Museum's exhibits on nature, culture and science. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Sunday - Nov 26, 2023

Kaikoura, New Zealand

In Maori, Kaikoura translates to 'meal of crayfish'. The region's abundance of crayfish and nutrient-rich marine system draw impressive quantities of whales, dolphins, and fur seals to its waters. Today, we'll venture out on a whale watching boat in search of various resident and migratory marine mammals as well as the impressive albatross. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Monday - Nov 27, 2023

Captain's Choice, United States

Today will be exploratory in nature as we discover the many hidden islands and treasures on the northern side of New Zealand's South Island. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Tuesday - Nov 28, 2023

Napier, New Zealand

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 us on a Gannet Safari Tour where we'll have close encounters at a large Australasian gannet colony. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Wednesday - Nov 29, 2023

Gisborne, New Zealand

Today we delve into the cultural riches of Gisborne-the site of the first European landing place 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. Gain insight into the history and culture of the people of this region. In the afternoon, discover the greenery of a local arboretum, and cap the day off with a wine tour and tasting. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - Thursday - Nov 30, 2023

Great Barrier Island, New Zealand

Day 11 - Friday - Dec 1, 2023

Coastal Navigation, United States

Stretch your legs today as we explore 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 your captain and expedition leader choose our next site for exploration. (B,L,D)

Day 12 - Saturday - Dec 2, 2023

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 immeasurable cultural, spiritual, and historical significance, and learn of the historical events for which these grounds are remembered. (B,L,D

Day 13 - Sunday - Dec 3, 2023

Auckland, New Zealand

Have lunch aboard the ship before disembarking and transferring to the airport for flights home. (B)