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13 Night Roots of the Pacific Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia Cruise from Auckland

Ship: National Geographic Orion

Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions

Sailed: Saturday, Feb 3, 2024 from Auckland, New Zealand

Ended: Friday, Feb 16, 2024

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Saturday, Feb 3, 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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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Saturday - Feb 3, 2024

Auckland, New Zealand

Have breakfast at the hotel before joining a tour of this vibrant city center. We stop for lunch midday before embarking National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon.

Day 2 - Sunday - Feb 4, 2024

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.

Day 3 - Monday - Feb 5, 2024

At Sea

Spend today exploring New Zealand's East Coast. Your captain and expedition leader will decide whether to spend the day at sea, exploring places ashore, or doing a combination of both. Visit the Bridge to study our route on the navigational charts, and attend talks by the onboard experts.

Day 4 - Tuesday - Feb 6, 2024

Norfolk Island, Australia

Explore Norfolk Island, discovered by Captain Cook in 1774. Covered in dense forests of pines, it was initially valued as a ready source of shipbuilding lumber. Later, it became a British penal colony and then a settlement for Pitcairn Islanders, who themselves were descendants of the mutineers from the famous Bounty. Explore the ruins of the prison and enjoy walking around the main settlement at Burnt Pine. Later, take a long nature hike in Norfolk National Park to look for the endemic tree ferns and land birds. As we depart, look for large groups of seabirds alongside the dramatic island scenery.

Day 5 - Wednesday - Feb 7, 2024

At Sea

As we make our passage to Melanesia, enjoy life onboard. Unwind with a massage in the spa or a session in the fitness center, get lost in a book in the library, or simply soak up the views from the rooftop observation deck. Learn about the area from the onboard historians, naturalists, and photographers, and savor delectable dining options.

Day 6 - Thursday - Feb 8, 2024

New Caledonia, France

Visit this vibrant French overseas territory and swim in the world's largest enclosed lagoon, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its outstanding beauty, unique geography, and incredible coral diversity. Alternatively, join our naturalists for a birding walk through the dense canopy of the forest.

Day 7 - Friday - Feb 9, 2024

Port Vila, Vanuatu

Blasket Islands, Ireland

Clear into Vanuatu at Port Vila. Later, arrive at Moso and spend the day snorkeling or diving at one of the most incredible locations you will experience on this voyage. The crystal clear waters reveal colorful corals, sea turtles, eagle and cowtail rays, reef fish, and pelagics. Dugongs and dolphins can sometimes be encountered here as well.

Day 8 - Saturday - Feb 10, 2024

Ambrym Island, Vanuatu

Ambrym is known for its active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and mystery and magic. Arrive ashore to witness the striking Rom dance, traditionally a secret event. Involving incredible masks and elaborate outfits that represent spirits, this is a cultural experience specific only to this island.

Day 9 - Sunday - Feb 11, 2024

Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

Captain James Cook named the islands of Vanuatu the New Hebrides because they reminded him of the rugged isles off Scotland's coast. On the main island of Espiritu Santo, experience one of the best wreck dives in the world: the S.S. President Coolidge, a luxury cruise liner used as a troop carrier during World War II, or experience the Matevulu Blue Hole, a jewel-blue freshwater source surrounded by jungle.

Day 10 - Monday - Feb 12, 2024

Lo Island, Vanuatu

Arrive to the small village of Lo Island by Zodiac, meandering along a beautiful mangrove lagoon. Meet the lovely villagers and experience some of the local kastom dances. Hike across the island to a cave and look for wildlife along the way. If conditions permit, snorkel along the beautiful fringing reef of the island.

Day 11 - Tuesday - Feb 13, 2024

Fenualoa, Solomon Islands

Visit Fenualoa, which is part of the Reef Islands in the northwestern province of Temotu. On shore we will be greeted by the local islanders and enjoy a tour of their village before snorkeling or swimming in the brilliant blue waters of the reef.

Day 12 - Wednesday - Feb 14, 2024

Utupua Island, Solomon Islands

Located in the Santa Cruz Island group, Utupua is a high volcanic island surrounded by a lagoon and a fringing coral reef. Zodiac to the village of Nimbau for a welcome song and dance performance. Enjoy a walk through the village with the locals and see a display of their handmade fishing canoes. Take a Zodiac ride along the shores, lined with dense mangroves and boasting a variety of wildlife.

Day 13 - Thursday - Feb 15, 2024

Santa Ana , Solomon Islands

On the tiny isle of Owaraha (formerly known as Santa Ana), we are greeted with a traditional dance performed by villagers in elaborate costumes, body paint, and masks. Walk across the small island to Nafinotoga to see Spirit Houses containing the skulls and bones of ancient chiefs of the Snake Clan and the Turtle Clan.

Day 14 - Friday - Feb 16, 2024

Honiara, Solomon Islands

Our expedition concludes in Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic World War II battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942-1943. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara, where some of the fiercest battles took place. Then transfer to the airport for our flight to Brisbane, where we overnight at a local hotel.