Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to discover the dramatic scenery, fascinating Maori culture and iconic wildlife of New Zealand’s beautiful South Island. Over 8 unforgettable nights cruise from the country’s charming and cosmopolitan capital Wellington to Milford Sound, experiencing the country’s iconic sights and the genuine warm welcome for which New Zealanders are renowned.
After boarding Oceanic Discoverer in New Zealand’s cosmopolitan capital Wellington, located on the southern tip of the North Island, we follow in the footsteps of famous explorer Captain James Cook in the scenic Marlborough Sounds. At Kaikoura, considered to be the world’s premier destination for whalewatching, we join a special cruise allowing us to get up close and personal with these majestic mammals. Then, soak up the French ambience of pretty Akaroa, where myriad wildlife experiences await, before the opportunity to explore historic Dunedin, a fascinating city which retains a strong Scottish heritage and many interesting sights to explore.
A highlight of our expedition will be a visit to the renowned wildlife area that is Stewart Island. In the company of our expert local guides you will encounter New Zealand’s native birdlife, including the iconic kiwi, which is often seen foraging on the beach. Our cruise concludes with three memorable days cruising the World Heritage-listed waters of the South Island’s Fiordland National Park. Experience Milford Sound and cruise amongst the towering peaks of rarely-visited Doubtful and Dusky sounds, where myriad marinelife frolics in the cool waters. Our expedition concludes in Milford Sound, before an included coach transfer through spectacular mountain scenery and the green farming lands of the South Island to Queenstown, a resort town of unrivalled beauty, where our journey concludes.
- Join a special Kaikoura whalewatching cruise
- Soak up the French ambience of pretty Akaroa
- Explore historic Dunedin, a fascinating city which retains a strong Scottish heritage
- Visit the renowned wildlife area that is Stewart Island
- Encounter New Zealand’s native birdlife, including the iconic kiwi
- Cruise the World Heritage-listed waters of the South Island’s Fiordland National Park
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
Coral Discoverer
| Length | 63 metres |
|---|---|
| Launched/refurbished | 2005/2018 |
| Max capacity | 72 Passengers |
Yacht-like Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard of sophistication in expedition cruising when she was constructed by us in 2005. Coral Discoverer sailed on pioneering expeditions through Papua New Guinea, the islands of the South Pacific, Vanuatu, New Zealand, West Papua, and the Spice Islands. She led explorations into remote areas, focusing on destinations that were largely inaccessible to larger cruise ships.
Coral Discoverer is exceptionally nimble and maneuverable, with a shallow draught to get up close to destinations, ocean views from all public spaces, an expansive open-air sun deck, all outside-facing staterooms, and state-of-the-art tools for exploration including the Xplorer, zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, and kayaks. A full refurbishment in 2018 saw the addition of private balconies, the much-loved Xplorer sundeck bar, and all new furnishings throughout the ship.
Comfortable, reliable, and intimately scaled, Coral Discoverer now conducts expeditions across Australia’s coast – Tasmania, Cape York and Arnhem Land and the Kimberley. Australian flagged and staffed by an Australian and New Zealand crew, your experience aboard Coral Discoverer will be memorable.
Onboard Accommodation
Onboard accommodation comprises 36 spacious modern staterooms. You can select from Bridge, Promenade or Main Deck staterooms offering a choice of twin through to junior king-size doubles. All staterooms have an ocean view, en-suite facilities, settee, large wardrobe, desk, luggage storage, individual air-conditioning control, and are serviced daily.
Onboard Facilities
What you would expect of a much larger cruise ship:
- Large sundeck
- Spa Pool
- Guest computer
- Comprehensive reference library
- Phone and fax facilities
- Lecture lounge with large plasma screen
- Limited laundry facilities
- Two fully stocked cocktail bars
- Boutique and dive shop
- Air-conditioned public areas
Coral Discoverer is equipped with the latest technology active stabilizers and is fitted with state-of-the-art safety and navigational equipment and is the only Australian passenger ship registered with full SOLAS compliance allowing opportunities to explore a multitude of international voyages.
Dining
All meals during the cruise are included. Breakfast and lunch are served in the Dining Room located on the Main Deck and are buffet-style while dinner is table d’hote. Coffee and tea is available 24 hours. Standard hours are breakfast from 7:00-8:30am, lunch at 12:30pm and dinner at 7:30pm however meal times may vary according to the day's activities. Meal times will be advised in the onboard daily bulletins.
Excursion Boats And Zodiacs
The "Xplorer" is a specially designed aluminium excursion vessel used for the majority of our excursions. This vessel has high horsepower engines and will accommodate all passengers at one time. The "Xplorer" will be used for landings and for extensive exploration of rivers and tributaries. For your added convenience and comfort, the "Xplorer" is equipped with an awning and toilet.
We also carry two inflatable landing craft (Zodiacs). Designed for expedition work, these large and heavy-duty inflatables are extremely safe. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if the boats damaged. The flat bottom design permits these crafts to land directly onto the beaches. Expect nonetheless to wade through shallow water to reach the shore. See photo below (right)
