Auckland

Welcome to the enchanting journey from Auckland to Napier, embark on an extraordinary adventure that blends cultural delights, breathtaking landscapes, and tantalizing local cuisines, promising an unforgettable experience. From wild food expeditions to farm-to-table experiences in Napier your taste buds are in for a treat throughout the trip.

NOTE: this program is not recommended for guests with mobility restrictions.

DAY 1 - March 19, 2025

Disembark the ship in Auckland, meet your guide and begin the journey south past Hamilton to Zealong Organic Tea estate, one of New Zealand’s only Tea estates and one of the most southern in the world. Nestled amidst picturesque hills, this enchanting tea plantation offers a unique opportunity to indulge in the art of tea-making, while savoring some of the finest teas in the world.

The estate tour guide escorts visitors along the tea trail through the history of tea as they explore unique sculptures and scenic stops to learn how tea is picked and processed. Guests then enjoy a light lunch overlooking the beautiful estate.

Refreshed and invigorated, enjoy the drive through the northern ranges before arriving at Tree-Tops Estates.

Treetops Lodge awaits to provide you with unparalleled luxury amidst nature's embrace. Situated in the Rotorua region, this secluded haven allows immersion in the wonders of the outdoors, from tranquil forests to geothermal activity and after nightfall, glow worms.

Upon arrival you will have some free time to explore the estate and its 35km of walking trails spanning over 2500 acres.

Enjoy pre dinner drinks and canapes followed by dinner at the Estate before meandering down the short shingle path lush with native bush. The glimmer of light beckons you on, glowworms waking to life as dusk settles. Peek into the shallow grotto and enjoy nature’s magical display surrounded by the quiet murmur of the falls.

Please note: Warm clothing and good walking footwear is required for the guided glow worm walk, the path is shingle with low lying spotlights, the round trip takes around an hour.

DAY 2 – March 20, 2025

Starting with a leisurely breakfast, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Tree-Top estate, before embarking on a culinary journey.

Forage for native ingredients across the estate with a local Maori guide and culinary chef. Slip off into the wilderness and be lead on an illuminating expedition through the abundance of the forest. Search for native plants and herbs, learn about their nutritional and medicinal properties and discover their ties with Maori cultural traditions. Sample what you find, fresh from the land and the chefs will use some ingredients in their delicious creations for lunch.

In the afternoon take a short journey to Waiotapu, a secluded geothermal reserve for a guided tour. Witness what makes this region famous the world over, bubbling mud pools, rolling banks of stream, geysers, and hot pools in colors so bright and vibrant they are hardly to be believed.

Return to your lodge at Treetops for another night at leisure, dinner is served at the estate.

DAY 3 – March 21, 2025

Enjoy one last breakfast in the beautiful surroundings of Tree-Tops estate before departing south through the Central Plateau of the North Island. Formed by the tectonic activity that has shaped much of New Zealand’s history, as well as volcanic and geothermal activity. See the snow-capped mountains that make up the central range, surrounding much of Lake Taupo, the extinct caldera of one of the worlds few mega-volcanoes.

Arriving at the shores of Lake Taupo, set sail onto the clear blue-green waters of the lake. Your skipper will navigate into bush clad covers filled with bird song, bring you up close to Maori Rock art and point out the various wildlife that call the lake home. All the while enjoy a BBQ lunch prepared for you onboard as you sail across the lake.

NOTE: The boat has split levels and enclosed with outside viewing areas as well.

Returning to shore you then pass south through the Kaweka ranges. Winding through the ranges you pass through lush native bush and look down into valleys resplendent with native flora. Enter Hawkes Bay, home to many of New Zealand’s finest wineries, fertile farmland, and bountiful orchards. The world-famous art deco architecture awaits you in Napier, nestled on the Pacific coast, its town center has graced travel magazines and design catalogues for a century.

Checking into the historic Masonic Lodge Art Deco hotel.

As the sun begins to sink towards the ranges, meet your evening guide for a delicious Gastro - Safari tour of Hawkes Bay. From wine tasting to hors d'oeuvre, entrees, mains, and last but not least dessert. Each hosted at one of the Bays fine eateries, each showcasing the very best the region has to offer. Explore the regions beautiful wineries and restaurants, take in the view from the top of Te Mata peak in Havelock North, with views of the bay stretching to the horizon, before returning to the Masonic Lodge Hotel.

This will be an unforgettable evening of wine and food across Napier and its surrounding wineries.

DAY 4 – March 22, 2025

After breakfast, check out and meet your guide in the lobby.

Note: Your luggage will be stored and transferred to the ship whilst you are touring today. Please ensure your luggage is clearly labeled.

Today you will discover the fascinating story of Napier’s heritage on this easy walking tour. The original town of Napier was levelled by a dramatic and devastating earthquake in 1931 but was completely rebuilt within a remarkable two-year period in the contemporary style of the times; Art Deco. The city is now recognized as the most complete Art Deco city in the world.

Your tour will start at the Art Deco Centre for a viewing of the 1931 Earthquake film where you will hear of the devastation of the city and the stories of the people it left behind. Then you will embark on a 1 hour walk with a professionally trained Art Deco Trust guide.

Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 2kms over flat surfaces with some steps. The guide will stop from time to time point out interesting facades. Restrooms will be available at the Art Deco Centre. This is an outdoor activity so walking shoes and a coat if necessary are recommended.

Next, met your guide and driver at the Art Centre to embark on an overland experience to view the colonies of Gannets that make their home down the Pacific Coast.

In specialty 4WD vehicles journey up the cape, passing through rolling hills, idyllic farmland and rugged coast interspaced with yellow sand beaches. Your local expert will journey with you to see the nesting grounds of the gannets. A picnic lunch overlooking the Pacific coast is an idea final meal, encompassing the great kiwi tradition of summers meals outdoors.

A scenic drive-up Marine Parade with its iconic marching lines of Norfolk Pines will eventually bring you to the port where you will re-embark the ship.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details and the timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

DAY 1

8:00am Disembark the ship in Auckland and meet your guide

8:15am Drive to Zealong Tea Estate

10:30am Guided tour of Zealong Organic Tea Estate

11:30am Lunch at Zealong

12:30pm Drive to Tree Tops Estate

2:30pm Check in Tree Tops, afternoon at leisure

5:30pm Pre dinner drinks and canapes

6:30pm Dinner at the Estate

8:30pm Guided walk to view glow worms

9:30pm Overnight at Tree tops Estate

DAY 2

8:00am Breakfast at leisure

10:00am Wild food foraging experience with a Maori guide and Chef

11:30am Two course lunch

12:45pm Transfer to Waiotapu

1:30pm Guided tour and free time

4:30pm Return to Tree-tops

5:30pm Pre dinner drinks and canapes

6:30pm Dinner at the Estate

Overnight at Tree Tops Estate

DAY 3

7:00am Breakfast at leisure

9:00am Check out and transfer to Lake Taupo

10:30am Cruise and lunch on Lake Taupo

1:30pm Transfer through Kaweka Ranges to Napier

4:30pm Check in and relax at Masonic Hotel

6:00pm Gastro-Odyssey tour of Hawkes Bay fine dining

10:00pm Overnight at Masonic Hotel or similar

DAY 4

Breakfast and check out, store your luggage at the hotel

8:30am Meet your guide in the Lobby for your guided walk in Napier

10:00am Scenic drive to Gannet Colony

Tour and picnic lunch at Gannet Colony

Scenic return to ship in Napier via Marine Parade

Your luggage will be delivered to the ship whilst you are touring

Expected Weather:

New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. The warmest months are December, January and February, while the coldest are in June, July and August. Regardless, on any given day the weather and temperature can change unexpectedly and sometimes dramatically. You should be prepared for that possibility, particularly if you are engaging in outdoor activities.

What to Bring:

As it will be summer, light clothing is suggested, also, bring sunscreen and a waterproof jacket. Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots. You may want to bring warm clothing for the evenings at the estate if you wish to walk amongst the grounds. Good walking footwear is also recommended.

Local Currency:

New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travelers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded.

Electricity:

Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels and motels provide 110 volts ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. Please note that power outlets only accept angled two or three pin Type I plugs (as also used in Australia) depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. We recommend bringing your own travel adaptor for electric devices.

Luggage information:

For this overland we recommend guests bring 1 suitcase per person

Documents and Visa Requirements:

Guests should bring their valid passport with them.

Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality for New Zealand.

Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.

The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.

Hotel addresses:

Tree Tops Estate

351 Kearoa Road, Rotorua 3077, New Zealand

Phone: +64 7 333 2066

Masonic Hotel Napier

2 Tennyson Street, Napier South, Napier 4110, New Zealand

Phone: +64 6 835 8689

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.

Program Includes for guests:

•2 nights at Tree Tops Estate or similar hotel (Villa)

•1 night at Masonic Hotel or similar (Superior King room type)

•3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 picnic lunch, 3 dinners

•All land transfers and travel within New Zealand as shown in the itinerary with the services of an experienced English-speaking driver and guide

•All sightseeing tours as per the itinerary with the services of an experienced English-speaking driver /guide

Program Excludes for guests:

•Meals and beverages other than those shown in the inclusions above

•Items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, phone calls, mini bar

•Gratuities to drivers and guides

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.