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Oceania – New Zealand
New Zealand
Aboard the Clipper Odyssey
Overview
Dates Jan 24 — Feb 08, 2009
DEPARTURE DATES FOR SIMILAR TRIPS:Jan 12 — Jan 27, 2009
Activity Level Moderately active
*SEE PROGRAM RATES FOR SPECIAL FREE AIRFARE OFFER!*
Join us on a cruise of spectacular New Zealand aboard the intimate Clipper Odyssey from Auckland on the North Island to world-famous Milford Sound, ending in lively Queenstown. New Zealand's lush green islands are a world unto themselves, offering refuge to some of the planet's rarest species. On this special expedition, observe rare yellow-eyed penguins, bubbling mud pots of geothermal activity, the glacial beauty of Fiordland, and learn about the historical, cultural, and natural wonders of this breathtaking natural paradise.
To download a full brochure for this program, click the PDF button at the top right side of this page.
Map
Itinerary
- Days 1 and 2 — U.S. / Auckland, New Zealand
- Day 3 — Auckland / Embark
- Day 4 — Bay of Islands / Waitangi
- Day 5 — Tauranga (Rotorua)
- Day 6 — At Sea
- Day 7 — Wellington
- Day 8 — Marlborough Sounds
- Day 9 — Lyttelton (Christchurch)
- Day 10 — Dunedin
- Day 11— Stewart Island (Raikura)
- Day 12 — Doubtful and Dusky Sounds
- Day 13— Milford Sound / Disembark / Queenstown
- Day 14 — Queenstown
- Day 15 — Queenstown / U.S.
Highlights
- See wide-open, scenic vistas of fiords, lakes, and mountains in Fiordland National Park.
- Enjoy the eerie spectacle of the thermal wonderland at Rotorua, where geysers spout and mud pots bubble.
- Meet tribal elders at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, and participate in a powhiri ceremony.
- Visit a unique colony of royal albatross on the Otago Peninsula, and get a close-up look at the rare yellow-eyed penguin.
- Anchor at Ship Cove, where Captain Cook arrived aboard the Endeavor in 1770.
Post-Tour Extension
Optional Extension to Sydney, Australia
February 8-11, 2009
Extend your journey with three nights at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel overlooking the Sydney Harbor. Activities include a tour of the Botanical Gardens, an introduction to aboriginal art during an exclusive tour of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and a private tour of the renowned Sydney Opera House. Prices and additional details will be provided to confirmed participants.
Program Leaders
Neville Peat
An award-winning writer and interpreter of New Zealand natural history, Neville Peat is the author or co-author of more than 30 books. Recent titles include Kiwi – The People’s Bird, a comprehensive account of New Zealand’s iconic bird, and Antarctic Partners, the story of New Zealand-United States cooperation in Antarctica. In 2007, Neville was awarded New Zealand’s largest literary prize, the Creative New Zealand Michael King Writers’ Fellowship, with which he is researching and writing a book about the Tasman Sea. Based in the southern city of Dunedin, Neville served nine years (1998-2007) as an elected member of the Otago Regional Council, the last three as deputy chair. As a consultant, he wrote the nomination for the World Heritage Area listing of New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands, and the main discussion document that led to National Park status for Stewart Island. Neville is a fifth-generation descendent of Scottish pioneers in Otago. He lives on Otago Peninsula with his wife Mary and teenage daughter Sophie. Visit www.nevillepeatsnewzealand.com
James Webster
Dr. James Webster is curator of mineral deposits and chair of the American Museum of Natural History’s Division of Physical Sciences. An expert in volcanic activity, Dr. Webster has worked extensively with national and international organizations including NATO and the U.S. Geological Survey in an attempt to better understand the nature of volcanoes. A veteran of several Discovery Tours and a popular lecturer, he has conducted research in Italy, southern Germany, North America and Indonesia.
Sponsors
American Museum of Natural History
University of Michigan
World Wildlife Fund
Accommodations
Cruise Ship
The Clipper Odyssey
The 128-passenger Clipper Odyssey is ideally suited for exploring New Zealand. Its small size allows access to remote islands and stretches of coast otherwise inaccessible by land or a larger cruise ship, and its informal style accommodates the casual atmosphere and dress suitable for adventure cruising. All cabins are outside, with a separate seating area, abundant storage space, twin or queen beds, bathrooms with hair dryers and shower/bathtub combinations, individual temperature controls, TVs, and mini-refrigerators. Public areas include two lounges, a bar, and a dining room where all guests are accommodated at a single, unassigned seating. Among the ship’s amenities are a 70-meter jogging track on the Sun Deck, shaded areas on the Lido Deck for comfortable observation of scenery, a pool, gym, library/game room, boutique, hairdresser, and clinic with full-time physician. The ship is fitted with the latest in telecommunications, navigation, and stabilization systems for smooth sailing. A fleet of motorized Zodiacs allows guests to enjoy close-up looks at wildlife and make beach landings for shore walks.
Program Rates
Airfare
International and U.S. domestic airfare is not included in the program rates. Please call for assistance with your air travel arrangements.
Program Rates
SPECIAL OFFER: FREE AIRFARE OR $1,000 TRIP CREDIT! SINGLE SUPPLEMENT WAIVED!
Join this departure to New Zealand, and receive free round-trip economy-class airfare on Air New Zealand between San Francisco and New Zealand! Must book by November 1, 2008. Certain restrictions apply. Call for details. From $8,790 per person, double occupancy, with free air, or $7,790 with trip credit. Call now to take advantage of these savings: (800) 395-3288.